Ford Transit road tests and consumer car reviews

Ford Transit swb 260 tdi 2001

I have had several transits since 1972 and this one is complicated when something goes wrong as I used to do all my own maintainance. Although this van has now done 86,000 of which I have done 11,000 it gave me a bit of trouble the other day and two computers have diagnosed different problems which I am hoping is now ok,The engine cut out after several attempts with a horrible rattling sound just after leaving home and the engine still a bit cold with it in second gear. RAC came up with crankshaft sensor prob and fuel pump. Ford garage came up with chain tensioner problem but advised me to have oil change and flush with a higher grade oil. Failing that if it plays up again its £500 for tensioner but they are not sure! At the moment it’s running well and is comfortable to drive without any other problems. I like Fords as normally spares are cheap to find, apart from this one!

Ford Transit swb 2008

Despite some of the horror stories you would be unlucky to buy a seriosly unreliable trany. The latest model I drove for about 1000 miles wasn’t too bad, maybe a bit more van like to drive than some rivals but the new interior has a much better feel to it particuly the dash mount gear shift. One of the party pieces of the swb Transit is its ability to swallow whole 8 by 4 sheets of wood, so more of a builders van. If you’re after one steer clear of the entry level 85bhp, this unit is designed purely for economy and can get a bit tiresome, almost waiting to shift up a gear. Generaly a good van but seeing a Transit drive past only makes you think one thing, ’scrap metal collection’. Why not dig a grand deeper and get a Mercedes-Benz Vito parked on your drive?

Ford Transit 2001

Having had only second hand Ford Transit vans previously, in 2001 I decided to push the boat out and treat myself to a brand new 100ps swb medium roof van. I cherished, waxed and looked after this motor like it was a car and from the moment I drove it have only ever had enjoyment from it. 153000 miles later and still on the original clutch, exhaust, battery and with only having very little trouble decided to sell and bought a 2008 58 plate with 11000 miles on the clock. I can honestly say that my 2001 was always excellent to drive even up untill I sold it only 3 weeks ago was a joy to drive, however after initially being impressed with the 2008 I have to say feels much noisier in the cab and the engine seems to emitt horrible grinding noises when under load and climbing hills. After a drive out to mid wales for the day I was glad to get out the van as my head was pounding from the in cab row. Hope I get used to this van because so far its quite a dissapointment.

Ford Transit 2005

What can I say? Sold my good old 2000 v reg smiley Transit and bought a new shape 2005 05 plate one, reading all the reviews on the new shape ones mine is still going strong at 189,000 miles and still only just over 4 years old.

Ford Transit Di non turbo 1994

An ebay bargain at £400 with a full years mot and I have had it for nearly a year now.It already had 160,000 on the clock and I have added another 20 and its still going!!Just!!Ok so no turbo or power steering but the reliability has more than made up for this. Also, good to run on neat veg oil with a diesel mix in winter smoother running more mpg. Overall very pleased, I would buy another 100% but next time with turbo and power steering.

Ford Transit sportsvan 130bhp 2007

I’ve had ’Sportacus’, as I call her from new, I’ve had a shed load of problems with her, and went to Brentwood HQ with other members of the Ford Transit Forum, 9 in total, the main problem being tyre wear. Ford in their wisdom listened to all of our complaints and gave us all a new set of michelin primacy tyres, as well as sorting out all the other issues we had with the sportsvans. I’ve had mine over 2 years now and even with the problems I’ve had with her I’d still have another. The dealer I go to now is Evans Halshaw in Provan Rd, Glasgow, they have been a credit to the Ford name and I’ve been more than happy with the service I have received. All in all, I bought a van costing over 20k and although I’ve had problems with her, they have all been rectified thanks to Evans at Glasgow, and due to this I would definitely buy another sportsvan, as long as it was from them.

Ford Transit T350 2001

Simply the best vans on the market!

