Its historic rather than current.
The old T4 was
1) Fully galvanized
2) Independent suspension when others were still using leaf springs
3) Front and rear discs when others were using drums on rear
4) Stylish – Always designed with the Transporter evolving in mind
5) FWD – Mercedes tried and ballsed it up so no competition in car like handling vehicle characteristics
6) Insane residuals which were maintained by both dealers and private buyers with more money than joe blogs
There is loads more but tbh the T5 is nothing like the class above the rest van the T4 was. The T4 was competing with the pile of shite Vito with FWD and horrible engine and rust. The LDV at the time was a 30yr old design and the Transit didn’t really have a small version as it was just a downrated BIG transit rather than the custom of today.
The vito IMO (I have years of selling both) is the better van now in nearly all respects. It gets to the point where tbh its not worth the debate. Someone likes the VW or they like the Vito.
After that you get the Ford, Vauxhall, Renault etc. They are not built to the same standard but then most of the people that buy them don’t work them as hard either. If its just going to be used as a camper or glorified pimp mobile running a few hairy bikers about then pretty much any van is upto that. Some of my customers do 60,000mls per annum in vitos and I remember customers towing 3t behind T5’s and wondering why driveshafts broke.
Work I would buy a Vito or if you fancy it a VW. If I was loaded then I would buy them for private use as well.
Otherwise I would buy a Transit Custom as it will be more than upto the job, cheaper and a bit more resale value than a Renault or Vauxhall. Don’t discount the Hyundai (Forget the name) Spec seem impressive and warranty is about 5yrs I believe. Just don’t expect T5 residuals……