T5 Caravelle 2.5 174

[Feel]

A few of you might remember my asking questions about vans about a year ago.

Anyway, after much staring at the computer (and the missus car failing its MOT for the 3rd year running) we are now the surprisingly proud owners of this.

Caravelle 2.5 diesel, 174bhp, SE with soft close doors, front and rear sensors, factory tints and a towing bracket. It also has the interior out of a 2010. Think they are Touareg wheels?

It's really nice and clean and drives nice (if a bit wallowy). Needs ragging and makes a surprisingly nice noise. I'm not saying how many miles it has on, but everyone is amazed at the condition when you tell them the miles.

So far:

Front Swivels (so the front seats can turn right round to face the rear)
Pressed plates (couldn't help myself, sorry)
Cab bunk for one of the kids (me the missus and the other sprog will have to squeeze into the bed)

To come:
Golf GTi steering wheel on its way.
It has a tape player in the dash and a 6-cd changer. These'll get swapped for a double din unit, I think, with a screen in the back.
VW Bike rack.
I'd like to get the B pillar vinyled, tried myself and ferked it up.
It might get a bonnet bra to stop me looking like a taxi driver.
I might convince the missus to stiffen the suspension up a bit, I'm in two minds on a remap because of the suspension.

If we get on with it we'll get a pop-top done, but that's as far as we'll take it - we've gone for a Caravelle rather than a camper conversion because we want maximum flexibility.

 

[m0rk]

Strangely cool

 

[andyj]

Always been a fan of the T5

A mate has got a LWB version, with a full camper conversion, Audi S8 leather seats (rear-bench narrowed to fit) etc etc.

Been tempted a few times, to 'chop the Exeo in for one......

 

[Feel]

Strangely cool

They are, aren't they. Day van - chuck stuff in and go... when you're there, you've got space to "live" in it.

Always been a fan of the T5

A mate has got a LWB version, with a full camper conversion, Audi S8 leather seats (rear-bench narrowed to fit) etc etc.

Been tempted a few times, to 'chop the Exeo in for one......

We have limited access, so I wanted a SWB 'cos the turning circle is much greater on a LWB. Plus, it's a 2nd car, so parking in supermarkets etc has to be a consideration.

 

[Fl@pper]

earlier models are fetching silly money compared to other marques so well worth looking after - useful tool and cool too i like it

 

[Blanco92]

Quite pleased to see a T5 thread, Dad has one! Although it's a van! It is after all his own van and not a company one, so it's had a few nice bits done to it!

You say yours (the 174) needs ragging, think of my dad's... he's got the 85bhp 1.9 TDI!

Like yours, his has done a fair few miles now, 127k, yet still looks and drives rather well.

I think you need to get a roof spoiler on yours.

 

[Feel]

I love the sportline splitter and the roof spoiler, BUT I want to get a tailgate mounted bike rack which makes it difficult. Plus, I'm not sure it'll look right with a sportline kit and small wheels, so that'll mean bigger wheels and expensive tyres etc.

The idea (I keep telling myself) is to not be too precious about it, so we can bump it up curbs, park in hedge bottoms leave it parked somewhere without worring about it.

This was the only one I test drove. I was looking at a 130 because most of the 174 'velles are tiptronic, as soon as I drove the 174 I was sure that a 130 would be too slow for me.

 

[Feel]

Much better

 

[LEE69]

Like it, looks nice in silver.

Lots of T5's around here.

 

[Blanco92]

That's a gorgeous steering wheel. Going to have to show that picture to Dad I think!

You don't happen to know if they fit all T5s do you?

 

[Feel]

I think so, I've had to take the loom off the T5 wheel and fit it to that one but the spindle/spline fitment is the same (and I would say is the same as golf/leon etc, etc).

One of the big differences is the weight of the wheel - the van one is about 2-3 times the weight - makes such a difference.

 

[Blanco92]

One of the big differences is the weight of the wheel - the van one is about 2-3 times the weight - makes such a difference.

Hmm, fair point! Bet it makes life in car parks much easier.

 

[Feel]

Working well for us. After that first weekend away we got an awning which we've used for stopping away for the last two weekends!

Oh, and wheels are on their way I think they'll fit...

 

[Feel]

Who wants to see my new wheels?

 

[LEE69]

Just post the pics

 

[Naz]

as said already, strangely cool,

needs bagging

come on get the wheels up !

 

[Dabbalz]

Nice!
Don't spoil it with a bonnet bra - The only point i can see to them is to let everyone have a laugh at you for having one and to stop some stone chips (which a clear vinyl will do and look better).
The B pillar will work well i think, help tie the front side and rear side windows together.

 

[Feel]

Now it needs lowering!

I'll try and get some pics up this weekend - the ones I've just took look rubbish cos I can't get far enough away.

Tried the B pillars, let's just say that applying vinyls is clearly not my "thing"

I'll not be going for a bra I don't think, can't decide on remapping...

This'll sound sad, but we even swivel the front seats, open the sliders, and sit out in the back garden in it.

 

[Feel]

Waterloo Inn near Taddington/Buxton (www.waterloobnb.co.uk)

 

[andyj]

Lambo rep's ?