VW caravelle. Options please
VW caravelle. Options please
Author
Discussion

jako1

Original Poster:

137 posts

106 months

Friday 2nd November 2018
quotequote all
Hi

I want a caravelle. They are expensive it seems

Options are buying 2nd hand. Originally thought £16k would get me a sub 75k example albeit a T5. However many are the 2.5 which comes with the mega tax.

Then thought I'll bump the budget and go t6 with cheaper running costs. Then there's the 2.0 bitdi with all its apparent engine issues, therefore 2.0 140 is the way to go...

Then thought I'd lease a new one like me current car.

6 + 47 @ £509 pcm 15k miles.... Ouch.

Any advice on the ideal one?

Cheers

flatso

1,358 posts

149 months

Friday 2nd November 2018
quotequote all
Facelifted MB Viano, rides better, handles better and with the 3.0cdi motor it has some punch to it. The short wheelbase version is interesting. Its also cheaper then the VW.
The T 5 and T6 are horrible in crash tests (the reason why they are not sold in the US) are notoriously unreliable, agricultural suspensions and overpriced.

jako1

Original Poster:

137 posts

106 months

Saturday 3rd November 2018
quotequote all
Thanks I was just looking at them.

I was originally looking for a van, however I don't like the commercial feel of them, but would like the space. 5 seats is enough, therefore I looked into caravelle, with its superior interior.

Those mercs appear to do what I want, but are they as versatile? Ie only 4/5 seats with the rest free space for bikes / dogs etc.

Bet the 3.0 is a peach. Do I worry about quality and rust?

Thanks

steve-5snwi

9,827 posts

113 months

Saturday 3rd November 2018
quotequote all
It would be transit or Vito for me, the vw’s are not the best when it comes to reliability

flatso

1,358 posts

149 months

Saturday 3rd November 2018
quotequote all
The facelifted version of the Viano (passanger version of the Vito with superior sound insulation and comforts) is way better then the original model. MB invested a lot in revamped rust protection ( no longer an issue on the FL models) , way better suspension, and General build quality. It is a better vehicle then the VW. I bought the medium wheelbase version and it is cavernous with 7 seats and massive boot space. Versatility is on par with other offerings.
If you only need 5 seats I would look at the short wheelbase, as its size is a lot more city and parking friendly whilst still offering great interior space.
The Transit is also better then the VW, especially the chasis.
For me it was the 3.0 V6 that sold me, it is a different league compared to the VW offering.
The VW is overpriced and bad at hiding its commercial vehicle origins. It sells because of its cult status and because its design is a great use of space, but that is where it stops.
The T6 is nothing more then a freshened up T5.

Belle427

11,085 posts

253 months

Saturday 3rd November 2018
quotequote all
I like the look of those vianos, we have an older T5 and as suggested the only reason people buy them is for the image, it’s horrible to drive.

rustyuk

4,705 posts

231 months

Saturday 3rd November 2018
quotequote all
Just buy a T6 Panel Van and then get it converted.

The T6 may be inferior but it holds its price very well.

jako1

Original Poster:

137 posts

106 months

Saturday 3rd November 2018
quotequote all
You get a lot of transit for the money. I just really liked the luxury layout of the caravelle. Merc it may be...

sparks_E46

12,738 posts

233 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
If you go for a T5 don’t go for the 180bhp.

TwistingMyMelon

6,470 posts

225 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
I wanted a transporter /caravellle but like you came to save conclusion

In the end I went for a ford tourneo connect

It's great for young kids which I have ,decent spec for the vehicle and good value

Downside is that it's a bit slow and not too well built

In a few years time I'll get a merc van or transit for family life , as I want something a bit faster and robust

I've been in the merc vianos quite s bir and they are pretty decent with some good engines

I didn't want a converted t6 as didnt want something built by a bloke in a shed in the event of a crash


Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Sunday 4th November 09:41

flatso

1,358 posts

149 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
The Ford is in deed a good product.
If you like the more compact “high roof estates” as such, have a llok at the new peugeot Rifter (funky dashboard), or Citroen Berlingo with special comfort dampers.
A class higher the Peugeot Traveller ( and Citroen/Toyota siblings) also offer good value.
Basically almost anything is better then the antiquated, overpriced, unreliable VW’s.

flatso

1,358 posts

149 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
The Ford is in deed a good product.
If you like the more compact “high roof estates” as such, have a llok at the new peugeot Rifter (funky dashboard), or Citroen Berlingo with special comfort dampers.
A class higher the Peugeot Traveller ( and Citroen/Toyota siblings) also offer good value.
Basically almost anything is better then the antiquated, overpriced, unreliable VW’s.

Teddy Lop

8,301 posts

87 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
Mercs are very nice to drive, not that well made though.

Residuals on the VW's make them very tempting no? As for high road tax does it scare enough people off to make the purchase price a little more keen over the smaller engine?

jako1

Original Poster:

137 posts

106 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I like the tourneo, is it basically fords caravelle? I.e. loads of seating options and comfy place for passengers and driver?

flatso

1,358 posts

149 months

Sunday 4th November 2018
quotequote all
The Fords do drive nice, probably best in class chassis.

jako1

Original Poster:

137 posts

106 months

Wednesday 7th November 2018
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
A glowing report then! My final gripe with them is the rubbish ICE it really is very dated and the new model makes it look much worse again.

However can't have it all

Thanks

Maracus

4,544 posts

188 months

Thursday 8th November 2018
quotequote all
I would try to avoid the T5 2.0 TDI BiTDI 180.

There were issues with the original EGR that would break up internally and small particles would be ingested into the engine. VW finally sorted it with a 4th iteration of EGR. Even if this is fitted, the damage may have already done - uber-excessive oil usage.

If you're going for a T5, go for a 140BHP version!.


crankedup

25,764 posts

263 months

Thursday 8th November 2018
quotequote all
Pardon the thread diversion,
is the VW T2 really as unreliable as some suggest? I’m looking at a 1976 model fitted with a ‘Jurgens’ body. It’s the original 2lt air cooled engine which has recently been rebuilt.
Comments appreciated good or bad.

Timbo_S2

641 posts

283 months

Thursday 8th November 2018
quotequote all
I've got a '58 plate Caravelle executive. Its the 2.5l 5 cylinder engine. Now on 168k (bought at about 35k) and had it for 5 years.

Its been great. Only issues in that time have been a stone through the intercooler, and I needed a new inlet Cam. neither were silly money. Its big, comfy, tows well, and I added an aftermarket stereo that gave me DAB and applePlay.

Wish i had a rear bench, rather than the 6 captains seats, but thats it really. Kids and wife love it. Its got a few scuffs and will need a little paint soon, but we'd only replace it with another. Service next week, only issue for them to look at is the auxiliary heater (need that fixed before winter - its a big thing to heat!)

I think i've lost the least on this than any other car also, judging by what WBAC will give me for it!