Mercedes-Benz Vito road test reports and car reviews

Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 2005

I purchased the vehicle new in Nov 05. I had nothing but problems (approx 12 weeks off road) with it from doors falling off, radio faults, ignition faults, power faults, wearing steering wheel, replacement tyres and various other faults but most of all the rust problems. The vehicle has been looked after and has only 74k on the clock, despite this I have numerous bubbles around trim areas but most worring is the hole that I now have through the roof of the van along with many other rust patches internally due to the roof rack holes. It is a real shame that mb are producing a potentialy great van with so many basic problems. It will take a monumental effort from mb customer care services to persuade me to buy another Vito.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Vito Traveliner 2005

I wish I hadn’t bought it. Rust is the main problem. Mercedes make all the excuses in the world so they do not have to repair it. The gear change is stiff whe cold, it eats tyres, there is a knocking noise which can’t be found. Really poor build quality (made in Spain) amd turbo whistles extremely loudly. This was purchased with low miles and with a full history.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2004

Hi, update of my rusting Vito, I got word back from MB Milton Keynes; basically they will give me a sum of money and a good deal against a second hand or new Vito. I will keep you all posted to see how it pans out. Fingers crossed.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2004

Got the paint report back from Mercedes and they agree to repair the corroded areas as long as I pay 60% of the repair. This is on a 5 year old vehicle with a supposed 12 year paint and bodywork warranty. Some warranty.

Mercedes-Benz Vito Manual 2008

I have the same problem with paintwork, going to the dealer today hopefully will get some satisfaction. Also have problem with gearchange when engine is cold - never have got that sorted, I got fed up taking it back and it being no better, and trim parts keep falling off and I have given up putting them back on. Poor build quality in my opinion.

Responses to this review

Ended up paying for the respray myself as Merc would not move on their offer, very much doubt whether I would recommend or buy another Mercedes, they look the part but that’s as far as it goes - Michael Rust from Lincolnshire

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2004

I have 2004 Vito from new; the only thing holding it together is all the rust! I’ve got the paint report back from Mercedes and they are willing to repair certain areas... as long as I contribute towards it. What the hell is the point of given a 12 year paint warranty???? And I have been told that some of the 04 models missed the galv coating - going to take this a lot further even if it means parking the piece of s**t on there forecourt to show all new customers what they will own in 5 years time. A rust bucket with no trade in value - but apart from that the van is sweet as a nut; still going strong with 170k miles. Ps If it keeps rusting I will have a convertible Vito!!

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2004

Had this van from new - has only done 52,000 miles and for the past two years I have done nothing but pay for new parts on the engine and electrical areas. New steering rack, new high pressure pump, two new alternators, new computer, new wiring, new electrical window motors the list goes on. I have had two dangerous situations which nearly caused a major accident.. The first was on a motor way and the passenger inner wing panel popped off at 60miles an hour and then went under the front wheel locking the wheel up and causing the van to nearly spin out of control. Then today, driving down a main road, some parts just flew out of the underside of the engine and nearly took out a motorcyclist - this was a plastic pulley that the engine belt runs round... not happy! I am going to take this further as the van is dangerous.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2005

Hi this van has only 30,000 miles from new. I’m on the third set of tyres because of the wheels scrubbing, the two sliding doors continually come loose. The indicator stick is also loose and there is vibration in the cabin. The heater was permanently on, the passenger window has fallen out . The electric windows stick; this is my first and last Mercedes Vito. I expected far better build quality from the badge. It is not in the same league as a Ford Transit.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 2004

I would not buy another 1 I have a realy bad rust problem which in NOT down to stone chips and Mercedes keep throwing my case out and saying they are not paying for it even though the van has full Mercedes service history but they do not want to know!!!!!

Responses to this review

Ha ha... stone chips they say. Tiny pin prick of rust and what looks like spiders legs under the paint, especially on the roof but what looks like a vertical impact. Only Merc manage this if not dealt with ends up with large blisters. 18 yrs as a car painter, in my view the WORST manufacturer for rust faults. I once listed 14 items of rust for a customer on a £45k +S class that was 4 years old. Vans are even worse. The biggest piles of s**t ever. I'm self employed and refuse to do rust work on the heaps regardless of how much work I have on... total c**p and Merc know it. It's all a manufacturing defect and then they try to get a contribution from the customer. I think their body department is run by 1970s Lancia staff - Jase the Painter from Yorkshire

I had problem with rust on bonnet and vairous other places. Mercedes said the bonnet was down to stone chips. The trick is to look on the underside of bonnet, around the frame work. If there is rust there they have to replace bonnet because they can’t get access to remove rust in this area. Having said that they gave it to the cheapest back street bodger. It took 4 attemps until I gave up with them and it’s still s**t - Greg from Sussex

Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 LWB 2007

I purchased this van in May 2007, I has been effected by intermittent electrical faults since July 2007, Mercedes service engineers cannot fix it. It has 17,000 mile on the clock and is currently off the road! It has been a disaster for my business, the after-sales service is poor at best.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 120cdi 2007

I’ve had this van for 2 years now and have done 30k. It has had 1 service at £220 and a new set of tyres at 21k (these were changed early because I ran over some metal debris and punctured three tyres, wrecking two, having to drive on them to get to a safe area to park). They were worn but there was some life left in them. The 120cdi has has a few teething problems with the engine management system software but this has been resolved with a firmware update and component changes. Apart from this I cannot fault this vehicle. It is very powerful and a pleasure to drive. Everyone who has driven it or has been a passenger has commented on the build, quietness, drive ability and performance. The 0- 60 sixty for a van is unusual to say the least and it will drink fuel if you drive it hard. However a very respectable 37 to the gallon is achieved if you set the cruise control to stick with the wagons on the motorway. With careful driving around town it is generally 26 to the gallon; I’m sure most vans get the same. This vehicle for me still has that novelty feeling even after 2 years so I think that says something. Top marks from me for Mercedes and the dealership in Sheffield.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 150 2005

Done 115K in it now and no real problems. Great to drive and always gets the job done. Only problems are a few rust spots, drivers door catches on front wing when open and poor cab quality. A shortage of cup holders and the double seat isn’t great for a long trip.

Mercedes-Benz Vito 109 CDI 2.8t Compact 2006

I own this and a 2007 Sprinter. Mercedes Benz vans, I believe, are the safest to drive and as it is my staff who drive these I need to have the best. I wouldn’t trust any other make. The Vito is a nifty little compact van and very drivable indeed. If you want something that will protect your cargo as well as the driver then this is a very good van to go for.

Responses to this review

I purchased a Vito 120cdi in 2008. I have driven all the other manufacturer’s in that class and the Vito comes top. you have to drive one to understand how good they are. Upon renewal I will always buy a Vito - Junior Morris from London