Ford Transit Custom

[matt1978]

Has anyone got any experience of the above?

Our current lease expires this May so I am exploring options for the next.

We currently have Renault Trafic Sports, double can SWB and its not been too bad. Build quality is ok(ish), comfortable ride and fairly well equipped but the biggest single issue is the Automatic gear box. To be blunt its rubbish. Aside from that, its only around 115 ps and it feels a bit underpowered when accelerating from about 40-70 on Mway.

I am now considering the

VW Transporter Sportline (180PS) and the Transit Custom Sport (150PS) both SWB, Both Double Cab.

Have received prices for the VW Sportline and they are pretty expensive in comparision to what we are currently paying for the Renaults but some of my colleagues in Germany have the Transporter with the 7-speed Auto box and its like silk. Can't feel any lag or gear change. Major downside to the VW Sportline is the rediculos 6 month waiting list!! Although it is possible to buy the Highline (next model down) and spec it back up again with a waiting time of around 3 months, which would fit in ok with our time scale.

No had prices for Custom yet, but I am anticipating for it to slot somewhere inbetween the VW and the Renault.

Any one test drove or maybe even bought one?

 

[zzr1200]

I've had transits and a transporter as company vans, personally I'd go for the VW, transits are now built in the Eastern Europe I believe, certainly not at Southampton, might as well buy a German built van.

Can't you get Lorch HQ to buy it then ship and register it here?

 

[matt1978]

It's a lease/hire so not really. Lorch in Germany have a fleet agreement with VW and Merc and they get a really good price for the lease but its a fully maintained lease that even includes Insurance, so it wouldnt be any good to me in the UK.

We did it about 8-9 yrs back with VW Caddys and saved a lot from the price quoted in the UK to what we could get from Germany but to be fair most of that saving was based on the exchange rate, which at the time was closer to 1.45-1.50, as aposed to 1.15-1.20 now

 

[bill_gj]

Transit - Yes, now majority built in Turkey, there may be another plant in somewhere like Romania, can't remember.
I think they may also suffer from the dreaded split-mass flywheel as well - loadsamoney to fix out of warranty.

 

[matt1978]

I should of also pointed out that we usually only lease for 3 years, so out of warranty repairs costs ordinarily wont be an issue, as I think the warranty is atleast 3 yrs on all of the vans I am considering.

Out the two Trafics, one has had to have a complete new gearbox fitted (after about 18 mths) but as the 3-yr warranty co-incides with the term of the lease we was ok.

Its just the hassle of having to take it back and forth to the garage.

 

[zzr1200]

I should of also pointed out that we usually only lease for 3 years, so out of warranty repairs costs ordinarily wont be an issue, as I think the warranty is atleast 3 yrs on all of the vans I am considering.

Out the two Trafics, one has had to have a complete new gearbox fitted (after about 18 mths) but as the 3-yr warranty co-incides with the term of the lease we was ok.

Its just the hassle of having to take it back and forth to the garage.

What are your local main agents like, a good back service could be the deal maker....

But I don't to tell you that do I.....Matt....

 

[J_K]

A builder friend of mine has got the new Transit custom.
Absolutely loves it. Been in it a few times and it's a really nice place to be.

 

[BrokenBiker]

i have driven a transit custom a few times after borrowing it off my father in law. Very nice to drive compared to my 5 year old swb tranny. Cant say about auto box as his is manual but no complaints about comfort, and his has the rs alloy wheels with rubber band tyres. Well equipped and the extra power is noticeable. Its only a single cab so will be a bit lighter than what you want but i compared to your current vans it should still have a bit more

 

[matt1978]

Thanks for the feedback.....

Spent most of yesterday visting the various dealerships.

It basically boils down to this, top of the line Ford with a 155ps and manual box or a top of the line VW Tranny with 180ps and 7sp dsg box for approx £130 per month more.

I have to say the Transit Custom does feel and look a very nice van, but on the other hand its not a VW is it. When I got a offer on the 140ps and 6 speed manual version of the Tranny (which would be a fairer comparison) it was around £60 per month more than the Custom.

I am probably going to organise a test drive on the Custom prior to final decision but my intial thoughts are b***x to it and go for the 180ps VW.

 

[bs2236]

Thanks for the feedback.....

Spent most of yesterday visting the various dealerships.

It basically boils down to this, top of the line Ford with a 155ps and manual box or a top of the line VW Tranny with 180ps and 7sp dsg box for approx £130 per month more.

I have to say the Transit Custom does feel and look a very nice van, but on the other hand its not a VW is it. When I got a offer on the 140ps and 6 speed manual version of the Tranny (which would be a fairer comparison) it was around £60 per month more than the Custom.

I am probably going to organise a test drive on the Custom prior to final decision but my intial thoughts are b***x to it and go for the 180ps VW.

I did the same journey last year, ended up with a VITO sport. Great van, lovely to drive but you couldn't go past a garage without filling up. Only manage late 20's at best to the gallon.

Would possibly go VW route next time but the dealers were not supportive and the lead times were 6 months plus.

 

[BrokenBiker]

i will be looking for a new van next year providing mine behaves for that time and will be looking at an auto this time. The only thing that puts me off the vw is the price, but i suppose you get what you pay for

 

[J_K]

You say "it's not a VW" like that's a bad thing..

I see that as a plus point. You're paying £1560 a year more just for a name and brand perception.
Fords aren;t my cup of tea but they've made a few vans in their time. And they seem to learn by their mistakes. I think the Custom will turn out to be a far better van..

 

[matt1978]

I just dont think it has the same solid feel as the VW.

I have not driven it yet so I cant say. I do however appreciate that VW's are not perfect as I did have some major issue with the gearbox and the cruise control on a Caddy mk2 I had a few years back.

Thats not strictly true about the £1560. You basing that on the £130 per month higher charge, but that was based on the VW with a 180ps engine and a auto box verses the price of the Ford 155 ps and manual box. The more accurate comparison would be circa £60 a month higher, but even then there was some optional extras on the VW that hadn't been spec'd on the Ford (Sunroof, Spoilers, left/right sliding doors) because they simply wasnt an option. I would say that to get a closest like for like spec, then the real monthly difference would be around £30-£40 a month.

I considered the Merc, but the price was too expensive for Contract hire.