£34,549
inc. VAT£33,109
inc. VAT£37,069
inc. VAT£26,389
inc. VAT£43,189
inc. VAT£32,389
inc. VAT£26,389
inc. VAT£41,989
inc. VAT£34,669
inc. VAT£25,189
inc. VAT£26,000
£38,389
inc. VAT£45,589
inc. VAT£33,589
inc. VAT£33,589
inc. VAT£33,589
inc. VAT£27,499
inc. VAT£32,394
inc. VAT181-198 of 651 vehicles
You might not be able to tell at a glance, but the Volkswagen Transporter has an enviable heritage that goes back to the original Type 2 ‘Microbus’ of the 1950s - a history longer than even Volkswagen’s own Golf.
Today’s model is hugely popular and still has an image that’s a cut above rivals such as the Ford Transit, but it doesn’t compromise on utility, economy, or build quality, all factors that still make the modern transporter a useful working vehicle.
Rivals include that UK favourite, the Ford Transit, as well as the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro duo, the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace and Fiat Scudo quartet, and the Mercedes-Benz Vito. Each have their own qualities, but the VW remains among the best in the class.
The Volkswagen Transporter should certainly be on your shortlist whether you’re looking for a new or a used van. With several generations to choose from (not even including those bona-fide classic models) there’s something for every budget, but the latest models are as sophisticated as they are useful.
It’s difficult to differentiate medium-sized panel vans like the Transporter purely from a styling perspective, but the current T6 still fits nicely into the wider VW range. That applies inside the classy cabin too, which wouldn’t look out of place in one of the brand’s passenger cars. There are a few striking colours on offer too, though VW has saved its classic two-tones for the passenger-focused California, and the new electric ID. Buzz.
The Transporter’s visual sophistication carries over to the driving experience. All are powered by four-cylinder diesel engines of varying outputs, and while the entry-level models are limited in power, they’re commendably refined. Higher-output options are more than up to heavier loads, and all are smooth and easy to drive, whether using the manual transmission or the optional 7-speed DSG auto available on some engines.
Some rivals offer more kit for your money, and an even wider range of available body styles and options. The Ford Transit offers a slightly more engaging drive, if that’s a priority, while a handful of rivals offer an electric powertrain - VW buyers instead have to look to the ID. Buzz for that, with no electric Transporter available.
Basic models lack desirable features like air conditioning, but otherwise the Transporter range gives you plenty of options, including different wheelbases and body styles. High-end models can get pricey, so you may want to find a good deal on one of the used examples above.
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The best Volkswagen Transporter depends very much on your needs as a private or business user, but loadspace is probably the main factor, and in that respect the choice is primarily between short wheelbase and long wheelbase models - the SWB Transporter can accept a pair of 800mm by 1200mm Euro pallets in the back, while the LWB will take three. This goes down to one, or two Euro pallets for the kombi crew van models, while the dropside chassis cab can take four. There are lift-up and twin rear door options for accessing the rear load bay.
It’s worth noting too that the Transporter’s payload and trailer ratings go up slightly along with increasing power figures, so if your business involves hauling heavier loads, we’d suggest avoiding the basic 90PS models, particularly with no great difference in fuel economy across the range - the 110PS and 150PS options are the picks of the range. We’d also look for a Highline model too, primarily to benefit from its air conditioning.
You’ll find more variety in body styles than trim levels with the Transporter, with the range divided between short and long-wheelbase panel vans, crew vans, and chassis cab models. In terms of trim, it’s a choice of either the entry-level Startline, or the better-equipped Highline.
The specifications below apply to the most recent 2023 “T6.1” models, so older used models may vary slightly since the first T6 variants introduced in 2016, and the current T6.1 since 2019. A new T7 is also now available in some markets.
The Volkswagen Transporter’s dimensions are:
The Volkswagen Transporter’s load capacity is:
VED or ‘road tax’ rates for vans are more straightforward than they are for cars, and in this respect you’ll be looking at a flat VED rate for any model of Volkswagen Transporter. For the 2023/2024 tax year this means a six-monthly rate of £176, or 12-monthly bill for £320 - with a slight surcharge for paying monthly by Direct Debit.
Due to the enormous range of variants available, you will need to check insurance on a case-by-case basis for any Volkswagen Transporter you’re looking to buy, but broadly speaking the range spans from the high group 20 range for the basic models, to nearly the top group 50 for higher-specification variants.
Read our full Volkswagen Transporter review
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