Models
LCV (2.0 TDI -102,122,140,177PS)
History
The second generation version of Volkswagen's Crafter aimed to do nothing less than completely upset the established order when it came to really large vans.
If your business regularly frequents this section of the market, you may have some vague familiarity with the Crafter name. And if you know your vans, you may even be aware that the original 2E/2F-series model, launched in 2006 and significantly updated in 2011, was a badge-engineered version of its arch-rival, the Mercedes Sprinter. As was this SY/SZ-series MK2 Crafter, though Volkswagen continued to fit its own engines.
Prior to the first generation Crafter's launch, Volkswagen designed and engineered its own large van, the LT, two generations of which sold between 1975 and 2006. That original Crafter was an accomplished, solidly constructed van, but in truth, there weren't too many reasons to buy it unless you were a fan of the Volkswagen brand. It couldn't be ordered with the front wheel drive format that many customers wanted and you couldn't have the really wide range of platforms and body styles that some rivals offered. Yes, it was a quality product, but then so was its Mercedes Sprinter design stablemate, a model often perceived to be a better business investment.
The second generation Crafter was a very different proposition. Buyers got a choice of front or rear-wheel drive, 4MOTION 4WD and manual or automatic transmission, all mated to a class-unique electromechanical steering system and a purpose-designed 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine offered in various outputs.
As for the different body styles on offer, buyers got the widest choice in the class, the core panel van variant available with a choice of three roof heights and three load lengths. Plus there were five-seater double cab models as well as dropside derivatives and tipper truck versions. Gross vehicle weights ranged all the way up to 5.5-tonnes, cargo volumes ranged up to 18.4m3 and load area heights ranged up to around 2.2m. In other words, if a Crafter couldn't accommodate your company's needs in the past, this MK2 version ought to able to do so. This model sold until it was updated in mid-2024. It's the pre-facelift 2017-2024-era models we look at here.
What You Get
In making a fresh start with this Crafter model line, the Wolfsburg brand took the opportunity to make a fresh start with the design of its largest van. Super-sizing the look of the medium-sized Transporter LCV would have been a more sensible approach from the very beginning. That at last was what was offered with this MK2 Crafter.
Once in the cab, well, this is about as good as it gets when it comes to LCV transport from this era. Those believing that the Mercedes Sprinter sets the quality standard in this class from this period will be people who have yet to try this second generation Crafter model. In the cab, you'll see at a glance that the quality of the fixtures and fittings is higher than is the case with competitor vans from this period and the redesigned three-spoke multi-function steering wheel feels good to hold.
It gets better too. Providing you avoid entry-level trim, you'll find the dash dominated by the most sophisticated infotainment screen available that back in 2017 had been fitted to any commercial vehicle, an 8-inch Composition Media set-up. If it's been fitted with the optional 'Discover Media' package, your Crafter will have in-cab Wi-Fi too, so it can then properly function as a mobile office.
If the thought of that's attractive to you, you might well need room to work and an area for something like a laptop. It's helpful then, that Volkswagen here copied rivals by providing a fold-down centre seat backrest that's ideal for this purpose. Alternatively, if the centre backrest isn't down, you'll have the option to individually pull up the passenger seat bases, under which is space for bulky items - a hard hat for example - or things you might want to keep out of sight.
Crafter buyers from this period got three wheelbase length options - the 5.9m 'L3' 'Medium' version, the 6.84m 'L4' 'Long' model and the 7.39m 'L5' 'Long Maxi' derivative. There were also three roof height choices, starting with the 2.35m 'H2' 'Low roof' version, which slots in below the 2.59m 'H3' 'High roof' variant - the one most will want - and the 2.79m 'H4' 'Super high roof' option for those who really want to super-size things. All of that means that a typical 'L3' 'Medium' wheelbase model can come in load volumes that vary between 9.9m3 and 11.3m3. An 'L4' 'Long' model can come in load volumes that vary between 14.4m3 and 16.1m3. And an 'L5' 'Long Maxi' derivative can come in load volumes that vary between 16.4m3 and 18.4m3.
As for payload, well that of course depends on the Gross Vehicle Weight of the variant you choose. The front-driven set-up that most customers will probably go for was available for Crafter variants of 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0-tonnes in Gross Vehicle Weight. This can give you a potential payload capacity anywhere between 735kgs and 1,301kgs. You'll be able to carry more with the alternative rear-driven configuration, which is available for Crafter variants in the 3.5 to 5.5-tonne Gross Vehicle Weight range, models which offer a greater towing capacity of up to 3.5-tonnes. If towing is a priority, your ideal pick will be one of the 4MOTION 4WD models, these on offer in the 3.5 to 4-tonne Goss Vehicle Weight category.
What to Look For
There are a few important components to examine when buying a used Crafter, one of which is the diesel particulate filter. Be sure to check for the DPF warning light on the dashboard. Problems can occur with regular town driving, or on short journeys, because the filters don't get hot enough to burn off the particulate deposits. In this case, the light will remain on, and the filter will have to be manually cleaned out with what's called 'forced regeneration' - something Volkswagen refused to perform under warranty. You need to be aware that the cam belt service on a Crafter is at 80,000 miles or four years. If the van has passed its cam belt service, good advice is to get an inspection, as there is a high chance of damage to the engine.
The Crafter's engine is known for consuming plenty of oil, sometimes as much as a litre every 1,500 miles. Another common fault with the engine is a blown turbo - look for smoke from the exhaust when the engine is hot, and listen for grating and whistling noises from the top of the engine under power. If the turbo is to be replaced, make sure the exhaust gas re-circulation valves are changed at the same time. While coolant hosing is cheap, its positioning on the Crafter at the back of the engine means any replacement involves at least five hours' labour.
Check the service history to see if the van is due its 'B' service (every third service is a 'B' service). If you find this is due, then try to reduce the price. Also make sure that the service warning light on the dashboard goes out when the engine is running. Servicing on the Crafter is variable; however, the light can come on as early as 9,000 miles for heavily used vehicles. Look underneath the van and check for oil on the floor or around the differential. Should there be any, it may be a sign of a fault with the diff. If this is the case, and the van's warranty still stands, Volkswagen may replace the part for free. If not, get the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic and look for a price reduction.
Replacement Parts
(approx based on a 2018 Crafter 2.0 TDI 140PS - Ex Vat - autodoc.co.uk) An air filter is priced in the £10 to £20, though you could pay up to around £47 for a pricier brand. An oil filter also costs in the £5 to £13 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £29-£54 bracket for a set; rear pads sit in the £33-54 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £29-£69 bracket for a set; rear discs sit in the £47-£103 bracket. An air filter is in the £10-£47 bracket. A wiper blade is in the £7-£9 bracket. An alternator is in the £109-£220 bracket. A headlight is in the £177-£277 bracket.
On the Road
On the move, two particularly important developments distinguished this second generation Crafter model from its predecessor. First was the more efficient electromechanical steering system, which made possible a whole range of added safety and parking features. Second, and perhaps even more significant, was the addition of a front wheel drive configuration, something you couldn't have in the previous generation model. Rear wheel drive and 4MOTION 4WD were still offered too and your selection of drive layout could well impact your choice between the various versions of the 2.0 TDI diesel engine that were on offer. There were four, with 102, 122, 140 or 177PS outputs available. Volkswagen also offered the option of 8-speed automatic transmission.