The fourth generation Volkswagen Transporter family was introduced in 1990, and remained on the assembly line until 2003, after which it was replaced by a new generation model. This “Transporter” became the first Volkswagen commercial vehicle that received front-wheel drive, a half-hood layout and a front-mounted engine. The Volkswagen Transporter T4 was very widely used in Europe and Russia, so the car can still often be found on our roads.
The “fourth” Volkswagen Transporter was offered with a standard or long wheelbase, as well as with several roof heights. Depending on the modification, the length of the car varies from 4707 to 5107 mm, height - from 1940 to 2430 mm, and the distance between the axles - from 2920 to 3320 mm. The width is unchanged in all cases - 1840 mm.
The T4 series “transporter” was available in six body styles. The car was offered with a single or double cab with a flatbed or chassis for mounting various add-ons, the three-seater model was called Pritschenwagen, and the five-seater was called DoKa. A van without glazing, intended for cargo transportation, was called Panel Van, and a passenger minibus with panoramic glazing was called Caravelle and Multivan. The cargo-passenger version with windows in the central section was called Kombi Van and Half-Panel.
For its time, the fourth generation Volkswagen Transporter had an attractive appearance for a commercial vehicle with angular shapes and rectangular optics. The passenger minibus was equipped with a lift-up rear door, and vans and cargo-passenger versions were equipped with two hinged doors. It is worth noting that the drag coefficient of the car is only 0.36, which in those years was a record for a car of this class.
The interior of the Volkswagen Transporter T4 fully corresponds to the purpose of the car. The front panel is massive and simple; all the main controls are located on it. Ergonomics are at the proper level, as is the build quality, but the materials used are quite rigid.
Depending on the modification, the vehicle is capable of carrying from three to nine passengers, as well as from 800 to 1200 kg of cargo.
Specifications. The fourth generation Transporter was equipped with a wide range of power units. The gasoline part consists of four-cylinder engines with a displacement of 2.0 to 2.5 liters, producing from 84 to 115 horsepower. Diesel engines had a volume of 1.9 to 2.5 liters, the output of which ranged from 68 to 110 “horses”. Engines are combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
A 2.8-liter petrol “six” with a V-shaped cylinder arrangement was also offered for the Volkswagen Transporter Multivan. Its power is 204 horsepower, output is 265 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for such a minibus takes only 11.5 seconds, and it can reach a maximum speed of 194 km/h. This version is the most productive in the T4 family.
The front suspension of the “fourth” Transporter is independent, double wishbone, with hydraulic shock absorbers, the rear suspension is trailing arms, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. Disc brakes are installed on all wheels, and rack and pinion steering supplemented with a hydraulic booster.
Prices. The fourth generation Volkswagen Transporter can still often be found on Russian roads, and he is in demand secondary market. Car prices in 2014 vary wide range, starting from 100,000 - 120,000 rubles and ending with 600,000 - 630,000 rubles. It all depends on the modification, technical condition and installed engine.
The most important advantage of the car Volkswagen Transporter T4 is considered to have no problems with purchasing new spare parts. Even in the most remote corner of Russia from civilization you can find a store that has spare parts for this car. And there is no need at all to search for branded spare parts, because parts from many passenger cars can be suitable for the T4.
The name Transporter is a generic name for several Volkswagen model lines, and such a measure became necessary for the company's managers. Still, it is not very convenient to constantly list the old names of cars under which they were previously launched for sale, since there are too many such “names”. There are no other cars with such a rich history of name changes in nature. For example, at the end of the last century, the company excluded the Multivan and Caravelle passenger models from the Transporter line, making them independent cars. But the company still left the marking of the former family - T4.
And this confusion exists to this day - neither D5 nor H5 exists in the Volkswagen nomenclature, and changing the labeling here will have a painful impact on both customers and manufacturers, since there will be no clarity about which line the car comes from. For example, the Shuttle car is a convenient passenger model from the Transporter line, but at one time it was replaced by a minibus from the Caravelle. But through certain period time everything was returned back for inexplicable reasons.
