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Buying a second-hand Volkswagen Transporter
Page 52
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by Kevin Swallow VOLKSWAGEN'S TRANSPORTER is one of precious few vehicles that have transcended the road transport industry. Popular with the counter culture and retired classes, it's also a very practical vehicle for trade. If you are going to buy one. here is the vital information.
Additional information has been supplied by www.usedvanexpert.co.uk
Vehicle
Transporter launched in 2003 with 1.9and 2.5-litre diesel engines, delivering 86hp, 104hp, 130hp and 174hp. Payload between 795kg and 1,245kg.
Bodywork
Rear doors: open them up and check for any stiff movement. In addition, look at the straps. Hinges and bolts can be adjusted, but if it involves more than that, get the work done. Alternatively, budget £20.
Engine
Cam belt go over the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed. It needs replacing after four years or 60,000 miles. Some garages say 80,000 miles, but be forceful. If it's not changed and goes, it will wreak havoc — a full rebuild or new engine is likely. Make sure it is changed before you go anywhere. Budget approximately £2460.
Oil leaks: start at the cylinder heads and work your way to the bottom of the engine bay. Take a torch and your time. Pay close attention to the bottom left of the engine, near the cam belt. Haggle a £200 discount, plus replacement of the cam belt if nece.ssary, or have it fixed.
Driveshaft: check the paperwork for any repairs done under warranty to the driveshaft spline — it will have been done to fix a loss of drive. If it has been fixed, there are no guarantees the problem won't return. If it hasn't, be aware that it could well happen. This is a potential weak spot.
Clutch: start the engine, let it run and listen for chattering from the transmission and/or the engine bay.
If you do happen to hear something, this signals that the flywheel is failing. Budget £500, or get it sorted.
Suspension checks
Rear springs: have a look under the rear axle and check for suspension springs with a jagged edge six inches from the top. If you find one, it means it has snapped and needs replacing. Get it fixed or cater for £140.
Drop link bushes: drive over some speed bumps, if you hear a knocking noise from the suspension, the bushes need replacing. £200 discount or get them repaired.
Recalls: Three
June 2004 — wax residue may not have been removed from the steering rack attachment points on the subfrarne, which could result in a loosening of the steering rack.
February 2005 — on some vehicles with a fourcylinder pump injector engine, the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault.
Thc pump housing will not be tight, and a diesel leak may occur.
December 2005 — handbrake may not fully engage. A sudden release of the handbrake could potentially allow the vehicle to 'run away: Go to a dealer and check the VIN on production from the beginning of May 2003 to the end of June 2004. •