Ford Transit 300 2003

I’ve owned this ex-BT van for the past 12 months. It’s generally a good work horse, apart from the dreaded fuel pump, 73k on clock, maybe just unlucky. It pays to shop about though as originally quoted £2000+ ended up paying £1300. Fingers crossed, so far so good.

Ford Transit Motorhome 2008

Bought my new motorhome Transit in May 08, now with 8650 mls. Not many problems, took it to my local Ford dealers for spongy brakes and last Nov had an update on the computer as tick-over a bit rough. P.S. still got spongy brakes..

Responses to this review

Hi Graham, What’s your opinion on the motorhome part of the vehicle- does it have all the stuff to live in comfort? Planning to get one in a few months & like the look of the high roof transit, nice cab & good fitout plus double rear doors a handy set up. Diesel is preferred yet some comments rate the fuel pump poor & expensive, Regards Jim domlanic@hotmail.com - Jim Gregory from Australia

Ford Transit 2000

I know someone who had bought a white x reg ford transit mk4 and I have been in so many and I think they are the best vans ever! Reliable and fast for it’s age and a wicked work horse man. It is a bit rusty but that doesn’t effect anything and will run till they die. I have rarely known a transit to break down man. The old ones are better then any new transit sport van or transporter sportline or iveco, I’m not saying they’re bad vans but the mk4 transit can do about 100 mph and will always get you to where you wanna go man. Old mostly and new transits are the best.

Responses to this review

Cool man!!! - Jammin from England

Ford Transit SWB RWD Ex BT 75 PS 2001

As usual with vehicles these days the engine will go on forever, its the stuff round about that breaks. All my probs have been well known and predicatable for its age. Its an ex BT so has been pretty well maintained so far. They don’t drive them fast either but they are loaded lot. Big fixes have been a belt pulley collapse and susequent steering pump and steering rack replacement. This was done at a main dealer and I am suspicious about the rack and pump replacement. It was an emergency, need it now fix so I took the hit. Other repairs have been consumables like pads and wear items like bushings and hubs. It has eaten batteries and needs one in good condition for cold weather. You can easily fit two. Suspension now looks like the next big repair item. it has done 85000 miles. BT flog them at about 74000.

Ford Transit 260 swb 2003

Well, I bought this van 3 1/2 years ago on 54k, tidy and well maintained. I have it serviced every 10k, and yet it lets me down. 1 new gear box and clutch at 68k, 3 drive shafts, 2 engine mounts, 1 strut, 1 power steering pump, 1 water pump, 2 new key fobs. It’s now done 106k and the injectors need changing as they are leaking, also its rusting terribly even though I have it wax oiled and keep it clean and tidy. 75bhp is fantastic on fuel, loaded up with kit on a long run I can squeeze out 39mpg but short runs average 32 mpg.

Ford Transit 220 swb 2006

I bought this van second hand from a Ford dealer with 45000 0n clock, traded in my Peugeot Expert van. I love it, fast, reliable, as a bathroom fitter it gets some hammer but take it all in its stride. All it’s had is front tyres, exhast, and a front wheel bearing, oh and central locking moter went on passenger door. Best van I’ve had and I have had a few. Stylish, comfortable, fast, reliable, cheap to service, it’s more like driving a car than a van. I will certainly have another but I think it will be a long wheelbase model.

Ford Transit 2005

Please don’t buy a Ford Transit unless your pockets are full and deep. If you stand by Ford with initial servicing etc., when major faults occur they will deem warrantys are invalid through red tape. I see from here people have waived their time for support so maybe it’s just a lottery that we recieved this dog. Ford were very helpful when I suggest selling and buying a new one from them. They suggested I buy a new one and up my APR from 5% to 18% and up my monthly payment from £289 a month to £479 and over a extra year. Silly me, it was when i got home and looked in the mirror that I had the letters T**C on me forehead. DO NOT TOUCH YOU HAVE ABOUT A 20% Chance of a real costly nightmare. I don’t use ford anymore but still have the van, it causes fits of histeria when i turn up to the local garage, all the guys there I know on first name terms. Thanks Ford.

