Transit Mk7 vs Transporter T4
Discussion
Hi all,
so, van ownership beckons! getting shot of the Focus ST (if anyone's in the market
) and moving on up in size and space.
Now, my intention is to have it as a 4 maybe 5 seater. So two decent chairs up front on swivel bases, then, either a bench for 3 or just 2 individual seats.
The rear is having the dog cage, and probably divide it out one way or another for boots etc.
I really want the van to be a long term choice, something that grows with us as a family, we've 1 child atm and planning a second, and we've got the dog. Our current XC60 doesn't really do the job we want on a day out, especially with wet dog etc. So our intention is to have the van as a second vehicle, keep the volvo for normal trips to a town or visiting people, then the Van is used for trips to the beach or walks where we take more stuff. Plus we can then all come back to the van, spin the seats round and have a cuppa and get out of the wet gear.
plus once kids are older, can take the bikes to interesting places etc.
So. I'm down to two van choices. The transit Mk7 (ideally sport) or a T4 I'm stuck!
The T4's command a high price, and normally have enormous miles on them - especially for the circa £6k i'm hoping to spend.
The Mk7 can be a higher price but generally more of them, lower miles and better equipped so potentially make the van easier to live with as a daily driver. Points to the Mk7
The van will only really be used for days out and dump runs etc. I only go to the office once a month and i'll take the volvo for that so i'm not too worried about MPG but from what I can see i'd expect circa 25mpg from the Mk7 and upto about 40 from the T4...that's a sizeable difference. Point to the T4
Additionally, I'd be aiming for a 140bhp Mk7, whereas i'm likely to get 88 from the T4, now I know going from a nearing 300bhp focus ST into anyvan is going to be very different but i'm still eager to have something that'll cruise nicely and at least pickup speed when I want it to - especially if we hit somewhere with hills! Points to the Mk7
Upgradeability and cool points definitely go to the T4 though. There's an entire community of people who do things to these vans, so finding parts to use in my plans should be alot easier than with the Tranny. T4 points.
with regards to longevity, potentially the T4 wins out, but then i'm not starting from 0 i.e. if I expect the T4 to see me to what, 300,000 miles, I'll probably have about 100k left from where I buy it. The Tranny I don't expect would go to 300k, but would start at 80-90k so possibly the same 100k lifespan.
anyway. £6k ish. What would you buy??
so, van ownership beckons! getting shot of the Focus ST (if anyone's in the market
) and moving on up in size and space. Now, my intention is to have it as a 4 maybe 5 seater. So two decent chairs up front on swivel bases, then, either a bench for 3 or just 2 individual seats.
The rear is having the dog cage, and probably divide it out one way or another for boots etc.
I really want the van to be a long term choice, something that grows with us as a family, we've 1 child atm and planning a second, and we've got the dog. Our current XC60 doesn't really do the job we want on a day out, especially with wet dog etc. So our intention is to have the van as a second vehicle, keep the volvo for normal trips to a town or visiting people, then the Van is used for trips to the beach or walks where we take more stuff. Plus we can then all come back to the van, spin the seats round and have a cuppa and get out of the wet gear.
plus once kids are older, can take the bikes to interesting places etc.
So. I'm down to two van choices. The transit Mk7 (ideally sport) or a T4 I'm stuck!
The T4's command a high price, and normally have enormous miles on them - especially for the circa £6k i'm hoping to spend.
The Mk7 can be a higher price but generally more of them, lower miles and better equipped so potentially make the van easier to live with as a daily driver. Points to the Mk7
The van will only really be used for days out and dump runs etc. I only go to the office once a month and i'll take the volvo for that so i'm not too worried about MPG but from what I can see i'd expect circa 25mpg from the Mk7 and upto about 40 from the T4...that's a sizeable difference. Point to the T4
Additionally, I'd be aiming for a 140bhp Mk7, whereas i'm likely to get 88 from the T4, now I know going from a nearing 300bhp focus ST into anyvan is going to be very different but i'm still eager to have something that'll cruise nicely and at least pickup speed when I want it to - especially if we hit somewhere with hills! Points to the Mk7
Upgradeability and cool points definitely go to the T4 though. There's an entire community of people who do things to these vans, so finding parts to use in my plans should be alot easier than with the Tranny. T4 points.
with regards to longevity, potentially the T4 wins out, but then i'm not starting from 0 i.e. if I expect the T4 to see me to what, 300,000 miles, I'll probably have about 100k left from where I buy it. The Tranny I don't expect would go to 300k, but would start at 80-90k so possibly the same 100k lifespan.
anyway. £6k ish. What would you buy??
