New Transporter Convert

[tech]

Hi All;
I've recently decided to get rid of my 4wd and build a Campervan based upon a Transporter. So I'm now shopping for a good LWB Transporter.
I'm a Diesel fan but I keep seeing the 2007 in manual Petrol for really good prices. Anything I should know before I buy one?

[Transporter]

Would it have enough power for that? The 1.9TDI could be a better option.

[tech]

So is it that underpowered? I would have thought the 2L Petrol and the 1.9TDI would be similar. Mind you test driving an empty van shows you nothing. If it is a slug then I guess I will avoid. Pity I've got one in my sights with a partial conversion by TRAKKA, which would save me a bomb, like $7 to $8,000.

[BlueTDI]

Hi All;
I've recently decided to get rid of my 4wd and build a Campervan based upon a Transporter. So I'm now shopping for a good LWB Transporter.
I'm a Diesel fan but I keep seeing the 2007 in manual Petrol for really good prices. Anything I should know before I buy one?

I have a 2006 T5 tdi LWB and love it. Its coming off lease in a month so its for sale.

[Transporter]

So is it that underpowered? I would have thought the 2L Petrol and the 1.9TDI would be similar. Mind you test driving an empty van shows you nothing. If it is a slug then I guess I will avoid. Pity I've got one in my sights with a partial conversion by TRAKKA, which would save me a bomb, like $7 to $8,000.

I just go from the specs and can't reliably tell you how it will drive once loaded up. Being a petrol engine, it will drive very differently when you put load in. Unlike the 1.9TDI that will not complain much about the load.

So, we leave it to someone here who has one to answer your questions.

[Sunny43.5]

I drive the T5 2.0 lt petrol in swb for the last 7 years whilst it has been a mile more reliable than our T5 diesel 2.5 [wont go into detail] but the 2.0 is way underpowered compared to the old motor that was in the T4 2.5 all VW did with the 2.o lt was to change the final drive ratio so at 100 kays its reving nearly 400 rpm higher than the equivalant 2.5 was . I find mine struggles when loaded and you need rev its ring off to get up a hill or merge with highway traffic really a bummer .

[Tewbacca]

Hi All;
I've recently decided to get rid of my 4wd and build a Campervan based upon a Transporter. So I'm now shopping for a good LWB Transporter.
I'm a Diesel fan but I keep seeing the 2007 in manual Petrol for really good prices. Anything I should know before I buy one?

Why not look at an ex ambulance from the government auction sites. See them all the time with around 40K on the clock for low 20's in price. Good thing is they are the 2.5TDI and go like the clappers. I wanted a petrol come hell or high water when I was looking . I 've been the owner of a 2.5TDI for 5 years now and I'm so glad I did. Got all the performance you would ever need, then some. Economical too at 8.4L per 100Ks cheers.

[4wheels]

If you've come out of a 4WD, you'll want a 4Motion version. Only available in the 2.5TDI though. As Tewbacca says, look at the auctions. Some of the ex-ambo's were 4Motion, and mostly had an up-graded suspension as well, I think. You'll find you've given away surprisingly little in terms of 4WD capability. You'll have to do your own conversion though, as most converters aren't set up to deal with the double sliders, and /or the factory mid-roof.

BrianR
2007 Trakkadu 4M

[Tewbacca]

@ BrianR Mate of mine just had his ex ambo's factory mid roof cut off and replaced with a lowline pop top in Sydney. Cost him around 6 grand I believe. Very good job as the remaining ceiling between the roof and windows has been done in a soft velour and it incorporate a curtain track as well. The same company also fitted a side awning. Cant for the life of me think of the company's name though. cheers

[tech]

I think the company your thinking of is All Seasons Campervans at Arncliffe NSW. I spoke to them about this issue and the Ex-Ambos. But with all the issues with Compliance and Rego for me (I'm in Vic) its just turned out to be a whole lot easier to buy in Victoria. So I'm about to take delivery of a 2.4L 2008 LWB.

[tech]

Thanks for the offer but I was aiming for one from a dealer so I can trade in.

[T5petrol]

Hello Tech......I bought a T5 petrol new in 2005 ,and had it for 4 years and 115.000 k's. I am not a speedster ,but I found it had just enough power for me ,but I did have to use the gearbox , but that is why it's there . I traded it in on another new T5 petrol in 2009, which I still have, but this model has quite abit more power than the last, even though it is the same engine. I think that VW changed the tuning and got an improvement in power and economy as well. I found both a pleasure to drive, and I get 10.3 k's per 100.
Both were partially fitted out as campers and I also tow a small boat when going on some holidays. Alas ,I will have to go diesel next time as Vw don't bring the petrol in any more .
Good luck with your decision ,whichever way you go .