First-class service
The last time I wrote about my 2006 VW Transporter T5 I’d just fixed the multi-zone airconditioning – good timing, given the hot summer we’ve just had. I’m pleased to report, there’s a blast of icy cold air inside thanks to the expertise of the Vehvac team in Edenbridge, Kent
(vehvac.com) who did a grand job of diagnosing and fixing various issues.
Next, it was time to get a service. I tend to choose an independent specialist for this kind of work because I haven’t the facilities at home (I live in France) to do it myself. Also, I like the reassurance of another set of eyes looking for anything untoward. However, this time, I went against the grain and booked the vehicle in at the Southern Motor Group at Cowfold, West Sussex, an authorised VW van sales and service centre. It actually quoted less for an oil and filter service than a couple of independents, and I was told it would include a free ‘express’ visual check, a free wash and vacuum, and would be using the oil recommended by VW for that engine – namely, Castrol Edge 5W-30 Longlife 3. Plus, having never taken a vehicle to a main dealer workshop, I was curious to find out what it was like.
Incidentally, the total cost including the filter element, sump bung, a cleaning agent and seven litres of oil was £174. That seemed pretty good value, given the fact that the oil alone would cost half of that if you had to buy it from a retailer.
Visual check
With fresh oil and filter fitted and the vehicle still up on the lift, the Cowfold crew began their visual check. Using a smartphone to provide video footage, a comprehensive inspection was made of the underneath, including a close look at the brakes (including the flexi-hoses), steering, suspension, exhaust, wheels and tyres, along with measuring the tread depths. I was later emailed the video clip for reference.
Several things emerged: there was play in the splines between the driveshaft and output shaft, the outer skin of the exhaust was badly corroded, and the brake fluid was black and overdue a change. As they’d got a clever machine to suck out the old fluid and replace it with fresh DOT 4 for £45, I thought it was worth doing. The other two items were advisories, so can wait. I have to say I was surprised about the driveshaft wear, especially as the van’s only covered the equivalent of 67,500 miles.
Coiled spring
Another job I knew needed doing – and an urgent one at that – was replacing the rear suspension coil springs. They rust, then snap off at the ends and I’d discovered both of mine had gone when the van got its MOT. I ordered replacements from Heritage Parts Centre and was pleasantly surprised that the Cowfold main dealer was prepared to fit them. The springs cost £81.95 each and I was charged £54.60 for fitting. Incidentally, the springs are coded by coloured paint spots on the coils, which determine their load bearing capacity (mine had three pink marks), so it’s important to get the right ones.
Expensive table
An option on the T5 is a fold-down table that slides up and down in the central two floor rails. With five kids, I thought it would come in handy for impromptu picnics, so I began my search for one secondhand. Out of interest, as I was at a main dealer, I asked how much they were new. I hope you’re sitting down: a staggering £1069.93! I looked on ebay and found one for £250. Not cheap, but a bargain compared to the main agent price. I’d like to say it was worth every penny, but to be perfectly honest it’s become a dumping ground for sweetie wrappers and actually takes up useful loading space.
While on the subject of practicalities, when looking for a T5, I pondered long and hard about whether to get a double or single slider side door. In the end, I opted for the former, but I have to say my old single slider offered a lot more storage space because you can push luggage right up to the side and not worry about the sunken door ledge or things falling out when the side door is opened. It’s something worth considering if you’re got lots of stuff to stow.
Next on my list of things to do includes renewing the front discs and pads, plus rust treatment to the underside. I have found rust on the front subframe, but I guess that’s the price you pay for buying a vehicle from Germany where, like Britain, they still use a lot of salt on the road. On the plus side, it’s compulsory in Germany to have a set of winter tyres, so I’ll be running around on those over the cold winter months.