What does anyone now about this type of Volkswagon?
- Thread starter PeterE1947
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Check for damp and do an mot history check for previous ones, to highlight any chassis corrosion reported.
Jamesh
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Not had one but seem generally reliable esp compared to earlier aircooled ones...
All my experience over the past 50yrs has been with T25's but from reputation, the T4 was well made and came with 2 types of engine.
One was much better than the other, for this reason, I would be a little dubious about the 'aftermarket turbo from new' in the description and ask, why was it not fitted with the larger 2.5ltr engine from new???
I think you are correct in advising the buyer to have it thoroughly checked because £17,000 seems a lot of money for a 26yr old van but what do I know, there is some silly amounts being paid these days?
PS 43,000 seems VERY low mileage for a van that old???
- Feb 2, 2015
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Just done a MOT and Tax check on it for the OP......Mileage is genuine and its failed in the past on tyres and brake lines . Stupid stuff really but a very genuine vehicle.All my experience over the past 50yrs has been with T25's but from reputation, the T4 was well made and came with 2 types of engine.
One was much better than the other, for this reason, I would be a little dubious about the 'aftermarket turbo from new' in the description and ask, why was it not fitted with the larger 2.5ltr engine from new???
I think you are correct in advising the buyer to have it thoroughly checked because £17,000 seems a lot of money for a 26yr old van but what do I know, there is some silly amounts being paid these days?
PS 43,000 seems VERY low mileage for a van that old???
We stopped by one at Damage Barton last year . That too had only low miles at 36k. They were designed for a job and it did it well. Personally...I would not have a problem with it. Check out VeeDubs and Camping. There are quite a few that have been tinkered with but only a few that are original.
Kev
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That's good, if you have checked the MOT site, it was just the need for a turbo from NEW reference that had me wondering especially as
(I think) they also came with a larger 2.5ltr engine but that may have been on the later ones??
Northernraider
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You could do better
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"This version was labelled the T4 – the fourth incarnation of the original van – and is arguably better looking than its successor the T5, which was subsequently replaced by the T6.
Originally sporting a 1.9-litre diesel engine, the T4 Transporter gained a turbocharger and a new 2.5-litre power plant in 1999."
That said...his paperwork shows a Turbo Conversion carried out so Im assuming he had that done because it was under power rather than a fault I would think?
Kev
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The 2.5L 5 pot was introduced later as you are thinking.
The 2.4L diesel never have a turbo from the factory and it is a common upgrade to fit an aftermarket turbo (and oil cooler ideally).
The smallest engine was the 1.9D and similar to the 2.4, didn't have a turbo initially. VW did update the 1.9D to become the 1.9TD, but the 2.4D was replaced by the 2.5TDi
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DJT
DJT
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Last edited:
- Feb 2, 2015
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Jamesh
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I prefer the T5 ours is a t5.1 and still looks fresh 10 years on....
140 dsg is a peach!
Strange One,!!!
When I first looked at this post there was an add for a van on eBay but it has now disappeared!!!
DJT
Have now found it. It is the first one on Northern Raiders list advertised on eBay so not the one being
looked at.
My mistake
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I suspect that it's an AAB engine (cast letters on top of the engine) and would have been 77bhp pre turbo fitment. If that's correct it will be old technology without much electronic gadgetry and no plug-in diagnostics. I owned a LWB Highroof T4 with this engine a good number of years ago.
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OP
OP
Thank you everyone who responded.Can anyone tell me anything about damp ingress in the bodywork or any obvious places to check.Again thank you all.
Northernraider
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Thats why i posted up some alternatives for you .
The one you are looking at is a compass ....they are terrible.
I posted up some autosleepers with the monocoque body shell. These are much better at not leaking .
They were cheaper too .
Its worth checking them out before jumping in
Jamesh
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Agreed I'd love an autosleeper wouldn't thank you for a trad coachbuilt uk van...!
Northernraider
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Ive had 11 t4 campers ...some were show winners . They are great vans.
When it comes to motorhome models though id be wary which conversions i bought.
These are a few of my past t4's
When it comes to motorhome models though id be wary which conversions i bought.
These are a few of my past t4's
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Northernraider
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Autosleeper is the only uk built camper i would entertain , my parents cured me of lunar, swift, compass and autotrail in my teens. They were very unlucky with motorhomes. My sisters autocruise also leaked last year. Thats why ive stuck eith European vans all my life.
OP
OP
The van is not for me but for a vicar friend.He asked my wife what we thought of it.I have no experience of these vehicles so I asked the good people of MF for some advice.Well,you have certainly responded in a good way and once again thank you. My wife has passed on your advice and we are waiting for his response.
Northernraider
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Send him the links to the other ones i posted above ...he could save himself some money and get a better van.
OP
OP
The Trophy looks very good. Personally I would never consider the VW conversions as they are too small.But,that is another conversation!!
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Think you will find that the after market turbo fitted from new was by Compass - I had one and from what I have seen this vintage of Compass 2.4 VW all had an after market turbo made somewhere up north of England (can’t remember make, I can remember checking but they are no longer trading) we found it a reliable and efficient engine.
Watch out for damp around habitation door frame, overcab bed area and around roof vents - can be bad on these.
Watch out for damp around habitation door frame, overcab bed area and around roof vents - can be bad on these.
I can only comment on the ambulance versions that we had back then. The 2.4 was a new concept to us as this was the first 6cyl diesel. It was grossly underpowered, the 2.5t bullet proof engine was something else, plenty of power, very smooth and economical at around 20-23mpg, compared to 5-12mpg for the petrol vehicles we were running. The only issue was the gear selector was very hit and miss but you got used to it, the 1st gear was very low geared with 2nd higher than you would expect making hill starts interesting.
This is a Compass Calypso coachbuilt. We had the Talbot version on a 1994 M Plate. They are very prone to damp fron the trim that covers the join between the GRP roof and the side panels. Also, the "wet room" is prone to damp down the side of the toilet and the basin unit and along the edge of the shower tray. Apart from that, we loved ours, except foir having to make the bed up every night!
Jamesh
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Northernraider
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Its the timescale , 6 months just isnt going to be possible for me. And i think im getting too old for crawling around on my knees etcWith your attention to detail I can't believe your ot going to do the Vario!
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