VW Nutzfahrzeuge Transporter T6.1 facelift 6.1 California, 110 PS, 5-speed manual (2019–2023)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW T6 and T6.1 (2015-2024): known problems and buying guide

  A practical van, but the 204 PS BiTDI engine, the DQ500 gearbox and the emissions parts are costly, so check them before you buy.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Start the van and watch the dashboard for an engine warning lamp. Bad result: the lamp stays on. A scanner reads EGR codes.
2. Check the coolant level before and after a drive. Bad result: coolant keeps going down, or engine lamps come on. A scanner reads EGR faults.
3. Ask how the van was driven, and whether it mostly did short trips. Drive it at speed and watch the DPF light. Bad result: the DPF light stays on, or a regeneration does not finish. A scanner reads DPF data.
4. Check open recall campaigns by VIN with a VW dealer. Bad result: an open campaign that is not done.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. AdBlue and NOx (needs a scanner). Read NOx sensor and dosing faults. Bad: an emissions warning, a restart countdown or crystallised AdBlue.
6. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
7. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
8. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
9. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions