VW Transporter Daily Driver? FACTS & FIGURES

Can you use a VW Transporter Campervan or Kombi as a daily driver?
I have a look at the fuel economy mpg, performance, comfort, practicality and dimensions and size of the vehicle.
I love my van and use it daily, I haven't found a reason why I shouldn't. Yes it would be great to transplant an Audi R8 V10 engine in with all the running gear, but for now, i'm happy the way it is.
Do you use yours daily?
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Portable Coffee Machine - outin.com/STAYCATIONLIFESTYLE
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Whether you have a T5, VW T5.1, T6, T6.1 or even an older T2, T2.5, T4, the VW Vanlife scene is amazing, with so much help and assistance available for whatever project you wish to attempt. Panel van, Kombi, Converted Camper or VW California Beach or Ocean, enjoy the freedom van life brings.
The @Staycation Lifestyle van conversion is coming along nicely.
I bought a VW Transporter T6 Kombi Highline van 140bhp diesel SWB with tailgate.
Slowly turning it into a camper van / day van with bed. I will also need something for cooking, cooling, sleeping, drinking ?? Choices to be made.
I have lots more to do though, I have a new electrical system, using Victron components and a Lithium LIFEPO4 battery, so I obviously need to install some power devices. I have a new sound system, with Focal speakers and ibus 2.1 amp, Playstation PS4, which will be removable, TV's on headrests.
Lots for me to look forward too and it would be nice to take you on the journey.
Please do let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions.
Vanlife for me is just beginning, it's a great adventure and I'm loving it. 😍
There are many great camper adventures to come
Thanks must go to the following:
titantransporters.co.uk - Sourcing my van, providing advice and soon a paint correction and detail
tamarcaravancentre.co.uk - Advising me with many of my leisure equipment purchases, including my Thetford toilet
www.dream-ice.co.uk - Quality advise on my sound system upgrade
plyworxuk.co.uk - Suppliers of my Halo roof and ply products
www.batteriesandsolar.co.uk - 1st class advice and guidance on my electrical system install
stitchesandsteel.com - Seat covers, carpet, roof straps, changing mat
Transporter HQ for my tailgate struts
Kiravans for my Swivel Seats
If your looking for some free places to stay, have a look at the Britstops book www.britstops.com
Many choices of places to park up overnight and stay in their carparks including pubs, restaurants, adventure centres and even vineyards and breweries.
Amazon Audible is great for listening to books on longer journeys, I have used it for years.
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If you click on my Amazon affiliate links, I may receive a commission. I will only link products I use and believe in.
Im a member of Devon & Cornwall Transporters. Have a look at the Facebook group and come along to meet the other friendly members
#vanlife #vanlifeuk #campervan #transporter #vwbus #adventure #rv #rvlife #camper #vwcamper #camper #staycation #wildcamping #offgrid #travel

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Love my van. Do you use yours as a daily?

[@paulmaryon9088]

Yep, agree with all you said there, I ran a short wheelbase Defender for 15 yrs before getting my LWB T5, so took a little getting used to the extra length, but I love it, it's my only vehicle so great for work, play, weekends away, and the whole family love it too, great video, thanks

[@arunl8778]

really useful thanks for posting this

[@rachdrumz2186]

This video is so helpful! Thanks for doing it :)

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you, glad you found it useful

[@jamesdecade]

Great video. Squashed some of my concerns! I think the width you may have got wrong though as that’s the width for the transporter including mirrors and some of the other widths are without mirrors. So actually, the transporter footprint is a lot slimmer than what’s listed! Even more benefit! :)

[@Alanginger]

We have a T6 2019. DSG 2.0L TDi 150 bhp. 35 mpg. Daily Drive. Just short of 5m x 2m x 2m approx. Short Wheelbase. Campervan Poptop No problem parking. Runs great.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I really like the 150 DSG. They are brilliant vehicles 👍

[@vplph]

Good video .. ! The whole thing about turbo diesel is torque, which makes weight not such an issue.

