Mercedes Vito auto (W639) - good/bad/run for the hills?
Discussion
I've been looking for a nicely-specced panel van for private use, and have spotted a 2014 Vito 116CDi auto for sale locally. It looks a nice thing and the auto would be a big bonus given my slightly ropey left knee.
Are these W639 Vitos a decent van? I know the early ones had a tendency to rust, but how do the mechanical and electrical bits fare in terms of reliability? And is that auto box likely to be troublesome?
Are these W639 Vitos a decent van? I know the early ones had a tendency to rust, but how do the mechanical and electrical bits fare in terms of reliability? And is that auto box likely to be troublesome?
The facelifted versions (after 2012 I believe) solved the rust problem and have had some ride comfort improvements. I have a passanger version (Viano) with the 3.0 cdi and auto box, it has never missed a beat. The automatic is smooth and does its duty well. It rides better then any VW offering.
flatso said:
The facelifted versions (after 2012 I believe) solved the rust problem and have had some ride comfort improvements. I have a passanger version (Viano) with the 3.0 cdi and auto box, it has never missed a beat. The automatic is smooth and does its duty well. It rides better then any VW offering.
The 3.0 V6 is tempting (and would be the second fastest vehicle I own), sadly it would require a fair chunk of "budget creep"...! Viano versions look very plush, probably too nice for my purposes; I'll be chucking mountain bikes in the back, so those nice side panels and carpets would soon be a mess. A 5-seat Dualiner with no bulkhead would be ideal though.Didn't bother looking at the one advertised locally in the end; I tried to pull up the MOT history online this morning only to find the reg number wasn't recognised. Might be a legitimate reason for that, but it seemed rather fishy, and there's no shortage of vans out there.
I run about 80 Vito's some of this vintage - biggest mileage I think is 240,000 miles. They are very robust and don't suffer from anything serious however things to be aware of.
Injectors - can leak or very rarely fail, not cheap to replace.
DPF as per all manufacturers.
EGR system can go wrong but not often.
Usual advice - buy one that has been very well looked after including recommended auto gearbox fluid changes.
They do take abuse and some are (mine are multi user vehicles doing up to 40k per annum in urban envirnoments) so be careful not to buy one requiring triggers broom treatment.
Find a good indy (doesn't have to be Merc specialist, just someone you trust) - they're not complex.
Pence per mile for maintenance averages 7p vs 9p for Ford Customs in a similar environment.
Injectors - can leak or very rarely fail, not cheap to replace.
DPF as per all manufacturers.
EGR system can go wrong but not often.
Usual advice - buy one that has been very well looked after including recommended auto gearbox fluid changes.
They do take abuse and some are (mine are multi user vehicles doing up to 40k per annum in urban envirnoments) so be careful not to buy one requiring triggers broom treatment.
Find a good indy (doesn't have to be Merc specialist, just someone you trust) - they're not complex.
Pence per mile for maintenance averages 7p vs 9p for Ford Customs in a similar environment.
Jonny_ said:
flatso said:
The facelifted versions (after 2012 I believe) solved the rust problem and have had some ride comfort improvements. I have a passanger version (Viano) with the 3.0 cdi and auto box, it has never missed a beat. The automatic is smooth and does its duty well. It rides better then any VW offering.
The 3.0 V6 is tempting (and would be the second fastest vehicle I own), sadly it would require a fair chunk of "budget creep"...! Viano versions look very plush, probably too nice for my purposes; I'll be chucking mountain bikes in the back, so those nice side panels and carpets would soon be a mess. A 5-seat Dualiner with no bulkhead would be ideal though.Didn't bother looking at the one advertised locally in the end; I tried to pull up the MOT history online this morning only to find the reg number wasn't recognised. Might be a legitimate reason for that, but it seemed rather fishy, and there's no shortage of vans out there.
The Viano has a lot more sound insulation then the Vito.
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