Which One of These VW Caddy Should I Buy?

[Deactivated] on 21/02/2018 - 22:15
Last edited 21/02/2018 - 23:18 by 1 other user

Howdy

Have little to zero car knowledge, based on the description, which one of these VW Caddy would you buy? They're over a decent spread in pricing.

2006 $4,990 - new engine/turbo
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Volkswagen-Caddy-20…

2008 $6,000 - gearbox/new tyres
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Volkswagen-Caddy-20…

2005 $7,000 - replaced clutch/timing belt/turbo/AC
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Volkswagen-Caddy-20…

Bit of background, am after a small sized two seater van, big enough to, after removing the passenger seat, fit a motorbike, to take to track or more distant places for a ride. And putting the seat back to take around for camping etc.

Trying very hard to avoid something bigger like Toyota Hiace or Mitsubishi Express. Requirement is it must be small, Suzuki APV is another desirable option but they're almost non-existent. Got to be at least a 1.6L engine, so that rules out Citroen Berlingo, Holden Combo, and Renault Kangoo.

Budget is around the $6k mark. The VW Caddy is looking quite attractive and fits the bill for the requirements. And obviously with the above 3 examples having had some major servicing recently is a massive bonus for worry free ownership. I ride my bike to work so actual usage will be no more than 10k/year so I am after that piece of mind as well.

Any thoughts on the 3 options above would be greatly appreciated, there's not many other options in this particular field but if there's any suggestions they're always welcome. Ute has been considered and rejected (higher loading level, and no weatherproofing).

Cheers

Automotive

Comments

  • wombat81 on 21/02/2018 - 23:25

    Why are you so keen to avoid something bigger?

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 07:22

      I'm not using the van for the conventional tradie/etc purposes. Wanting something small so it's easy to park/manoeuvre/etc. Really comes down to getting the exact thing for the intended use.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 00:21

    lower KM's the better

  • JIMB0 on 22/02/2018 - 05:57
    +1

    Judging by the fact they've all had major parts replaced I'd look at something else. A gearbox should last more than 185k, next it will need a turbo like the other 2.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 07:29

      I should be glad major replacements has taken place at xxx km than one that has not had the necessity to be carried out at the same km no?
      The van I'm getting is going to have a super easy life load wise and with an absolute ceiling of 10k/yr.

  • aussieprepper on 22/02/2018 - 06:30

    The Kangoo has a 1.6l engine it's only the newest kangoos that have a 1.2l turbo. You will get a better buy with The Kangoo cheap to run and fix.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 07:41

      I've had another look and you're right. There's just not many available in my price range within 100km of my area, originally I did look at every van that's available. But it's rarer than an unicorn to find one with proven service history with major servicing done.

  • whooah1979 on 22/02/2018 - 06:44
    +2

    Skip all these euro junk and go with an hiace. you'll get 20 years out of it.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 07:38

      That was my initial go to when I first started my search. Whilst I'm sure they'll drive until I pass away they're simply too big for the purpose, and more petrol hungry than the smaller capacities. Don't get me wrong, as always if money wasn't an obstruction…

      There's a number of examples within the price range within 100km of my area, but I have yet to find anyone who can show me some decent servicing paperwork. All the examples are running on decent km range 200k+, I don't know when major parts needs replacing but I sure don't want to be the one having to fork out the money to do them.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 14:41

        If running cost is your major consideration, I'd still go with the Hiace over the Caddy.

        Ignore the anti-VW spew. Most of then come from brochure level mechanical knowledge. The caddy is a manual. The 1.9l turbo isn't known neither for being good nor bad. It is however a niche market item, much more so than the Hiace.

        Buying a second hand vehicle, compounded with another two major factors - old and commercially operated - you'd want third party parts to be cheap and available. Hiace comes out on top here.

        The Caddy is also a little on the small side for a track day transport. It's really hard to move around the bike to tie down. Judging by your excellent choice in bikes (I used to adore a Triumph 675R but left the scene before I got to it), you'll likely get more invested into it. You'll soon be carrying a laptop for telemetry, stands, tire warmers, a tool shed, fluids and of course prepare space for wreckage. It's much harder to pack up an L shaped two wheeler.

      • whooah1979 on 22/02/2018 - 19:22
        +1

        A d4d can go 500km per tank. It has a 6cbm cargo and with its narrow and short body can park almost anywhere.

  • Third_Gear on 22/02/2018 - 07:40

    Caddy is a great van but may not work depending on the size of the motorbike. What bike make model year?

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 07:46

      Street Triple, have taken measurements and it will fit after removing passenger seat. As that is absolutely the biggest thing I will use the van for am after something that's just small enough to do the job and not guzzling petrol in the process. Other than that it'll just be moping around town like any regular car.

      • Third_Gear on 22/02/2018 - 07:49

        It's not just the height of the bike but the angle as it goes in too which makes the caddy tricky. The door height on the back is smaller than the inside highest measurement. I will measure up when I get to work.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2018 - 07:51

          Went to a car lot a few months back and checked measurements for all my available options and the Caddy was noted to be fit for the purpose. But if you would double check that would be awesome and greatly appreciated. Any feedback on the Caddy would fantastic also.
          Thanks heaps!

        • Third_Gear on 22/02/2018 - 09:11
          +1

          @minty: Just chatted to my mechanic mate next door and he reckons it will be a tight fit but doable. If you are set on the Caddy I recommend the extended version which has the two sliding doors which means you won't have to remove the front seat. Shouldn't anyways.

          If you aren't doing heaps of driving I recommend a more standard van as every time you try and put a bike in and take it out you will struggle and it will become a frustrating experience.

          As for feedback on the Caddy - I've had mine for the last 5 years and it has been great. No complaints. Reliable and does what it is supposed to do well. Just get a manual.

  • Some Human on 22/02/2018 - 08:41

    Have you test driven a caddy? Friend of mine was going to get one until he took it for a test drive and realized how crap it was.
    Also it’s volkswagen.

  • spackbace on 22/02/2018 - 11:45
    +1

    worry free ownership

    On a 10+ year old VW?!

    Tell 'im he's dreamin

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