As an experienced van driver (I've literally driven 'em all in my line of work), I'd like to make a wildcard selection. Of all the vans I've driven, I would put my own money into a Vauxhall Vivaro 2 (2014-2018).
If you'd have asked me to recommend a van before I'd driven a Vivaro, I'd have plumped for a Transit, or maybe a Sprinter, but the Vivaro is just so nice to drive.
If you're not overstruck on having a Vauxhall parked on your drive, the same van was also badged as the following between 2014 and 2018:
- Renault Trafic
- Nissan NV300
- Fiat Talento
- Opel Vivaro B
Just a thought.
If you'd have asked me to recommend a van before I'd driven a Vivaro, I'd have plumped for a Transit, or maybe a Sprinter, but the Vivaro is just so nice to drive.
If you're not overstruck on having a Vauxhall parked on your drive, the same van was also badged as the following between 2014 and 2018:
- Renault Trafic
- Nissan NV300
- Fiat Talento
- Opel Vivaro B
Just a thought.
this one's a "keeping up with the jones's" issue. A neighbour has a vivaro and i'm eager to be different lol - small village
plus I'm just not keen on the look of the van. Agree, they're nice to drive though, have driven one a few times before and was comfy. Just not my cup of tea.
See that's where VW have always been top, they just seem to put out vans that look the part as a daily. Whereas everyone else (including the tranny) are really geared as work vans - the benefit of the tranny is I can get the sport bodykit, and it changes the look substantially.
plus I'm just not keen on the look of the van. Agree, they're nice to drive though, have driven one a few times before and was comfy. Just not my cup of tea.
See that's where VW have always been top, they just seem to put out vans that look the part as a daily. Whereas everyone else (including the tranny) are really geared as work vans - the benefit of the tranny is I can get the sport bodykit, and it changes the look substantially.
Hudson1984 said:
this one's a "keeping up with the jones's" issue. A neighbour has a vivaro and i'm eager to be different lol - small village
plus I'm just not keen on the look of the van. Agree, they're nice to drive though, have driven one a few times before and was comfy. Just not my cup of tea.
See that's where VW have always been top, they just seem to put out vans that look the part as a daily. Whereas everyone else (including the tranny) are really geared as work vans - the benefit of the tranny is I can get the sport bodykit, and it changes the look substantially.
I'll agree that the VW looks less like a work van - It's why everyone wants one, and they are so pricey! plus I'm just not keen on the look of the van. Agree, they're nice to drive though, have driven one a few times before and was comfy. Just not my cup of tea.
See that's where VW have always been top, they just seem to put out vans that look the part as a daily. Whereas everyone else (including the tranny) are really geared as work vans - the benefit of the tranny is I can get the sport bodykit, and it changes the look substantially.
The trouble is, Transits are the archetypal work van. The sport kit does change the look a fair bit, but be careful about going too far with it.
On my travels, I used to see a chap with an MS-RT which must have had EVERY optional extra fitted. Whilst some MS-RTs I've seen look good, this one appeared to have been used in a ram-raid on Halfords. An object lesson in spending money to make your van look cheap.
haha!! yes definitely a concern, I mean you can go nuts on T4s and they just seem to take it. Whereas yes, the Tranny can look ruddy awful if you go too far....that being said I drive an ST so I can say too much there.
I guess the T4 would hold it's value better too.
I'm not really wanting to go too nuts on the outside, I mean the sport look is what i'd prefer but even then i'm not really wanting the stripes. But some nice alloys and a bit of styling would help the tranny.
I guess the T4 would hold it's value better too.
I'm not really wanting to go too nuts on the outside, I mean the sport look is what i'd prefer but even then i'm not really wanting the stripes. But some nice alloys and a bit of styling would help the tranny.
Mate of mine is into VW vans, usually T5's. I have driven them to Le Mans a few times and they are a nice drive. They do have a bit of a "cool" surfer image, which probably helps keeps the prices up. Quite a few of the local yummy mummies by me have the Combi ones for ferrying the kids round and there's even a couple of California's too.
However, our next door but one neighbour bought a couple of year old Transit at the end of last year and the spec on it was pretty good compared to the equivalent priced VW. Leather seats, air con, electric windows, alloys, metallic paint etc. He gas had a camper conversion done on it over various lockdowns, and even managed a few trips away in it. I've not driven it, but £ for £ you do seem to get a lot more with the Ford. Only issue would be resale value I guess, that and the caravan dwelling community do like a Transit !
