Van advice needed please!
Discussion
Hi all,
I am looking to get a Ford Transit type van. Currently have a Fiat Ducato which has lasted a long time but on occasion has proved a bit more costly than average when getting parts and repairs done. Know that Transits tend to be popular and easy to maintain at a lower cost as parts etc are more available and they're easier to work on.
I had a look at a Transit at the weekend. It was the basic model, about five years old, but already getting rust (which I always thought Transits were known for) despite the dealer telling me they don't have the same rust problems they used to...
So, can anyone recommend a similar size van that is also cost effective to run/maintain? Ideally I want something that has some towing capacity as well. Excuse the ignorance but does a higher BHP mean it's a better tower?!
The only ones of this size I've had are a Transit and the Ducato so that's as far as my knowledge goes.
Many thanks!
I am looking to get a Ford Transit type van. Currently have a Fiat Ducato which has lasted a long time but on occasion has proved a bit more costly than average when getting parts and repairs done. Know that Transits tend to be popular and easy to maintain at a lower cost as parts etc are more available and they're easier to work on.
I had a look at a Transit at the weekend. It was the basic model, about five years old, but already getting rust (which I always thought Transits were known for) despite the dealer telling me they don't have the same rust problems they used to...
So, can anyone recommend a similar size van that is also cost effective to run/maintain? Ideally I want something that has some towing capacity as well. Excuse the ignorance but does a higher BHP mean it's a better tower?!
The only ones of this size I've had are a Transit and the Ducato so that's as far as my knowledge goes.
Many thanks!
ellectrastar said:
Hi all,
I am looking to get a Ford Transit type van. Currently have a Fiat Ducato which has lasted a long time but on occasion has proved a bit more costly than average when getting parts and repairs done. Know that Transits tend to be popular and easy to maintain at a lower cost as parts etc are more available and they're easier to work on.
I had a look at a Transit at the weekend. It was the basic model, about five years old, but already getting rust (which I always thought Transits were known for) despite the dealer telling me they don't have the same rust problems they used to...
So, can anyone recommend a similar size van that is also cost effective to run/maintain? Ideally I want something that has some towing capacity as well. Excuse the ignorance but does a higher BHP mean it's a better tower?!
The only ones of this size I've had are a Transit and the Ducato so that's as far as my knowledge goes.
Many thanks!
Bear in mind that the Relay, Ducato and Boxer all use the Transit engine and gearbox (on the 2.2 diesel anyway, the 3.0 is a Fiat engine as is the 2.3) , so repair costs are the same between them, add on that the Relay/Ducato and Boxer don't suffer rot anywhere near the likes of the Transit, Sprinter or Master I can't see what you will gain going to one. That said I had a brand new Transit at the weekend for moving the outlaws (our Relay is a camper so not really kitted out for moving people) and I have to say even for a basic model it was a pleasant enough place to sit and easy enough to drive so its easy to see why they sell by the metric fI am looking to get a Ford Transit type van. Currently have a Fiat Ducato which has lasted a long time but on occasion has proved a bit more costly than average when getting parts and repairs done. Know that Transits tend to be popular and easy to maintain at a lower cost as parts etc are more available and they're easier to work on.
I had a look at a Transit at the weekend. It was the basic model, about five years old, but already getting rust (which I always thought Transits were known for) despite the dealer telling me they don't have the same rust problems they used to...
So, can anyone recommend a similar size van that is also cost effective to run/maintain? Ideally I want something that has some towing capacity as well. Excuse the ignorance but does a higher BHP mean it's a better tower?!
The only ones of this size I've had are a Transit and the Ducato so that's as far as my knowledge goes.
Many thanks!
k ton!steve-5snwi said:
yes, don't .... and keep away from the vw too
Keep away from the older model. The new one is fine. I had 2 older ones. Had them from new. Turbo and clutch went at 30k. Known injector rust issues.
