Vans

[monkeyhanger]

It's coming to the end of my relationship with my 52 plate transit.
Over the past year it's had nothing but problems, with the following works done:
Re-sprayed & signwritten
New wings as original were 'too' rusty
Most components replaced on the brakes
Gearbox problems (towed away)
More gearbox problems (towed away again, original gearbox saved again!.. how long will it last now?)
New clutch when the box was out
Problem with diesel leaking from fuel pump... cant remember what the fix was but at the time I was told I should be relieved it didn't need a new pump in the end
Cutting out every few miles in a short space of time, 4 or 5 times with engine management light flashing- then starting again straight away- then it will be ok for 6 weeks weeks & repeat

I've had it for almost three years and although it only has 100k on it
The rust is coming through again in places, will probably look awful after this winter and its getting quite manky
Road tax runs out in 5 days
Keep having to top coolant up, theres a leak somewhere deep inside and its getting worse
Two tires are due
This morning it decided to break down again, they (local independant garage) came out and plugged the computer in but it apparantly wasn't clear what was wrong and half a can of easy start wouldn't give it any life, apparantly likely an injector problem / nackered pump?

It is actually the third time its been off the road in 7 weeks, each time I've thought ahh its only this or that much money I'm sure it will be fine for a year / 6 months / a month... then it leaves me without transport again!

I'm not sure where to draw the line and stop wasting? money on this van.

The local vauxhall dealership are trying very hard to get me to drive away in one of the new vivaros they've had parked outside for a while, and I'm thinking of spending a lot more than last time on something nice n shiny and reliable. After all, the van is my shop front and showroom.. but even the deposits/VAT on a new van are money I don't really have spare at the moment!

Has anybody got an opinion or any experiences keeping a 10 year old transit / getting a new vivaro, or any recommendations on the new(er) vans available at the moment?

 

[cbw]

What a pain....
My 52 transit seems bullet proof (178 000) Guess just lucky???
How good is the deal on the Vauxhall....told they have reliability issues that cost fortunes?

 

[Strima]

Sounds like it's been run into the ground and abused by it's previous owners. With a dog like that it's not worth pumping the cash into it, if you can't afford new have a look at the auctions as a lot of rental companies change their fleets every couple of years and will have been serviced regularly.

 

[Bubblecraft]

If you really like your Mk6 tranny & don't mind spending a bob or 2, jump on http://fordtransit.org/forum/ to keep her on the road.

I've went from a Mk5 to Mk6 to Mk7 now. Will always stick with my Transits. Mk7's are great but far more computerised than the previous models which may cost more for electrical repairs & also currently has a security glitch which are far easier to be broken into than previous models but on the upside, Mk7 (2007 on) are newer. Less rust, fewer miles & plenty life left in gear boxes etc.

Depends on what size of van you are after too.

 

[ruston]

What a pain....My 52 transit seems bullet proof (178 000) Guess just lucky???How good is the deal on the Vauxhall....told they have reliability issues that cost fortunes?

My mate has the Nissan equivalent after getting rid of his tranny. It has been nothing but trouble since he got it and is now looking to get another transit.

 

[electric will]

52 plate, your lucky, this'll be the one with the normal rotory type bosh pump, a bit after this they went to a Delphi common rail system these were even worse, the high pressure pumps would basically grind them selves to bits, trashing the injectors at the same time

 

[monkeyhanger]

I part exchanged my old ford escort van (with 205,000 miles on it and running fine) for the transit at a local garage, what a mistake! A plumber had it before and it must have had a rough life!

The deal on the vivaros they have is 20% deposit & 4 years 0%APR on £10,000
For some reason they only have two seats?
I've told them they can phone me back on thursday when I decide whether to keep the transit and when I've had a shop around for my options.

I dont know whether I need to.. and I haven't shopped around, yet!

 

[Dcf]

I traded my 05 trafic in this year after the gear linkage cable broke and left me stranded at a roundabout at 5.30 at night.it was the only time it broke down really.96000 I think it had on it.i bought it new.bought a trafic sport for 13400& vat.
its no better on fuel than the old one despite having the euro 5 engine.the media system in it is not bad.its not really any better than the old van to be truthful.
i had a feeling that the gearbox was on its way out so hence the reason for changing it.
the problem with vans these days is the electronics add the fact a lot of vans get driven like they are stolen and you can see problems occurring.i don't think that ther is one van that is better than the rest ,they all have their good/bad points
i wouldn't go on any van forums either you wouldn't buy anything after readin them.
mind vans are tax deductable as well.

 

[Martyc]

We had a 52 plate tranny. Scrapped it a year ago when the dual mass flywheel broke up and jammed the starter, the repair bill wasn't worth it. Other than that though it was a simple tough reliable if slightly rough workhorse. Was crap to drive, but done everything asked of it and caused minimal trouble during its service (8years)

 

[monkeyhanger]

I've had a look on some forums. For every van I've looked up there are reported issues! People I've spoken to either in the motor trade or other tradesmen have conflicting opinions of just about every aspect of every vehicle. One common theme though appears to be- do not lease!

I forgot to add, I've also bought a replacement LCD clock on the transit dash, £7 off ebay. It's still something else thats went wrong though...

 

[sparkdog]

I was going to get a Transit Connect but gone off the idea as I see so many problems with them.

 

[Martyc]

I was going to get a Transit Connect but gone off the idea as I see so many problems with them.

Having used one for the last 18 months but van has been with company 6-7 years I can say its not been unreliable (let us down once, starter motor gone) dash problems fairly occasionally (dead dials, still drives ok) and not been serviced well at all it's stood up to it all. And no corrosion problems unlike proper trannys. Can't really fault it especially for the life it's led.

 

[sparkdog]

Perhaps I've got that wrong,or just certain models give trouble.

 

[DurhamSparky]

give van monster a look in mate... located in darlo..!

 

[MarkieSparkie]

... A plumber had it before and it must have had a rough life!

Say no more; he probably tried running it on water! :jester:

 

[Martyc]

Perhaps I've got that wrong,or just certain models give trouble.

They do have their common faults, but then what vehicles don't. Gimme a ford over something French any day!

 

[vxwestie]

Im on my second Renault Trafic sport, had three vivaros in the past. Superb vans. I went to renault as you got more for your money, better deals and better customer service.
had a call from Dales in cornwall the other day, they have New Trafic sports in stock for £12500+VAT

- - - Updated - - -

1005 tax deduction, something shiney to drive and like you say, its your shop front.
No brainer really.

 

[vxwestie]

Drive something other than an agricultral transit for a day and you'll never buy a ford again...

 

[HandySparks]

Anyone know when the new Transits are coming out? (Not that I can afford one.)

 

[Mark_Burgess]

I have seen and spoken to owners with the Hyundai iload they have loved them and like the cars have a long warranty I think (might be wrong).
I am sticking with my T4, 12 years old, looking reasonably good and has never let me down (I might regret typing that now) I do however have an oil leak on the crankshaft seal that I really must do!