[@ramblingimbecile2295]

I drive a LWB Transit for work and its considerably harder to park than the SWB. It took me bu surprise actually that just 40cm more wheelbase makes turning into a bay so much harder

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It does make a big difference and I don’t think I would fancy a LWB as a daily driver (as a non driving job) Amazing how much more spacious the interior feels though 😀

[@yorkshireteaahhhnice1417]

Had my T6 as my daily driver ,camper van ,mobile office and family car for 6 years. Get a average of 43 mpg with the 102 hp engine. It’s the Swiss Army knife of vehicles ,wouldn’t have anything else it’s a keeper forever. Best vehicle I’ve ever had. Having pop top car parks and multi storey car parks are an issue as she is just above 2m

[@StaycationLifestyle]

They are amazing, as you say they do it all. If it’s not lowered, try lowering it to get under 2m

[@JamesWilliam70]

I've seen plenty a T6 whazzing by me on the motorway when I'm doing the (/) national speed limit. 38mpg seems decent for a diesel van I guess. I get that from my self charging hybrid Niro 4 in the winter, but it does go up to 61mpg on the summer long runs though.

[@colinyoung5690]

I have a T6 LWB 150bhp with a DSG box. When I ran the standard wheels I was pleasantly surprised by getting 42mpg, changed to 18” and dropped to 39/40. My daily drive is 29 miles + the return journey. I like driving it, love the raised position. It is a pig in smaller multi-storey car parks, in normal car parks, the back hangs out. My biggest issues are, door actuators failing, I’m on my 3rd battery, steering wheel functions stopped working for a couple of months a couple of times. None of these things are uncommon when I look at the forums but my biggest gripe is VW Aberdeen & Dundee, incompetent doesn’t cover how useless the £100/hr pseudo mechanics are. I’ve seriously considered moving to a Transit because of the service stations, do my own services now, not rocket science.

[@bibster9]

Hi. Thank you for a great and detailed video. I've been contemplating trading my 3 series touring for a transporter, as an everyday ride, and also to convert to a camper for occasional use. Performance was my biggest issue...Any thoughts on buying a 102ps and getting a Pendle remap? Have you heard of any issues re reliability etc following a remap? Thanks in advance

[@greggan100]

Do the remap on it, takes it 180bhp, improves fuel and goes like a rocket if you want it too. Best thing i done👍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Something I’ve been contemplating 🤔

[@studiosys]

All those cars are juicy , we have 2018 nissan juke 1.6 d av 58 mpg , town and dual carriageway use , ive reset it many times ,,,,,went to 60 ! Once

[@StaycationLifestyle]

They are. I was had a Juke RS Nismo for a weekend, that didn’t do 58 mpg, but was fun 🤣. That’s a really good return 👍

[@norbertotrevino4075]

My daily driver is a 2018 T6 2.0L 104hp TDI manual tranny LWB 9 passenger van, what would be considered a shuttle. Love it with all its quirks.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Brilliant vehicles to daily, you can do lots with them 👍 Very practical

[@pholland6643]

I have a Hyundai Staria van, and my economy around the city is the same as my wife's 2L Kia Sportage. Country, will go near 1000km on a single tank. ( West Australia)

[@Zedmondo1]

I recently got a VW Multivan EHybrid. I mostly drive 20-40miles a day - averages 150-300MPG!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Wow, that’s impressive. I think hybrid is a much better choice than full electric at the moment

[@ianmckillop5608]

I own a Mercedes E class and my work van is a T6 4 motion. Unfortunately my work does not allow private use of the van. If they did I would get rid of my car. The van is plenty fast for me, joining motorways no problem. I notice that when I park my car I'm usually sticking out of the bay, no such worries with the van. My next car will definitely be a van 😁

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That’s a shame you can’t use personally. The 6.1 is even better, feels a little more car like. Although dare I say I really like the Merc V Class. It’s similar to the E class interior

[@skvsn]

Would be great to see steady motorway MPG to eliminate driving style from the equation. My X-Trail 1.6d CVT returns about 46-47 on a motorway, while daily short drives are similar to yours - about 35-37. Does it mean T6 will do 45 on a motorway?

