Vans - VW T5 or Merc Vito
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm finding it hard to find info about vans online.
I want a LWB van for around £6k with approx 100bhp that's reliable and have narrowed it down to either the VW T5 or Merc Vito (too many reliablity issues with Vivaro and I have a Powervan which is the common sense choice but want a change)
Are they both Front WD ?
Do the 2003 on Vitos still go rusty ?
Anyone driven both ?
Anything to be aware of ?
Cheers
I'm finding it hard to find info about vans online.
I want a LWB van for around £6k with approx 100bhp that's reliable and have narrowed it down to either the VW T5 or Merc Vito (too many reliablity issues with Vivaro and I have a Powervan which is the common sense choice but want a change)
Are they both Front WD ?
Do the 2003 on Vitos still go rusty ?
Anyone driven both ?
Anything to be aware of ?
Cheers
Are you talking the previous or new shape Vito?
If the new shape they are both Front and Rear wheel drive depending on spec, the older one is front only IIRC. Vito's do still rust but seem to get better from 2004 onwards.
Have driven a T5 a little but it was a leggy one and though it was good I prefered both of the Vitos I have used over the VW for long distance work. Not had an serious issues with any of them but we tend to get rid of them at 3/4 years old but we did find the Vito cheaper to run than a similar transit, and that was taking all of the costs into consideration.
If the new shape they are both Front and Rear wheel drive depending on spec, the older one is front only IIRC. Vito's do still rust but seem to get better from 2004 onwards.
Have driven a T5 a little but it was a leggy one and though it was good I prefered both of the Vitos I have used over the VW for long distance work. Not had an serious issues with any of them but we tend to get rid of them at 3/4 years old but we did find the Vito cheaper to run than a similar transit, and that was taking all of the costs into consideration.
I've got a T5 Transporter, 2.5 130bhp, and Its by far the best van I've had, and believe me I've had plenty. They are car like to drive and it has plenty of grunt, although you would be looking at the 1.9 if you require 100bhp, which are more common and easier to find than the 2.5
Guy I worked with had his T5 replaced by a Vito last year, and although it was different he said ultimately the T5 was the superior of the two, after driving his Vito I am inclined to agree
The 2003 on vito is RWD and yes they still rust albeit not as bad as the previous model
Guy I worked with had his T5 replaced by a Vito last year, and although it was different he said ultimately the T5 was the superior of the two, after driving his Vito I am inclined to agree
The 2003 on vito is RWD and yes they still rust albeit not as bad as the previous model
Both front wheel drive, All VW's and some Vitos.
Vito's are of shabby build quality IMO, compared to the VW. Rust is an issue too. Too many people get fooled into thinking they're buying the same quality as the cars, due to the badge. When in reality, the Spanish build Vitos fall short of expectations.
I think the VW is by far the better all rounder. Good, quality vans and I'm confident to say the best van money can by.
Vito's are of shabby build quality IMO, compared to the VW. Rust is an issue too. Too many people get fooled into thinking they're buying the same quality as the cars, due to the badge. When in reality, the Spanish build Vitos fall short of expectations.
I think the VW is by far the better all rounder. Good, quality vans and I'm confident to say the best van money can by.
lazyitus said:
Chris_w666 said:
lazyitus said:
Both front wheel drive.
I have had 2 Vitos for work and both were rear wheel drive. Vito is rear wheel drive, (well my 109dci is), VW is front.
I've just bought a Vito a couple of weeks ago, highish mileage, but reasonably clean body-work and interior.
Drives well, reasonably quick (for a van, and it's only the 109) comfortable enough etc.
I've not driven a T5 but had a T4 when they first came out years ago, and that was miles ahead of a Transit at that time. Can't really comment though for a modern one.
I suppose it will comne down to what you carry in the back and if FWD or RWD makes a difference to you.
I have Hankook Winter tyres on and it's been fine the last couple of days.
I've just bought a Vito a couple of weeks ago, highish mileage, but reasonably clean body-work and interior.
Drives well, reasonably quick (for a van, and it's only the 109) comfortable enough etc.
I've not driven a T5 but had a T4 when they first came out years ago, and that was miles ahead of a Transit at that time. Can't really comment though for a modern one.
I suppose it will comne down to what you carry in the back and if FWD or RWD makes a difference to you.
I have Hankook Winter tyres on and it's been fine the last couple of days.
Thanks
If the Mercs still rust then I'm not interested.
I had a Sprinter years ago and it just went horribly scabby for no reason when I looked to buy a newer one they were all as bad so I bought an Iveco which still is fine at 10yrs old but I now want a smaller nicer driving van.
The FWD v RWD was more because FWD tend to have lower floors / loading height.
Must admit I prefer the looks of the T5 albeit they are a bit more expensive but I'll get a similar differential back when I sell it anyway.
Just getting tired of looking for a decent spec, sensibly priced T5 without rocketship mileage so started looking at alternatives.
I'll keep looking.
If the Mercs still rust then I'm not interested.
I had a Sprinter years ago and it just went horribly scabby for no reason when I looked to buy a newer one they were all as bad so I bought an Iveco which still is fine at 10yrs old but I now want a smaller nicer driving van.
The FWD v RWD was more because FWD tend to have lower floors / loading height.
Must admit I prefer the looks of the T5 albeit they are a bit more expensive but I'll get a similar differential back when I sell it anyway.
Just getting tired of looking for a decent spec, sensibly priced T5 without rocketship mileage so started looking at alternatives.
I'll keep looking.
Edited by redgriff500 on Monday 29th November 11:00
I saw a 2008 Vito go through a Manheim auction a month back with 78,000 miles on it at £6450 and it was in very good order but looked like it had probably done most of its miles over short trips.
We had a 2004 that rusted after 18 months but was sorted by MB, and a 2007 that didn't rust or show signs before it left us earlier this year.
We had a 2004 that rusted after 18 months but was sorted by MB, and a 2007 that didn't rust or show signs before it left us earlier this year.
never driven a vito...
but have done many many miles in both t4s and t5s.
A decently specced T5 is a very pleasant place to be full stop. (i'd rather drive the length of the country in a half way specced T5 van than a base spec 1.2 clio)
we even had a 4 motion T5 at work for a while. It was ace!
but have done many many miles in both t4s and t5s.
A decently specced T5 is a very pleasant place to be full stop. (i'd rather drive the length of the country in a half way specced T5 van than a base spec 1.2 clio)
we even had a 4 motion T5 at work for a while. It was ace!
My parents have the last shape caravelle 07 plate with the 174bhp engine, plenty quick enough 
One thing that differentiates the vw with the merc is the 'box...my parents couldn't find an auto one in the whole dealer network of this country to be test driven so their custom went to vw...might be something worth considering if it's specifically a manual you want?
One thing that differentiates the vw with the merc is the 'box...my parents couldn't find an auto one in the whole dealer network of this country to be test driven so their custom went to vw...might be something worth considering if it's specifically a manual you want?
I've driven both and the T5 is a much better drive and much better built - Pricey bugger though.
I am hearing a few reports of the 2.5 engine grenading with less than 100K. Using the correct PD oil is vital as otherwise camshaft wear occurs and they do like the odd waterpump. They can suffer the odd electrical niggle too but nothing major. Great vehicle to drive, no wonder they are so popular.
I'd much rather have a small sprinter than a Vito
I am hearing a few reports of the 2.5 engine grenading with less than 100K. Using the correct PD oil is vital as otherwise camshaft wear occurs and they do like the odd waterpump. They can suffer the odd electrical niggle too but nothing major. Great vehicle to drive, no wonder they are so popular.
I'd much rather have a small sprinter than a Vito
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