However, our next door but one neighbour bought a couple of year old Transit at the end of last year and the spec on it was pretty good compared to the equivalent priced VW. Leather seats, air con, electric windows, alloys, metallic paint etc. He gas had a camper conversion done on it over various lockdowns, and even managed a few trips away in it. I've not driven it, but £ for £ you do seem to get a lot more with the Ford. Only issue would be resale value I guess, that and the caravan dwelling community do like a Transit !
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-TRANSPORTER-T5-T28-1...
I do quite like the look of this.
I think it's a bit more of a blank canvas to work with but with a nicer body. I know people are firmly T5 or T4, but I would prefer something newer than a T4 if I can get it.
might be worth an email
I do quite like the look of this.
I think it's a bit more of a blank canvas to work with but with a nicer body. I know people are firmly T5 or T4, but I would prefer something newer than a T4 if I can get it.
might be worth an email
david mcc said:
If you do decide on the Transit make sure you get upgraded security on it. There is an obvious weakness on the Mk6 / Mk7 models which is well publicised.
They are one of the most stolen vehicles at the moment especially ones with sport or extra kit on them.
They are very popular with a certain community, which doesn't help. My neighbours has been checked out a few times by passing dubious types and is always blocked in when parked on their drive, as well as various other security measures. They are one of the most stolen vehicles at the moment especially ones with sport or extra kit on them.
Hudson1984 said:
I think if i'm honest I'll go VW. If I get the transit I know i'll constantly wish I bought the VW....and really, I prefer the T5. I can upgrade the exterior to look like a 5.1, better power and nicer interior.
When you come to sell it, put a Quiksilver sticker on it and you can sell it as a surf / day van too I was going to suggest this thinking it was a good deal but then saw the sellers name and 0 feedback and googled the address 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Transporter-...
When they put address as "rear of ....." you know it may be dodgy.
However it may be a ok, who knows?
Serious suggestion:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-TRANSPORTER-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Transporter-...
When they put address as "rear of ....." you know it may be dodgy.
However it may be a ok, who knows?
Serious suggestion:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-TRANSPORTER-...
GreatGranny said:
I was going to suggest this thinking it was a good deal but then saw the sellers name and 0 feedback and googled the address
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Transporter-...
When they put address as "rear of ....." you know it may be dodgy.
However it may be a ok, who knows?
Serious suggestion:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-TRANSPORTER-...
You realise these are both scam listings?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Transporter-...
When they put address as "rear of ....." you know it may be dodgy.
However it may be a ok, who knows?
Serious suggestion:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-TRANSPORTER-...
s2sol said:
GreatGranny said:
I was going to suggest this thinking it was a good deal but then saw the sellers name and 0 feedback and googled the address
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Transporter-...
When they put address as "rear of ....." you know it may be dodgy.
However it may be a ok, who knows?
Serious suggestion:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-TRANSPORTER-...
You realise these are both scam listings?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Transporter-...
When they put address as "rear of ....." you know it may be dodgy.
However it may be a ok, who knows?
Serious suggestion:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-TRANSPORTER-...
I was trying to buy a van for fishing duties recently, I started with your budget and ended up increasing it, but failed to find a decent van.
I ended up buying a near mint Jap import for £5,000
Probably not what you want, but just have a quick look at Alphards, Elysions, and Elgrands.
Remove the rear most seats and they've got a fair bit of room.
Just a thought.
I ended up buying a near mint Jap import for £5,000
Probably not what you want, but just have a quick look at Alphards, Elysions, and Elgrands.
Remove the rear most seats and they've got a fair bit of room.
Just a thought.
Hudson1984 said:
I think if i'm honest I'll go VW. If I get the transit I know i'll constantly wish I bought the VW....and really, I prefer the T5. I can upgrade the exterior to look like a 5.1, better power and nicer interior.
Sometimes, you just need to have that "internal conversation" with yourself. You end up getting to the thing you REALLY want, not just the thing you think you want. Good luck with the search... And I wish you even better luck avoiding the annoying VW "scene" tax.
Ah they're a scam? rats, and they suggested i'd won the nigerian lottery too just by emailing....gutted now!
yeah too good to be true for sure.