[@andrewborrell6373]

Allways used Millers diesel fuel additive for year to keep injectors clean and low soot, Millers boost octane on 2 litre T5.1 think this why get 54mpg on motorway

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I've heard others suggest that. May need to give it a try

[@markjobling1705]

Great video. I wouldn’t change my T6 SWB for anything. Could I ask what stereo is that, it looks mega!!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s the Alpine Halo 11. I’ve done a couple of videos on it 👍

[@aitchmere7252]

I have the T6 Highline 150 SWB, on 20s, and I'm lucky to get 20mpg around town. Maybe get high 30s on the motorway.

[@FASIGMAN]

Done it mate just saved £200 on my insurance. (it is an older van).

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Any van is a complete lifestyle changer. Much more versatile. Enjoy 👍🏼

[@mattaugarde4175]

You have a link to Devon & Cornwall VW Transporters. Can't seem to find the group

[@robertyardley8104]

Can’t see me going back to a car again like you l love my transporter van,so versatile.enjoying your site 🚐🚍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

They make such a difference. Swiss Army knife of vehicles 😃

[@iam_anderdingus]

After driving SWB DSG transporters over the last four years as my daily there is no way I’d go back to a car 🚗 love my bus. I don’t worry about MPG - never have. If it needs fuel, I just go and fill it up.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

They are brilliant. They do everything you need 👍

[@andrewborrell6373]

My T5.1 diesel 2 litre T32, CAAC ENGINE , 54 mpg on motorway, 48mpg urban

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That’s a fantastic return. Can’t understand how some people get so low mpg figures

[@petebennett7008]

I ran an RS3 (8V) before my T6 which averages around late 30’s so I’ve easy doubled my fuel economy 😎

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣 T6 doesn’t sound as good though? Would love a petrol one, but just couldn’t live with extremely low mpg for daily use

[@petebennett7008]

It was an immense car! The sound from the 5 pot is incredible (especially with the sports exhaust with valve delete software so they were open all the time lol) stage 1 Revo with carbon intake 420bhp on 99 Ron. Oh I miss that car!

[@JosipM333]

I have the same engine in my VV Caravelle 4motion, After remapping my van runs like crazy overtaking other cars in traffic is like a game.

[@kinross24]

Great comparison video. Could you add the maximum range with those mpg/fuel capacity to see how they compare with the new range of EV’s and especially electric vans, like Vivaro-e, Citroen, eTransit etc

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I can’t remember the exact ranges, however even the petrol focus did about 400, which is nowhere near what you will get out of an electric vehicle (at the moment). The T6 is about 550 to my best just shy of 700 miles

[@kinross24]

@@StaycationLifestyle thanks but it only takes 30-40 mins to top up again, which you can do while having a wee snack in the van or (using your loo) and would save you lots of pennies over the year. Most only do 30 miles a day commuting anyway. I charge at home which works out at 1.3p per mile (that’s with price hikes)

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@kinross24 I considered one for my wife as only does short local mileage, however for me at present I don’t think it would suit me. The infrastructure is improving in Devon and Cornwall which is great. However I couldn’t tow my caravan. I’m actually keen to see the long range ibus when it’s out, as that may suit my needs.

[@effervescence5664]

The Vivaro-e got about 120 miles fully loaded for work on the large battery (75kwh), about 90 miles on the small battery (50kwh). LWB Diesel Caddy gets 400 miles fully loaded (55 liters) while the Transporters are closer to 500 miles fully loaded around 700 miles empty (80 liters). The eTransit is a class up and we haven't had reason to test one, plus you can't get it into most car parks or drive-throughs, most tests I've witnessed are around 120 miles for it though.

