2021 VW T6.1 Highline Transporter - The Best Work Van? Honest Real World Review

[@josephrowley2172]

I own an 18 plate T6 Highline 150ps. I can confirm it leaves plenty of cars behind at the lights, it’s fun and handles well for a van! Although I’m a builder, it’s a great all rounder. I originally bought the highline model for the cruise control and CarPlay option - but now I have one, I’d definitely pay again for all the extras. Folding mirrors, parking sensors and camera, climate control, heated windscreen, heated mirrors, auto lights, auto wipers, not to mention...it looks great. I upgraded the bulbs pretty early on. I think I spent around £65 for the sidelights, main beams, DRLs and fogs. I also got an aftermarket glove box for the passenger side ‘cubby’ hole on the dash board. It looked messy without the cover! My only complaint is the mirrors leave a big blind spot, which for someone who does a lot of driving in London, it takes some adjusting.

[@VikingViews]

Thanks for taking the time to write a post buddy. I personally started off with a 17 highland panel 102 and then upgraded to a nice spec 19 150 DSG Kombi and its a complete pleasure. This time I added all the extras, nav, heated seats, rear camera etc and I definitely use them all. I agree on the mirrors, when I had the panel I used to struggle a little, mostly at junctions / trying to see from the left but since having the Kombi that extra window each side makes the world of difference. If you've got a free minute one time look back through and you'll see my Kombi review. Thanks again mate, I appreciate it.

[@josephrowley2172]

@@VikingViews Just watched your other review, I see what you mean about the rear windows - Much more view! Videos are put together really well buddy, keep it up :)

[@VikingViews]

Thank you man, appreciate it 🤙

[@Golfgtiguy]

Nice van .I bought a new startline edition 2 months ago . I chose the same colour and SWB. It cost me 35.500 the extra 500 was for the plylining .It was a cash price here in Dublin . I bet you got a better deal in the UK .

[@MrChady1989]

Just bought a 6.1 150 dsg after owning a 18plate 130 transit custom that had endless problems. Transports is a different league highly recommend the dsg box

[@VikingViews]

Congratulations on your wise purchase! People think VW vans are just people paying a premium for the cult vibes but they are a significant step up over the competition 🤙

[@MrChady1989]

@@VikingViews 100% I bought the transit new blow dual mass an clutch at 6k I’m a sparkie so don’t carry much weight either. After solicitors getting involved ford Ringways Leeds got me a replacement new van. All well till 4K and the turbo let go 🤦‍♂️ owned it up to 20k needed new dual mass so got shut for a pure grey like nardo grey 6.1 dsg 150 ford never again

[@VikingViews]

That's shocking of the Ford though init! At least you're in a better place now. You surprised at the speed of the 150?

[@MrChady1989]

@@VikingViews yes was very surprised Vw van centre cleckheton lent me a van same as mine till mine arrived apart from this doesn’t have the led lights that mine has. I haven’t driven the manual but the dsg moves plenty of toque all around the rpm the steering is night and day different to the old transporters don’t feel like there floating anymore

[@VikingViews]

Again, welcome to the German side of vans. Enjoy your stay 🤙

[@aaronwarren3095]

Much nicer than our work Transit Kombi vans with Network Rail.

[@VikingViews]

It's worth knowing what's about 🤙

[@Olliebobalong]

Subscribed. I pick up my T6.1 on Monday. 150 Highline, DSG with full LED headlights in Pure Grey. Always had VAG cars. Have a 2019 A6. So looking forward to the van for my work. Really hope the rumours aren't true that the T7 will be Turkish built. The T's have always been built in Germany, although ive heard more to say the T7 and Transit will be built on the MQB platform, but who knows. I do know the Transporters have a quality about them no other van has, same goes for their passenger cars really. Loved your video man.

