what you need to look at first when choosing a Volkswagen T6 Caravelle in the secondary market.
Produced since 2015 and still relevant to this day, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen minivan under the T6 index, the Germans call the pinnacle of evolution of the world-famous model. It is based on the well-developed platform of the predecessor T5, born at the beginning of the 2000s, but supplemented with all modern technologies.
The recently updated Caravel can be found on the secondary market at a price of 1.5 million rubles. They ask so much for the simplest cars of the early years of production with a junior diesel engine and mechanics. But is it worth getting involved with such a minibus, which has managed to drive up to 400,000 km on Russian roads in 7 years, and how much can it cost to put it in order after purchase?
How to choose a Volkswagen Caravelle with mileage?
Since the basis of the Volkswagen T6 Caravelle is the same as its predecessor, the weaknesses of their bodies are the same. This means that when examining a used Caravelle, it is worth looking for chips and swelling of the paintwork, as well as signs of the “red plague” on the edge of the hood, wheel arches and on the back door. On this model, the paint also suffers in the area of the handles and on the thresholds of the sliding doors, where it is ruthlessly scratched by sloppy passengers when boarding and disembarking.
If the sliding door mechanisms themselves are quite tenacious and can work properly for at least 7 years before the bulkhead, then the electric drives are rented out earlier. The door position sensors wear out and the microswitch breaks. Of the “sores” inherited by the T6, the current sliding windows, the rusting bases of the front seats and the regularly breaking stove in the cabin have not gone away. Therefore, be sure to check the operation of all electronics, door drives and air conditioning.
The turbocharged engine line with two-liter diesel “fours” went to the current “Caravelle” from its predecessor , along with all the shortcomings. The least reliable versions are twin-aspirated ones with a capacity of 180 to 204 forces. They rarely serve more than 250,000 km without breakdowns and repairs. Maslozhor up to 3 liters per 1000 km for such units is the first sign of an early capital.
Also, their weak points include short-lived turbines and “gentle” dampers. Against this background, less powerful diesel engines of the same volume with one turbine, delivering from 102 to 150 forces, look much more attractive in terms of durability. Yes, and petrol two-liter “turbo-fours” with a capacity of 150 and 204 hp. commended for reliability. In particular, thanks to the timing chain drive.
The six-speed mechanics of the Caravelle is considered more durable than the five-speed, which was equipped with low-power modifications of the van. However, both of these boxes are quietly nursed for 250,000-300,000 km before the bulkhead with the replacement of the input shaft bearings and reverse gear. An alternative to mechanics, the DSG DQ500 robotic box may require repair on runs under 200,000 km, jerking and kicking when switching.
