Vans

[dansk]

Hi -

Currently running T5 T32 Bi-TDI 180 - great van and had transporters for the last 9 years - now need a new van, this one is coming up 3 year old.

Recently VWFS have hiked up the balloon payments to cover the recent the emissions thingy - and quite frankly i can afford the new terms but just dont fancy them out of principle.

I need honest reviews - anyone running a Transit Custom 155ps? Do you like it? reliable? MPG?

Also Vito?

Not interested in the french stuff.

Ive just recently bought a transit connect and TBH i think its great - hence why im looking at a custom.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I have a custom and prefer it to the VW transporter I had before.

 

[dansk]

Interesting, more comfortable?

I was was about to order a until a guy in the business unit who has one slagged it off. 125ps model, lovely looking van but he hated it and wished he had his old vito back

 

[Leesparkykent]

I find it More comfortable. I've had no issues with my one at all. Have you took one for a test drive?

 

[dansk]

That's next.

 

[Leesparkykent]

That's next.

I haven't bought my one it's on lease. A sparks I know round my way just won a custom through some competition at CEF.. Lucky Sod

 

[dansk]

Jammy git!

I so in two minds ATM, going to look at new vito also.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Jammy git!

I so in two minds ATM, going to look at new vito also.

I like the Vito aswell. The only thing that's put me off them is when you see older Vito's and sprinters they are nearly always covered in rust lol. But if your swapping every 3 years which by the sounds of it you are, your not going to have it long enough to find out.

 

[dansk]

Didn't like the old vito, but going to take a look at the new one. Need to get my skates on because if I choose a custom there 16 week lead time.

 

[Englishman]

Vitos are lovely, and comfortable. I'm in a high top sprinter at the moment though and I love it, plenty of space and perfect for my dodgy back, both driving and walking around in the back.

 

[Harni]

The Transporters whilst a nice van, are so overpriced for what they are its unreal. You're paying for the badge...a badge thats in awful ways at the moment and the future of that badge is pretty unknown.
Vitos, good engines. Not the most economical out there or the smoothest out there but reliable enough. Its just a shame about everything around the engine. It seems Merc STILL can not build a vehicle without having tin worm set in a few years later. Ive seen 10 reg S class with rust on them!

Dont dismiss the French side though. French diesel engines are arguably some of the best in the world. I think you would be surprised what vehicles on the road have PSA (Peugeot/Citroen basically) engines in.

 

[dansk]

We have a crafter MWB and that's also a nice van, same as you say, and it had crossed my mind to get another, but it's just a bit big for what I need to do if I'm realistic about it.

 

[dansk]

@Harni - about the transporter in some ways I agree, but I can't deny its a strong motor, not only that the service from my local dealer is awesome which is also important to me.

but I'm ****ed they have hiked up the balloon with no drop in monthly payments.

yes their in trouble over the emission thing, but I doubt their on their own.

hence I'm looking at alternatives and asking others what experiences they have with the above mentioned van.

Very mixed reviews for the custom, like a marmite reply, some love it some hate it.

i just don't want to make the wrong mistake and regret not getting another transporter despite the increase.

ive personally had a bad time with French motors, I know the engine is sound, it's just the whole package.

 

[Harni]

Oh i won't deny for a minute they are a good van the Transporters and lets face it, VW will not disappear. The worst case scenario is that they end up being bought by the German government so its not like you'll be stuck with a few year old van and no parts or service. That just doesn't happen (look at Saab for the most recent case). It may mean though they become more expensive and possibly there will be VED issues later down the line if the emissions scandal ends up effecting their current motors.

Ive got no technical experience of the transit but I've driven a few we have had at work as hire vans. Lovely to drive in comparison to the old model. Pretty much like driving a car really. Despite the fact they look smaller than the older model, you get shed loads of space. Only thing i will say is they are a bit low on tech unless you are looking at one of their higher end models and I'm not sure if the higher models have the Sync 2 stereo in (the hire ones i drove were the bottom of the range crap) but if they do, have a search about to see if they have sorted the problems with it draining batteries and bluetooth not working as it should do

If i was in the market for a van, id be looking at a transit over a transporter but thats partly because I'm just not a fan of any vehicle German lol

 

[HandySparks]

I've had a Transit Custom 155 L1 H1 Limited since middle of last year. Lovely to drive, quiet; a really nice place to be. Loads of toys on the Limited, it feels like a modern car, not a last-century utility vehicle. Although after my previous van, a basic Transit Mk6 85ps, almost anything would be better!

The comparatively tall gearing took a little getting used to, but it's definitely easier to drive now that it's run in and I don't notice it any more.

Only had a couple of faults so far, a failed air temperature sensor and a badly fitted strip of rubber above the rear doors which started to let water in a few months ago.

Fuel economy is slightly better than the previous van at just over 32mpg average, measured at the pump, not the dashboard computer. Mostly short local journeys plus the occasional longer trip.