[@VikingViews]

Dude, appreciate the love. Nice choice of vehicle, that's pretty much the same spec our Boss is one line for. Not looking forward to the Ford partnership. Let us know how you get on 🤙

[@nickjohnson2570]

I have a a 13reg T5 Highline 120,000 miles ive had for 8 years from almost new and still love that van. I had a few gos in one on these new equivilants an actually prrefed mine in many ways. No adblue so slightly bigger fuel tank and seems to have a bit more guts to it. These newer ones are notibly slightly quiter in the cab and has a more practical interior and more modern features. Since ive been using premium diesel it defnatly has noticabley more power. I will get all the small dents and scratches taken out this year and part rrespray as its looking a bit tatty now. I do like that colour - my fav too. Im only 5 foot 7 and I have seat right the way back and its perfect size for me

[@VikingViews]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Nick, really appreciate it. It's great to know that that your's is still going strong, but I agree there's something about a T5 I personally love myself also. I agree with the adblue comment also, depending on engine size you'll be filling it up often also as it doesn't last long the harder you drive it

[@benholman142]

Test drove a new 6.1 last week and it was hands down the most uncomfortable van I have ever sat in. Within 5 minutes my lower back was in pieces. They need to move that bulkhead back 2 more inches to give the driver more space to adjust the seat. It was also noise than the transit way more induction and turbo noise. I really wanted the vw but couldn't live with that.

[@VikingViews]

Vans with the bulkhead aren't suitable for anyone of standard height, we also found that out 🤙

[@whiskywhippet]

Good review Ta. I went for the 150 DSG which is lush, power was fine coming from a 180 T5.1 manual. Also had metallic and a few other extras and got a reasonable deal at £34k from the local VW centre. Only negative would be the stereo sound quality isn’t as good as my old T5.1. VW have reduced the speaker size from 200mm to 160mm and made them very shallow too. There are non VW upgrades that can sort this out, but would have happily paid VW for a better system.

[@VikingViews]

Know exactly what you're saying. I think VW have overlooked some of the options as time moves on but overall it's still a compelling package. Thanks for your comment man 🤙

[@faridh2999]

Just ordered a t6.1 highline, hopefully pick up in next couple weeks, my transit custom is dead, 8yrs old, 120k, oil change every 10k, never thrashed, won’t go near a ford again

[@VikingViews]

Ford's can be tricky like that. Fingers crossed the 6.1 sees you right 🤙

[@mcTOOSH1]

What do you think on the fuel economy ? My 6.1 is quite poor on that

[@faridh2999]

@@mcTOOSH1 I’m getting around 40mpg which is more than my old transit, I’m pretty happy with it, it will return 50mpg on a run

[@mcTOOSH1]

@@faridh2999 really? I’m only getting on the average 35mpg although it’s mostly urban driving and country lanes. I also have a highline

[@douglasgreaves188]

Lot of hard core VW fans now getting priced out & looking at alternatives. EGR valve still seems to be a problem.

[@VikingViews]

Nothing's getting cheaper mind 🤷‍♂️ Haven't had any EGR issues ourselves but we'd recommend any other potential buyers do their research 🤙

[@amryu3258]

this van is gorgeous a heck

[@stal5861]

I disagree about the halogen headlights. If its a work van being used 07->16 it's hardly worth the big money. If you also drive it privately or a lot at night, sure, go LED.

[@VikingViews]

It’s all down to personal preference, but especially for someone like myself the standard head lights are awful (I’ve owned three T6 transporters). It really is night and day with the difference. I use my Kombi for work.

[@RobertSmith-dz4kr]

Pity about the reverse lights and camera and low beams.

[@VikingViews]

Better camera than the VW cars of the same age to be fair

[@effervescence5664]

The last pure VW Transporter considering the T7 is being built on the Ford Transit production line in Turkey. One thing I prefer on the Transit to the Transporter is the load height at the back, having to have it ply lined to get the floor level with the rear load lip is annoying.

