VW virgin needs to be taught a lesson!

[yanto]

Hi, I posted this on the tech forum and got zero response, so i'll try here.

I'm am about to buy my first VW Van, it will be the first VW I have owned. I am looking a getting a T4 and my friend has 2 for sale. the one I am thinking about is a 2.4 (diesel) automatic, this is the cheaper of the two. Now, I have heard some negative comments which are niggling me. The first was from my cousin who used to be a VW mechanic in a past life, he says that VW automatics have a reputation for being, well, not very good and expensive to repair. My second niggle is the engine, the 2.4 diesel is a five cylinder audi unit, or so i'm told, I've seen stuff on the net somewhere which briefly said that this engine was, well, not very reliable. Can anyone please put my mind at ease before I do anything rash? Anyone owned such a machine? Any good or bad experiences? Thank You.

[bikerchick]

hi, i've just read your thread and i cant believe it, i've just posted on another thread asking if anyone knows anything about auto vw campers as i'm looking for one !! i'm new to campers so i'm probably not going to be much use other than to say any automatic is fairly expensive to repair, i can only drive auto's thanks to a volvo driver that knocked me off my motorbike some years ago. a friend of mine who used to have beetles now has audi's although not auto ones and she reckons they're pretty reliable. the only other thing i can say is that auto's need to be serviced fairly regularly and when this isnt done, usually by a previous owner, thats when problems start occuring. sorry i cant be more help.

[Bongo]

The engines are sweet. No problems. The auto boxes are also strong and good for 200,000 miles before a full overhaul. FSH is a must though because it is easy to chip those engines with electronic engine management, and a lot of sellers will remove the chip and put it back to normal without letting the next owner know about it. The engines are sold standard in the state of tune that is most condusive to all round performance and economy. Don't be afraid to ring up previous owners and ask them about the van. If you have the slightest doubt in your mind, walk away. there are plenty out there. Buy the highest spec you can find for your budget, even if it means buying a slightly older vehicle. Don't be afraid to buy one in from Europe. You'll find a good one in Germany - LHD but who cares? Good luck and take the plunge!

[bubbadubba]

I've had a type2 automatic now for 5 years. I've had no problems whatsoever with the gearbox, it is really smooth and it acellerates quite fast. The engine is a 2.0L injection model. I would recommend an automatic to anyone :)