Models from the seriesTransporter
If you do not pay attention to the complexity of car classification Volkswagen, then in order to describe cars Transporter, a lot unnecessary words not required. Buyers of used commercial vehicles are not at all interested in the brand name sign on the vehicle, as it is much more important to understand what the vehicle is like inside. The type of engine, its power and volume, optimal fuel, and, in the end, the final cost.
Also, belonging to a model line is completely unimportant, especially after the car has been examined with your own eyes, in person. It is still important to understand whether it is suitable for your purposes or not. And here it will no longer be particularly important whether it is a Transporter or a Multivan. The most important thing is that the engine behaved obediently and quietly, and no oil leaked.
Car FeaturesTransporter
You can always hear extremely flattering reviews about the Volkswagen Transporter T4. This car is distinguished by the rare quality of parts and spare parts, as well as the factory internals with which the car goes on sale. For example, the manufacturer gives a 6-year warranty on the T4 body. But if you drive it for 10 years or more, you will not see any traces of rust on the VW T4. T4 drivers come to the service center for repairs quite rarely, and if they do, it’s only VW owners whose mileage has already exceeded 300,000 km. And the cars, even after so many years and kilometers of operation, look fresh and well-groomed, and AAF-type engines amaze with the cleanliness of their operation.
One small drawback VW T4 is that it is not always possible to supply a branded “original” spare part for a car. As mentioned above, “left-handed” parts are suitable for this car, but still, installing a factory part designed specifically for T4 is much calmer and more reliable. If you purchase a T4 in used condition from official dealers, you can take advantage of a promotion according to which the owner of such vehicle receives a 5% discount on further car maintenance and repairs. You also need to remember that in the car market a private owner does not have the opportunity to purchase such a car on credit.
What's inside a VWT4?
To begin with, the Transporter T4 line was born in 1990, and the vehicles continued to be produced until 2003. Peak technical development Volkswagen's small-tonnage trucks were made precisely by the transversely mounted AAF engine of this vehicle, as well as the half-hood layout of the engine compartment and front-wheel drive. The body of T4 minibuses and vans is load-bearing, but the chassis for the installation of special bodies and flatbed trucks were built on a spar frame. The base came in two variations - 3320 mm and 2920 mm, the roof dimensions (height) were also presented in two modifications - 2430 or 1940 mm. The carrying capacity of the cars was, respectively, 800, 1000 and 1200 kg. And the Transporter, popularly called the “tadpole,” even according to its passport had a declared load capacity of 1410 kg.
The front suspension of the T4 models is torsion bar with wishbones, while the rear suspension is spring with trailing arms. The steering mechanism here is rack and pinion. If you look at it this way, it may seem that these are not trucks, but cars. The T4 had different engines, there were 10 options in total, the most popular being the AAF engine. Their working volume ranged from 1896 cubic meters. see up to 2792. 
Power varied from 60 hp. up to 204, and torque - from 135 to 265 N.m. at rpm The transmission was a five-speed manual; there were models with a four-speed automatic, but these were not brought to Russia. But in our country one could see many all-wheel drive “transporters”, because increased cross-country ability was an excellent quality for Russian buyers and the main trump card for ultimately purchasing this particular car.
If we look at the all-wheel drive transmission in a more constructive and detailed manner, we can see that it consists of a driveshaft, an angular gearbox in a section of the right axle shaft, and a rear gearbox with CV joint drives. If the front wheels slip, the viscous coupling supplies torque to the rear wheels. In just 14 years of life, the VW T4 once changed the appearance of its front end in 1996. Restyled cars are distinguished from previous ones by the presence of air intake gills, which are located on the right wing.
Specifics of useT4
Cars VW Transporter T4s are typically used to deliver goods on suburban and intracity routes. Very rarely do these vehicles feature a single, more driver-friendly design that consists of an all-metal short van with a much less powerful engine. According to experienced drivers, the car works like a clock in the first 4 years of operation, or after traveling 150,000 km. For uninterrupted transportation work, after such a period or mileage, the car must be replaced with a completely new one. However, practice shows that after overhaul The car lasts for about the same amount of time. This means that if you purchase a T4, then be prepared for the fact that over 10 years of normal use you will have to do major repairs about three times during this time. This applies exclusively to light-duty vehicles; vehicles with higher payloads last much longer.
