1998 T4 manual Caravelle

Hi Brand new to the forum, looking at the t4 caravelle as an option since our kia carnival gave up its engine for the second time (Much pain for the family), only 75,000kms. Back in 98 we drove a caravelle and loved it, just couldn't afford it. So maybe this time we will. Dont mind putting in a few dollars more for a better car.

So what should I look for in the car. Is there a local vw specialist. I live in cleveland (Bayside Brisbane). What are the common problems with the T4 Caravelle.


**** Found one over the weekend.

What should I look for??

Has 140,000kms, it is a manual so hopefully will avoid transmission problems. My greatest hurdle with my wife is the concern that it will cost a lot to maintain. I feel because we do only 10,000 - 12,000kms per year that the etxra cost to say a ford Station wagon will be small. But what are the opinions out there???

Is there anyone out there???

hi n welcome..
i have a T4 98 transpoter diesel 2.4, it goes great and the kms that one above has are pretty reasonable..
just make sure that the timing belt has been replaced at the 90-100,000kms as if not it will need to be done asap and will be a bit pricey so factor that in..
i take mone for servicing to leons motors, he been around forever as a vw specialist so he knows what he is doing with T4s, i suppose he can do an inspection if needed n hes at coopers plains - 3277 7489..
i find that it doesn't make that much difference to maintain either..
good luck with the wife.. 😀

h wrote:hi n welcome..
i have a T4 98 transpoter diesel 2.4, it goes great and the kms that one above has are pretty reasonable..
just make sure that the timing belt has been replaced at the 90-100,000kms as if not it will need to be done asap and will be a bit pricey so factor that in..
i take mone for servicing to leons motors, he been around forever as a vw specialist so he knows what he is doing with T4s, i suppose he can do an inspection if needed n hes at coopers plains - 3277 7489..
i find that it doesn't make that much difference to maintain either..
good luck with the wife.. 😀

Thankyou so much for the feedback. Will confirm the timing belt has been changed. Only problem with the car is that the vehicle is up at Cooroy, has been serviced in noosa. So will have to see if I can find a good one up there to do it if we progress further.
I have also had leon recommended by an excellent local mechanic that looks after british cars (what a challenge they are...) so I think he might be the one that I will take the dub to if we get it.

Have so much to deal with to sort out our problem with the KIA. (Never buy a KIA carnival...engine dies).

Anyway thankyou.