Common issues to look for on test drive

[DreamingT6s]

After hiring a few times I have finally scraped the funds to jump into ownership.

I’ve agreed a deal (subject to satisfactory test drive) on a 2019 T6 Highline 150bhp manual SWB with reimo 3000 and reimo Poptop. Full VW service history with no gaps. Van seems straight and proper for an 80k van, converted from new by Nomad.

I have trawled this amazing forum and can’t find a ‘common issues to look for’ type list?

Does such a thing exist or what would be the major things I should check?

Thanks

 

[Ads_Essex]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Is it a private sale?
With the conversion, you’ll naturally check it all works as it should.
Otherwise see if the poptop is noisy - some members have complained the Reimo bed board can be squeaky when driving.
See if it’s got habitation certificates, and evidence the night heater has been serviced. It won’t necessarily be a deal breaker if these are missing, but your insurer may wish to see the cert, and a lack of service history on the heater part could earn you a discount.

With the van, click on the ‘buying’ tag and you’ll see a bunch of different threads where other to-be-owners have asked the same.
The main gripes with that era van seem to be DMF rattles leading to replacement, DPF regent never completing due to short journeys, and damp interiors from leaking sliding-windows, poorly fitted third-brake lights or roof-bars (unlikely with a poptop, mind).
Depending on the spec, it may be fitted with the entry-level H4 headlamps.. these aren’t as good in the dark as the H7 headlamps, which are bettered by the LED headlamps - these can be easily retrofitted later, whilst air-con is a bit of a mammoth task try and retrofit.

Read up. Ask away. Keep us posted and good luck!

 

[jimc91]

I’d be asking about the egr, has it been flushed or replaced, have any engine management lights been coming on as a starter

 

[roadtripper]

Consider spending £35 on the basic Carista and seeing if any fault codes are logged while you have it out on the drive.

 

[DaveD]

In addition to the good points raised above, check the oil level, if the oil is high on the dipstick, i.e. over the maximum, this could indicate dpf problems and failed regenerations.
It's unlikely to be low as the seller should have checked it prior to your visit.

 

[Teesix]

Also, see if the wear on the brake and clutch pedals is consistent with the mileage. And make sure you do an HPi check as well.

 

[david173]

I would ask that you see it do a cold start, listen for any signs of DMF rattle.

 

[DreamingT6s]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Is it a private sale?
With the conversion, you’ll naturally check it all works as it should.
Otherwise see if the poptop is noisy - some members have complained the Reimo bed board can be squeaky when driving.
See if it’s got habitation certificates, and evidence the night heater has been serviced. It won’t necessarily be a deal breaker if these are missing, but your insurer may wish to see the cert, and a lack of service history on the heater part could earn you a discount.

With the van, click on the ‘buying’ tag and you’ll see a bunch of different threads where other to-be-owners have asked the same.
The main gripes with that era van seem to be DMF rattles leading to replacement, DPF regent never completing due to short journeys, and damp interiors from leaking sliding-windows, poorly fitted third-brake lights or roof-bars (unlikely with a poptop, mind).
Depending on the spec, it may be fitted with the entry-level H4 headlamps.. these aren’t as good in the dark as the H7 headlamps, which are bettered by the LED headlamps - these can be easily retrofitted later, whilst air-con is a bit of a mammoth task try and retrofit.

Read up. Ask away. Keep us posted and good luck!

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.

DMF is definitely now on my list and the Reimo noise is one I hadn't heard of so, thank you.

From reading on the forum and looking at the van it looks to me like H4s unfortunately. I have first hand experience of these in driving Irish rain last year in the cark and confirm if they are H4, they will be a priority on my shopping list for upgrade.

It is a motorhome specialist so will come with fresh habitation check which is a comfort.

 

[DreamingT6s]

I would ask that you see it do a cold start, listen for any signs of DMF rattle.

Good tip - will ask that, thanks!

 

[DreamingT6s]

Consider spending £35 on the basic Carista and seeing if any fault codes are logged while you have it out on the drive.

Great advice, I may even spring for the fully featured version. Is it worth the extra do you know (e.g, changing settings?)

 

[Howzat]

Reverse up a slope to see if there's clutch judder.

 

[roadtripper]

Great advice, I may even spring for the fully featured version. Is it worth the extra do you know (e.g, changing settings?)

Carista you get the first month of the app free with purchase and can do everything, if you want to keep that level then you pay the subscription, if not cancel it and pay for it when you need it.

For a T6/6.1 don't get drawn into buying the new Evo version - there is no advantage as the extra it does is other brands of vehicles.

Basically view it as a £35 audit fee for the purchase. If you go ahead it can do more but if you decide to go with OBD11 or VCDS long term that £35 is worth it right now to make sure you don't buy something with a lurking issue.

Make sure you give it a good drive. Someone trying to sell you a van with issues may be smart enough to clear the codes before you drive it but most issues you should worry about will refault.

 

[DreamingT6s]

Carista you get the first month of the app free with purchase and can do everything, if you want to keep that level then you pay the subscription, if not cancel it and pay for it when you need it.

For a T6/6.1 don't get drawn into buying the new Evo version - there is no advantage as the extra it does is other brands of vehicles.

Basically view it as a £35 audit fee for the purchase. If you go ahead it can do more but if you decide to go with OBD11 or VCDS long term that £35 is worth it right now to make sure you don't buy something with a lurking issue.

Make sure you give it a good drive. Someone trying to sell you a van with issues may be smart enough to clear the codes before you drive it but most issues you should worry about will refault.

Great advice. Thanks for your help!

 

[Drive Wayne]

Another nod for Carista, after your test drive, any genuine seller will be happy and possibly interested (or of course scared) to see what is reported after switch off.

 

[ginkster]

Some great points above. Also worth listening out for whining from the engine that changes pitch with revs as a failing auxiliary belt tensioner is reasonably common (my 150bhp had it at around 30k miles). About £200 to change belt and tensioner. Creaks from the roof are common and can sometimes be caused by a misaligned roof (slipped hinge) or a poorly bonded frame in addition to the bed board already mentioned. Good luck.