[@grantlingley1385]

We rented from Open Road Scotland for 6 days in June! We did a loop from Paisley up to Sky,loved it and did lots of touring, then up to Inverness and down to Sterling before heading back over to Paisley again. We saw just shy of 500 mpg which we thought was great. Your fuel prices are crazy compared to Canada $3.21 vs $1.69 but really pleased with the VW! Just for comparison…. Electric and hybrid of course are becoming really popular but we still lack ready access to Charging Infrastructure outside of Urban areas. It’s available , you just need to plan your trip.

[@Gjydcnkuikbvfdf]

Your apple car play screen looks after market? Where did that come from? It looks great!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s an Alpine Halo unit. Got it from Dream Ice in Hinckley. Great unit and great company

[@JosipM333]

I have VW T5.1 2014. yrs 2.0 TDI 140HP 4 Motion.... Best Van I ever heave...

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Cracking engines. Would love to have 4Motion. It’s on the wish list for the next van (which won’t be anytime soon 😂)

[@williameveritt3938]

I have a 204 bhp (I think ) 2022 4 motion lowered with 20 inch wheels. Only around 28mpg around London 34 on motorways and I’m not a fast driver. Not great

[@StaycationLifestyle]

4WD and big wheels certainly won’t help, however 28 around London probably isn’t too bad. As it’s new it may improve slightly also. Would love that spec you have, one day 🤞

[@darrins85]

Great video. I am convinced! Can I ask what infotainment system you have put in? Thanks

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Alpine Halo headunit, with 2 Xtron TV’s in addition. Projector coming soon. PlayStation for games, films and sky tv, which I can remove. Also Apple TV and fire stick can be used

[@darrins85]

@@StaycationLifestyle thanks very much.

[@mrnexus8seven949]

Given current fuel prices (July 2022) I can't see these vans being good to run at all, would that be reasonable? I'm at the start of looking for a camper van and already overwhelmed by the sheer number of variants ... that's not going to stop me but mpg is.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I did a 300 mile run in a fully loaded camper with water tank on board and full fuel. 150 DSG and returned 42.4 MPG. My van returns 38MPG which is no worse than my previous cars. I have 18” wheels which helped, as opposed to the much heavier 20” wheels. If you are concerned, hire one for a few days and do your usual daily trips and see how it compares to your current vehicle 👍

[@mrnexus8seven949]

@@StaycationLifestyle OK, thats useful you say 18" wheels because I'd never have considered that at all. I'm not sure what a 150 DSG is but your mpg was more reasonable than I'd have anticipated, so that's interesting. Nonetheless, these insane fuel prices are going to be a major consideration and, likely as not for many others too, probably lead to not buying one. But who knows, they're amazing things and I really like them. I hope you enjoy yours for years to come 😊

[@kevbell5346]

@@mrnexus8seven949 The T7 eHybrid Multivan or the Cargo might be a good option if running costs are a concern. Then of course there's the VW ID Buzz, all electronic EV, that might be worth waiting for.

[@oliverpearce474]

Was a T6 with Euro 5 140 engine a deliberate choice? What’s your feeling for a T6 with a Euro 6 150 engine?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Yes and no. The 140 is said to be the most reliable engine. As it doesn’t have the adblue, there is less to go wrong. However I didn’t mind either, but the one I got came up and it was perfect. I did nearly buy a Euro 6, it was just too much. Now however, I would like to get a Euro 6 as I have to pay in clean air zones. If it’s looked after and isn’t only doing short journeys, a Euro 6 is fine

[@stevezodiac491]

​@@StaycationLifestylemy van is euro 6, gives a longer lifespan before the eco loons stop you using it.

[@stereofidelic67]

Noticed you've bought yourself a steering wheel lock. Do you use that regularly? How secure are these vans? (sorry.I accidentally deleted by last question!)