Ford Transit 2.4 td 2001

I have always had a Transit, they have been the best. My first was in 1986 and I have had a total of six up to my present 2001 a 2.4 td. I have had it for four years, the horrible bosch diesel pump was the first thing to go on it; £1200 or £662 for a recon unit and that’s with out fitting. The garage bill is £400 but any one with a transit of this model will be faced with this bill. Ford should have never got the germans to build this pump. I will be looking at other makes of van, it’s a very sad day for all Transit lovers. P.S. Bring back the di engine.

Ford Transit 260 2004

Mine has only a few spots of rust, leaking rear roof and passenger side head lamps constantly need replacing but apart from that a cracking van that drives well, is comfy and heats up quick. I drove one of my companys old "smiley" transits the other week I went over a speedbump and the rear o/s bumper fell off. I got onto a duel carrigeway and lost all power, it then started spewing thick black smoke and there was oil all over the place. It was fixed by fleet support. The vehicle’s oil filter screw worn housing and had to be replaced. It rattles, squeaks, backfires, runs like chitty chitty bang bang and the seats have no spring or fabric, only W reg too! It also has rust all over the place, the rear doors are crumbling and whistle when driving on the duel carrigeway, it shudders when reversing and the road noise at 30 is unbearable. The is engine far more noisy than my 04 plate, the radio is not loud enough (when it works), the passenger window jammed 3/4 of the way up, the faults just go on and on. But there is just something about the old girl that wants to work. I would never have my own smiley because I prefer my mk6 04 plate; compared to the old transits that I’ve experienced and the LDVs and some of the sprinters too, the mk 6 is the best van I’ve ever laid hands on, even better than the new 08 plate mk7s my company has recently aquired.

Ford Transit 2004

Buyers Beware. We bought a Transit from new from a Ford main dealer, a silver, short wheel base, mid roof transit. From the off, this vehicle belched out smoke, developed extensive rusting and had fuel problems. Ford did not find any fault with the excessive smoke problem nor could they find the true fuel fault. The vehicle came with a 5 year paint corrosion warantee but the small print in the contrat states, you have to request they inspect for corrosion at service intervals, and as a subsequence our vehicle was not covered. However the rust was put down to stone chips. Total cr*p. It has put us off buying a new Ford van.

Responses to this review

Hi, I’ve a works Ford Transit T280 .It’s done just over 22000 miles, the fuel has dropped by 44 miles a tank acording to the computer. I’ve got a car jack under the passenger seat as its the only way to stop a terible rattle, the roof lining ,dash air vent and plastic stip under windscreen wipers rattle to the point I’ve got to turn the volume up to hide the noise . Plus, even though the engine still pulls well it sounds like it will fall out at anytime. The Vivaro I had for 5 years before much beter all round - Ian from England

Ford Transit t260 75hp swb lr 2003

A good enough van there’s not great power in this model, however, when you get the speed built up its grand and easy on diesel. Mine is starting to rust in spots and I try to keep it clean. It’s got 114,000mls now, having had it a year and I’ve had to replace a wheel bearing, fan belt and tensioner, brake shoes and handbrake cable so not too bad. I’m thinking of buying a 2008 or 2009 t280 mwb 115hp next.

