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Volkswagen T5 Transporter Shuttle (2004 – 2010) Review

Volkswagen T5 Transporter Shuttle (2004 – 2010) At A Glance

2/5

+Commercial vehicle that seats up to nine. Decent spec and some good diesel engines.

-Dearer to insure than a T5 Caravelle. Lacks the Caravelle's seat rail system.

What do owners think of the Volkswagen T5 Transporter Shuttle (2004 – 2010)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

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Ask Honest John

I'm looking for a large car/van that can take six people, as well as large pieces of furniture - what do you advise?

"I'm looking for a large, economical car/van that I can have up to six children in, as well as bikes, dogs etc. I also need to use it for transporting my furniture to sell at fairs. I've been looking at Volkswagen Transporters. My budget is £13,000. What would you recommend? "
Nothing beats a van-based MPV for space. Unfortunately, when it comes to the largest vans, they’re highly sought-after by taxi firms and a budget of £13,000 might limit your options to old and unloved vans that might provide more mechanical problems than they’re worth. For me, the Ford Transit Custom is the best van-based MPV you can get, owing to the fact it’s large, easy to drive and promises up to 43.5mpg according to the official figures: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/tourneo-custom-2013/ The Volkswagen T5 Caravelle is a good van, but has lots more reported problems compared to the Ford. With a budget of £13,000, I’d be tempted to look at something a bit smaller like the Grand Tourneo Connect or Volkswagen Caddy Life. Both are efficient, practical and have seven seats. Admittedly, you might struggle to carry six children and bikes at the same time, but you could get around that by investing in a good bike carrier: https://kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-thule-easyfold-xt-2-933-bike-carrier-rack/ For all of the best van-based MPVs, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-van-based-family-mpvs
Answered by Dan Powell

Campervan issues

"I purchased a VW California brand new from main dealer in Sept 2009 for £37,000. So far I have had 12 visits excluding regular services for fairly serious failures - from pop up roof seizures to electrical nightmares. I won't bore you with a huge list. This was to be an enjoyable retirement vehicle for my wife and I, but we have had so many aborted trips that we have lost confidence in the vehicle. In fairness to the dealer each problem is eventually sorted under the three year warranty. Ideally I would like a replacement vehicle even if I have to make a contribution, but since I bought it the prices have shot up (pound v euro of course) and I don't know if I could afford the difference. How should I approach this with the dealership?"
Sadly, not much you can do if the dealer does not co-operate except full county court which could cost you a further £15,000 and that could still find in the dealer's favour.
Answered by Honest John
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