[@VikingViews]

That's a fair comment man. Last of a breed 🤙

[@Olliebobalong]

Where did you hear the T7 is being built in Turkey? Very much doubt VW will drop their standards that much. They have too much fo a reputation esp with these vans. I know Ford and VW are working on several projects from EV's to commercial vehicles, but I thought it was a joint Ford VW developed platform for the van?

[@denty32]

@@Olliebobalong do VW have a standard? I have a T6 67 plate It’s had a new engine (warranty but had to fight for it) Coolant leaking into the engine £1500(common fault) Major oil leak £1000 Flywheel (common fault) Yes it drives we’ll probably best for comfort £26000 plus vat In my mind VW have compromised on their build quality and because of the badge people look passed the faults.

[@Olliebobalong]

@@denty32 I disagree. Their reliability rating has increased over the last 12 years. They do sell million of vehicles so your one case, as annoying as it is, is still anecdotal and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Unreliable low quality products in any industry don’t sell in a free market economy lol. Simple business model I guess your plate is one of the first T6s with the first euro 6 engines so they would have had all of those problems during the first runs

[@denty32]

@@Olliebobalong when the cambelt went on my van there was 6 other T6s at Loughton VW all with the same problem. We shouldn’t be Guinean pigs for van manufactures and then have to fight for them to sort the problem out same goes for the Flywheel, look it up . Let’s hope you don’t have the same problems with your van

[@MrFenn2010]

I have the edition model t6 and a T5 sportline

[@VikingViews]

Very good choices 🤙

[@alanbenham4139]

Superb & entertaining video. Thank you.

[@VikingViews]

Thanks Alan 💚🤙

[@mcTOOSH1]

Yeah I agree with a comment on here. Fuel economy is poor indeed. What would VW make a van with poor fuel economy. My old caddy got around 50mpg. The transporter 6.1 is barely 35mpg

[@Retirement_Life]

Great video guys!

[@VikingViews]

Thank you man, appreciate that 🤙

[@shadowlee2479]

Cheeky happy chappy! Very entertaining, made me laugh, get on top gear! Loved the video Nice one ☝️

[@VikingViews]

Thanks man, if you liked that you'll love our other stuff 🤙

[@stepevin923]

If you get vw, it has to be highline, saves pounds later as it gets all the goodies, if you get startline, you end up buying extras. You guys taffs? If so about time we had few taffs doing these types of posts. I am considering i vw highline for camper purposes. Cheers guys.

[@VikingViews]

Thanks for commenting man 💚🤙

[@stepevin923]

@@VikingViews your welcome, great channel.

[@simontee2335]

had my 2008 t5 2.5 tdi for 13 years goes like a mother 128k super quick for a van shits me how expensive they are over here in aus but im from the big end so nice to see a welsh review looking to get a new t6 soon so maybe this is the one . the eletric model still need some work judging by the reviews for speed and charge capability

[@VikingViews]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Simon, bloody awesome that you’ve watched this from down under. They are complete work horses and will keep going forever with the right maintenance. Definitely worth that treat for a T6 for the next however many years 🤟🏽

[@simontee2335]

@@VikingViews def as performance goes im from bridgend myself so great to see you down there.be great to here your thoughts on the ev model i wasn't sold so i think ill opt for another transporter until the tec gets better for the vans

[@VikingViews]

We don't have any experience of the electric version yet. We've got E-Tron and Tesla videos but that eludes us. I seem to recall the distance range is worrying

[@simontee2335]

@@VikingViews yes and the speed is capped as well to 86 and we all now everybody drives up the m4 at 100 ha ha

[@VikingViews]

And the rest 😉🤙

[@markwebster243]

Lol “I’m a bit biased but love a vw t🤣🤣👌🏻” ,Love my 2019 transporter always been a vw guy and remember they keep there price👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@VikingViews]

They do, they're an icon man. Lots more Transporter content coming 🤙

[@markwebster243]

@@VikingViews This was the most entertaining review 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@VikingViews]

Than you got your kind words Mark, it's greatly appreciated 🖤🤙

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

I have a Caddy van .. wanted to upgrade to a Transporter., but iMO the laod space is too small.. The crafter is too big and also very much too big to park with out busting a blood vessel every day.. VW should make a bigger Van IMo . a litttle higher and also a little longer as the Transporter but not as long and as big as the crafter

[@VikingViews]

That's some quality feedback sir. You can't please everyone all the time but we appreciate your comment 🤙

[@Scouse.Malinois]

out of all the vans, transporters are probably the least used by builders.

