Used Volkswagen Transporter for sale near Barnstaple

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 30.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,300
Average Price: Around £29,000

Volkswagen Transporter T6 (2016-2024) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Variety of van, MPV and campervan models to choose from	Exhaust gas recirculation problems with BiTDi engine
Beautifully made interior	More expensive to buy than most rivals
Comfortable ride	Can't match the outright capacity of a Ford Transit Custom

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Transporter T6 (2016-2024) is a sophisticated and versatile commercial vehicle that transcends the typical workaday van stereotype. With its desirable badge, smart exterior styling, and beautifully crafted interior, it offers a level of class rarely found in the van market. The T6 excels in practicality, with a wide variety of body shapes, wheelbase lengths, and roof heights available, allowing buyers to tailor their van to specific needs. Whether configured as a cargo van, the seven-seat Caravelle passenger variant, or the eight-seat Transporter Shuttle, it delivers well-thought-out storage solutions and a comfortable ride that makes long-distance driving less fatiguing.

The T6 offers an extensive choice of 2.0-litre diesel engines ranging from 83bhp to 178bhp, alongside two petrol options, with manual and automatic transmissions available. Whilst it lags slightly behind rivals like the Ford Transit Custom in outright capacity, its composed handling, predictable performance, and superior comfort make it one of the best compact vans available. The 2019 facelift introduced the T6.1, bringing enhanced infotainment, electromechanical power steering, and advanced safety features including Crosswind Assist, lane-keeping assist, and Trailer Assist. Running costs are reasonable, with efficient models achieving around 35mpg, though timing belt replacements at £400 should be factored in.

Best for: Small business owners seeking a statement of quality and sophistication, those requiring passenger-carrying capacity, and buyers who value comfort and build quality over outright load capacity.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers prioritising maximum load capacity, those seeking the lowest purchase price, or operators requiring the largest possible cargo volume.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transporter if: You're a small business owner seeking quality and sophistication, require passenger-carrying capacity, or value comfort and build quality over maximum load space.

Consider alternatives if: You're budget-conscious, prioritise the lowest purchase price, or need the largest possible cargo volume.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Transporter T6 is a premium offering in the compact van segment, commanding a higher price than most rivals but delivering exceptional build quality, comfort, and versatility. Whilst the Ford Transit Custom and Vauxhall Vivaro offer superior user ratings and comparable value, the Transporter's beautifully appointed interior, extensive customisation options, and refined driving experience justify the premium for those seeking a statement vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz Vito provides similar prestige but at comparable cost. For buyers prioritising sophistication and comfort over outright capacity, the Transporter remains one of the finest compact vans available.

Read our full Volkswagen Transporter Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.