VW Sharan Review (2000 to date)

Quick Summary

All too often taking the safe option lands you with a car that's grey, boring and predictable. The Sharan proves the exception to the rule, offering a surprising sideline of fun alongside the more usual MPV staples. It's easy to see why it's so well regarded and tracking down a decent used example shouldn't be difficult. Just don't expect rock bottom prices. In this market, as in so many others, you get what you pay for.

Overall:

Models Covered:5dr MPV, 1.8 turbo, 2.0, 2.8 V6, 2.8 V6 4WD, 1.9TD 115,130bhp PD [SL, SE, BlueMotion, Sport, Carat, 4Motion Carat]

SHARAN SHARE ALIKE

MPV buyers tend to be a conservative bunch. Rarely interested in way out styling or ridiculous engines, the key demands are practicality, reliability, and quality all underlined by manageable costs. Perhaps that's why the Volkswagen Sharan has been such a consistently high performer in the UK sales charts. Although buyers know that under the skin the mechanicals are much the same as a SEAT Alhambra or a Ford Galaxy, the badge on the bonnet tends to plump up the Sharan's resale values to such an extent that it usually overcomes the premium you'd have paid for the Wolfsburg product from new. All of which is great news for the smugly smiling vendor but not such a happy story for the used buyer out to shave a few pounds off the deal. Demand for good, late Sharans runs high so although there may not be many outrageous bargains out there, at least you know you'll be driving home a quality MPV.
Used VW Sharan for sale

History of the Sharan

Sharan history dates back to the early nineties when Volkswagen and Ford jointly funded the design programme and built a new factory in Portugal to handle production. The Sharan, Alhambra and Galaxy carved the market up nicely between them, giving Renault's fat and complacent Espace a good kick in the pants. By 2000, however, the MPV landscape had changed significantly. Cars like the Renault Scenic and the Citroen Xsara Picasso had proved that many customers really did think that good things came in small packages.Volkswagen responded by improving the Sharan, giving it more of its own identity with an all-new nose and tail styling. More importantly in the face of clever-clogs upstarts such as the Vauxhall Zafira, the Sharan featured seven seats as standard. A 115bhp 'Pump Duse' turbo diesel engine was introduced which was mated to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system in late 2001 although this model was deleted shortly thereafter. Value-packed Sharan SL entry-level models appeared in 2002, and in early 2003 the powerful 130bhp Pump Duse diesel engine was plumbed into Volkswagen's MPV. 2004 then saw a restyle to the rear end and wing mirror-mounted side indicators added. Front and rear parking sensors also became standard across the range.The BlueMotion model arrived early in 2008. Based around the 2.0-litre TDI engine, it brought a series of modifications designed to lower emissions and boost fuel economy.
Used VW Sharan for sale

VW Sharan Road Test

This car (along with its Galaxy and Alhambra stablemates) is the best handling full-sized 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. A series of suspension tweaks for the second generation models have improved things still further. The German engineers concentrated particularly on improving the ride over poor surfaces - the kind of thing you notice around town - and they've largely succeeded without compromising the higher speed handling that makes this car the rewarding drive it is.These days, all models feature a six-speed manual gearbox. If that doesn't suit, there's the option of a 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic override that allows you flip manually between the cogs if you're in the mood. Which might often be the case thanks to the revised range of engines on offer.Many buyers opt for the entry-level 115bhp 2.0-litre petrol, or the base 115hp 1.9-litre turbodiesel variants now reduced in price following the introduction of 130bhp turbo diesel models. There's also a potent 150bhp 1.8-litre 20v petrol turbo. Above these sits a 204bhp petrol VR6, good for 135mph. There's also a relatively rare 4Motion all-wheel drive option.
Used VW Sharan for sale

Buying a VW Sharan

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 drive belt has been replaced on schedule.Bear in mind too that most Sharans will have been used by people not used to cars of this size. It's 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.
Used VW Sharan for sale

VW Sharan Typical Pricing

Although there are 1.8-litre turbo models in the Sharan line up, the entry-level model is the normally aspirated 2.0-litre version which opens in S trim on a 2000W plate at £5,850. SE specification punches that asking price up by £200. Opt instead for the turbocharged 1.8T and prices kick off on the same 2000W plate at £6,625 for SE guise.
Used VW Sharan for sale

VW Sharan Parts

(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.
Used VW Sharan for sale