[@VikingViews]

Agreed 😁💚🤙

[@stevenpope6288]

I got 1 mate and I'm gutted I waste 350 a month on it front doors dont work in the winter my rear door dont work at all unless I strip the cover off radio dab doesnt work android auto dont work gutted I also got a t5.1 and its more reliable

[@VikingViews]

Dude you need to take that it to get it looked at, or to return it as a lemon. Everything is getting more cheaply made but that's exceptional

[@stevenpope6288]

Iv taken it back 1s mate they told me they fixed it but I prey to not have cold weather just so I can drive it

[@VikingViews]

Take it back again, don't accept it back until you're happy. You're the customer at the end of the day

[@Beardchanics]

Nice one, those are the créme de la créme of vans :)

[@VikingViews]

Gotta love you some crème 🤙

[@Beardchanics]

@@VikingViews with an extra 2 inches lol

[@VikingViews]

😬😂🤙

[@Beardchanics]

@@VikingViews Amazing edit on that one btw. Love clips inside edit UI, nice touch.

[@VikingViews]

Fun fact, that's the actual project it switches to and you can see it runs in real time. The nerd in me loves that 😂

[@glenmulvey6873]

Owned a 2018 t6 for 3 years, looked into replacing it with same spec T6.1.... £35k😳 Going to buy a 5 year old f type & a cheaper van instead (much more fun). The VW’s were better than the rest 10 years ago, but the competition have now surpassed VW. They are now just relying on their badge & faithful followers & that won’t last as people aren’t that stupid!

[@VikingViews]

Know what you're saying but be honest I think the cost cutting and reduction in quality and spec is happening across the entire industry. Sad times, enjoy your F Type man 🤙

[@Jasonion74]

👍

[@VikingViews]

🤙

[@RATTLER238]

At £55k NOT A CHANCE!!!! 🙄

[@VikingViews]

Not sure where you've got that number from. Van shown here is much cheaper than that

[@RATTLER238]

@@VikingViews kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6mlopSPqNerbas

[@RATTLER238]

To be fair I’d watched video for electric version! 🙈

[@VikingViews]

Happens to the best of us! 🤙

[@maxdylan9761]

fuel economy is poor

[@VikingViews]

🤙

[@jrsuk1170]

You don't sound much like a Viking, you don't.

[@VikingViews]

How many Vikings do you know?

[@jrsuk1170]

@@VikingViews 4 👍

[@VikingViews]

And how did they differ in how they sounded? 🤔

[@jrsuk1170]

@@VikingViews They sounded less Goldie Lookin Chain Good van review though.

[@VikingViews]

Could it be possible the other Vikings were frauds and have now skewed your view of a genuine Viking?

[@jamescain7250]

To small and plagued with problems shit vans living off a fashion statement rather than being practical and yes I have bought a T6 and sold within 3 months now got a 4x4 man tge180 now that’s a van

[@VikingViews]

🙈

[@Keepitgoinging]

This guy is biased.

[@VikingViews]

Check out our five things video of the van, totally balanced 🤙

[@ianmarshall170]

Over the years I have had most makes of vans Peugeot, Mercedes,Vauxhall,Ford but the worst van I have ever had was a T5 most overpriced overrated piece of crap poor fuel economy noises, just got 170 custom auto replacing a 4 year old 130 auto absolutely fantastic best vans by a mile!

[@VikingViews]

💚