This is one for the Vito owners really, looking at getting a van and have noticed that the Vito's are ALOT cheaper than the Transporters, don't get me wrong I like transporters but can't stretch to one. What are the vito's like? Are there any inherent issues I should know about? Or are they generally pretty good. Advice please

They rust like hell.

Not owned one but driven a few with no problems. Good engines based an the sprinter. Wicked turning circle but hand brake is in the wrong place. Like I said not had any issues. Not as economical as a transporter me thinks.

Hi,

Are you looking at a mark 1 vito (up to 53 plate) or a mark 2 (53 plate onwards)? I've owned both (and quite a few other vans as well) so if you want to know anything else about them drop me a line.

I had a mark 1 112 cdi standard panel van and a 111cdi dualiner mark 2. In merc terms the last two digits of the numbers above x 10 are the bhp of the engine. All the vans use the same basic 2.2cdi engine unless you get into mark 2 120cdi versions which get a 3l diesel. The engines tend to be pretty solid with injectors the only common problem and they'll cost about £250 each.

All vitos rust very badly, metallic paints are better than the standard white but still not great. Interior build quality on mark 1's is poor too, lots of bits of plastic coming off, cheap feel etc. Interiors in mark 2 are better but still not where they should be.

I sold my mark 1 after 6 months (i never keep vehicles very long) to get something newer but the mark 2 lasted only 3 months before I got rid as it just wasn't nice to drive/be in. The mark 2's are RWD and have very little grip so the traction control is always flashing even on the low power versions. They are noisy and not very comfy. You also have to be able to cope with the mercedes auto style handbrake on the mark 2 versions.

Have a serious look at trafic/vivaros if you can't afford a t5 transporter (owned one of these too best van i've ever had) as they are nice to drive, fairly reliable (look out for gearbox problems and walk if it doesn't feel right) and good value.

Like i say ask away if you want to know anything else.

Well Steveh think you've covered everything there! T5 it is then damn skint again…..

We had one at work for 7 years or so. Not a single mechanical problem in all that time and I always found it good to drive. But and it's a very big but the body work is dreadful. They just rust before your eyes. I understand they were built and painted in Spain at the time we bought ours, 2001, but I think that changed later. If you do go for one check very carefully for signs of a respray hiding all the rust.