what to look for in a T4?

My mate has asked me to have a look over a T4 (1996). what are the weak points to look for other than the obvious. its a 1.9 TDi.

do they have any "hidden" things to look out for?

 

May have been used by a plumber, so have a good look for stolen ladies underwear.

 

Charm - thinks it's hidden in there somewhere

And watch out for reversing wagon's, you need to ask @Poptop2 about that

Sorry for the no help

 

And hidden piano's

 

If it’s got Animal or No Fear stickers on the side, it may have been owned by someone suffering a mid-life crisis. Have a good look around for any hairpieces or bladder medication.

 

Wheel arch rust, door step rust, sill rust, cargo floor rust. Oil leaks, diesel leaks. If it really is a TDI, its been converted as they didnt make one. If its been done well, its a good conversion. If its a 1.9 TD, it will be slow, but can be tweaked to a reasonable power fairly easily. If its had windows retro fitted, check for rust, or signs of leakage.

 

All noted guys. Thanks for the top tis. now, what about the actual van itself?

 

To be fair, all that applies to Bays as well..

 

Maybe it is a 1.9TD. They just told me it was a TDi. will check

 

The front chassis rots inside the front wheel arches and behind the front bumper, they rot in the same places as bays, arches,sills, rear corners , they go around the windscreen above and below so check for recent repaint without removing the windscreen, engines and boxes pretty much go fir ever, Cambelt change is fairy straightforward on the 1900, if it’s early they do a non turbo and a non power steering version

 

Maybe its a 2.5 TDi but I thought they were later than 1996

 

True

 

Cheers all. I have lots of tips now. We shall see what it is like on Saturday morning.

 

Worth asking the owner whether he likes dawgs. Or is that Transits I'm thinking of?

 

Dont forget to check its got a 10000w subwoofer for the 3am campsite Drum and Bass.

 

And hi-power alternator to power it

 

Q What to look for when buying a T4
A The nearest breakers?

 

Deffo change cam belt and water pump,it is made of cheese. If it' been stood there' a bit of a chance, not much though of sticking valves. That can lead to loud expensive smokey noises.

 

So here’s a handy buying guide.

Splitty - small, slow, expensive, rots
Bay - small, less expensive, slow, rots
T25 - larger, cheap, ugly, rots
T4 - ok size, cheaper, vw abandoned all idea of style or design, rots
T5 - good size, expensive, lovely vehicles, catch fire and in about five years will rot.