VW Nutzfahrzeuge Transporter T4 facelift 1.9 TD, 68 PS, 5-speed manual (1996–2003)

Research for this car

Generation guide VW T4 Transporter (1990-2003): known problems and buying guide
A simple, long-lived van, but rust and a snapping timing belt can cost more than the van is worth; check both before you buy.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost	Source
Body rust	All cars, worst on pre-1996 vans	Not stated	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Timing belt and water pump failure	Diesel engines	90,000-120,000	Belt 550 EUR, pump 370 EUR (promobil, 2022)	Generation guide
Cylinder head gasket and head cracks	2.4 D (AAB); 2.5 TDI (ACV)	106,000 (2.4 D, Za Rulem); 250,000 (2.5 TDI, promobil)	No confirmed price	Generation guide
Injection pump faults	Diesel engines	Leaks from 250,000-300,000 (promobil)	From 1,050 EUR (promobil, 2022)	Generation guide
Suspension and steering wear	All cars, worse with heavy loads	100,000-120,000 (ball joints, Za Rulem)	Ball joints from 610 EUR (promobil, 2022)	Generation guide
Brakes and brake pressure regulator	All cars; pressure regulator on cars without ABS	Not stated	458 EUR (AUTO BILD, 2002)	Generation guide

Probe the sills, arches, windscreen frame, sliding door and rear cross member with a screwdriver. Bad result: soft metal or fresh underseal.
Ask for belt, tensioner and water pump records. Bad result: no record, or oil mist at the timing cover.
Check the coolant and oil for mixing. Bad result: milky oil or overheating.
Look for diesel under the injection pump. Bad result: a wet pump, rough running or soot. A scanner reads injection timing.
Check ball joint and tie rod play; bounce the rear. Bad result: clunks, play or a broken spring.
Check brake lines, calipers, rear cylinders and pressure regulator. Bad result: rust, seepage or a seized regulator.

Operational	€260
Workshop	€156
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€125
Total per month	€541
New-car depreciation (not included)	€35

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de in this generation with this fuel, gearbox and power.

First registration	Listings	Median price	Median mileage
2002	2	–	–
2001	7	€4,255	225,700 km
2000	8	€5,990	267,350 km
1999	12	€3,490	245,000 km
1998	13	€4,699	284,500 km
1997	12	€3,490	296,000 km
1996	10	€6,200	249,500 km

Medians only for years with at least 5 listings. Many cars are first registered after production ends, so years can run past the build years.

Month	Listings	Median price	Middle half	Median mileage
Nov 2026	64	€4,699	€3,200 – €6,500	282,566 km
Oct 2026	64	€4,699	€3,200 – €6,500	282,566 km

Median asking price at the last snapshot of each month.

All 19 ADAC versions

Version	Power	Body	Production years	Running cost per month
T4 California Aufstelldach 1.9 TD Coach	68 PS	Motorhome	1998–1999	€550
T4 California Compactdach 1.9 TD Coach	68 PS	Motorhome	1998–1999	€561
T4 Caravelle kurz 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2003	€538
T4 Caravelle kurz 1.9 TD GL	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2003	€538
T4 Caravelle lang 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2003	€538
T4 Caravelle lang 1.9 TD GL	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2003	€538
T4 Kombi Hochraum lang 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1998–2001	€551
T4 Kombi kurz 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1996–1997	€539
T4 Kombi kurz 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2001	€534
T4 Kombi kurz 1.9 TD L	68 PS	Minibus	1999–2001	€539
T4 Kombi lang 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1998–2001	€539
T4 Kombi lang 1.9 TD L	68 PS	Minibus	1999–2001	€539
T4 Multivan 1.9 TD Allstar	68 PS	Minibus	1996–1999	€505
T4 Multivan 1.9 TD Classic	68 PS	Minibus	1996–1999	€505
T4 Multivan 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2002	€545
T4 Multivan Aufstelldach 1.9 TD	68 PS	Minibus	1996–2002	€544
T4 Transporter Kastenwagen Hochraum lang 1.9 TD	68 PS	Van (commercial)	1998–2001	–
T4 Transporter Kastenwagen kurz 1.9 TD	68 PS	Van (commercial)	1998–2001	–
T4 Transporter Kastenwagen lang 1.9 TD	68 PS	Van (commercial)	1996–2001	–