For those interested in German precision engineering, there are a number of Volkswagen minivans. Volkswagen is one of the top ten car manufacturers. Comparing the different types of Volkswagen minivans before you set foot on the lot will give you a better idea of what you and your family need going into the sale.
Options for Volkswagen Minivans
Volkswagen has has manufactured three minivans in recent years:
- Routan: The Routan is a variant model of the Chrysler RT, which also acts as the platform for the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country. The minivan includes roof rails so you can pack things on top of the vehicle as well as inside it. Rear park assistance includes a camera that allows you to see what is behind you. There are four different models of the Routan, including the S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium. The 3.8-liter engine has an overhead valve system, and an even larger engine has a single overhead camshaft.
- Eurovan: The Volkswagen Eurovan, known internationally as the Volkswagen Transporter T4, was the first Volkswagen minivan to boast a water-cooled, front-mounted engine. Eurovans are available in both standard-gasoline models and diesel models, as well as manual and automatic transmissions. All models have a VR6 engine. Many Eurovan owners convert this minivan into a camper van. Volkswagen stopped importing the vehicle to the United States in 2003; however, you can still find a number of Eurovans on the used market. The van seats as many as seven passengers while giving you ample room to bring anything you would like to accompany you on a road trip or camping trip.
- Vanagon: The Vanagon, also known as the Transporter Type 2 and the Caravelle, ceased production in 2002. However, there are still a number of Vanagons on the used car market. The van includes features such as air conditioning and a water-cooled engine, and transmission options include three- and four-speed automatics and a five-speed standards. Engines range from 1.6 liters to 2.0 liters, operating on either standard gasoline or diesel. The "Weekender" model comes with two rear-facing seats, making this vehicle perfect for long road trips with the family.
New Vs. Used
The minivan that you want may only be available for purchase on the used market. Similarly, you may wish to get an older version of a currently produced minivan to save yourself money. Remember that when you purchase a used minivan, there are very few ways to ensure that you know the whole story. This means tat you may be purchasing a number of problems that are not identified. Many states do not have "lemon laws" for personal sales, meaning that unless you buy the car from a licensed auto dealer, you may have trouble getting compensated in the event that you have purchased a junk van.
Particularly when purchasing a used minivan, it is important to perform all maintenance on the vehicle to ensure that it remains in running order. This includes oil changes, tune-ups, transmission flushes and all other regularly scheduled maintenance. You may be able to get this done at a local Volkswagen dealership, where the mechanics are used to working on cars and vans such as yours.
Purchasing
Your ultimate purchase decision will be a function of storage space, price, features and fuel efficiency. You may wish to test drive a couple of different models before you make a final decision about which Volkswagen minivan you wish to purchase. Even if you have a good idea of what you want when you step on the lot, this may change once you sit behind the wheel.
