T4, manual, petrol as a starter project

[Izabarack]

Absolute newbie in knowledge of VW is the basis for the question. Ultimate goal is a Post 2010 T5 Four Motion DSG for a camper. BUT. I have been offered a T4 petrol with manual gearbox for a good price; not much more than pocket change. I don't want to saddle myself with an unfinished project but see the possibilities of some practice DIY camper build while I find the T5. Would I be getting a bucket of pus with the T4? I'm hoping to rely on the more experienced for some opinion on whether or not to stay well away.

Iza

[jets]

To make any worthwhile comments you need to tell us what year & engine, mileage & your skills. Paying someone to repair a high mileage van may not be viable.

[Izabarack]

To make any worthwhile comments you need to tell us what year & engine, mileage & your skills.

Hi Jets. I have not been over the vehicle yet and only know that it is a 1996 model, 2 litre petrol, manual with about 300 thousand on the clock. I have rebuilt a few engines in my time and don't have any issues with dismantling or repairing the vehicle. At this time I am more interested in getting a pretty bare cabin to play with layout and installation of campervan stuff.

I guess I am really just after comments about the reputation of the engine and gearbox and the vehicle in general. Have they been pretty reliable in the past?

Cheers

Iza

[Sunny43.5]

Whilst it 's not going for a song it may interest you , already sound proofed and trimmed only needs a mattress ! yes its for sale .http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...y-3785-22.html

[jets]

I guess I am really just after comments about the reputation of the engine and gearbox and the vehicle in general. Have they been pretty reliable in the past?

I haven't had anything to do with the 2.0 engine but from what I understand it's basically the Golf engine. The gearbox is also good but linkage joints often need replacing.[quite cheap for parts] My reservation would be the mileage. 300Kms is a lot but maybe Ok if regular services have been carried out & driven properly. Ask the seller for past service details. If you are familiar with cars/vans, all the usual checks apply. Check for any rust around the windscreen [common] but should be free elsewhere. If you are up to the challenge & have the time it could be what you are looking for.
From what I have read the T5s also need repairs & generally more complicated & the parts are more expensive.
At this stage parts aren't a problem for the T4 & I think that because of the big following in both the UK & the USA probably will be better than most vehicles of this age.

[Sunny43.5]

The 2.5 engine is pretty much the most loved of the range of that era , plenty of mumbo and easy to work on . The diesels in the early ones 2.4 were good on economy but plan to do overtaking a few hours before you get there !! . Later ones with Turbo were the better power plant .

[Izabarack]

Check for any rust around the windscreen [common].....

I took a little longer to check this out on the vehicle I have been offered. You were correct, thanks, everywhere else was good but lower corners of the windscreen have rust. I am going to give this one a miss. Good price but it would owe me too much when it got back on the road.

Iza

[Izabarack]

The 2.5 engine is pretty much the most loved of the range of that era , plenty of mumbo and easy to work on .

I am now convinced it was a good idea at the price but as I get a bit more knowledge about the models and engines etc, I think I will go back to waiting for right T5 with four motion to turn up. Thanks for the feedback.

Iza