Vw California T5 first time buying

[Dan_Swe]

So i decided to buy a T5 california because i like the extra comfort and more modern features then the T4.

But There is very few cars of this model for sale here in sweden so i checked at the "autoscout 24" page and found a few in europe.

So far i learned that i should watch out for the 2.5TDI engine and the 2.0 BiTDI engine and go for the 103kw 140hk 2.0TDI because its the most reliable engine for this model that rarely fails.

But that narrows my search down evan more so my first question is if i still can consider the 2.5 engine option? Would i still be safe if i find a car with less mile? And a well served engine? Or is this engine still a no?

How do you think when it comes to mile? Is a T5 with170000km better than one with 320000km ?

And what year of the T5 has the best value for money ? Should i go for a later model with a bigger engine or early model with just the 2.0?

If you would buy a used T5 for a budget around 40000€ what would be the first things you looked for? When it comes to year. Not Beach model. Mileage. Automatic DSG or manual? Engine option? And extra. What would be the first thing you have to check from the box and what could you live without if the car in general looks very good?

Need some serious help because its alot of money and i will have this car for atleast 15years or so. So it has to be right from the start.

/Dan

 

[flying banana]

Vw used to charge 2 grand extra for dsg box. Now it's compulsory on new. I prefer manual. More manuals on t5s and nothing there to worry about. You can tell when a vehicle has been looked after when you chat with owner. Good luck

 

[Sad]

The 2.5 is reputed to be bullet-proof, so surprised to read the above.
Out first Cali was a 2008 2.5 auto (pre-DSG), and it was great!

 

[2into1]

The 2.5 is reputed to be bullet-proof, so surprised to read the above.
Out first Cali was a 2008 2.5 auto (pre-DSG), and it was great!

Agreed. That has been the view and was strongly supported when a Mastertech used to contribute to the form.

 

[Dan_Swe]

Thats very good to hear
thank you for that info.

so i can safely keep looking for both the 103kw (140hk) 2.0l engine (which is the best)
And the both 2.5l 96kw and 128kw engines? Or should i just stick to the 128kw (174hk)? 2.5l
As long as i keep an eye out and changing the waterpump often?

 

[Sad]

Hi Dan,
My own preference in that age of van would be the 174, but that's probably a nostalgia of what we've had before.
Generally, if you're happy with it, go for it. It sounds like you've done alot of research to go into any purchase with your eyes open.

 

[2into1]

I've had the 130 in a manual and 174 in auto, both from around 2006. The 174 was a better drive but considerably more thirsty than the 130, most was probably due to the gearbox which is rather old tech before the 2010 change to dsg. The early auto's don't seem as reliable as the later dsgs and can be expensive to repair.