New T7

[Sunny43.5]

We are contemplating what to buy next , I visited a few VW dealers looking for run out / demo models of the T6.1 as normally you can get a bargain. Seems that they have sold them all already even though the T7 wont be out until years end with deliveries around February , I have done a fair bit of research and I,m not happy about the new model being a Ford Based van . The wet sump engine has from reports in Europe not been so reliable as the VW engines along with electronic gremlins, and as has happened in the past with vehicles built overseas they don't factor our climate and driving conditions . I acknowledge that oil changes are critical but from reports engines have failed well before the scheduled change of the timing belt , even with the oil being changed earlier our climate will shorten the times as well . So its starting to look like we will be sadly leaving the VW world , we need a van for our disabled daughter in her wheelchair who rides in the back and so far the new Hyundai Staria Load is starting to tick the boxes .Its 2.2 litre engine is a bit more powerful than our current T5.1 so thats a bonus , its a bit longer than our SWB so thats going to give us a bit more room . The thing that really impressed me was the fit and finish was way ahead of what our T5.1 was when new , doors shut with a nice resounding thunk rather than the rebounding effect we got with VW which VW could not fix . The only downside which I can live with is the rear beam leaf sprung axle as opposed to the rear coils in the VW .

I suppose the main reason I've made this decision was my mates T5 .1 which was purchased a year before ours has had some dreadful bills to keep it on the road and the most recent really put the wind up me . He has already had the serpentine belt wrapped around the timing belt {note here when that happened I had the divider fitted to ours and since then it has broken two serpentine belts but no tangles } his resulted in a $6000 partial engine rebuild because VW never fitted the divider between the two belts , then the mechtronics in the DSG went south another $5000 . Then just the other day it lost all drive with a horrible grinding sound and found the spline INSIDE the differential of the DSG had stripped out another $6000 plus repair and there is only one second hand box available in Australia currently . He said that along with the spline failure the mechanics have told him it needs a variety of other work done ball joints brakes and engine mounts so he is now unsure of that vans future . Ours is just on 169000 kms and shudders in reverse so thats a worry with $$$ his has 225000kms so age could be the issue there . Do I take a gamble on the VW FORD marriage or cut and run now , would be interested in peoples opinion .

[BrianJ]

By the sound of it no car could be worse than the VW 5.1, our old 2006 T5 has done 380,000 and still goes the same as when it was bought. But the ford is a worry also, I have read bad things about the wet cam belt stupid idea. If I was buying a new van I think I would be buying Japanese or Korean, but hopefully I won't have to make this hard choice as our Kombi Beach might last longer than we will.

[Sunny43.5]

Thanks Brian , it seems the more technology gets done the worse the repairs become. Even though we had some issues with the Tiptronic in our first series T5, along with some lesser issues, this new one leaves me cold . But the interesting thing is my work VW van also a T5 which is a simplistic thing, really no auto just a humble 2.0 litre petrol manual has been for the most bullet proof . Other than regular oil changes and the timing belt change and one clutch its internals are untouched and its got 360000 on the dial . So the Korean Japanese thing is looking like the choice , I,m actually hiring a Staria this weekend to see how it faces up to the VW in ease of use for our daughter and also how it drives stay tuned .

[VW Convert]

I've read some horrendous stories on Ford wet belt engines, the belt breaks down, pollutes the oil, gums up the lubrication system and totally destroys the engine. This seems to be a trend rather than a one off, and not related to poor maintenance. I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole!
Having said that, Hyundai has had some major issues with engines, specifically the Theta series, not sure if this engine is fitted to the Staria Load.

[Sunny43.5]

No the Theta problem was related to a 2.4 litre petrol engine that was maufactured in the US apprently , the 2.2 currently used is a different one and is diesel . The Theta cost Hyundai a lot of money as they had to replace so many under warranty .

[Tig-uan]

Lots of point raised here, I would add:
* my T5.1 DSG is flawless after 285,000kms, I was always ordering the optional "adaptive calibration drive" extra with each DSG service whereby they use the software to adjust each clutch distance. Sometimes, the lower engine mount is loose and needs replacement, that can be perceived as a DSG 'shoving' problem when it is not.
* I have also looked at the new Tourneo. It was a shocker, very loud tire noise at freeway speeds, vibrating engine, cheap plastics, general lack of refinement. Handling/ride well below T6.1 standards.
* I am currently looking at a T7 Multivan. It is very expense, but they will negotiate demonstrators down a lot.

[Sunny43.5]

Well today has made me think this van knows I,m contemplating selling it .Stopped at lights and suddenly felt the steering wheel sort of jolt, yep for the second time in 8 months it's spat the serpentine belt and turned it into spaghetti , luckily I have kept a spare one so up on my ramps and swap in a new one quickly. I did notice a strange sensation through the wheel the day or so before and thought I should have checked it then but it took another 40 km of driving before it died. I had the van checked at the last service back in November just after the first one failed then as I suspected some sort of pulley problem but nothing was found amiss . So I fitted another new one and eight months later its gone again.

[Sunny43.5]

Lots of point raised here, I would add:
* my T5.1 DSG is flawless after 285,000kms, I was always ordering the optional "adaptive calibration drive" extra with each DSG service whereby they use the software to adjust each clutch distance. Sometimes, the lower engine mount is loose and needs replacement, that can be perceived as a DSG 'shoving' problem when it is not.
* I have also looked at the new Tourneo. It was a shocker, very loud tire noise at freeway speeds, vibrating engine, cheap plastics, general lack of refinement. Handling/ride well below T6.1 standards.
* I am currently looking at a T7 Multivan. It is very expense, but they will negotiate demonstrators down a lot.

Never heard of "adaptive calibration drive" thats a new one , yes already had one engine mount changed because VW hid the end of the bolt behind some part of the engine so it had to be jacked up to get to the bolt . As for road noise thats the bane of VW vans and others as I will never understand the price they charge for an empty box with two seats engine and gearbox and not much else, so much bare metal with no soundproofing . Admits here as a Motor Trimmer by trade every van I have owned has undergone a huge amount of work glueing a very specific compressed woollen cotton underlay to as much of the outer surfaces inside and then stuffing cut up old mattress overlays into the pillars and lots of other areas even the roof . Then with ply floor custom roof and side trims and commercial carpet our vans are incredibly quiet , probably quieter than any factory job due to my fussiness . I will if I buy the Staria do similar to make it comfy , yes I agree the T7 Multivan is bloody expensive , there are two at Cricks here in Brissy starting at $95000 going up to $104500 Ouch !