Faults:

The van gradually loses acceleration and at times does not go above 2000 to 3000 rpm.

Turbo control relies on the N75 valve and vacuum hoses. If the vacuum hoses dry out, crack, or come loose, the engine will enter "safe mode."

Air leak in the diesel fuel system : If it's difficult to start after being parked, the fuel system may have lost its prime.

The injection pump wears out at its gaskets and seals.

When the engine is cold, a burnt-out glow plug will cause it to start roughly. If the warning lights come on when you turn the key, but the starter motor doesn't even move, it's usually the infamous Relay 109 (easy and cheap to replace).

General Comments:

In terms of reliability, it's by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. Its mechanics, even though they're newer, are very reminiscent of the old VW Kombis; of course, it's no longer water-cooled, but it has a virtually indestructible diesel engine capable of doing almost 400,000 km without major repairs.

My van was the classic delivery van, with no seats or anything like that, just a large storage space. Back in the day, they were very popular here for camper conversions (you still see several today; the love for Transporter vans is almost a hobby).

Inside it was rather basic, it didn't have air conditioning (we don't use it in Finland so it's not a problem), although it did have power steering, which made it easier to drive. I think if we compare it with other vans from the 90s, especially the Transit and the Sprinter, I think the Transporter is easier to drive.

Regarding the sheet metal, the biggest problem is rust; it wasn't galvanized, and the cold weather causes it to rust, especially if it's left outside for a long time. Beyond that, I don't see any other negative points regarding the quality.

Finally, and returning to the engine, it's the most powerful diesel it had, a 2.5 TDI, which performed very well in the van. On the highway, you can comfortably travel at 120-130 km/h and it has no major problems overtaking trucks and buses. Furthermore, for a large commercial vehicle, it's fuel-efficient, averaging 10 liters per 100 km.

Anyone who owned one of these understands why they were and still are so highly valued. Great vehicle!.

Faults:

Clutch and dual mass flywheel.

Front suspension.

EGR valve.

Bulbs.

General Comments:

Nice looking van.

Good range of engines.

Fairly refined, but at a price.

£4000 worth of non maintenance work within 70000 miles! From an independent specialist, and not uncommon apparently according to my VW mechanic. Unfortunately most parts failures were pointless emissions related.

Not built to last, as non hybrid and diesels are now being fazed out.

Faults:

Fuse has blown in the fan. Unlike probably every other car manufacturer on earth, they don't list which fuse is which. Only a dozen or so are listed of 60 odd. When I rang up Volkswagen, they wouldn't give me the fuse number. They said I had to take it to a dealer to have it checked out. At $80 per hour it is a very expensive fuse replacement.

Up until now I was very happy with the vehicle and was contemplating buying a new one, but they have lost me over this. Pushing you on their greedy overpriced dealers is not what I call customer service.

Where I live is sub tropical, and to drive with no air conditioning is very uncomfortable.

General Comments:

Good till now.