2005 T5 Multivan Highline Purchase Info

[XR8320]

I am looking at purchasing a 2005 T5 multivan. First VW are there any issues i should look out for (approx 160,000 k's). Any cooments appreciated on performance handling etc , thanks Darren

[Ivo]

What is the service history like? Has it been serviced regularly by a dealer or VW expert?
If an Auto has the fluid been changed? If not it needs to be flushed.
Has the water pump been replaced? If not it will probably need it soon.

[njg02]

Both gates couplings should have been done or ~$1000. One for alt and one for air. Should have been done at 150k.

[Cousin]

Darren, couple of things first
Is it auto, or manual, and is it diesel or petrol
4 Motion or front wheel drive only


M

[XR8320]

Thanks for the replies. M i am looking at turbo diesel, auto, front wheel drive.
Model is highline? Where does that sit in the range

[Cousin]

Darren, I just recently (year ago, damn time gets on!) bought a second hand 2006 Highline T5
Two problems I had shortly after buying it,
Exhaust manifold had to be replaced. Look for lots of black soot around the left had side of the enging bay, and the smell of exhaust when backing up. The manifold was cracked. A common problem
Auto tranny packed it in last xmas. $7,600 to rebuild. I don't know how to predict when ones about to go, so make sure your getting your van cheap enough to allow for a rebuild.
Allowing for the rebuild, my van came in about on the money in comparison with others, so I wasn't as devastated as I could have been with that bloody large bill.
Other than that, fitted a towbar, decent AV system, and it's settled down to a very decent van to be driving around all day (do about 300ks a day)
Other issues some here have touched on, and might expand on are,
Water pump, they're a known issue. Look for emulsified looking oil, or funny looking coolant. If in doubt, with your ks, change it. Some have lost engines from the water pump going.
The Highline is the top of the range in the Multivans, leather interior, heated seats, and buttons all over the dash (book in for a TAFE course if you haven't driven one before!)
It's a van that will spoil you
Enjoy



M

[XR8320]

Thanks M,

Oww $7600 for a rebuild on a ZF. I have a Territory with the ZF 6 speed have heard of a few probs but never a rebuild for that much. Kinda scares me away at those sort of dollars. Will certainly keep it in mind and will definitely look at other areas you have described if i decide to proceed.

All that said it sounds like you enjoy the van?

[shogun2]

I currently drive a 2005 diesel 4-motion Highline, and can easily say it's a great drive in manual form. When I first drove a demo auto I didn't like the turbo lag, so went for the manual. I had it chipped for a while, and the additional power was intoxicating. However, happy now to have it in stock form and not stress the mechanicals.
I've had some of the issues mentioned here - water pump etc, but I wouldn't change it for anything.