Ford Transit T350 140 GLX (lwb, rwd, hr) 2007

Ordered in April 2007. Delivered in November 2007 !! OK, so it was to my own spec but 7 MONTHS?? Anyway, I got a good discount from my local dealership so I spent it on a GLX model, plus some other extras. I work as a multi-drop driver; possibly the toughest road test for any van and I wanted lots of toys. Currently covered 73k in 22 months of stop/start urban driving mainly over speed humps! Serviced every 15k and maintained regardless as I need 100% reliability. It came with air con, electric windows/mirrors, heated screen/mirrors. multi CD player, cruise control, heated drivers seat (mmm!), auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, slam locks, configurable locking, ply boarding, to name but a few. Apparently my van was built in Turkey, where, it seems, they haven’t discovered Quality Control. On delivery, apart from the poor PDI that the dealer charged 90 quid for, it had a faulty EGR valve, rasping turbo wastegate, intermittent engine management warnings, faulty heated front screen, faulty rear door lock, poor fitting side loading door, poor interior trim fit, crunchy 1st-2nd gearchange and it steered to the left. Stupidly, I believed that showing some loyalty to the dealership that gave me the decent discount would mean a decent experience in the service department. It didn’t. And they were pitiful; if it wasn’t broken then they couldn’t be arsed to investigate it. Waste of time. Without going through the entire maintenance schedule, I’ve had the following parts replaced in addition to the regular service items. Turbo and wastegate (cured rasp/hesitation) 2 EGR valves, (what DO they do??!) Fuel pump pressure regulator (cured poor starting/idling/stalling) Starter motor (shagged!) Vacuum pump (leaking) Radiator (leaking) Sump seal (leaking) Steering rack (recall?) Steering column (fell apart) Rear axle (diff fault) Ignition lock (fell apart) Radio/CD player (cd’s jamming) Driver’s seat base (internal foam fell apart) Rear door lock (jammed internally) Front screen (hit by rock). Amazingly, I haven’t needed a clutch/flywheel assembly (common on the previous model) and while this may all sound like a bit of a horror story, I would point out that none of these things actually left me sitting by the side of the road. All of the above were sorted under Warranty after having found myself a decent Ford service department (they do exist!) in Evans Halshaw in St Albans. They get it right first time about 70-80% of the time, but undoubtedly the most important ’service’ they offer me is a courtesy van. If only all Ford dealers knew the value of such a benefit it would surely cut their customer complaints massively?? There are a few extras I wouldn’t bother with again. Slam locking and configurable locking spring to mind. Slam locking allows you to press the ’lock’ button on your fob with the door open so that when you close the door it self-locks. Great idea for delivery drivers as you can open door, ’lock’ door while it’s open, grab parcel, nudge the door shut with your bum, door locks (I wear my keys on a chain so I’d never lock them in). However, Ford also have a system where if you haven’t shut a door properly and try and lock the van, it warns you of this by tooting the horn. Suffice to say, when using the slam lock function it still toots the horn to annoy/attract the attention of those around you. Nice try, Ford, but no cigar. Similarly, with configurable locking you can unlock the rear door or drivers door or SLD independently, so while you’re in the back, no-one is climbing in the front. Nice idea. However, if you’re in the cab and get out, both the driver and passenger doors automatically unlock. So to keep the front secure while you’re in the back you need to relock the van and then unlock the back door. A bit pointless? Worthwhile extras? Cruise control? Definitely. Apart from the inevitable mobile speed cameras/ average speed cameras that you can avoid getting caught in, it also saves fuel in a job that hammers consumption. Heated drivers seat (lol)? If you have a bad back and it’s sub zero at 4am, it’s a must. Pity it’s only on a 5 minute timer! Heated front screen? No more scraping at 4am either. Overall, I think it’s a great van let down by poor QC at the factory, poor dealer support (but there are good ones) and indifferent Customer Support (unless you make a fuss). It’s comfortable, fast enough, economy is reasonable and it can cope with the punishment my work dishes out without leaving me stranded. STILL the best van on the road.

Responses to this review

What you should try is some BP diesel ultimate, after one tank full you will notice the difference, after then it just gets better. I know its a little dearer but if you shop around its only 3/4p more and well worth it. My 140 now does 29mpg fully loaded and aircon on and I don't hang about. The flat spots have almost gone and the James Bond smoke effect has gone for good. If they made a spray for crunchy 1st to 2nd I would use that too. cheers! - Pete Dumelow from Nottinghamshire

You miserable git, try an LDV for a day and you’ll realise that Transits are the kiddy . MY 2009 ST is faultless and I love it - Piers from England

Ford Transit 280 MWB 2006

Bought from new, now done 56,000 miles, mostly motorway miles. No major problems to report apart from 2 x new windscreen wipers,, ECU fault causing it to hunt when at idle. Fixed with a software upgrade! The engine sounds a bit noisy when starting from cold (they are like that sir!) but soon settles down. Servicing has always been reasonable. Still on original tyres and brake pads which is pretty good. Oh yes, a new back door catch was fitted under warranty. Good metallic grey paint and loads of room in front with the small gear knob which means you can now lie down in the front! Overall a very good workhorse which I can recommend.. 8/10.

