| [ Total Views: 6950 | Total Replies: 10 | Thread Id: 80874 ] |
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 jake123
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| posted on December 18th, 2009 at 01:49 PM |
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Tips/info wanted buying a t3 transporter..
Hi everyone. I am currently lookibng to get a t3 transporter, and was wondering if any of you gurus out there would have some tips about these
vehicles, what i shouldbe looking for, are there any common problems particularly because i need this car to be reliable as it will be my only car. I
bought a t3 syncro a few years ago, didnlt know much about them.. found out after tha it was in need of a new gearbox, (apparently a comon problem
with the syncros) I Have sinse gotten rid of the syncro but am now looking to get a normal 2 wheel drive transporter. I have a limited budget (poor
uni student).
I saw this one one carsales in ViC. What do you guys think?? I know it doesn;t say anything about the motor which i am a bit suss on but contacted the
guy and he said it was regularly serviced by his dad who i s a mechanic..
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=7967221&__sid=...
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 Bizarre
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| posted on December 18th, 2009 at 02:44 PM |
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Get a 2.1L - MUCH better
They are the square headlight ones - but that is the slightly expensive part. Round headlights and grille MUCH cheaper
Personally I like the autos. Very heavy duty. First gear is a bit weak in the manuals
Try and get one with all the seats now. Can be expensive to add
When you start it up make sure the oil and coolant lights flash
Biggest problem is leaks.
Second biggest problem is leaks.
Third biggest problem is leaks
That one is on the money
They dont hold their value well compared with bay windows
A 2.1L 7 seater with air con, electric lock and mirrors, and power steer etc etc would be about $5k for a good one to $10k for a pristine shiny one
The 1.9L are generally cheaper
Oh - did i mention the problem with leaks??? 
Seriously you need to stick your head right in there and see if there is anysign of coolant leaks on the heads.
Fluid needs to be G12++ and have been regularly changed
I should be seeing my old man on the week end and i will ask the neighbour about his camper if it is still for sale
Futue te ipsum!!!
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 vw54
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| posted on December 18th, 2009 at 03:29 PM |
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yeah the coolant system is exey to fix the stock type thers about 3 k of hoses on the bloody things
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Scottkombi
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| posted on January 5th, 2010 at 08:45 PM |
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Watch out for corrosion around the base of the front panel just above the bumper where all the panels join. Also seam rust is a common problem.
The 2.1 motors are usually reliable but there are some duds out there but they usually show signs of leaking. Take it for a test drive then get under
and have a look for dripping coolant.
Good luck.
88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG
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Phil74Camper
Son of Jim - Creator of Good
Head in the Clouds
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| posted on January 12th, 2010 at 03:11 PM |
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Congratulations on wanting to buy a T3 Transporter, which I reckon is THE most under-rated classic VW. That one on Carsguide looks great and would be
worth a closer look. They didn't sell many T3s in Australia due to problems with the importers (LNC Industries) going broke, so there aren't many of
them around. Maybe VW enthusiasts won't really appreciate them for another 10 years (good T2 Kombis were common and cheap 10 years ago - look at them
now).
Like any 25-year old car, a T3 will need looking after and some TLC and money spent on it to keep it tip top. Both the 1.9 and the 2.1s are good
motors but most Transporters they were worked hard and might not have got the regular servicing they needed. Putting cheap shitty coolant (or even
straight water!) into them is a sure way to ruin them, and give them a bad or unreliable reputation they don't deserve. They are infinitely better
machines than say a Hiace or Urvan or Express from 1985 !
Engine and mechanical parts are still easy to get, but body and trim can be difficult. Find a good Volkswagen mechanic in your area and have your T3
serviced regularly.
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jake123
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| posted on January 14th, 2010 at 03:59 PM |
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Thanks Guys, Just picked up an 85 transporter with a subaru ej20 conversion in it. I'm pretty happy with it, seems to be hardly any rust, straught
body and (hopefully) the engine is pretty reliable. Fairly empty at the moment, but plan on decking it out as a semi camper. I agree with you
Phil74Camper i think they are a very underated vehicle. Happy i've finally got a t3!
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Bizarre
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| posted on January 14th, 2010 at 05:23 PM |
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complete with engineers certificate???
Futue te ipsum!!!
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jake123
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| posted on January 15th, 2010 at 08:55 AM |
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Yes! with engineers certificate. Got it from a Guy up in brisbane was very helpful and his son drove it down here (newcastle) for $200.Good guys. Just
in the process of getting it ready for a blue slip now. Only a couple of minor things. The horn only works intermittently and i need to get a new
windscreen washer pump. Should be on the road soon
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Scottkombi
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| posted on February 2nd, 2010 at 09:06 PM |
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Photos please
88 Caravelle Syncro Camper
89 Caravelle GL microbus - 5 speed
69 Microbus
05 Mk5 Golf 1.9 TDi DSG
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jake123
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| posted on February 17th, 2010 at 10:58 AM |
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Ok heres a link to some pics: (hopefully this works)
http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee133/folbigg2005/kombi/
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kombivan
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| posted on April 18th, 2017 at 12:50 PM |
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I used to go through cars like toilet paper 13 one year longest was 2 years then in 1995 I got my first T3 still have it + 5 more now 2 of wich are
parts vehicles if you get one with a rebuilt engine that leaks problem won't be any longer as VW sorted that in 1989-90 most realiable car I've ever
driven and also very safe car indeed plus there is the other aspect I never hear about on the net non of the other drivers try to bluff you ever
driven a small car after a T3 its shocking what other drivers will do if your in a small car.  |
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