Also, yes the VW scene tax is a worry, but also, it's a bit justified. I mean there isn't really anything else that you could look at on the same level, the VW seems to be built for people like me, whereas every other van out there is designed (with good reason) for workers. That being said the newer varieties are all looking better and better.
I think honestly I want a comfortable vehicle. I want to be have cruise control. I'd quite like heated screen. The Mk7 ticks absolutely all of the boxes. It's just not quite as high on the cool wall.
I need to live in america, they have loads more options.
Sorry, the Alphard etc just aren't my thing.
yeah too good to be true for sure.
Also, yes the VW scene tax is a worry, but also, it's a bit justified. I mean there isn't really anything else that you could look at on the same level, the VW seems to be built for people like me, whereas every other van out there is designed (with good reason) for workers. That being said the newer varieties are all looking better and better.
I think honestly I want a comfortable vehicle. I want to be have cruise control. I'd quite like heated screen. The Mk7 ticks absolutely all of the boxes. It's just not quite as high on the cool wall.
I need to live in america, they have loads more options.
Sorry, the Alphard etc just aren't my thing.
Neither TBH
T4s are quite tired and old. I appreciate they hold their value well and there is a plentiful parts scene, but blimey you get bugger all for your money. My FIL has one and tbf it "keeps going" but he must spend a grand a year on maintenance. I can see the appeal ,
Transits of that age will rust and will probably have led a hard life, ive seen some large repair bills for them as well, in case you havent heard they rust !
Can you stretch to a connect? Bit smaller but more modern
I have one of these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-grand-Tourneo-tran...
The best family car Ive ever had, in a couple of clicks it can turn into a van, or a small van and a 5 seater, or a 7 seater . I can chuck a bike in without having to fold the seats. Best of all they are classed as a car, so faster speed limits and cheaper insurance.
I was all keen on a van under £8k but your money didnt buy you much (unlike a car) . Lots had led hard lives (as they should they are a tool) the 60 speed limit on DCs would be an utter PITA on the long journeys I do to Hull and Cornwall and to top it off I found insurance pricey!
Dont discount Jap imports, im very tempted by these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Stepwagon-2-0-IVT...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Stepwagon-2-4-IVT...
T4s are quite tired and old. I appreciate they hold their value well and there is a plentiful parts scene, but blimey you get bugger all for your money. My FIL has one and tbf it "keeps going" but he must spend a grand a year on maintenance. I can see the appeal ,
Transits of that age will rust and will probably have led a hard life, ive seen some large repair bills for them as well, in case you havent heard they rust !
Can you stretch to a connect? Bit smaller but more modern
I have one of these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-grand-Tourneo-tran...
The best family car Ive ever had, in a couple of clicks it can turn into a van, or a small van and a 5 seater, or a 7 seater . I can chuck a bike in without having to fold the seats. Best of all they are classed as a car, so faster speed limits and cheaper insurance.
I was all keen on a van under £8k but your money didnt buy you much (unlike a car) . Lots had led hard lives (as they should they are a tool) the 60 speed limit on DCs would be an utter PITA on the long journeys I do to Hull and Cornwall and to top it off I found insurance pricey!
Dont discount Jap imports, im very tempted by these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Stepwagon-2-0-IVT...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Stepwagon-2-4-IVT...
connect isn't big enough for what we want. Definitely needs to be a proper sized van. I'd be better of with a Smax or something over the connect but nope. Transit size is key.
again, the jap ones just don't take my fancy. I don't mind keeping it running, but yeah the rust thing would worry me. Spend loads keeping it on the road to be left with a pile of ash lol.
again, the jap ones just don't take my fancy. I don't mind keeping it running, but yeah the rust thing would worry me. Spend loads keeping it on the road to be left with a pile of ash lol.
TwistingMyMelon said:
Can you stretch to a connect? Bit smaller but more modern
I have one of these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-grand-Tourneo-tran...
The best family car Ive ever had, in a couple of clicks it can turn into a van, or a small van and a 5 seater, or a 7 seater . I can chuck a bike in without having to fold the seats. Best of all they are classed as a car, so faster speed limits and cheaper insurance.
I'm intrigued by these too.I have one of these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-grand-Tourneo-tran...
The best family car Ive ever had, in a couple of clicks it can turn into a van, or a small van and a 5 seater, or a 7 seater . I can chuck a bike in without having to fold the seats. Best of all they are classed as a car, so faster speed limits and cheaper insurance.
The space looks very useful. A 2.0 TD might have been more appealling, the ones I've seen are 1.5.
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