I have driven the previous shape transit vans for probably the last 7 years.
from Y reg with 140K to an X with 200K.
presently drive a 54 plate with 70K .
I drive these daily and they are comfotable and reasonbly reliable workhorses.
Like everything it depends how they are looked after?
Main issues are Wishbone ball joints, but you have to replace the complete wishbone.
Clutches, these can go without any warning as they dont start to slip until there is nothing left and then you are in trouble.
At the first sign of creeping in traffic, get it changed ASAP.
Look at aftermarket replacements to a more standard clutch kit, to avoid this.
Starter motors, on early ones, they had issues with clutch dust contamination resulting in premature failure.
Most got fixed free by dealers if the issue was pushed.
vibration & rattle from the steering colum is pretty common on high milers.
The batteries are mounted under the seat and as such, should be gell batteries, so not to relase fumes into the cab upon charging.
Trim wise if you buy a Single or double cab, with a Tipper body, or similar, watch the vents behind the seat, just above the chasis rail.
These tend to get pushed out easily, due to people putting stuff behind the seat and pushing them out.
Also on chasis cabs the spare wheel is mounted at the rear between the rails and is wound down using a key system in the chasis rail, with an extension bar, with 2 parts.
These tend to get lost and should be in the flap in the footwell.
THe winding down mechanism is on a cable and because of wheres it situated, tends to stick.
Make sure it still drops down otherwise your stuck (trust the voice of experience and several long waits for the AA).
General interior trim is OK, but air vents tend to break if even slightly heavy handed use.
The Spring on the Glove box is a usual casualty with the hinges not far behind , a weak point.
Seats are comfotrable for long distance driving and their is plenty of adjustment for different size and height drivers.
The Central locking keyfob has a hell of a range on it, if this is not the case, then get the batt changed.
Remember one push to unlock , just the drivers door and a double push to unlock passenger aswell.
As with all ford commercials, they rot! big time, like its going out of fashion when compared to a VW or Merc, with door bottoms and the kick plate as you get in the usual casualties.
This is the transits weak point as rust can start to appear on 12 month old models, if not looked after.
If you buy a Tipper or Flatbed with a genuine Ford back with sides on , then watch out for the closing mechanism on the Sides and tailgate as these are Sh*t and break easily.
The trick is to keep the locking point free of crap s any undue force and the Handle snaps off, as you push it home!
Give me a proper, non ford coahbody anyday, lol.
The Engines themselves are pretty Good, but dont be tempted to buy a 90bhp model as they are seriously underpowered.
the 2.4 durotorque engine is best for towing as the gear ratios are better suited to it.
the 128bhp is a sweet engine ( this may have been replaced with a higher bhp model now).
This will give you effertless overtaking and a top speed of about 120mph
The 90bhp will be lucky to hit 85mph max! unladen.
Economy expect to get about 24 to 30mpg.
They did do a 2.0 version which returned better mpg beleive it or not.
Single rear wheel models can have an MOT anywhere prety much, but twin rear wheel models are HGV class 7 and as such can only have an MOT at an appropriate testing station.
My summing up is that if you want a cheap to buy and maintain van then buy a tansit, as there are plenty out there to choose from!
That said i would rather drive A merc sprinter or VW transporter anyday.
Just like most bosses, mine wont pay the diffrence for a better van and turn them round every 4 years.