Ford Transit 2004

I’ve driven this van from 2004. I can’t complain. I get roughly get 520 miles for a fill of the tank which would normally cost 80 euros to fill. I get the van serviced every 15,000 miles from new. I have also not driven it into the ground when I go to and from work.

Ford Transit t280 2003

I bought a new Transit so that for once I would have a van that I could rely on. Two years later I had rust spots on the cills which Verwood Ford repaired on warranty. Second MOT failed on a large hole in the repaired cill. Ford claim it is not their fault and refuse to repair. The van has been great but beware the Ford warranty which you pay for is not worth the paper it is written on. I have found rust spots coming through in several places all over the van. The vehicle is well looked after and has only done 51,000 miles. I would never buy a Ford again, they are not worth the money and I will be looking elsewhere for my next vehicle.

Ford Transit T260 SWB 2007

I recently purchased my second Ford Transit. A couple of weeks after buying it I noticed a leak coming from the roof seam at the back of the van. I recognised the fault immediatley as the Transit I had before this had exaclty the same fault. When the seam was checked it was clear that it was manufacturing fault as there was a gap in the sealant applied to the seam. But when I took it to Ford’s, they used the fact that the previous owner who sold it to the garage had not got the body and paint work check carried out in the service book, rendering the waranty invalid. The fact that it is a manufacturing fault has not been denied by Ford, but because the paperwork was incompleted, I am left with a second van with the same fault. Have I just been unlucky in buying two consecutive Transits with this fault or is this a wider probelm with the Transit (T260 SWB)?

Ford Transit 90T350 2003

Lovely van to drive, even after 150,000 miles. Very comfortable. Problems are that it eats clutches and starters (from what I’ve heard a common problem) and back lights have earthing issues.

Ford Transit 100 lwb 2000

Best van on road. Mine has done 200000 and still does 105 miles a hour and 30mpg. A good van all around. Top of the morning to you!

Ford Transit T 330 swb

I got the van when it was six months old, an ex-demo with some extras on it. Can’t find any faults, best van I’ve ever had. It is good on fuel as I get about 35 miles to the gallon; and I’ve got a heavy foot. It has never let me down and is always serviced on time - only got 52,000 on it. I have only had to put a new fan on it as the bearing went and had to buy whole kit for £160. I was going to buy the new mrk 7 but the works one is heap of s...t - only one year old and on second engine and gear box. Come on Ford - pull it together. I will keep my van.

Ford Transit 350 LWB 2006

Within a week of collecting my van it was back in the garage with engine warning light on, after 3 visits and having no van for almost a month it appeared to be sorted. A few months later the clutch went and was taken back. It was also taken back twice again for product recalls, one serious as a van had blown up due to wiring not been protected properly. For a few months the van was fantastic, but this was the calm before the storm. In March the van was parked up at 5pm. At 10.25 3 explosions were heard, the van was in flames! The fire brigade pointed out it was an electrical fault along with the insurance underwriter as the van was a complete write off. As I write this almost 3 months later Ford do not want to know and I have no vehicle. I have had many heated arguments with Ford customer services who assured me that they are in contact with my insurance company as van is still under warranty, but according to my insurance they have never been contacted by Ford. When the insurance decide to settle I doubt I will be able to buy another van of the same value, so after 2 1/2 years of paying off a 23k van I will probable have enough left to buy a 3k van. WHERE IS THE JUSTICE IN THAT?

Responses to this review

Ford Transit SWB 70PS 1996

Over 240,000 reliable town and country miles! Still going strong on original mechanicals except one clutch and one set of injectors! Wheel arches are showing signs of rust (bummer). Never mind, should have undersealed them when new. Forget all your super fast engines, they all go at the same speed in traffic!