In other words, having a strict mode of use, in which drivers often call at many addresses, the engine does not warm up completely and the car moves mainly in 1-3 gears, it is possible to avoid serious expenses for repairs. Yes, there may be times when you have to rebuild the suspension to replace shock absorbers and worn joints, however, given that the traffic occurs on Russian roads, this is completely normal. The VW Transporter T4 has mechanisms that can last a long time depending on the driving qualifications of the driver of this car. However, it’s not even a matter of qualifications, but a desire to preserve your own car. For example, one driver changes the clutch twice in 150,000 km, and the second never. It is periodically necessary to change the clutches in the box and synchronizers, but this is also a consequence human factor and driving style. Body repairs are also sometimes carried out, although in most cases they are minor.
Where can I buyVW Transporter T4?
This line of cars is one of those few for which it makes sense to drive from Europe to Russia . If we look at the T4 prevalence factor among all light-duty vehicles (with a load capacity of up to two tons), then these vehicles have no equal. Due to the fact that there are many offers to transport a car from Europe to Russia, quite acceptable prices for cars are emerging - about 10,000 euros for the car itself and another approximately 5,000 euros for customs clearance and delivery itself. But the most important motivator for a potential Russian owner of a “transporter” to go to distant Germany is not the price at all, but the lack of acceptable and decent cars in our native country. Russian Federation. However, if you look at the Russian secondary market, you can see that there are T4s on sale, the service life of which already ranges from 8 to 22 years. This creates a small dilemma - buy a car in Russia that has already been beaten up by our roads, but which is located in close proximity to you, or try through unknown forces to buy a VW Transporter T4 in Germany, which no longer meets modern Euro-4 standards ? PTS is no longer issued for vehicles that do not pass Euro 4!
Problems with purchasing
In the secondary market, the T4 is already equal to passenger cars. And this leads to not the most pleasant consequences - large dealers do not create competition for private owners, because the buyer always wants to do without the help of intermediaries, even if the cost of the car in the showroom is lower than on the market. This is why both independent and official dealers offer almost no used cars. T4 . Of course, excluding cases when someone hands over the car for them in accordance with the trade-in.
Attention, attention, and attention again!
When buying a “transporter”, look carefully at everything. Inspecting a van is no different from performing the same operation on a passenger car. In 90% of cases, you will see a car that was previously driven by a non-professional driver. There are many drivers today who can be classified as “young riders.” This means that the car will need to expect oil leakage and, accordingly, greater engine consumption, as well as a “dead” suspension. But even after bidding, these parts will not reduce the price, because the owner will “rip off his heart” a bunch of unnecessary components for you. It’s good if the car was driven by an elderly summer resident who no longer needs such a heavyweight. Such people always treat technology with care. In other words, pay attention not only to what you see with your own eyes in the car, but also to who has used the car before . You can always overlook any little thing that may end up being unpleasant for you, but by looking at the previous driver and communicating with him, you can also understand a lot about the condition of the car.
About what it is like, the legendary and world-famous Volkswagen T4 car, specifications will tell you best. There really is something to pay attention to here. Beneath the van's modest yet attractive appearance lies great technical capabilities and strong potential that has not lost its relevance to this day. The creators of the automobile masterpiece, leading engineers of the German company VW, are still proud of their creation, despite the advanced age of the minivan.
Briefly about the main thing
Like all cars produced under the name of the German brand VW, the minivan is distinguished by excellent characteristics that give it the opportunity to be called one of the most reliable cars in its segment. A vw badge owner cannot show weakness on the road. The Volkswagen transporter T4 is a follower of the Kafer, which also previously rolled off the plant’s assembly line.
In many ways, the car managed to gain popularity in the world thanks to the combination of characteristics and attractive exterior. The design of the car is memorable, although over the years it has changed slightly, maintaining the corporate identity. The car has several modifications - Multivan, California and Caravelle, each of which deserves careful consideration.
