Volkswagen SHARAN (1995 - 2000)
MODELS COVERED: 5dr MPV, 1.8 turbo, 2.0, 2.8 V6, 2.
8 V6 4WD, 1.9TD 90/110/115bhp PD [CL, S, GL, GL VR6, SE, SE VR6, Carat, Sport Turbo, Sport 4MOTION, Carat Turbo, Carat VR6, GL VR6 Synchro, Carat VR6 Synchro, Carat 4MOTION]
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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If you want the best People Carrying MPV with the best resale value in the class, then youre probably looking at buying a
Volkswagen Sharan. Though the car shares its design with Fords class-leading Galaxy (and SEATs Alhambra), that Volkswagen badge and the fewer numbers on the road have kept second-hand Sharan values impressively high. On the face of it then, used buyers would be better going for the more plentiful and almost identical
Ford. In practice however, you might want to give it some thought.
For a start, though you might pay a little more for a Sharan, it will of course be worth more when you sell it. More debatably, Volkswagen dealers argue that their cars German-sourced 2.0-litre engine is better than the Mondeo unit in earlier versions of the Ford. You pays your money.
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Though at first glance every inch an MPV, the Sharan, says Volkswagen, is something quite different. Sure enough, though it seats between five and seven people depending on the model you choose, it's easy to drive, simple to park and no more expensive to run than the car you have at the moment. This, say Volkswagen, is the future; car-like qualities in what, until pre-Sharan and Galaxy times, was a van-like sector of the market. In the showroom, the car costs about the same as a mid-range Volkswagen Passat estate, measures in at about the same length and takes up no more space on the road. Behind the wheel, it's exactly like a medium range estate only better, thanks to that high-seated driving position and the glassy cabin. Whichever version you choose, you'll be looking for flexibility and you shouldn't be disappointed. Whatever configuration of seats you choose, you'll find that all of them can be folded down or unclipped and removed completed. Above CL specification, the front seats also swivel round to face the rear passengers, facilitating picnics or on-the-spot conferences.
Prices start from around £4,700 for the first of the 96N-plated 2.0-litre CL entry-level models. The GL models on 95N plates are worth around the same. The 90 bhp turbo diesel is a good option but they tend to be thin on the ground.
Prices start from around £4,800 for a CL and a GL is only about £100 extra. Prices for the VR6 start from around £5,000 for a GL, with Carats from about £300 more. SE models from 97R start at about £6,400 and the rare SE Synchro 4WD from about £6,800.
Check for faulty trim and excessive transmission noise caused by the specially lengthened gear linkages. On the popular 2.0-litre, listen for clattery camshafts and make sure that the drivebelt has been replaced on schedule. If youre buying a base model, make sure youre getting seven, rather than five seats (some basic cars miss out the back two).
Also, most CL models do without air conditioning (well worth having in a car with this glass area) so think carefully before you go without. Bear in mind too that most Sharans will have been used by people not used to cars of this size. Its worth checking, therefore, for body scrapes and scuffed mirrors. Finally, check the condition of the rear seats; their frames may have been damaged by ill-judged removal attempts.
(Estimated prices ex VAT) A clutch assembly is around £110, an exhaust system around £200, a catalytic converter around £360 and an exchange alternator around £165. Front brake pads are around £60 and a headlamp unit should set you back just under £85.
This car (along with its Galaxy and Alhambra stablemates) is the best handling people carrier you can buy. The Sharan doesn't roll, pitch or wallow like many of its MPV counterparts. Nor do you need a period of acclimatisation before you can drive it quickly, as you would, for example, with a fashionable four-wheel drive.
Both the Sharan and its Galaxy stablemate lead the MPV class on merit. If you can find a good one at the right price, dont hesitate.
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