🚐 High Mileage? Not What It Used to Be – Especially for Volkswagen Transporters

Here at The Wee Camper Co, we often hear a familiar phrase from first-time buyers:

"It’s done over 100,000 miles – isn’t that a bit high?"

It’s a fair question. For years, 100,000 miles was seen as the tipping point where a vehicle started heading for retirement. But that mindset is out of date – especially when we’re talking about Volkswagen Transporters.

🔧 Built to Go the Distance

Volkswagen Transporters (T5, T6, and now T6.1) are known for their incredible build quality and longevity. These vans weren’t just designed to do a few years of city driving – they were built to handle high-mileage commercial work, long-distance travel, and heavy loads.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to see a well-maintained Transporter clocking up 200,000–300,000 miles and still going strong.

In fact, if you've been to our sales yard before and spoke to our Director Danny, you've probably already been told the story of how he was outbid whilst trying to buy a 2007 Volkswagen Transporter T30 with 548,596 miles on the clock - and if you're lucky, he might've shown you the laminated vehicle summary that he embarrassingly keeps on his desk.

🛠️ Why High Mileage Doesn’t Mean High Risk

The key difference today lies in modern engineering and servicing. Here’s why you shouldn’t fear higher-mileage vans:

• Engines are better built – especially VW’s tried-and-tested 2.0 TDI range

• Service intervals and diagnostics are more precise, reducing wear and catching problems early

• Most vans spend their lives cruising on motorways – easier miles than short city runs

• A van with 150,000 motorway miles and a solid service record might be in better shape than one with 80,000 stop-start city miles

• 
  

✅ What Really Matters?

When you’re looking at a pre-owned van, don’t focus solely on the number on the odometer. Ask instead:

• Has it been regularly serviced?

• Is there a documented service history?

• Have key components (like the timing belt or clutch) been replaced on schedule?

• Has it had caring, consistent ownership?

At The Wee Camper Co, every van we sell is thoroughly checked, and we’re always upfront about service history and condition. High miles don’t scare us – and they shouldn’t scare you either.

🚐 Why a High-Mileage Transporter Could Be the Smart Choice

Buying a higher-mileage VW Transporter can be a great way to get into the campervan lifestyle without the price tag of a low-mileage equivalent. It’s not unusual to find vans with 130k+ miles that:

• Run smoother than expected

• Have loads of life left

• Cost significantly less – freeing up your budget for a quality conversion or gear upgrades

🏕️ In Summary

100k miles is no longer the red flag it once was — especially with a Transporter. These vans are workhorses with staying power. With the right maintenance and care, they’ll take you across the country and back for years to come.

So if you see a van with a few extra miles on the clock, don’t write it off. Look at how it’s been looked after. At The Wee Camper Co, that’s what we focus on – and we’re always happy to talk through a van’s history and health in plain terms.