The first VW transporter appeared in 1950. Then the debuting van was allowed to stand out due to its excellent load capacity - 860 kilograms, unprecedented among cars of this class. The front of the minivan was decorated with the branded emblem of the auto giant VW, and the windshield was divided into two parts. The second generation was born in 1967, and a big surprise for fans of the model was the minimal interference of designers in the style of the car.
About 70% of the T2 cars produced were exported to other countries, thanks to which drivers on different continents learned about the comfort and reliability of the German brand. The next generation appeared in the late 70s. The car still retains its stylish appearance, however, the technical component has improved noticeably: wheelbase, general dimensions, load capacity - all this has increased and become better for solving numerous professional tasks.
Spectacular appearance of T4
For the fourth time, the technical characteristics and design of the Volkswagen T4 minivan model have changed. In the updated design, it is worth noting the redesigned transmission. This time the decisions of the company's engineers were more radical - the car was deprived of rear-wheel drive, replacing it with front-wheel drive. Moreover, models with all-wheel drive appeared, which increased the technical capabilities of the already famous car at that time.
The car is produced with several types of bodies. The basic version of the configuration received an unglazed cargo body.
The modification for passenger transportation was named Caravelle. Distinctive features steel plastic of excellent quality, three rows of seats with quick removal. And although the interior is upholstered in plastic, this characteristic does not spoil the interior. In the cold season, two heating units were responsible for comfort and warmth in the cabin.
Multivan is a modification that has received seats located next to each other in the cabin. The extendable table in the middle of the interior added to the car's advantages.
The flagship version of the minivan was the Vestfalia/California modification, equipped with a lifting roof and various equipment. At the end of the millennium, the model was updated - now the hood, fenders, and the front of the car have changed. Note that each time the company’s engineers and designers managed to successfully work on improving the car.
Specifications
On the basis of the vehicle in question, various modifications took place, but the main ones are considered to be the following: passenger, cargo and cargo-passenger. It’s worth getting to know the car’s characteristics more closely.
The engine is a 68-horsepower diesel engine. The chassis of the car is represented by an independent front suspension. The torsion bar suspension is equipped with an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension is equipped with an independent spring type. ABS is a nice bonus in a van with front and rear disc brakes.
Depending on the engine type, maximum speed of the model under consideration ranges from 132 to 155 km/h. This range is more than enough to solve professional problems and use the vehicle for its intended purpose within the city and beyond its borders.
Summarize
The German and Austrian-made transporter model has received many technical changes, thanks to which it has won recognition among representatives of the driving community around the world. Despite the subsequent appearance of the T5 and T6 models, the fourth generation still looks attractive for many purposes.
Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most reliable cars in the minivan class. The model is considered a successor to the Kafer machine, previously produced by a German concern. Thanks to its thoughtful design and unique technical characteristics, the Volkswagen Transporter has become extremely popular all over the world. This car has undergone relatively minor changes and practically did not succumb to temporary influence. VW Transporter is the largest representative of the Volkswagen family. The model was also offered in Multivan, California and Caravelle versions.
Model history and purpose
The debut of the first generation of minivan took place back in 1950. At that time, the Volkswagen Transporter could boast of a large load capacity - about 860 kg. Its design featured a huge company logo and a stylized windshield divided into 2 parts.
Volkswagen Transporter T2 generation
The second generation, which appeared in 1967, became a landmark for the model. The developers have retained the basic approaches in terms of design and chassis. The Volkswagen Transporter T2 was extremely popular (almost 70% of the cars were exported). The car was distinguished by a more comfortable cabin with an undivided front window, a powerful unit and an improved suspension. Sliding side doors completed the picture. In 1979, production of the model ended. However, in 1997, production of the second Volkswagen Transporter reopened in Mexico and Brazil. The model finally left the market only in 2013.
