Best T4 for camper.

[jets]

The TDI 2.5 was fitted to the T4 in Europe in '96 but didn't arrive in Aust. until 2000. By then there was a trend towards auto boxes.[Syncro was only available with a manual box] As a result the manual with the TDI will be harder to find. As seano has said the autos are expensive to fix[around $6000] However I have heard of a problem with the manual where the owner had to source another. They are also expensive to repair & don't forget slave cyl., clutch & flywheel. If you buy a good one they last well[manuals & autos] but when you buy secondhand a few years old it's the luck of the draw.
Rova, you mention maintenance costs. Without going into details I would think the petrol & tdi would be much the same.
Here's some positive comments about T4 transmissions, most behind V6 motors. Remember the milages are in fact miles not kilometres[multiply by 1.62]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4204570

[Seano]

New here. Just read this thread and am very interested in what's being said. I told myself I wanted a turbo diesel next, but I'm not sure now based on price of fuel and maintenance costs. The impression I get, is that the '97 2.5l petrol auto (158,000 kms) I'm looking closely at buying might not be the best combination to get? Should I really choose a manual rather than the auto?
I'm looking at a Trakka 7 passenger camper, not an ex cargo or ambulance. I've owned an Audi which had the 5cyl engine (love that growl) and it seemed to work pretty well. But an Audi weights a LOT less than a van. Any help greatly appreciated.

The 2.5L petrol auto is a good combination for the T4. The auto box is OK as long as it isn't flogged (as in an ambulance) or overly stressed (as in attached to a VR6!) while the 2.5 petrol motor was a fine thing for Oz conditions....but no ball of fire. Especially in stock form.

With the auto....ignore the VW service schedule. Replace the fluid every 40,000km, drive it reasonably and it'll probably last forever. Under 160,000k's for a 97 camper is low k's especially if it has been used in anger for long distance journeys.

In general......my experience with T4's is that if you look after them then they typcially live a long and happy life.

[ROVA]

The 2.5L petrol auto is a good combination for the T4. The auto box is OK as long as it isn't flogged (as in an ambulance) or overly stressed (as in attached to a VR6!) while the 2.5 petrol motor was a fine thing for Oz conditions....but no ball of fire. Especially in stock form.

With the auto....ignore the VW service schedule. Replace the fluid every 40,000km, drive it reasonably and it'll probably last forever. Under 160,000k's for a 97 camper is low k's especially if it has been used in anger for long distance journeys.

In general......my experience with T4's is that if you look after them then they typcially live a long and happy life.

Thanks Seano. Makes me feel better about it. I had an '03 with VR6 and auto. I did notice once climbing a long, steep hill that the box started playing up a bit. I was towing a trailer with 11 mountain bikes and had 11 people in the car so not surprising. Otherwise all was good.
You say 'no ball of fire. Especially in stock form'. So what can be done to this engine? Turbo? Exhaust? ???
Appreciate the info.

[Seano]

I would look to the air intake and exhaust - mostly the inlet manifold and the exhaust system. Quite honestly, I know bugger all about the 2.5 petrol engine but I do know that much has been tried in the past. Depending on where you are you could hook up with a VW specialist like Volkspower, Indian Automotive, Canberra VW centre or the like for better advice about oomph.

[jets]

ROVA, If you fill in your location you may get more worthwhile suggestions from members who live in your general area.

[ROVA]

ROVA, If you fill in your location you may get more worthwhile suggestions from members who live in your general area.

Good point. I'm in Canberra so I'll talk with the folks at Canberra VW Cntr and see what they have to say.
Thanks Jets and Seano. Great community here.