Buying a van to convert?? The number one thing to look for!!!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- We get to see a lot of vans here and some which arrive with us are just exceptional!! Some need a hazmat suit LOL !!
In my opinion this is the most important thing to consider and a true reflection of the vans previous history and life.
Condition!!! Sounds obvious yeah? But often overlooked in favour of mileage or price but realistically this should be your number one gauge for getting a good van.
Of course mileage is important but less so as these vans get older. The van in the video is a 2014 biturbo T5.1, some would argue maybe the worst engine VW has made for the transporter ?? But that’s another subject. In this video I discuss the importance of throughly checking the van over to identify its true condition, not just a quick wash and vacuum by the seller, lift the carpets, check the underside and really gauge if the condition reflects the mileage stated.
‘Mileage correction’ or ‘clocking’ is still a big issue which affects a large number of vehicles sold and unknowing bought. With a careful look around the vans exterior and more importantly interior it can often reveal its true mileage or how careless the previous owner was.
Knobs, buttons and trim on the interior are very seldom replaced so they stay in place for the life of the van and are an excellent gauge to how well its been looked after and how much use its had. Very worn components here will;l show you how much use it has seen and maybe it either contradicts the mileage stated or backs it up!!
Remember, engine components and suspension will deteriorate by mileage covered, everything works in cycles. So a component with an expected lifespan of say 80k miles should have been replaced on a 100k mile vehicle but will need replacing again if the mileage is approaching 150k plus.
History and previous bills are your second line of defence when buying so check that if available.
Newer vehicles have electronically stored history at the main dealer, so ask them for a print out of the work done.
I Bought a 2018 ex fleet managed van. 131000 Mile's.
But...
Apart from good price it has a ton of ANNUAL service and maintenance receipts and records covering its life on the road.
Keeper has looked after it.
Drives like a brand new motor.
I had to convince the missus... 😅😅
Excellent, 131000 is nothing if it’s been well maintained. 👍🏻
I think it's also important to ensure the van has had a regular oil service throughout it's life. The official VW service intervals are 40k km between oil changes. After 120k km this is a dead engine. So you might find a van that has been well looked after by the owners, just like in the video but the owners followed vw guidance and changed oil only every 40k....so yes, condition is more important than mileage, and that includes condition of the engine. The bodywork can be repaired and sprayed but the engine could be a nighmare and a black hole for the pocket
Absolutely. I’d include that in the overall condition of the vehicle. Like I said mileage is just an indicator but not to be taken literally.
We have a van here at the moment with 242k miles and it drives really lovely. Much better than some that that have only 50k.
I think most vans that are clean and tidy tend to have more fastidious owners which then look after the engine servicing.
These are owners that were in it for the long term rather than the trade guys swapping vans with no specific owner and getting new ones after three years.
Bought my 2006 T5 AXE 3 years ago. The guy I bought it off had if from new and was serviced to within an inch of its life at Exeter VW. I’ve got a huge folder of receipts and even the original order paperwork. It is a lwb with tailgate and came with many original extras. Only thing wrong with it was occasionally going into limp mode, this was pointed out at point of sale. I had a new turbo fitted and it drives like a new van and it’s done 202,000 miles. Since buying it I’ve spent over 10k upgrading it to an amazing camper and it’s my pride and joy. I know people say keep away from the 2.5 but oil has been changed every 5000miles max from new, no rust anywhere. No need to remap it as it flies up hills etc. You’re correct in getting a well looked after, privately owned van to convert 👌🏽👌🏽
Excellent. Great to hear it. Personally I like the 2.5, good commercial engine with plenty of power. We have one here at the moment with 242k miles and it’s a lovely van.
Great video! What are your thoughts on ex RAC T5.1s? Assume the same rules apply, but just how well looked after are they?
Funnily enough I am ex RAC myself!! I’d say they are pretty good and well looked after as each van has an allocated driver, the servicing and repairs were always done on time. The nice thing about the ex RAC vans is they are all T32 with tailgate. And all 140/150 bhp and 6 speed gearbox.
If you’re lucky you may even find a silver one which would have been VW dedicated or prestige contract.
They obviously had a lot of gear in the back including tools and a fold away trailer. There may be some holes in the roof where light bars were fitted, dash board may have a couple of holes where phone and table holders were mounted. A generally sound purchase.