Transit vs Merc Vito

[macp]

So the hunt for the van is still on. Finally found time to start testing some vehicles. Drove a VW Caddy Maxi and I would love one but with two adults and two small dogs it would still be so compromised, from a space point of view.

Not driven the Vito yet but sat in one at a less than salubrious dealer so didnt drive it. It felt more car like behind the wheel was the main observation. But I also got behind the wheel of a 2018 2.0 Transit 300 crew fan with auto box. But this time I got a test drive. Nice looking thing too (see below). I was firstly very surprised how I just drove it. No thoughts about how big it was. Second thought was the engine had enough go (130bhp) and listening to it, how quiet it was. The third thing was the sizeable turning circle, given I missed a turning and had to do a quick U turn. But the autobox seemed to get a bit confused at times as to what gear it should be in. Our Mini F60 auto is just superb in comparison. So unless this was just me, or they dont all do that I guess I would go for a manual. But the biggest issue was the bench seating which swmbo thought she wouldnt be able to get on with.

I dont yet know how the Merc would be in comparison. By the way the Ford was just under 18k.

As always im interested in thoughts & comments. My eyes are wide open on the wet belt thing by the way.

Thankyou in advance.

[ZX10R NIN]

You can get them with two individual front seats but it's a rare option.

Manual is the best option make sure it's been serviced as per the schedule & that the wet belt has been changed.

[macp]

ZX10R NIN said:

You can get them with two individual front seats but it's a rare option.

Manual is the best option make sure it's been serviced as per the schedule & that the wet belt has been changed.

Got my eye on that thanks buddy. There doesnt seem to be much to touch the tranny for vfm though.

[stevemcs]

Transit is one of the better driving vans, and the later models with the big screen is even more car like. Turning circle probably won’t be helped by the big wheels.

Vito is ok, but doesn’t drive as well, later ones are 1.6 engines

[wombleh]

Family member has the manual transit and been very happy with it, no particular issues with a few years usage. Nice looking thing too. I’m after a van and more inclined to get a Vito, smaller but still got enough room for what I’m after. Prob depends what’s around when I get the cash together.

[Matt_T]

I know that the Stellantis minibus has issues with the 1.5 diesel engine (Vauxhall Vivaro Life, Citroen SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller)...
... however the Toyota Proace Verso is covered by their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

I was very surprised by that - maybe Toyota upgrade the timing chain?

Maybe worth a look with that warranty?

[macp]

wombleh said:

Family member has the manual transit and been very happy with it, no particular issues with a few years usage. Nice looking thing too. I’m after a van and more inclined to get a Vito, smaller but still got enough room for what I’m after. Prob depends what’s around when I get the cash together.

I like the Vito too but within my budget of absolute max 18 - 20k, they seem quite scarce. The Transit seems such a chunk of vehicle for the money.

[Opapayer]

I’d go with the Vito, but if your choice is a newer Transit with your budget, then I’d always go for the newer option.

[macp]

Matt_T said:

I know that the Stellantis minibus has issues with the 1.5 diesel engine (Vauxhall Vivaro Life, Citroen SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller)...
... however the Toyota Proace Verso is covered by their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

I was very surprised by that - maybe Toyota upgrade the timing chain?

Maybe worth a look with that warranty?

Good thought.

[macron]

Matt_T said:

I know that the Stellantis minibus has issues with the 1.5 diesel engine (Vauxhall Vivaro Life, Citroen SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller)...
... however the Toyota Proace Verso is covered by their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

I was very surprised by that - maybe Toyota upgrade the timing chain?

Maybe worth a look with that warranty?

Just get the 2.0D?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025061435...

[macp]

macron said:

Matt_T said:

I know that the Stellantis minibus has issues with the 1.5 diesel engine (Vauxhall Vivaro Life, Citroen SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller)...
... however the Toyota Proace Verso is covered by their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

I was very surprised by that - maybe Toyota upgrade the timing chain?

Maybe worth a look with that warranty?

Just get the 2.0D?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025061435...

I saw that one and I think its the only one which avoids the nonesense ECS VED.

[macp]

Opapayer said:

I’d go with the Vito, but if your choice is a newer Transit with your budget, then I’d always go for the newer option.

Is that just preference or is there more to it.

[Venisonpie]

Avoid any wet belt Ford and double avoid the auto. The only option I would take is a 2.1 Vito with the 7G.

A Custom drives really well, much better than a Vito, but will need injectors and the wet belt is a when not if issue.

I bang on about this but speak from significant experience/pain.

[ZX10R NIN]

The wet belt isn't a when issue if you've had it serviced as per schedule & used the right oil BUT if I was buying a used Ford then I'd budget for a fluid & wet belt change so I have a good starting point.