Responses to this review

That’s so true man. Ford Transit mk4 simply one of the best! - James O’Mahoney from London

Ford Transit 260 SW 2009

I have only had this vehicle for 6 weeks and I can’t believe how unrefined it is compared to my previous vehicle: a Vivaro. It’s noisy, slow and terrible on fuel. I used to drive quite hard and got approx 38-42 mpg; I now don’t go over 70 and am lucky to get 32-35 mpg if I try and stick to 50-60. Ford need to look at their competitors and learn that this van needs another gear to bring the revs down on a long run.

Ford Transit 2.4 2006

Shocking van. Under powered, had to have a new engine, clutch, gearbox rebuilt, back doors packed up, roof leaks. A pile of crap - stay away. Buy a Mercedes. Ford customer service is a joke.

Ford Transit T350 2008

Excellent van, had 6 of them now and only had 1 major problem on one of them (flywheel) and one EGR valve on another. The interior on the new model is excellent and very comfortable. I can get 450 miles on a tank includes city & motorway driving. Central locking key can fail sometimes but is an easy self fix. Wouldn’t buy anything else except maybe a sprinter. Had an LDV for 3 weeks... rubbish!

Ford Transit LWB

Bought the van new, LWB semi high with tow bar fitted at dealer, looks good and drives good but that is where the fairy tale ends. Since then nothing but problems such as the valve has gone twice, new heated front screen door, lock handles come off in your hand, had to have a new remote key, it just packed up, been in body shop to repair rust, now the transmission isn’t working currently, possibility of clutch faliure, only done 18000 miles !!!!!!! It is in dealer’s, hoping to be repaired under warranty, they wont supply hire van until fault diagnosed. I can’t look at van for 5 days, load of c***, had the van 2 years been in dealers 4 weeks out of that time. Costing me a fortune in lost time and revenue, buy a Merc. Variant: 115 350. Year Of Make: 2007

Ford Transit 90 2006

The Transit 90 is a gutless thing with a sad excuse for an engine. I say an engine, because sometimes I think it is an elastic band underneath the bonnet. Had no end of troubles with its stupid glow plug light coming on and cutting down my engine speed which is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when overtaking something like a truck. Then you pull in, turn the engine off and it resets itself. Then, 3 hours later, it does the same again. Avoid like the plague. Terrible van.

Ford Transit lwb semi hi roof 2008

Best van I’ve ever bought. I got it last September with only 95000 on the clock!! Bodywork was a bit rusty but all sorted now, just waiting to get it resprayed excellent drive.

Ford Transit 280 swb

Bad news... so far clutch gone, ecu brakes bind, roof leaks, winds in 3rd, back wheel bearings gone. Apart from that a bloody good van!

Ford Transit 85 280t 2006

The best van I have ever owned, I cannot fault it.

Ford Transit 90 t350 lwb 2008

Possibly the worst piece of c**p I ever bought, power steering pump replaced twice and still leaking, alternator, vacuum pump, pullies all over the place, front wheel bearings, dash board clocks the lot of them, clutch, flywheel, starter motor, intercooler unit, turbo unit, wishbones both of them, fuel tank sensor unit, fan blade twice, keep changing brake lights - wasting my time, back door lock, 3 windscreens - finally found out 3rd time; factory fault on bodywork where glass goes in. I could keep this up but won’t because I’m getting annoyed. If you know anybody considering buying a Ford... shoot them!

Ford Transit 2000

You are not alone! Heavy loss of power, one third lower fuel consumption and of course smoke!

Ford Transit 260 SWB 100ps 2001

I bought my van from auction 3 years ago for £3,200 including VAT with 91,000 on the clock with a full service history. It now has 122,000 on the clock and is still driving brilliantly; starts every time. The only problems are standard every day things (starter motor, glow plugs and battery, that’s it!). I service it every year also I have started looking into getting a new Transit and have been offered a £1500 trade from a main Ford dealer! I would say that is very good value as it has seen me through my first 3 years of business with a cost of about £2000 including depreciation! Buy one do not buy any other French rubbish!

