VW Nutzfahrzeuge Transporter T5 2.5 TDI, 131 PS, 6-speed automatic (2003–2009)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW T5 (2003-2015): known problems and buying guide

  A practical van with costly diesel weak spots; check the injectors, camshaft, flywheel, DSG and body rust before you buy.

• Engine guide VW pump-injector TDI (1.4, 1.9, 2.0 PD and 2.5 R5): problems, costs and what to check

  Oil pump drive, rod bearing, head crack and cam faults are reported. Buy only with oil records and proof of the pump and head work.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Start the cold 2.5 TDI and listen for ticking. Check for rough idle or misfires. Bad result: ticking, misfires or a rough idle. A scanner reads misfire codes.
2. Pull away in first and reverse. Bad result: judder, or a rattle at idle or on standstill. What Van? gives about 800 GBP or more for the flywheel repair.
3. Smell the dipstick and check the oil level after a drive. Bad result: a diesel smell, or a level that rises between services.
4. On cars above 300,000 km, ask for the oil use history. Bad result: high oil use or a capital repair already done.
5. Look under the engine for coolant. Bad result: puddles, a groaning noise or coolant in the oil.
6. Check the sills, wheel arches, sliding door rails, tailgate seam and windscreen frame with a screwdriver. Bad result: soft metal, bubbling paint or a poor repair.
7. Check open recall campaigns by VIN with a VW dealer. Bad result: an open campaign.

From the engine guide

1. Camshaft (no scanner). Ask for oil change records with VW 506.01 oil, at no more than 15,000 km apart. Bad: no records.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions