Volkswagen Transporter T5

Advice on buying the best.

Fancy a T5? Well, form an orderly queue because VW’S voluminous Transporter is one of the most sought-after and versatile vehicles on the market. Having made over 8.5 million commercials since the iconic split-front-window bus in the 1950s, VW’S T5 immediately dominated the marketplace when unveiled in 2003, being larger overall and more modern looking than the T4 it replaced. The T5 engines offered better performance, economy and refinement, too. And variations including the Kombi panel van, the minibus-like Shuttle, the plush Caravelle people carrier and a chassis cab with either single or double cab options meant it was supremely flexible.

With a choice of two wheelbases, three roof heights and four weights – the maximum payload being an impressive 3.2 tonnes – along with a variety of options regarding the sliding side doors and the tailgate, it’s no wonder the T5 has become a firm favourite with those wishing to put their own stamp on things. As well as the four-wheel drive 4Motion version from 2009, there’s also the California camper, with an elevating roof, fold-down bed, table and kitchen units that make it ideal for weekend getaways.

Rock-solid build quality and that classy VW emblem on the grille help explain the explosion of interest in the T5 as a lifestyle choice. It’s a vehicle that’s as suitable for the school run as it is for hitching up a couple of mountain bikes and getting away from it all. However, it’s easy to get swept away by the T5’s allure, so you need to keep your wits about you when buying, because strong residuals means the financial stakes are quite high, especially if you opt for the post-2009 facelift T5.1.

Uncared-for pre-2006 models can fall victim to a raft of niggly reliability issues, so you need to buy carefully if you want to avoid colossal repair bills. To help you sort the nuggets from the nails, here’s an idea of what’s out there, what to look for and how much you might end up paying.