Ford Transit 280 100hp execair 2005

Had the van a year; had the AA out 5 times - says it all really. Clutch, starter motor, battery; Ford customer service is terrible, once bought they are not interested. Just out of interest the van is going in on Thurs 5th Feb 09 for a new heater switch, it came of in my hand. Buy a Sprinter if you want a good van.

Ford Transit 2000

I bought a Transit with 100,000 miles on the clock, and a week after the fuel pump went at the cost of £1200. 18 months later and less than 10,000 miles, same thing happened again. Seemingly the pump has a guarantee period of 12 months. The pump was fitted at one of Fords main dealers but they were not interested. I phoned Ford customer service, and the same thing, not interested. The funny thing is they would have done something about it had the van been younger than 8 years old, but since it wasn’t tough luck for me. No wonder the country is in such a state when small business owners are treated in such a way. I wouldn’t take another Transit even if it was free. £2400 in 18months with the same fault, is more than my business can handle.

Ford Transit 280 2002

Well, apart from the new clutch, fly wheel, starter, rust all over the place, door locks droping off and now an electrical problem amonst other things. Don’t all vans have problems?

Ford Transit 330 2008

After having used an 02 T350 model for 6 years I was looking forward to getting my 08 T330. But it seems that Ford have shoehorned a Focus dash into the transit can which just doesn’t seem to work for me. The steering wheel appears smaller than the older model, and with a 4 tonne laden wagon, that small wheel feels just wrong. My old van, when I turned the engine over, used to growl and snarl at me as if to say "COME ONE! LET’S GET TO WORK!" This new one just seems to whine at me "Ooh, do you mind awfully if we take it easy this morning?" I used to put my foot to the floor in the old girl and she would say "Oh? Want some more do you? ’ave it!" This one? "Uh? What? Oh heavens no." Nothing, and I mean nothing happens. No comforting lunge forward, no pitch change and no growl. You can’t though fault it as still the best work horse on the road. The load area and access is second to none and I would always recommend one to any tradesman, but the square shaped interior and weak engine just take the edge of what would otherwise be another winner. Come on Ford. Why did you change the engine?

Responses to this review

I couldn’t agree more. I have the 140 engine that stalls, smokes and has nerve racking flat spots and... the dealer just told me that it is my driving style that is causing the problem! The trouble is I like everything else about the van - Pete Dumelow from Nottinghamshire

Ford Transit R - reg 1998

Hi, could you help me resolve a problem with my Transit Luton please? I bought it in Colchester for £1250 reduced from £2500. It has a reconditioned engine so - one reason why I bought it was the engine looked newer than its R reg plate, well it is by a couple of years but I believe the fuel pump may still be the old one (the wheel arches are rusty and the back step has rusted). Could the fuel pump be blocked, rusted or rusted to unrepairable - I have tried diesel injector cleaner on the four injectors by removing the injectors individually. When I first got it it was only running on 3 of 4 spark plugs with diesel so it conked out going up a hill. (The breaks disks had to be changed as they were causing no break then another day sticky breaks and steaming wheels - (fire hazard)). Thanks.

Ford Transit Tourneo 2002

We have had the 2002 Transit Tourneo for 3 years. No major problems although engine did cut off a few times (cylinder head cut of sensor saved our engine) and then we found out it was the water pump - pump and egr valve replaced at same time plus the usual wheel bearings. Brakes are excellent and last well, as do tyres. The abs light comes on and off for some reason as cant find any faults with it. It can rust in strange areas; like the top of the windscreen on early models like mine before they removed the rubber along the top. Very good on fuel; 470 miles per tank approximately. I was going to change to a Renault Trafic minibus but changed my mind after looking at their reviews.

