Does anyone on here have (and I suspect there will be many!) a Transporter that they use for trackdays etc? I'm hoping to pick one up over winter to replace my car, so really looking at a 5, but around 2015-18model perhaps. I want it basically as a Van and then I'll just carpet line it and put a floor in it, but won't put any permanent seating or units in it as I want to be able to get 2 bikes in it. If you have one do you: 1) Recommend SWB or LWB? Specifically even though the LWB is only a foot or so longer, does it make a difference in the load space specifically to whether the bikes will tuck in more ahead of the wheel arch, or not really? 2) Do you have barn door or 2 separate doors at the back? 3) Any recommendations on Engine? I'm not that bothered if it's not a powerful one, but 2 bikes in the back and kit I don't want it to be turd, and I will be using it daily so don't want to get frustrated by it. I appreciate age makes a difference here, I guess the 140-150hp 6 speeds are the ones to get. Appreciate any other thoughts on it, I know some hate Transporters and say you can get more for your money with Transits (which are still pricey but spec wise are always better) and the french stuff, but I want to have something that still feels quality, and want to be able to eventually put some nice Audi seats in it and carpet out the front etc and make it quite smart, and I just think I'll feel happier with a VW even though it will cost me.
I used to use mine for TD’s only carried 1 bike though. I had a LWB kombi that I took the seats out when I used it fir the bike.I had a tailgate version 140 bhp which was ample. The back seats in mine were 2&1 so I took the 2 seater bit out only to get the bike in. It was great but not much headroom Tbh. Dead handy with the tie down loops in the floor.
I’ve got a T6.1. It’s a great bike transporting van. I’d not buy the low powered one. Swb is fine in my opinion.
I don’t own a T6 as they’re out of my price range, no not trying to convince you to buy something you don’t want. Here’s my twopenth. Test drive both the T6 and a Vito IMO it’ll cost only a little of your time. I have and about to buy a Vito Current Vito has tailgate, fairly unsuitable for loading/unloading except in the rain. My next has Barn doors, for bike loading so much easier not having to duck down. I’d buy a LWB better residuals IMO as the happy campers prefer to convert longs and tailgated versions. As Advs has stated buy the more powerful even if you’re not a tear arse. Buy the model which has as many goodies as you can budget to. Comfort is everything, completed over 187k in my Vito some days have been 400 mile round trips with 12 hour work time. Just replaced the whole clutch assembly £1100 to replace and a dpf sensor with both dpf’s cleaned out and reinstalled. Buy a fairly wide ramp I bought a narrow ramp and it’s a bit of a pain unloading.
is this the twin turbo one? My mate said there’s a particular engine to avoid and I’m sure he said it was the 190hp twin turbo sport line
Thanks all, a Vito is the only other option in truth, my dad had a really old one and it did drive well even though it had done big mileage. It’s funny, and the reason I came on here, you tubers etc who don’t use them like we all do, they rave about the single tailgate, but I’m really not sure. prices are madness at the moment, I think they will stay high in winter but I’m hoping they at least soften a little as currently I’d be dropping £22k upwards on something smart
I’d give a transit a go too, as good as the VW’s are I don’t think they’re worth the huge premium over the Ford. Typically less spec and don’t drive as well.
most of the hire vans I’ve had are new transits and they do drive nice tbf but I can’t compare to the transporter. I did notice that I can get a new transit with Ford sync and literally all the toys for probably £24k which is mad really
It’s a small thing but the loading unloading of a motorbike into a van with a tailgate is a little annoying as for me I have to stoop a little loading unloading it isn’t ideal. If I’m mountain biking or such the tailgates nice when you load/unload in rain, unless you leave it up too long and forget on closing then you just get soaked by the water in the number plate recess. It’s the camper van crew who gasm over the tailgate, from my experience doors are best.
Ring round dealers you might drop lucky if they need to shift some pre registered vans they’ll be in the mood to deal.
Specifically CFCA engine code and the EGR has an A - C sufffix, D onwards are OK and beware if there is no code on the EGR it has been ground off!
ive got a 2010 toyota hiace, boring as hell but it works and never had a problem with it, oh and got the tail gate one, easier to load up next to vans crammed in next to you at track days.
Get a bright orange one with stripes on the front . The Transit Custom Sport in other colours are really good value to be honest. I do like the VWs though and seem to hold their value well.
I’ve a t6 204hp dsg 4m. I’m campervanning it. I have tailgate as it offers shade and cover. Go to t6 forum for advice. The 7 speed dsg is lovely but whilst 204hp is nice, the 150-178hp versions are plenty in a van. Pricey they may be but we ride Ducati’s ffs. We know all about overpriced. Mine drives like a car the ACC is brilliant and you’ll end up loving the vw. Mine is bright yellow. https://www.t6forum.com/
I’ve got a less fashionable Mercedes Vito 119cdi. Not as bonny as the VW but just as capable. Definitely go for the LWB. It’s only about 10” longer than the SWB but by Christ, it’s amazing how much more stuff you can get in. Think of the tardis in Dr Who. Mines the 2.2 turbo diesel rated at ~190hp. Plenty pokey enough. And returns great mpg on long runs. I love modern day vans. So practical and so easy to drive Oh, and I saved shitloads of cash opting for the Vito….
I really like the transporters, I think they’re the best looking of the crop. They’re just sooo bastard expensive. Hold their dough quite well though I believe