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s the same as with anything, the more barriers you put in place, the better. However with knowledge and correct equipment, nothing is safe

[@markfoster3421]

Get a clutch claw!great bit of kit. If you have keyless entry get a steering lock as well

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@markfoster3421 Yes and I’ve heard the Bear lock is good. The problem is with all these devices is that if someone really wants it, they will break into your house

[@petebennett7008]

I put a ghost immobiliser on mine £450 but worth the peace of mind

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@petebennett7008 A great device, especially when coupled with a tracker. You can spend a fortune on security 😀

[@Oiu82]

I'm thinking about a VW transporter, currently using VW golf r estate - 29 mpg🤣

[@StaycationLifestyle]

What a fun car to drive though 😃 I love my van, much more practical even than a nice estate like yours

[@Oiu82]

@@StaycationLifestyle Golf estate is sold, I joined VW T6 gang😂.

[@_bav]

Regarding your fuel economy figure for the T6, what size wheels are you running? There's lots of anecdotal evidence around that suggests the bigger the wheels, the poorer the economy figure.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That is very true and it does affect fuel economy. I have 18 inch wheels so fair better than those running 20’s, although 20’s look a lot better. With all the lanes I encounter, I’m better off with a higher profile tyre.

[@davidallen1661]

I didn’t know that Gary Barlow from Take That owned a VW Transporter 😂

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣 Every day is a school day 😀

[@comfortablynumb8832]

Re mapped my dsg to 200ps Iv had 40mpg

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That’s great mpg, with decent power 🤙

[@mcjjordan]

My t5.1 102 ive had for 5years & never gets above 30 mpg.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Ouch, that’s not good

[@lastruebeliever]

Good review - insurance? 🤔

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Difficult question. For a standard unmodified van/kombi or campervan it’s ok. Several insurers can underwrite this and some online. It’s when the van is modified, a campervan built from a panel van etc that a specialist broker will be required

[@lastruebeliever]

ta😀@@StaycationLifestyle

[@Hungary-Tiger2056]

Is Volkswagen T6 transporter rear drive

[@StaycationLifestyle]

No they are front wheel drive or there is the 4Motion which is 4wd

[@stevezodiac491]

I get 51 mpg out of my E Class Mercedes diesel on a run, I couldn't get anywhere hear that in my van. Further to that, my mercedes at the moment costs me around 14 p per mile, now compare that, against my Nissan Leaf using say 3.5 miles per kwhr and overnight electricity costing 9.5 p per kwhr from octopus go and the leaf costs me 2.7 p per mile or rather my wife who does most of the driving in it. So no, running the van as a daily driver would cost me an arm and a leg. Horses for courses. I also have an MX5, a Honda 600 f ab and kawasaki 900 rs se and none of those vehicles come anywhere close to the leaf for cheapness to run. We bought the leaf 7 1/2 years ago cheap with all the manufacturer and gov subsidies but their purchase price now is restrictive, so it is swings and roundabouts in that respect.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

On a run I can get near 50mpg out of a T6.1, but average less. I was comparing how my previous vehicles stacked up, as what I do in a vehicle may be different than Doris or Peter, but if I’m comparing me and mine, then it’s more reasonable if I’m doing similar journeys. Electric would more than likely be cheaper, but purchase cost and the now huge depreciation makes this worse. I’m quite interested in an improved hybrid offering, one that say can do 60 miles electric per charge, rather than the current much less.

[@stevezodiac491]

I thought that my leaf was expensive at £22k when we bought it all those years ago, wouldn't even consider a new electric car now without the £5k subsidies, manufacter incentives, that I got, as an early adopter but we are benefitting from the decision we made i suppose financially then, avoiding the inflated current prices, getting around semi locally at a cost that can't be beaten.

[@anoshya]

Much safer than a car which is lower to the road