Volkswagen Transporter Problems

Despite the finding that all was well on the diagnostic check I   would suggest the auto could be in need of a service. The computer,   after all, can't assess the quality of the shifts. Changing the oil   was a good first move, even though it hasn't proven to be the fix. As   for the warranty you would have to read it to check what it covers   and what it doesn't.

Despite the finding that all was well on the diagnostic check I   would suggest the auto could be in need of a service. The computer,   after all, can't assess the quality of the shifts. Changing the oil   was a good first move, even though it hasn't proven to be the fix. As   for the warranty you would have to read it to check what it covers   and what it doesn't.

Check the PCV valve, it might need replacing. A faulty PCV valve can cause a problem like you are describing.

IT DEPENDS on the size of van you need to accommodate your ``things''. If you can get away with a small van, go for a VW Caddy, which is based on the Golf and drives like one. You can buy the Caddy with a diesel engine, which will cut your running bills, and you will find it a most comfortable van to travel in. If the Caddy is too small for your needs go for a larger European van, such as a VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito or Renault Traffic. All are good to drive, comfortable and, with diesel engines, economical to run.

THE MB100 was built by SsangYong when Mercedes-Benz was getting up close and personal with the South Korean carmaker. It had a Benz badge, but it wasn't of the same quality as a real Benz. I wouldn't like to split the Vito and Transporter. They're both very good vans. If you can stretch your budget a little, you could buy a new Mitsubishi Express and save any heartaches that can sometimes come with a used vehicle. And if you can get away with a smaller van, try a VW Caddy.

SOUNDS like you need a van. The European vans are way ahead of the Japanese rivals in every aspect except price. They can be tricked up with all sorts of accessories that can look very cool. The Vito is worth considering, as are the VW Transporter and the Renault Trafic. If you can get away with a smaller van, look at the VW Caddy. The Japanese vans don't rate highly in crash testing, but the European vans have all the safety systems you'd expect in a passenger car.

I AM not a legal expert so I can't advise on your rights to a new vehicle. I would expect that VW has an obligation to fix the vehicle to your satisfaction, and it seems to have taken care of you by giving you a replacement van meantime. I would think two weeks is long enough to find and fix the problem. Contact VW directly if you're not happy with what the dealer is doing or telling you.

IT'S really too early to speculate on the reliability of the present-model vans. I would be surprised if you needed a van as big as the Sprinter or Ducato to transport your 13-year-old daughter. I would take a look at the Vito, Transporter and Trafic before the Transit. The latter has a pretty ordinary reputation for reliability. Have a talk to the people at Capital Special Vehicles, who specialise in doing the conversions.

THEY can't.. We contacted VW and were told that, while the company recommends you run the higher octane because it performs a little better, the vehicle will run perfectly well on ULP. The choice is yours.