Used Volkswagen Transporter for sale: everything you need to know
It’s fair to say the Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most desirable vans on the road. Perhaps you can thank the model’s enviably long heritage for that, which started with the Type 2 ‘Microbus’ launched not long after the original Beetle, but consistent quality and a fine drive also help modern Transporters along.
As a result its image is stronger even than the likes of the ubiquitous Ford Transit, and while the VW’s breadth of body styles and features is more limited than many of its rivals, it still gets the basics right, with a range of economical engines, useful load space and payload ratings, and plenty of sensible features.
Buyers are spoiled for choice in the van market though so if the Transporter doesn’t quite fit your needs, then the Transit, Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes Vito, Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, and Fiat Scudo are all potential alternatives.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Transporter?
Image isn’t everything, but it certainly gives the Volkswagen Transporter a helping hand. Whether it’s trading off the strength of the VW badge in general, the long heritage of the Volkswagen Transporter range (that stretches all the way back to the split-screen vans of the 1950s), or the fact that for decades now its vans have been just a little more sophisticated than most, the Transporter is almost as desirable as it is useful.
Among the modern ‘T6.1’ Transporter’s strengths are clean-cut exterior styling, and a cabin design that shares more with Volkswagen’s cars than it does other vans in terms of fit and finish. Volkswagen doesn’t offer quite as many variants as some rival van ranges do, but the ones it does offer are practical and should more than meet the needs of buyers.
The Transporter also drives well. It’s offered with a range of 2-litre diesel engines, with power ranging from 90PS all the way to a twin-turbocharged 204PS. All pull well and all are refined, though their different outputs do endow the Transporter with different payload and towing abilities, so ensure you choose the engine that’s right for your needs. Manual and DSG automatic gearboxes and 4Motion all-wheel drive have all been offered too.
Even a VW badge doesn’t mean the Transporter is packed with car-like creature comforts, so basic Startline models lack niceties such as air conditioning, but the Highline model is better equipped and new buyers could tick a few option boxes too, so not all Transporters will have the same equipment. You might find more kit in some rivals such as the Ford Transit or Renault Trafic, while some of those rivals offer electric power as an option too, which the Transporter doesn’t yet have - but there’s always the VW ID.Buzz Cargo for that.
What’s the best used Volkswagen Transporter model to buy?
The best Transporter is a matter of your own needs as an individual or business user, and will hinge mainly on how much utility you need from the van, particularly with regards to load space. The Transporter range is relatively simple in that the regular panel vans come in short and long wheelbase forms, the former swallowing a pair of Euro pallets and the latter taking three. Equivalent crew van variants drop to one pallet for the SWB and two for the LWB, while the larger dropside chassis cab takes up to four Euro pallets. Vans with more power can generally accept higher payloads and have higher tow ratings, so bear that in mind too when you’re shopping.
Used Volkswagen Transporter fuel economy and performance
- Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 TDI 90PS: The 2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder at the bottom of the range produces 90PS, which gets the Transporter from 0-62mph in 19.7 seconds and up to 94mph. In short wheelbase format, claimed economy is 40.4mpg.
- Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 TDI 110PS: With power raised to 110PS the same 2-litre diesel engine gets from 0-62mph slightly quicker, at 15.3 seconds, with a 102mph top end. Economy is unchanged at 40.4mpg.
- Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 TDI 150PS: Now with 150PS and a six-speed manual gearbox, the Transporter is getting quite quick by van standards. 0-62mph comes up in 11.1 seconds and top speed rises to 114mph, but economy is still quoted at 40.4mpg.
- Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 BiTDI 204PS: Twin turbocharging raises the Transporter’s output to 204PS, and is only available in Highline trim with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Economy drops a little to 37.7mpg but the 0-62mph time is now 9.3 seconds, and top speed is 126mph.
What used Volkswagen Transporter trim levels are available?
The Transporter comes in only two trim levels in the ‘T6.1’ models sold since 2019 (at the time of writing, an all-new T7 model is beginning to filter onto the market). Those trims are Startline and Highline, with the latter offering the relatively low specification you’d expect from a more basic van, such as an absence of air conditioning. You’ll find much more variety in the number of body styles: the Transporter is offered in short and long wheelbase panel vans, crew vans, and chassis cab models.
- The Volkswagen Transporter Startline is where the Transporter range starts, getting steel wheels, electric and heated door mirrors, and smartphone connectivity. Air conditioning isn’t offered as standard, while all engines except the BiTDI are available, with five or six speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearboxes, and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive in some versions.
- The Volkswagen Transporter Highline adds air conditioning and alloy wheels as standard, plus fog lights and a heated windscreen. The BiTDI diesel also becomes available, with front-wheel drive and 4Motion options.
Used Volkswagen Transporter dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen Transporter’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4904-5304mm
- Width: 1904mm
- Height: 1990-2477mm
- Ground clearance: 201-202mm
The Volkswagen Transporter’s load capacity is:
- 5.8 cubic metres (SWB)
- 6.7 cubic metres (LWB)
Used Volkswagen Transporter road tax
There’s a flat rate of VED for vans like the Volkswagen Transporter, which for the 2024/2025 tax year is £335 per year for any van with a gross vehicle weight of under 3500kg, or £175.88 for a six-monthly payment by Direct Debit.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Transporter?
The large range of models available means we’ll avoid breaking down the entire range of insurance groups here, but you’ll find the most basic models begin in the high group 20 range, while more expensive models get close to the maximum group 50. Actual insurance costs will depend on how you plan to use the van, so we’d recommend speaking to a broker for an accurate quote.
