Looking at Transporters/Caravelles

[Glynn Preston]

I would say 2.5 everytime, I know a couple of people who have blown a 1,9!
Mine has nearlly 200k & its true what everone sais "they are only just run in at that" it never misses a beat!
Ex AA though so the servicing is good!

[Lachlan13]

Originally Posted by Glynn Preston

I would say 2.5 everytime, I know a couple of people who have blown a 1,9!
Mine has nearlly 200k & its true what everone sais "they are only just run in at that" it never misses a beat!
Ex AA though so the servicing is good!

Tell us more about these couple of people who have ''blown'' their 1.9's I'd like to hear the story..

[go-ferret]

You're forgetting the 2 litre and the 2.5 litre petrol's A bit thirstier but ever so refined and powerful too

I just happen to have one for sale around your budget too

[Glynn Preston]

Originally Posted by lachlan13

Tell us more about these couple of people who have ''blown'' their 1.9's I'd like to hear the story..

I know we all like to think the vw badge makes them invincible but it does happen u know!
I was in the first one when it happned, way b4 I had a T4. Travelling from northants to the lakes in a mates 1.9 van. Just the 2 of us, but about 6 bikes in the back!started to loose power & smoke, so we pulled in at the nearest oppotunity which happneed to be lancaster, (nice place btw) anyway AA out & the complete muppet spent quite a while cleaning filters etc & said that was the problem, he then followed us back to the motorway & waved us on our way!
Seemed to be better so carried on to a bunk house at the north side of the lakes, but next morning it wouldnt start! Anyway it eventually did & we got halfway down the quater mile track out of the bunk house & quite literally bang everything seized solid!
In retrospect we think it must of been timing belt related, but needless to say my mate was ed! I was fine as I still got my weekend bikin & got a lift back with someone else, my mate got a trailer back & missed an epic ride over hellvelyn!
He had a complete new top end then laughably two months later the gearbox went! The van itself looked quite tidy with not much rust etc for its age!

The other guy is a chap I bike with but reserve judgment as it was before I knew him. But again he had to have a complete engine & box rebuild! He still has the van & it has been running fine for the 5 years I have known him!

[Gary P]

I can comment on both LDV and VW as I currently own both! Me and the wife did a home camper conversion on a 2007 LDV Maxus 2 years ago and have used it ever since. However, although the engine in them is great (2.5 TDi with 102BHP) and has lots of poke and is economical, we were plagued with minor electrical problems. It wasn't until a few weeks back we met a magic sparks called David who has sorted it all out for us.

We're going to sell the LDV but will lose loads of money on it as they're not popular. Shame as it's been really comfortable and very reliable engine wise.

We've replaced it with a 1998 T4 with only 39K miles and a Eurokampers high top conversion. It's great but much older than the LDV and not quite as refined but it feels more solid and drives like a dream so no complaints. It's is a pro conversion so has heating, fridge, loo etc. all to a high standard. It also won't depreciate like a dropping stone!

I am also qualified to say that the 2.5TDi in the T4 is a better engine for more poke than the 1.9 TD as I have a 2001 T4 1.9 as a work van. Again, it's great but it is not as pokey as the other 2.5 TDi camper. It's no slouch though and would definitely be an improvement over you old LDV (Convoy?).

IMO if you buy a well cared for example with as low a miles as you can find for your money and a FSH you won't go far wrong.

And as much as I hate to admit it, there is a perceived kudos in driving a VW over an LDV!

Plus, as LDV no longer exist, spares will be easier to find and you'll get it repaired anywhere in the world.

Whatever you choose, enjoy it.