VW T4 Buyers Guide

t4-strip

What follows is a brief VW T4 buyers guide to the VW T4 Transporter and is best read in conjunction with our guide to VW Campervan Conversions

VW T4 Buyers guide

Summary

The T4 was the 4th generation VW Transporter by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Produced between 1991 and 2003 it was the replacement for the T25 or T3 VW Transporter. The T4 represents the biggest shift in thinking across the entire VW Transporter range in that it was the first Transporter to have the engine in the front. This may be attributed to the new T4 Transporters being much more modern and car like to drive than the T25s they replaced. Early T4s or ‘short nose’ models received a face lift which is referred to as the ‘long nose’ in 1996, which essentially consisted of a reworked front end and newer more rounded bumpers. Initially reserved for Caravelles, the long nose front end was later rolled out to panels vans also which form the basis for most conversions. It is possible however to find T4s with either short nose or long nose from 1996 pretty much up to the final year of production such was the crossover. The dashboard also received an upgrade around the same time with different dials and more modern steering wheel. As with the T25 Transporter before it the T4 was instantly adopted by the campervan conversion companies with converters such as Autohomes, Autosleeper, Bilbos, Holdsworth, Leisuredrive, Murvi, Reimo and Westfalia all offering T4 VW camper conversions. Conversions based on the later ‘long-nose’ models are often better equipped and can feature luxuries such as; electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking and although rare, air-conditioning.

Engine/Gearbox

Launched with an all water-cooled line up, the most common engine choices for the T4 Transporter were 2.0 or 2.5i petrol engines or 1.9D, 1.9TD or 2.4D diesel units. Later in its production run a 2.5TDI diesel engine was made available in the form of ‘blue I’ 88bhp, ‘Silver I’ 102bhp or the very rare ‘red I’ 150bhp version. There was also a powerful 2.8 VR6 petrol version although these are only really found in Caravelles. Gearboxes came in the form of 5-speed manuals or a 4-speed automatic.

VW T4 Engine Options (most common UK versions)

Engine Type Engine Code Size (Ltrs/Cylinders) Power (bhp) Cambelt Intervals
Petrol AAC 2.0/4 83 80,000 miles or 4 years
Petrol (Injection) ACU 2.5/5 110 80,000 miles or 4 years
Diesel 1X 1.9/4 60 80,000 miles or 4 years
Diesel (Turbo) ABL 1.9/4 67 80,000 miles or 4 years
Diesel AJA 2.4/5 77 80,000 miles or 4 years
Diesel (TDI) AJT 2.5/5 88 80,000 miles or 4 years
Diesel (TDI) ACV 2.5/5 102 80,000 miles or 4 years

Please note: The information provided within this VW T4 buyers guide is intended as a starting point for potential buyers and should be treated as a source for basic reference only.

View our current stock of T4 Campers for sale