info wanted on T4's

[big dave]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy a T4 caravelle, and just want to arm myself with some info.
any help is greatfully received. My budget is restricted to a mid to late 90's version, BTW.
A few questions.
1 what were the motor options, auto/manual?
2 any good for towing? (eg: small trailer, camping trailer, nothing too big)
3 are all caravelles the same, or was there a basic and a plush version.
4 what sort of mileage (I'm talking life expectancy) would I expect to get out of one thats been looked after,If I continue with regular maintenance?
5 anyone got one to sell me?

Thanks in advance for any help
Cheers
BD

[rob64981]

Welcome Dave!

I have seen that you are in Adelaide...

We are on our way out there from the Uk (visa permitting)

Good luck on your search for a caravelle.

I have had 3 T4s here in the UK and now have a T5.

Its the first thing on the shopping list when we get out to Oz.

Rob

[DVR68U]

hey mate make sure the auto is in tip top shape if you must buy an auto , they seem to be a bit of a weakness , the motors offered in Aus in the transporter where the the 2lt petrol 2.4l diesel 2.5 petrol and 2.5l tdi . the lest complex and easiest to work on/fix would be the 2lt petrol in a manual. not sure about the caravelle i think they might have just come out in 2.5l petrol/tdi.
how many seats do u need ?

[Tombi]

Big Dave,
I'm no Caravelle expert, but I did have a 1997 T4 transporter for 9 years as a work/family mover and I have to say it has been the best BUS I've had. I replaced it recently with a T5 Deisel same set up- 5 seater. I hope it is as good as the old girl.

2.5ltr petrol, 5 speed manual ,air cond' 5 seater SWB.

185 000 ks and not a problem at all. I have been told by my VW mechanic that they regularly travel 300,000 before you have to spend$$.
All I've heard about the earlier autos is that there were some problems, which were expensive to repair.

Good luck.

[big dave]

Thanks all,

I need one with 8 seats if pos. I'd be happy with a manual or auto, is deisel beter than petrol?

[big dave]

Welcome Dave!

I have seen that you are in Adelaide...

We are on our way out there from the Uk (visa permitting)

Good luck on your search for a caravelle.

I have had 3 T4s here in the UK and now have a T5.

Its the first thing on the shopping list when we get out to Oz.

Rob

Good luck with the move rob, are you coming to Adelaide? there seems to be alot of poms coming over here at the moment, we got a new bloke at work that just came over, from Rochdale so not far from you. he rekons that we might be getting an influx of poms soon.

[jets]

[QUOTE=DVR68U;380225]the motors offered in Aus in the transporter where the the 2lt petrol 2.4l diesel 2.5 petrol and 2.5l tdi .


The 2.5TDI wasn't released in Aust. until 2000, so may be out of your price bracket. I consider this to be the best engine but more complex than the others as has been said.
There is a major change in '96 models, in some circles referred to as T4b. The easiest way to check if the vehicle you are looking at is one of these is to look for rear disc brakes.

[big dave]

ok so I'll be looking at petrol then, and pre 96 will be rear drums, thanks for that.
So were there any other major changes, or was it mainly cosmetic?


BD

[melissa]

Dave, you didnt mention your budget but you might like to look at the Kombi (like mine ). They came as 9 seaters and with less spec than the Caravelle which made them cheaper to start with. They have rubber flooring all the way through - which is great for kids and the beach. Aircon only in the front and dual airbags. I have a 2003 manual (they did come as autos) and have only had a couple of little niggly things like an ignition switch (fixed), power windows playing up (but fixed) and a reverse gear idler that was fixed under warranty. Just thought I would throw it in there as something to think about.

[Tornado T5]

ok so I'll be looking at petrol then, and pre 96 will be rear drums, thanks for that.
So were there any other major changes, or was it mainly cosmetic?


BD

My previous T4 was a post '96 update as it came with the more rounded bumpers, rear discs, a drivers airbag as standard and an engine immobiliser.

[big dave]

Dave, you didnt mention your budget but you might like to look at the Kombi (like mine ). They came as 9 seaters and with less spec than the Caravelle which made them cheaper to start with. They have rubber flooring all the way through - which is great for kids and the beach. Aircon only in the front and dual airbags. I have a 2003 manual (they did come as autos) and have only had a couple of little niggly things like an ignition switch (fixed), power windows playing up (but fixed) and a reverse gear idler that was fixed under warranty. Just thought I would throw it in there as something to think about.

Thanks melissa, it looks like I'll have to expand the search, rubber mat sounds good. I reakon a kombi might be the go, might even be able to get something a bit newer for the same dosh.

Ta
BD

[big dave]

My previous T4 was a post '96 update as it came with the more rounded bumpers, rear discs, a drivers airbag as standard and an engine immobiliser.

I've noticed the different shaped front so that must be a 96 thing then.
immobiliser would be good too, cheers for that

still looking
BD

[jets]

[QUOTE=big dave;381015]I've noticed the different shaped front so that must be a 96 thing then.


There is two different fronts in the later models, short or long nose. It has been said that the long nose was developed to accommodate the V6 engine which is probably true.
I believe the short nose was available until the end of production. Someone correct me if I am wrong. A brochure I have dated Feb. 2002 still shows the short nose on the transporter.March 2003 brochure shows the long nose on the Kombi & Caravelle models regardless of what engine is specified.

[melissa]

Thanks melissa, it looks like I'll have to expand the search, rubber mat sounds good. I reakon a kombi might be the go, might even be able to get something a bit newer for the same dosh.

Ta
BD

No problem. Even have a look at some of the auctions as I know some Community Organisations bought them as transport. I saw one recently here in NSW that had been from SA that someone bought at auction. It was an auto, still in very good condition and very cheap (well I thought it was cheap). I posted an issue about it here:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=29651

We bought the Kombi brand new as the cost of a second hand Caravelle was not much difference.