Ford Transit 130ps swb low top 2006

Had van from new, when it’s running excellent drive but had numerous trips to garage for warranty faults, egr valve, abs faults and the latest, turbo failed just after being serviced by main dealer. The engine is a right-off £4500 to put right and Ford say no warranty as van on its very 1st service was serviced 2000miles early. Yet they seem to operate a selective warranty scheme, as other warranty is done, except this claim, obviously the recession hit em hard and they need to save a bit here and there, mileage now is 47,000 and its completely useless unless I fork out this much to put right. Other Transit we operate, just as bad, numerous trips to garage for egr valve and abs faults. Never buying again as Ford customer services is crap!!!

Ford Transit LWB semi high-roof

Bought this smiley transit 4 months ago, just 100.000 on the clock, goes like the wind, doesn’t blow smoke, goes like the wind wouldn’t part the world for it. They should be still making this model, when a Transit was a Transit!

Ford Transit 260 swb m/r limited 2008

Looks good, drives very well, good on fuel, no faults yet after 6000 miles. I just love going to work in it. A nice car like feel inside - shop around for a good deal - I got my from Heartland Ford - nice to deal with and I got a good deal on my van.

Ford Transit LWB HIGH TOP 1996

Very reliable has 166,000 on the clock have been running on 90% bio fuel, renewed cam belt, and brakes all round, looking a bit tatty now. Love the driving position, very difficult to stall unlike the modern ones, loads of room in the back and will take a two tonne trailer and everyone who has borrowed it has enjoyed the experience of driving it. Easy to do your own servicing unlike modern anything nowadays. Only paid a grand for her four year ago so all round value for money, I prefer to drive the van over the car any day - cannot imagine life without it.

Ford Transit 2.4 lwb 2006

Unreliable, problem after problem, two new sets of injectors, new turbo, faulty fly wheel this in turn destroyed the clutch, pipe came off the power steering pump, fuel leak of valve replaced, this is all from new!! I’ll never have one again and can’t wait to swap!

Ford Transit 2008

The best van I have ever owned, I cannot fault it.

Ford Transit 280 2007

The Transit is good on fuel and ride is good too. Front wheel drive has a low floor so loading is easy. Had problem with the E.C.M. and the radio needed replacing within three weeks of collecting the van and had to wait six weeks for replacement. Nice drive but steering has no adjustment.

Ford Transit LWB 2007

hired a transit from a major hire company to move some equipment from Lynmouth to Bristol. The vehicle didnt disappoint, from a well designed interior to a large load space, and with sufficient power to cope with most of the hills that the roads of West Somerset threw at it. The only exception was the incredibly steep and bendy Porlock Hill, where, unladen, the transit struggled to have enough traction to get up what is officially (and surprisingly) a main road, and as the ever-annoying traction control kicked in almost all power was lost. Having arrived at our destination in Lynmouth the transit was easy to load, with plenty of space and wide opening doors making access easy. The maneuvrability of the van, with large wingmirrors, made light work of reversing it into a narrow gateway, aided by good power steering. Once laden, the van continued to exhibit a powerful engine, pulling away happily even on a couple of tricky hill starts. On the motorway the engine noise was more of a whistle than a roar, and it could barely be heard over the radio. Road noise also was no problem. The driving position and drivers seat were comfortable, with a folding arm rest, while a solid bulkhead provided confidence that sudden braking wouldnt bring the whole load crashing down on me! On the way back a stop at the motorway services for lunch and fuel was required, as the onboard computer was telling me that i could only complete another 20 miles. With its fold-out table the cab made a comfortable place to eat lunch, and the plentiful cup / bottle holders around the cab meant that a drink was always on hand throughout the day. On entering Bristol during the school-run, the transit was easily maneuvrable among the mothers in their chelsea tractors, and again coped with some of bristols toughest hill starts. All in all a well rounded van which i would recommend to anyone.

Ford Transit 2007

No review submitted.

Ford Transit 1996

No review submitted.

Ford Transit 1994

No review submitted.

Ford Transit 1996

No review submitted.

Ford Transit 260 2.2 TDCi mwb m/r 110 2006

Still the best van around. I wouldn’t use anything else.