Volkswagen Transporter T4 - the most popular minivan in the CIS countries

Minibuses have always been popular among our compatriots. Back in the Soviet Union, many dreamed of the Rafik, or at least the YerAZ. In such a van, not only the whole family up to the third generation could fit, but also a lot of things necessary for a summer residence or a village.


In the early 1990s, minibuses that were once coveted began to be massively imported to Russia and the CIS countries. The most popular models were from Volkswagen and Ford.

Volkswagen Transporter T4 is a "workhorse" produced from 1990 to 2003. This already hints at the fact that the car came to the court of hundreds of thousands of owners both in the primary and second-hand markets.



The minibus was developed in the second half of the 1980s. It was a revolutionary car - with front-wheel drive, a number of powerful and economical engines, with large saloons compared to previous models.



If there is no desire to mess with repairs, then the purchase budget will have to be increased to at least 400 rubles. For such an amount, you can already find options even without corrosion, although this 000% will be repainted.

Appearance and interior

It is difficult to call the Volkswagen Transporter T4 beautiful, but its appearance does not cause rejection. Classic minibus, nothing more.
Landing in the cabin is comfortable, both in the front row and in the passenger seats. The side sliding door allows you to load not only the biggest friends, but also bulky items.



The interior is strict in German, but the quality of the passenger versions is impressive. If the minibus was not used carelessly by one of the previous owners, then the trim and plastics are often kept in good condition.



As a rule, all electrics of the Volkswagen Transporter T4 work. For this, we should thank the German engineers, who abandoned all sorts of “buggy” modern buttons and equipped the car with twist knobs. In the next body, the electrics are far from being so reliable.

Reliability level

Despite the years, German minibuses still travel on Russian roads. Their main problem is the body. Due to the fact that cars are often used for commercial purposes, rust is not paid attention to. Before inspection, it is simply painted over, and the holes are filled with mounting foam.

If you are lucky to run into a "family pet", then there is a chance to find a model with a well-groomed body. In any case, the purchased car is recommended to carry out anti-corrosion treatment.



All engines, especially diesel ones, are distinguished by survivability even in the countryside of the Russian hinterland. They calmly "digest" diesel fuel of unknown origin and often withstand an oil change every 20 km.

The chassis of the Volkswagen Transporter T4 is not spoiled by any complex technical engineering solutions, so there are at least problems with it. Of course, this does not cancel the diagnosis, but if nothing rattles or dangles, the suspension easily leaves for several years without intervention with runs of 10-20 thousand per annum.

What versions are recommended for purchase?

The first thing you need to figure out is the type of body.

There are:

✅ All-metal vans
✅ Passenger
✅ Cargo-passenger

If you need a minibus for work, it is better to take a cargo modification. As a universal car, a passenger version is recommended - the seats can always be removed if necessary, and then returned back. Plus, this model can be used for traveling with the whole family.



Among gasoline power units, the best will be an atmospheric power unit with a working volume of 2,5 liters. There were about seven varieties of these motors, but they do not differ much from each other. If you can find an engine in good technical condition, you can take it. That's just come across Volkswagen Transporter T4 with such a motor on sale rarely.



Among diesel power units, 2,5 and 2,4 liters are considered the most successful. The first is turbocharged, the second is simple atmospheric. Here you need to look at what is more important - reliability or dynamics. 2,5 diesel can drive fast, but 2,4 liters are more economical, easier to repair and maintain.

What minibuses are better not to buy?

Not recommended for purchasing the version with the smallest engines in the line. It's 1,9 diesel and 2,0 petrol. Not to say that they are unreliable, but they frankly do not have enough power for a commercial vehicle. This applies to both diesel and petrol options. Such T4s move slowly, especially loaded ones.



Gasoline versions with gas equipment installed are better not to even look at. Motors are not designed to run on a different type of fuel; they wear out the piston and valves faster.

What to look for when buying?

The first thing they look at when choosing a Volkswagen Transporter T4 is the condition of the body. Everything is simple here - we are looking for pockets of corrosion. Often cosmetic painting is carried out before the sale, so you need to look first of all at the condition of the thresholds, the bottom and the sliding side door.



The engines of the Volkswagen Transporter T4 are all reliable, but age and commercial operation can destroy them too. It is easier with gasoline engines - there are fewer runs and repairs are cheaper. But since there are about 10 times more diesel power units on the used market, you will have to deal with them.



A “snotty” engine is a hint of seal wear. It is advisable to check the condition of the fuel equipment; an endoscope will also be useful. It is better to immediately pay for diagnostics, where they will measure the compression and carry out other checks, than to suffer with the motor later.

Most Volkswagen Transporter T4s were equipped with manual transmissions. This unit can be conditionally called eternal, although it still has one “signature disease. It's a XNUMXth gear failure. A fuzzy inclusion can indicate this nuance. And you should not believe the seller if he starts talking about the fact that this is such a design feature.

Automatic transmissions on the Volkswagen Transporter T4 are rare. They also deserve the title of "indestructible." But you need to understand that commercial operation, age and ignoring the oil change procedure in the unit turn it into a time bomb.



Sometimes there are Syncro 4x4 versions on sale - you can buy them only after a thorough inspection of the walker. In operation, such cars are definitely more expensive - you will have to periodically change the outboard bearing and gearbox seals.



The electrics are reliable, but it is better to inspect the wiring before buying. If there are a lot of twists with electrical tape, this clearly indicates the intervention of the garage Kulibins. What to expect from such a wiring is not clear.

The Volkswagen Transporter T4 is an icon in the minibus class. A true station wagon capable of serving as both a commercial and a family vehicle. The fifth generation and subsequent ones are far from being so hardy.

If you come across a copy in good external and technical condition, it is worth buying it. It is a pity that every year there are less and less of them ...