To search 4motion or not to search - 1st van

[AntonGangsta]

Hi everybody,

I'm still looking for the first van, exploring the market since the beginning of summer. I checked many cars but every time I have a dilemma: there might be 4motin but manual gearbox, high mileage or/and poor options OR there might be a good mileage, good options, DSG but no 4motion.

I wonder: is it ok to sacrifice 4motion for getting DSG? Is it possible to install 4motion in the future (if I realize that I really need it)?

PS: I haven't driven any 4x4 cars so far, but I did camping quite a lot. But I used only combi cars. So I'm still in doubt if I really need it. I'm living in Belgium and going to use this var as a main car.

 

[DaveD]

I wonder: is it ok to sacrifice 4motion for getting DSG? Is it possible to install 4motion in the future (if I realize that I really need it)?

It's difficult to advise on your first question, it depends how important 4Motion is to you and how important DSG is to you. If you're in doubt that you need 4Motion I think you've answered your own question.
In relation to your second question it's possible to retro-fit 4Motion (and I believe it has been done) but it's not a job for your average DIYer, it's a complex job both mechanically and electronically, so for the average person it's not possible. Of course you could pay somebody else to do the work but I expect the labour cost would exceed the cost of the van.
Good luck on your search for the right van - it's out there somewhere!

 

[AntonGangsta]

but I expect the labour cost would exceed the cost of the van.

Thank you for reply. Yes, I would probably go to the experienced people for the retrofit. Do you have any idea of the approximate cost of this retrofit? The van costs 20k euro, so the work (+ parts) will costs the same?

 

[DaveD]

Thank you for reply. Yes, I would probably go to the experienced people for the retrofit. Do you have any idea of the approximate cost of this retrofit? The van costs 20k euro, so the work (+ parts) will costs the same?

No, sorry, I couldn't give any real indication in figures, but it's going to be a much more expensive way to get a 4Motion van than by waiting for one to come up for sale.
The cost would certainly run into many thousands in the UK with labour alone, then there's the cost of the drivetrain to the rear.
I just can't see how it can make sense.

 

[AntonGangsta]

No, sorry, I couldn't give any real indication in figures, but it's going to be a much more expensive way to get a 4Motion van than by waiting for one to come up for sale.
The cost would certainly run into many thousands in the UK with labour alone, then there's the cost of the drivetrain to the rear.
I just can't see how it can make sense.

Thank you. What do you think: would it be cheaper/easier to switch manual gearbox to DGS than to switch FWD to 4motion?

 

[DaveD]

Thank you. What do you think: would it be cheaper/easier to switch manual gearbox to DGS than to switch FWD to 4motion?

That would also be a big job.
In the UK there are a number of DSG 4Motion vans for sale, like this;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507304976203?sort=relevance&searchId=93c450e9-c584-4b6d-bcf7-d3f3ce155efe&advertising-location=at_cars&make=Volkswagen&model=Transporter&page=1&postcode=sg189nw&transmission=Automatic&year-to=2025&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location%3Dat_cars%26channel%3Dcars%26distance%3D%26homeDeliveryAdverts%3Dinclude%26make%3DVolkswagen%26model%3DTransporter%26postcode%3Dsg189nw%26sort%3Drelevance%26transmission%3DAutomatic%26year-to%3D2025%26flrfc%3D1

Just an example, they are out there.
Is it not the same in Belgium?

 

[AntonGangsta]

That would also be a big job.
In the UK there are a number of DSG 4Motion vans for sale, like this;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507304976203?sort=relevance&searchId=93c450e9-c584-4b6d-bcf7-d3f3ce155efe&advertising-location=at_cars&make=Volkswagen&model=Transporter&page=1&postcode=sg189nw&transmission=Automatic&year-to=2025&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location%3Dat_cars%26channel%3Dcars%26distance%3D%26homeDeliveryAdverts%3Dinclude%26make%3DVolkswagen%26model%3DTransporter%26postcode%3Dsg189nw%26sort%3Drelevance%26transmission%3DAutomatic%26year-to%3D2025%26flrfc%3D1

Just an example, they are out there.
Is it not the same in Belgium?

I'm looking for a plane van, I don't need seats on the back + it is more costly as requires much higher taxes. There is almost nothing in Belgium and quite expensive. I'm searching in German on mobile.de. But for my budget (20k euro) I see not so much good offers. If it is 4motion + DSG - the mileage starts from 118k miles and quite few of them.. But without 4motion I can find many offers like mileage 93k miles and more offers and good condition.

Maybe I need to increase my budget.. I hope next year I can increase it to 25k. Maybe I need to wait..

 

[Stay Frosty]

Forget 4 Motion and DSG just buy a 150ps 6 speed manual tailgate panel van with the lowest mileage you can afford and in a colour you like.
Then come on here and ask questions while you spend every weekend converting your van to your taste.

 

[DaveD]

I'm looking for a plane van, I don't need seats on the back + it is more costly as requires much higher taxes. There is almost nothing in Belgium and quite expensive. I'm searching in German on mobile.de. But for my budget (20k euro) I see not so much good offers. If it is 4motion + DSG - the mileage starts from 118k miles and quite few of them.. But without 4motion I can find many offers like mileage 93k miles and more offers and good condition.

Maybe I need to increase my budget.. I hope next year I can increase it to 25k. Maybe I need to wait..

A bigger budget always gives you a bigger choice. I hope you find the right van that suits you.

 

[AntonGangsta]

Forget 4 Motion and DSG just buy a 150ps 6 speed manual tailgate panel van with the lowest mileage you can afford and in a colour you like.
Then come on here and ask questions while you spend every weekend converting your van to your taste.

You know, you are right! I think I will go with FWD and buy tire chains Because I need to overcome some bad roads like few times a year and like less than 1 km.. Most of the time I will drive asphalt.

But DSG I will take.. It is easier because I'm going to use it as a main car and will use it sometimes in a city