Hi guys. Im looking at getting a T5 for the business. Anyone have much experience with these as far as driveablity and reliabilty. Looking mainly at the early ones around 2005-2007 and in the 2.5 TDI. Definitly manual not auto. Currently driving a T3 dual cab with a ej25 conversion which is a nice drive but would love the shit load of torque that the T5's have.

yeah, the 2.5 tdis have a bad habit of the exhaust manifold breaking in two n the 1.9s gearboxes are shit
apart from that they are great
buy a Hyundai iload with 5 yr warranty, I will be next time.. f00k VW rubbish.. over it

mines got over 200k on it and apart from oil changes, auto transmission oil change, (don't believe what VW tell you about fill for life) and recently a new injector harness, which cost $225 but took me 18hrs to fit, great car! Long wheel base, tdi, full of gear drove it from Redcliffe to Liverpool on one tank of fuel.

Oh yea, front engine mount about 18 mths ago. And doing all rotors and discs next weekend, not sure about pads but rotors definetly still the originals.

I've read plnty of people have issues with them but I think it comes back to how you look after them and how you drive them.

if you can find one that is low 100k's and it has been regulary serviced then you should be okay. Also, I reckon the auto box is way better than the manual.

mines got over 200k on it and apart from oil changes, auto transmission oil change, (don't believe what VW tell you about fill for life) and recently a new injector harness, which cost $225 but took me 18hrs to fit, great car! Long wheel base, tdi, full of gear drove it from Redcliffe to Liverpool on one tank of fuel.

Oh yea, front engine mount about 18 mths ago. And doing all rotors and discs next weekend, not sure about pads but rotors definetly still the originals.

I've read plnty of people have issues with them but I think it comes back to how you look after them and how you drive them.

if you can find one that is low 100k's and it has been regulary serviced then you should be okay. Also, I reckon the auto box is way better than the manual.

Yeah I hear the same for most cars ive been researching. A handful of people have had nothing but problems, and then you get told by alot of people who say they have had no issues at all. Ill ring a VW service centre and see what they think. Maybe look at getiing a Narvara D40 diesel. Thanks guys.

My bro has 2 for his business, one is a the 2l tdi and the other 2.5tdi Both are manual. 2007 and 2006 respectively.

He bought both with high mileage (200000+ km) and has not had any major issues, more like a few squeaks and rattles. They both do hard work and are regularly driven interstate to Qld and Vic. Previously he had a t3 but sold it because it ended up having a few issues (really high mileage).

The 2l is nice but torque was low, so with a full load driving up hills was an effort, but the 2.5tdi is a monster! It goes like a rocket!

Strangely the 2.5tdi is a bit wishy washy with handling, kind of sways about like a boat. The 2.0tdi handles brilliantly and feels like a golf!

Now to show this isn't totally biased (maybe a little), my bro has owned a few different vans and cars, the transporters have been the best vans by far. He tried the Mercedes Vito vans and likes them, but too $$$$$. He wouldn't hesitate in buying another transporter in the future.