2011 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 LWB 2.5 BlueTDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Avoid

Faults:

The usual wear and tear, but the biggest problem was constant transmission problems - the auto boxes on these vans are terrible. Shifting issues, visited transmission specialist three times and still not resolved.

General Comments:

The Crafter was OK to drive, spacious and did the job (when working correctly).

The van was bought used, but had full dealer verified history, and appeared to be in good order.

However we bought this van on the basis of a friends advice "it's just the same as a Mercedes Sprinter only cheaper" as we found out however, our previous Mercedes van was much more reliable, this van has been a nightmare.

Maybe a manual transmission one would have been OK, but avoid a Crafter with an auto box!

At around 10 years old and approaching the infamous 100K mark, we decided to cut our losses and sell this van. Never buying VW business vans again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th September, 2024

2010 Volkswagen Crafter Blue CR30 2.5 TDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Decent works van

Faults:

Quite a lot, but mostly just wear and tear over the years. Lately there is a loss of power and an engine management light came on. Unless it can be fixed for cheap, the van will be scrapped.

General Comments:

Big, spacious, powerful, does the job. The VW Crafter is basically a re-badged Mercedes Sprinter van.

Not great on fuel (30 mpg on average at best) but it is a large van with a 2.5 engine, albeit diesel.

OK to drive. Short Wheel Base but still a big van.

It has done our business well over the years, performing faultless until now. But trying to get these vans fixed on a budget is difficult these days.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th January, 2024