Volkswagen Transporter T3 generation
At the end of the 1970s, the time came for the third generation of the minivan. The Volkswagen Transporter T3 has many innovations and the wheelbase has increased by 60 mm. The width has increased by 125 mm, weight - by 60 kg. The power plant was again placed at the rear, although at that time the design was already considered obsolete. This did not prevent the model from becoming incredibly popular in the USSR, Germany and Austria. Volkswagen Transporter 3 had a wide range additional equipment: tachometer, electric mirrors, electric windows, heated seats, headlight cleaning function, central locking and windshield wipers. Later, the model began to be equipped with air conditioning and all-wheel drive. The main problem VW Transporter T3 became bad anti-corrosion coating. Individual parts They got rusty pretty quickly. The car became the last European Volkswagen product with a rear engine. By the early 1990s, the model's design was seriously outdated, and the brand began developing its replacement.
Volkswagen Transporter T4 generation
The VW Transporter T4 turned out to be a real bomb. The model received changes in style and design (completely redesigned transmission). The manufacturer finally abandoned rear-wheel drive, replacing it with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive modifications also appeared. The car was produced with several types of bodies. The base version was the one with an unglazed cargo body. A simple passenger modification was called Caravelle. It was distinguished by good plastic, 3 rows of quick-release seats with various types upholstery, 2 heaters and plastic interior trim. In the Multivan version, the interior received seats placed next to each other. The interior was complemented by an extendable table. The flagship of the family was the Vestfalia/California variation - a model with a lifting roof and a lot of equipment. In the late 90s, the Volkswagen Transporter 4 was updated, receiving modified front fenders, a hood, a longer front end and sloping headlights.
Volkswagen Transporter T5 generation
The VW Transporter T5 debuted in 2003. Like its predecessor, the car received a front transverse unit arrangement. More top-end versions (Multivan, Caravelle, California) differed from the classic modification by chrome stripes along the body. The fifth Volkswagen Transporter introduced several technical innovations. Thus, all diesel units were equipped with a turbocharger, pump injector and direct injection. Expensive versions now have all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. The VW Transporter T5 became the first generation of minivan that was no longer exported to America. Additionally, a premium GP version has appeared. Production of the Volkswagen Transporter is currently carried out at the plant in Kaluga (Russia).
Volkswagen Transporter T6 generation
Last August, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Transporter was released. Russian sales of the model began a little later. The car reached dealers in van, minivan and chassis body styles. Compared to its predecessor, there were not many changes in the T6. The basis for it was the T5 platform. The model acquired new foglights, headlights, bumpers and a revised radiator grille. Appeared from behind led lights. The Volkswagen Transporter was also equipped with rectangular turn signal repeaters, an enlarged rear window and new wings. Inside, there are improved seats with 12-way adjustment, advanced multimedia with a large display, a navigator, a progressive panel, a tailgate closer and a functional steering wheel. The sixth Volkswagen Transporter became more modern and respectable, but retained the outlines and individual qualities of the T4 and T5 versions.
Engine
The current generation of the minivan is characterized by a wide range of engines with high technical capabilities. The gasoline units used in the VW Transporter T5 are characterized by highly tight systems. In terms of this indicator, they are among the leaders, although in the fourth generation this particular characteristic was considered the most problematic.
Diesel engines cannot be named strong point minivan. However, some experts still call them one of the most successful. It is diesel modifications that remain the most popular. The units are famous for their unpretentiousness and low fuel consumption. Volkswagen Transporter diesel engines are built very simply and therefore rarely break down. They are also repairable and have high degree wear resistance.
Characteristics of VW Transporter T5 units:
1. 1.9-liter TDI (in-line):
- power – 63 (86) kW (hp);
- torque – 200 Nm;
- maximum speed – 146 km/h;
- acceleration to 100 km/h – 23.6 seconds;
- fuel consumption – 7.6 l/100 km.
2. 1.9-liter TDI (in-line):
- power – 77 (105) kW (hp);
- torque – 250 Nm;
- maximum speed – 159 km/h;
- acceleration to 100 km/h – 18.4 seconds;
- fuel consumption – 7.7 l/100 km.