The transit is the better van imo but the Vito has a chain so will cost less to maintain.

[Venisonpie]

ZX10R NIN said:

The wet belt isn't a when issue if you've had it serviced as per schedule & used the right oil BUT if I was buying a used Ford then I'd budget for a fluid & wet belt change so I have a good starting point.

The transit is the better van imo but the Vito has a chain so will cost less to maintain.

I'll respectfully disagree regarding the wet belt, we serviced ours as per the schedule and still had multiple failures (cost was covered by warranty but delay in getting the dealers to look at them was very costly - I shipped them out of London to TC Harrison in Peterborough as it was quicker/cheaper than fighting with London dealers).

Then there's the injectors getting stuck in the heads which renders then U/S. I could never recommend a wet belt Ford engine.

[ZX10R NIN]

Venisonpie said:

I'll respectfully disagree regarding the wet belt, we serviced ours as per the schedule and still had multiple failures (cost was covered by warranty but delay in getting the dealers to look at them was very costly - I shipped them out of London to TC Harrison in Peterborough as it was quicker/cheaper than fighting with London dealers).

Then there's the injectors getting stuck in the heads which renders then U/S. I could never recommend a wet belt Ford engine.

No problem I can only go off of mine & others (people in the trade) experiences which is that they're okay, I will say that I service my cars every 10k but I'm the first to say buying used can be a minefield.

Dealers are very slow to sort warranty issues in general & with the industry moving away from having master techs the situation is getting worse.

[Pica-Pica]

Just a small point. I assume you are thinking of under 3.5 tonne, or if over 3.5 tonne your driving licence(s) will cover that.

[macp]

Venisonpie said:

ZX10R NIN said:

The wet belt isn't a when issue if you've had it serviced as per schedule & used the right oil BUT if I was buying a used Ford then I'd budget for a fluid & wet belt change so I have a good starting point.

The transit is the better van imo but the Vito has a chain so will cost less to maintain.

I'll respectfully disagree regarding the wet belt, we serviced ours as per the schedule and still had multiple failures (cost was covered by warranty but delay in getting the dealers to look at them was very costly - I shipped them out of London to TC Harrison in Peterborough as it was quicker/cheaper than fighting with London dealers).

Then there's the injectors getting stuck in the heads which renders then U/S. I could never recommend a wet belt Ford engine.

Thankyou to you both, thats helped to make my mind up. Even if it means a slightly older Mercedes van with more miles. I cant afford the Transporter I would like. But I dont like the multitude of engine issues I read about with the vdubs. So thats not happening. The very last option could be a Toyota Vellfire. Its more modern than an Elgrand, and likely more reliable. And lastly pretty cheap too. Im just not sure if I could be bothered with all of the translation stuff etc.

I want to thankyou all again for putting up with my various posts as I continue my journey. I dont have a close friendship group or siblings I can turn to, so your help & encouragement is very much appreciated. Sorry that wasnt meant to seem like I want sympathy

[Venisonpie]

ZX10R NIN said:

No problem I can only go off of mine & others (people in the trade) experiences which is that they're okay, I will say that I service my cars every 10k but I'm the first to say buying used can be a minefield.

Dealers are very slow to sort warranty issues in general & with the industry moving away from having master techs the situation is getting worse.

I totally agree with your last paragraph, sometimes I made the decision to send them to an indie for speed as it was cheaper than the incurred hire charges whilst waiting for warranty work to be completed.

[anyoldcardave]

Venisonpie said:

ZX10R NIN said:

The wet belt isn't a when issue if you've had it serviced as per schedule & used the right oil BUT if I was buying a used Ford then I'd budget for a fluid & wet belt change so I have a good starting point.

The transit is the better van imo but the Vito has a chain so will cost less to maintain.

I'll respectfully disagree regarding the wet belt, we serviced ours as per the schedule and still had multiple failures (cost was covered by warranty but delay in getting the dealers to look at them was very costly - I shipped them out of London to TC Harrison in Peterborough as it was quicker/cheaper than fighting with London dealers).

Then there's the injectors getting stuck in the heads which renders then U/S. I could never recommend a wet belt Ford engine.

Anyone thinking of a transit should take a walk around there nearest Transit Centre Ford agent, or the branch in the group that is charged with the warranty work, You will see enough sitting around, and a peep in the workshop. enough with engines being replaced to make your mind up.

The manual has horrible offset pedals, and no resting place for your left foot, the auto not so bad but an awful gearbox.

The latest Mercedes 2.1 is no better.

If you can find one, a SWB, low roof Iveco too big ?