Faults:

Airbag lights come on.

Runs poorly when wet/rains (stalls when slowing down).

Sometimes loses power (even in 1st gear).

But for a van that's done over 270,000km, it isn't too bad.

General Comments:

When runs fine, it is an amazing van. Great power output for a 2.0 petrol engine, even with a tonne of load and incredible fuel economy (based on a manual).

Excellent cargo space, with a wide rear opening and pretty good wheel arch width.

Easy to drive, and good vision front, side and back.

Some parts can cost higher than other makes; why pay more on a van for the sake of cheaper parts, or pay less on a van that doesn't do the job...

Beware of autos... Check the box, especially on T5s.

Faults:

Air bag light came on; the fitter that installed the phone kit had pulled a plug off. VW said it happens a lot; £60 to plug back in, took less than 15 minutes.

Then had a recall on the steering column; a day off the road again.

General Comments:

The driver's seat won't go back far enough if the bulkhead is fitted.

The hill start on the van is a pointless thing, that makes you have to slip the clutch to pull away when loaded.

The brake pedal is too close to the accelerator pedal if you wear work boots.

The tailgate, when up, the number plate well fills with water if it's raining, then when you close it, you get wet if you use the handle to close it.

The road/wind noise is high at 50mph and above.

The seats are very uncomfortable if driven for more than 5 hours a day.

Faults:

Had to replace ignition switch, 5 euro online.

Other than that, nothing, just a normal service.

General Comments:

What a great van these are. OK, with no turbo they are pretty sluggish, but they get you there.

After buying this, we drove it down to Spain and back without missing a beat. It will go all day at 65mph. Any more than that and the revs were too high. There is a fifth gear upgrade for the gear box if it bothers you.

I found it a very comfortable and well made van. The cabin and controls feel like they will last forever.

Fuel wise I found it good; 35-40MPG.

All in all, a very good van that will last forever if looked after.

Sad to see it go, just needed the money as I live in Ireland and lost my job.

Faults:

Having bought the low mileage vehicle from a known careful owner, I was less than impressed when a supposed reliable vehicle developed several faults in the first 12 months of MY ownership.

Steering pump had to be replaced at 45000 miles.

Was told I'd have to wait 3 weeks for it to be seen at VW service centre when it developed an electrical fault with wipers!

Turbo control valve failed in August.

Gearbox self destructed @ 62000 miles. VW seem to think this is acceptable...

It's hard to be positive when someone has a reputation for reliability, but it isn't backed up in one's own experience...

General Comments:

When it's going it's comfortable and a pleasure to drive, handles well for a van, and is a good load carrier.