New model has been fine and I’ve had that for 3.5yeara and 30k. Soda law the clutch will go tomorrow
gazza285 said:
steve-5snwi said:
ellectrastar said:
Any opinions on a Vauxhall Vivaro??
yes, don't .... and keep away from the vw tooThe Primastar did have a bit more room in the back (and its box shape was a tad more practical for standing up racks on each side). But overall, I love the T5 (2014 T28) and wouldn't go back to a Trafivarostar.
Speaking purely from a 'having worked on them' pov, I have never liked Transits. The new age of Transit has a plethora of options available, given, but you have to like 'em, and I don't. In terms of fitting a windscreen, I don't rate the design at all. Even the previous model was plagued with issues around the windscreen and they [Ford] haven't done enough to master that side of the design. The new model screens aren't stuck along the bottom and the scuttle isn't robust enough to stay where it needs to be. That, along with the curvature of the screen leaves it wide open - literally - for non-contact. I do this when I fit one:
Unless you clamp them down you can't be assured of a good contact. Your average fitter probably won't have the time nor the inclination to take such steps.
The wipers are a bit of a faff too.
steve-5snwi said:
yes, don't .... and keep away from the vw too
Keep away from the older model. The new one is fine. I had 2 older ones. Had them from new. Turbo and clutch went at 30k. Known injector rust issues.
New model has been fine and I’ve had that for 3.5yeara and 30k. Soda law the clutch will go tomorrow
I hired most of the makes mentioned already for weeks and did thousands of miles in each. Thought the Vauxhall was alright but I had the 130hp version. VW felt cramped & was thirsty but nicely spec’d. Ford I couldn’t live with. Then I test drove a Vito. And bought the 116 auto. Superb van.
Toyota would have been second choice but finding a decent spec’ was hard work.
E.T.A. Sorry, noticed you’re after full size transit type. New Sprinter, so nice, finally MB have sorted the ‘infotainment’.
Toyota would have been second choice but finding a decent spec’ was hard work.
E.T.A. Sorry, noticed you’re after full size transit type. New Sprinter, so nice, finally MB have sorted the ‘infotainment’.
Edited by dfen5 on Wednesday 22 August 22:47
I’m on my second transit, old one though, 07 with 200k on the clock. 2.4 lwb high roof.
Use it for towing 3 tons which it does happily and is only 100hp. Have used a more powerful one but was higher geared and so didn’t like towing. The gearing is more important than the power.
Rwd’s can tow more so make sure you get the right spec, check the gross train weight and rear axle ratio.
Only other vans that can tow as much are sprinters, new crafter in the correct spec and Iveco daily.
I was thinking of going to sprinter next as you can spec them exactly as you want I.e auto box, 4x4, whereas the transit is not so customisable. However having driven a new shape one I think I’ll just get another transit. Very comfortable and you know where you stand with fords.
My 07 plate is only just showing signs of rust, had to scrap my 02 plate as the sills fell off.
Have driven Vauxhall movanos, Peugeot boxers etc but they don’t feel as solid or well thought out. If you get a transit you can always sell it easy and they hold their value a bit better than the rarer stuff.
Use it for towing 3 tons which it does happily and is only 100hp. Have used a more powerful one but was higher geared and so didn’t like towing. The gearing is more important than the power.
Rwd’s can tow more so make sure you get the right spec, check the gross train weight and rear axle ratio.
Only other vans that can tow as much are sprinters, new crafter in the correct spec and Iveco daily.
I was thinking of going to sprinter next as you can spec them exactly as you want I.e auto box, 4x4, whereas the transit is not so customisable. However having driven a new shape one I think I’ll just get another transit. Very comfortable and you know where you stand with fords.
My 07 plate is only just showing signs of rust, had to scrap my 02 plate as the sills fell off.
Have driven Vauxhall movanos, Peugeot boxers etc but they don’t feel as solid or well thought out. If you get a transit you can always sell it easy and they hold their value a bit better than the rarer stuff.
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