Volkswagen T5 Transporter Shuttle (2004 – 2010) Review
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Volkswagen T5 Transporter Shuttle (2004 – 2010) At A Glance
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.
Model History
March 2005
Transport Shuttle launched
In UK from Spring 2005, this is the commercial version of the T5 Caravelle, available in two wheelbases with seats for up to 9 people. 8 seats as standard: 2 + 3 + 3. 9 seats optional: 3 + 3 + 3. Standard ABS, TCS, remote deadlocking, immobiliser, driver's airbag, roller blinds for side windows, electric mirrors, electric windowns and a/c standard on SE versions.
Four TDI engine options: 85PS 1.9; 104PS 1.0; 130PS 2.5 and 174PS 2.5. 2.5s have 6-speed manual boxes standard. 130PS has option of 6-speed Tiptronic and 4MOTION four wheel drive. Prices from £15,970 + VAT (£19,462) for T30 S TDI PD 85PS SWB to £20,620 + VAT (£24,926) for T30 SE TDI PD 174PS LWB. A/c standard FOC on Transporter Trendline from September 2005.
July 2006
Special edition Trendline available
Has air conditioning; electric windows and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors; internal central locking control; driver’s seat armrests; full bulkhead without window; Reflex Silver metallic paint* and full diameter wheel trims. £710 more than the 1.9 diesel T28 (£510 for the 2.5-litre). 4Motion version available in Europe with LHD.
What to watch out for
One report (so far) of a faulty camshaft and faulty waterpump on the gear train cam 2.5 TDI 130, casting some doubt that this engine is as bulletproof as first thought.
Supply issues with various parts at May 2007. Too 7 weeks to get a mirror pod. Original fit Bridgestone front tyres on Tranporter only last 9,000 miles, are noisy and lack grip in wet. Michelins much better.
2.5 174PS prone to blowing pipe off turbo.
Servicing costs high for a van: 9,000 miles £200+vat service, sales literature claims 18,000 service intervals. One hour forty minutes, oil, pollen filter and oil filter. VW dealers charge more than twice what the correct Castrol oil can be bought for at motor factors.
If wanting to fit a tow bar to the VW transporter / multi van, the steel inner to the rear bumper has to be removed to allow the bar to be fitted and the electrical have to be wired to the cabin in the front.
Side window factory glass bonding problem has led to leaks and many have needed new side glass.
Water pump failure not uncommon on the 130 and 174PS 2.5TDi 5-cylinder engines.
Steering rack failures quite common.
Rear window wiper motors fail from water ingress.
Hot starting prtoblems seem to be starter motor related.
