Used buying guide · Mid-size van · campervan conversions including the California
The T6 and T6.1 are newer, more refined Transporters and expensive to buy. They are generally reliable, so the main risks are the price, the paperwork and a few known faults.
This guide covers the VW T6 problems buyers most often run into on used vans and campervans, what each one looks like on a viewing and what to ask the seller. Not every van will have them. But knowing where to look stops you paying for someone else’s repair bill.
Engines you’ll find: 2.0 TDI in several power outputs
The T6 is a generation of the VW Transporter. See the Transporter guide for older vans.
The most common problems on a used VW T6
1. AdBlue faults
T6 vans use AdBlue. Heater and sensor faults bring up warnings that can lead to a no-restart countdown.
2. DSG gearbox faults
Automatic T6s use a DSG gearbox. Check for judder, slipping or delayed engagement, especially from cold.
3. EGR and DPF
Short-journey vans can clog their EGR and DPF. Warning lights or frequent regeneration are the signs.
4. Clutch and flywheel on manual vans
Heavy conversions wear the clutch and dual-mass flywheel. Check for slip and rattles.
5. Stolen and cloned vans
T6s are high-value theft targets. Check the VIN in several places on the van matches the V5C and run a full history check.
Our tip: On a van this valuable, never pay a deposit before someone has seen the V5C, the VIN and the seller in person.
These are problems commonly reported by owners, garages and the motoring press. They are not a diagnosis of any particular van. A van with a full service history and the right repairs already done can be a very good buy.
Checking the conversion as well as the van
On a campervan or motorhome, the living area can cost as much to put right as the engine. However good the base vehicle is, check these before you buy:
- Damp readings around windows, rooflights, lockers and the floor. Damp is the most expensive hidden problem in a camper.
- Gas appliances light and work, and the regulator hose is in date.
- Leisure battery, 12V system and mains hook-up all work and look professionally installed.
- Water pump, taps and tanks do not leak.
- Any added seats have proper fixings and belts, and the V5C body type matches the conversion for insurance.
- A pop-top or high-top roof does not leak, and the mechanism works.
Before you pay for a used VW T6
- Check the history. Run the free MOT history check online and look for mileage gaps and repeat advisories. Pay for a full history check for finance, theft and write-off markers.
- Match the paperwork. The seller’s ID, the V5C and the VIN on the van should all match. Be wary of a seller who is selling for someone else.
- See it running from cold. Ask the seller not to start it before you arrive. Many faults show up in the first few minutes.
- Never send a deposit unseen. Pay only at handover, by bank transfer, once you have the keys and the V5C.
Can’t get there to see it? We’ll check it for you
SafeBuy views campervans and motorhomes for buyers across the UK. We check the seller and paperwork against the V5C, run a history and finance check, walk you round the VW T6 on a live video call and send you a photo report. Add our Habitation Check and we take damp readings throughout and test the gas, electrics, battery and water.
Viewing & Verify
£149 + travel
Seller and document checks, history and finance check, live video walk-round and photo report.
Viewing + Habitation Check
£299 + travel
Everything above plus damp readings and checks of the gas, electrics, battery and water.
Drive It Home
By mileage
If you buy it, we drive it to your door. Fixed quote before you commit.
A viewing is not a full mechanical inspection. We report what we can see and measure on the day, so you can decide with the facts in front of you. See the areas we cover.
Other buying guides
Looking at more than one van? Read our guides to VW T5 common problems and Ford Transit Custom common problems, or see every model we cover.
Questions about buying a VW T6
What are the most common problems with a used VW T6?
The problems reported most often are: AdBlue faults; DSG gearbox faults; EGR and DPF; Clutch and flywheel on manual vans; and Stolen and cloned vans. Not every van will have them, so check the service history and see the van running from cold.
Is a VW T6 a good base for a campervan?
It can be. VW T6 vans are widely used for campervan conversions including the California. The best buys have a full service history, a professionally fitted conversion and no damp in the living area.
Can SafeBuy check a VW T6 before I buy it?
Yes. We view the van for you, check the seller and paperwork, walk you round it on a live video call and can test the living area with our Habitation Check. Prices start at £149 plus travel.
Ready to view one? We’ll check the VW T6 for you
Send us the advert and we’ll reply within one working day with a fixed quote to view it for you.