VW Nutzfahrzeuge Transporter T4 2.4 D, 78 PS, 5-speed manual (1990–1996)

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	–
Workshop	€119
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€112
Total per month	–
New-car depreciation (not included)	€106

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
1995	26	€6,999	330,000 km
1994	22	€6,500	322,000 km
1993	15	€9,800	274,000 km
1992	24	€8,990	295,000 km
1991	25	€9,000	268,674 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	112	€8,450	€5,300 – €11,890	298,800 km
Oct 2026	112	€8,450	€5,300 – €11,890	298,800 km

Median asking price at the last snapshot of each month.

All 20 ADAC versions

Version	Power	Body	Production years	Running cost per month
T4 California Aufstelldach kurz 2.4 D	78 PS	Motorhome	1991–1993	–
T4 California Aufstelldach kurz 2.4 D Coach	78 PS	Motorhome	1993–1995	–
T4 California Aufstelldach kurz 2.4 D Highway	78 PS	Motorhome	1994–1995	–
T4 California Aufstelldach kurz 2.4 D Coach Biker	78 PS	Motorhome	1995	–
T4 California Compactdach kurz 2.4 D Highway	78 PS	Motorhome	1994–1995	–
T4 California Compactdach kurz 2.4 D Coach Biker	78 PS	Motorhome	1995	–
T4 California Hochdach kurz 2.4 D Coach	78 PS	Motorhome	1993–1995	–
T4 California Hochdach kurz 2.4 D Coach Biker	78 PS	Motorhome	1995	–
T4 California Hochdach lang 2.4 D Club	78 PS	Motorhome	1992–1994	–
T4 California Hochdach lang 2.4 D Tour	78 PS	Motorhome	1993–1994	–
T4 California Hochdach lang 2.4 D Exclusive	78 PS	Motorhome	1995	–
T4 Caravelle kurz 2.4 D GL	78 PS	Minibus	1990–1995	–
T4 Caravelle kurz 2.4 D	78 PS	Minibus	1990–1995	–
T4 Caravelle lang 2.4 D	78 PS	Minibus	1990–1995	–
T4 Caravelle lang 2.4 D GL	78 PS	Minibus	1990–1995	–
T4 Kombi 2.4 D	78 PS	Minibus	1993–1996	–
T4 Multivan 2.4 D	78 PS	Minibus	1991–1995	–
T4 Multivan 2.4 D Allstar	78 PS	Minibus	1992–1995	–
T4 Multivan 2.4 D Classic	78 PS	Minibus	1994–1995	–
T4 Multivan Aufstelldach 2.4 D	78 PS	Minibus	1993–1995	–