I've been thinking about getting a VW T5 van and I've seen an advert for one that sounds good. It's a LWB 6-seater kombi body with the 2.5 litre 174BHP diesel 5-pot engine and about 70K on the clock with full service history. Are there any issues I should be aware of with the T5 before I go and kick the tyres?

[Edited on 13/2/11 by Russell]

My father in law has one and has had problems with the clutch and flywheel. His friend has one with similar problems. I'm not entirely sure what the problem was but it's been back in a few times for work doing.

The main things to look out for are:-

Clutch/Dual Mass Flywheel - Put the van in reverse and look out for any juddering, which is a good sign the DMF could be on it's way out.

Turbos - sometimes this can just be worn metal clips on the boost hoses. But you can get the variable vains completely clogged with soot, normally if it's gently around town etc. Make sure it all spins up through the whole rev range, and listening carefully for any thing that doesn't sound right.

DPF (Diesel Particle Filters) - there are known problems with the regenerating correctly, especially if the van has rarely seen a motorway/dual carriage way.

Unfortunately the Dual Mass Flywheel and turbo problems can cost £1000's to fix. I know a few people who've got T5's and they havent had any of them problems. One i know has spent in excess of £4000 repairing his. Luck of the draw lol

I think generally they are pretty good vans, it's just that the two main known problems are expensive ones to fix. If you read enough on any van or car they've all got their known faults and problems.

[Edited on 13/2/11 by aka_shortie]

Thanks guys. Turns out the advert was a scam anyway The van was suddenly and mysteriously in Spain. As soon as I expressed interest by email I got this:

"I can transport it to your location by shipping company and takes about 4-5 days. They work very simple and will arrange the payment and delivery for the car. The transaction is done in 3 easy steps:

1) The car and the documents are received by the shipping company;

2) A technical and legal inspection is made, then you are informed about the it`s condition;

3) The payment is made to the transport company through bank transfer and once they have the confirmation of the payment, they deliver it to your address;

After you receive the car you will have it in custody for 3 days to decide if you will keep it or not, based on it's condition as described in the listing. During these 3 days, the shipping company will hold the payment, pending your confirmation. Let me know if you agree and we will go forward with a deal. I have other people interested in this car at the moment as well, so a prompt decision/response is appreciated.

Best Regards"

The van had morphed into a car and I had to pay up front to see it. Yeah right!!

Ive had my T5 2.5 130bhp for nearly a year now, its been fantastic,and its gotto be the best comercial van out there! but alas i may have to sell it soon

[Edited on 13/2/11 by billy]