3. 2.5-liter TDI (in-line):
- power – 96 (130) kW (hp);
- torque – 340 Nm;
- maximum speed – 168 km/h;
- acceleration to 100 km/h – 15.3 seconds;
- fuel consumption – 8 l/100 km.
4. 2.5-liter TDI (in-line):
- power – 128 (174) kW (hp);
- torque – 400 Nm;
- maximum speed – 188 km/h;
- acceleration to 100 km/h – 12.2 seconds;
- fuel consumption – 8 l/100 km.
5. 2-liter gasoline unit (in-line):
- power – 85 (115) kW (hp);
- torque – 170 Nm;
- maximum speed – 163 km/h;
- acceleration to 100 km/h – 17.8 seconds;
- fuel consumption – 11 l/100 km.
6. 3.2-liter gasoline unit (in-line):
- power – 173 (235) kW (hp);
- torque – 315 Nm;
- maximum speed – 205 km/h;
- acceleration to 100 km/h – 10.5 seconds;
- fuel consumption – 12.4 l/100 km.
Volkswagen Transporter T6 powertrain range:
- 2-liter TSI petrol engine – 150 hp;
- 2-liter TSI DSG petrol engine – 204 hp;
- 2-liter diesel TDI – 102 hp;
- 2-liter diesel TDI – 140 hp;
- 2-liter diesel TDI – 180 hp.
Device
The arrival of the Volkswagen Transporter T4 (and later the T5 and T6) broke with the tradition of rear-engine, rear-wheel drive minivans. The all-wheel drive modification received another feature - the torque was distributed between the axle shafts of the drive wheels via a viscous coupling. The drive was transferred to the wheels using an automatic or manual transmission.
The changes that appeared in the Volkswagen Transporter 5 were revolutionary. They also allowed the sixth generation to remain among the leaders in the segment. In terms of technical characteristics, the models look ideal. In reality, these cars have their drawbacks. Particular vigilance should be exercised when purchasing a used Volkswagen Transporter T4 (in the latest generation, most of the problems of the predecessor have been eliminated).
In terms of design, the latest modifications to the minivan rarely cause inconvenience. But they are very susceptible to corrosion. Poor storage conditions accelerate this process. Another weakness is leaks that appear in the power steering system. In the T4 generation, steering rods, oil seals, stabilizer struts, shock absorbers and ball joints often fail. U Russian models Wheel bearings also wear out quickly.
There are also problems with Volkswagen Transporter engines. Old diesel engines often suffer from fuel injection pump failure and rapid loss of fuel fluid. The spark plugs and glow control system fail regularly. In more latest versions TDI most common problems are related to the flow meter, turbocharger and fuel injection system. Gasoline units are much more reliable. They are less prone to breakdowns than diesel options. True, in terms of fuel consumption they are noticeably inferior to them. At the same time, their long service cannot be fully guaranteed, and most often in gasoline engines, ignition coils, starters, sensors and generators break down.
Despite the problems described above, the Volkswagen Transporter remains one of the most reliable models in its segment. With proper care, the latest generations of minivans will serve and perform their functions for a very long time.
Price of new and used Volkswagen Transporter
Price tags for the new Volkswagen Transporter depend on the configuration:
- “minimum wage” with a short base – from 1.633-1.913 million rubles;
- Kasten with a long wheelbase - from 2.262 million rubles;
- Kombi with a short wheelbase - from 1,789-2,158 million rubles;
- Kombi with a long wheelbase - from 1.882-2.402 million rubles;
- Chassis/Pritsche Eka with a long wheelbase - from 1.466-1.569 million rubles.
Used versions of Volkswagen Transporter on Russian market quite a lot, so their prices vary greatly.
The third generation (1986-1989) on the go will cost 70,000-150,000 rubles. Volkswagen Transporter T4 (1993-1996) in normal condition will cost 190,000-270,000 rubles, Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2006-2008) - 500,000-800,000 rubles, Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2010-2013) - 1.1- 1.3 million rubles.
Analogs
Among the Volkswagen Transporter's competitors, Peugeot Partner VU, Citroen Jumpy Fourgon and Mercedes-Benz Vito should be highlighted.
