T5 2.5 California reliability?

[Pro moochers]

Hi all
I'm hoping to trade in our T4 camper and replace it with a Cali next year.
Budget is going to be approximately £25k so looking at a T5.
Question is, are the older 2.5's reliable enough or should I dig deeper and go for a 2.0l T5.1?

Thanks

 

[calikev]

I don't think there is a lot in it they all have issues even new ones.
Good service history and regular maintainance are key

 

[bvddobb]

Good service history and regular maintainance are key

That is always true, but reading through the German, UK and NL forums, some general guidance can be derived:
the 1st generation 5 cylinder 2.5 TDI's is to be avoided, they tend to have many more issues and earlier in their life cycle than the 2nd generation (from model year 2008 onwards), which seem rather trustworthy;
with the newer 4 cylinder motors the 180 bhp versions are to be avoided. Many more issues than the 140 bhp (which is generally enough power..), e.g. in oil consumption.

 

[WelshGas]

That is always true, but reading through the German, UK and NL forums, some general guidance can be derived:
the 1st generation 5 cylinder 2.5 TDI's is to be avoided, they tend to have many more issues and earlier in their life cycle than the 2nd generation (from model year 2008 onwards), which seem rather trustworthy;
with the newer 4 cylinder motors the 180 bhp versions are to be avoided. Many more issues than the 140 bhp (which is generally enough power..), e.g. in oil consumption.

Sorry must " Disagree " with one of your comments. The 180 2L BiTurbo manufactured between 2010 and Mid 2011 did have a problem with oil consumption but not since mid-2011.

 

[bvddobb]

Sorry must " Disagree " with one of your comments. The 180 2L BiTurbo manufactured between 2010 and Mid 2011 did have a problem with oil consumption but not since mid-2011.

Good to know! Great forum ,this!

So, the general rule is: avoid versions 1.0 of engines. Look for the 1.1's ...

It's just like software: never upgrade to a first version of a new operating system or software suite, always wait AT LEAST till the first big update...

 

[Calicliff]

I had an 07 174 5 cylinder from new till 2014 and had no problems with the engine apart from the particulate filter which I replaced the temperature sensor. I now have a 140 DSG which is fault free for the 18 months I have had it. The 174 is a great engine enjoy it.

 

[Pro moochers]

I realise all vehicles have issues, as does my 2.5tdi T4. Aslong as there isn't a long list of "AVOID" comments then I'll happily invest in the T5 2.5.
I'm guessing there's a marginal difference in spec? E.g. Audio, air con vents, LCD screen etc

 

[Freeley]

The standard 210 stereo in the T5 is basic but works fine, if you buy one with a non OEM upgraded unit then make sure the radio reception is OK as they often aren't. I had a pioneer sat nav stereo installed in mine and the reception is terrible!
Our 174 is 7 years old and no engine issues at all, it's a lovely unit particularly with the tiptronic auto

 

[sidepod]

Hi all
I'm hoping to trade in our T4 camper and replace it with a Cali next year.
Budget is going to be approximately £25k so looking at a T5.
Question is, are the older 2.5's reliable enough or should I dig deeper and go for a 2.0l T5.1?

Thanks

Selling your T4? Spec?

 

[calikev]

Selling your T4? Spec?

Please keep this to yourselves and off the forum
Thanks

 

[Pro moochers]

Selling your T4? Spec?

Not until the spring

 

[Pro moochers]

The standard 210 stereo in the T5 is basic but works fine, if you buy one with a non OEM upgraded unit then make sure the radio reception is OK as they often aren't. I had a pioneer sat nav stereo installed in mine and the reception is terrible!
Our 174 is 7 years old and no engine issues at all, it's a lovely unit particularly with the tiptronic auto

Sounds good to me... cheers

 

[Gavinskii]

I've got an early 2.5 174 Cali (2006) with 86,000 miles and a full history and it has never had any issues - just routine servicing. The engine has a camchain rather than a cambelt which gives me a huge degree of confidence.
If there were any issues, I am certain that they would have been resolved by now anyway.

 

[2into1]

No expensive timing belt replacements on the T5 2.5's as far as I know.

 

[Ciki62]

Hi zesty. Go for T5 2.5 5 cylinder 174hp. I have this car from cca 2007. 385000 km. Regular service. Never ever let me down. Of course some repairs but super reliable.


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[Pro moochers]

I shall start my long search, thanks all!

 

[ChrisandPenney52]

130 2.5 2008, 80k miles. Very happy with the engine. Did have a DPF sensor fail but not a major cost. Obviously not a silky smooth 204bhp unit, but has enough grunt to cruise all day on French autoroutes or climb strongly in the Pyrenees. Have just come back from a month and 3000 miles round France Spain and Portugal and still in love with our Cali


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[jts46]

130 2.5 2008, 80k miles. Very happy with the engine. Did have a DPF sensor fail but not a major cost. Obviously not a silky smooth 204bhp unit, but has enough grunt to cruise all day on French autoroutes or climb strongly in the Pyrenees. Have just come back from a month and 3000 miles round France Spain and Portugal and still in love with our Cali


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Same here

 

[Deskman]

Mine is a 2006 174HP 6-gear auto. Apart from the gearbox that was only 50.000 KM used and completely ruined and in for a transplant on the second day of our 4-weeks holiday to Norway, the engine itself is running perfectly. No oil consumption whatsoever, no strange noises. Bought it at 290K km and now already at 320K km. According to our service garage there is nothing wrong with the engine and he knows quite a lot T5's with half a million km on the clock.

 

[Lewis]

Mine is a 2006 174HP 6-gear auto. Apart from the gearbox that was only 50.000 KM used and completely ruined and in for a transplant on the second day of our 4-weeks holiday to Norway, the engine itself is running perfectly. No oil consumption whatsoever, no strange noises. Bought it at 290K km and now already at 320K km. According to our service garage there is nothing wrong with the engine and he knows quite a lot T5's with half a million km on the clock.

Doing half a million miles in a Cali is a seriously happy thought!

 

[Deskman]

Doing half a million miles in a Cali is a seriously happy thought!

I'm continental - I think metric. ;D

 

[Lewis]

I'm continental - I think metric. ;D

310,685miles is still a pretty happy thought

 

[Calizilla]

2006 2.5 here, never had a problem and has plenty of grunt.

 

[v-tec]

And here
2006 2.5. And wait for it, A 5 cylinder engine, No DPF to clog up,No partial incomplete re-gens contaminating your oil with fuel,
Grunty and good on fuel even when towing,

How many 2.5 AA Vans do you see with 500,000 on the clock (loads)

Hope that helps you,

 

[Loz]

Same engine as the early Touareg, the only thing is to make sure they have the correct oil 506.1 (even dealers get this wrong) to prevent premiture cam lobe wear, otherwise fine.