ldv road test reports and car reviews

LDV Maxus 95bhp 2006

Stay well clear of these vans. Had mine 2 years and problems from day 1: Water leaks in at foot well on passenger side, cracked cylinder head, 3 clutches replaced, altenator, battery, turbo hose spilt, drive shafts, ball joints and drop links and this is only the half of it. Also the replacement parts are very hard to get hold of, so I’ve had to purchase every part from an LDV dealer which I hate. Looking to change my van now before it cost me any more money, maybe a Sprinter or Renault Master? Any suggestions?

LDV Maxus 2008

What a pile of rubbish. I’ve owned this van from new, only done 28000 miles and have had 2 clutches fitted already. The garage told me they fit bigger clutch plates to cars, all my older vans haven’t cost me a penny in comparism. The body work panels are so thin a blade of grass dents them. Can anyone tell me whether anybody has taken over warranty for LDV?

LDV Maxus 2008

What a load of tosh this van is. Flimsy panels, worst reliability in a van that I have ever owned. No wonder the company has gone bust. I only had it 2 days and the clutch went, bring back my old Transit!

LDV Maxus 3.5T LWB 2005

Well where do we start with this van?...1) Engine management light on all the time spoke to LDV they say it happens but its not a problem. 2) Rear door is terrible, it breaks in the cold. 3) Side door out of alignment within days of ownership. 4) Brakes are terrible, non responsive. 5) Handbrake wouldn’t hold a Mini. 6) No height adjustment on drivers seat. 7) Passenger seats are not comfortable. 8) Bodywork is like a sardine tin. All in all, this has to be the worst van ever to sell in the UK and its a shame, the Russians have managed to cut back on all major parts; starter motor, alternator etc. My van had new engine on 40k due to oil pump failure now on 65k and having problems with the coolant system, some days no heat other days it works. The clutch was replaced after 30k and the slave cylinders gave up twice. Just walk past the LDV garage and buy a transit or a sprinter or anything other than an LDV!

LDV Maxus 2009

I’ve had this van nearly a year. Worked this van very hard, towing, thrashing the hell out of it to get to broken down lorrys and cars all over the UK. It’s very plain but useful and been 100 percent reliable. I had a new Vaxhaull Vivaro 20 cdti 57 plate, what a pile of rubbish. It had so many faults it took the dealer 1 year to sort them out, got rid off it when sorted. Maxus very good for the money

LDV Convoy 2002

I purchased a convoy ex military 3 years ago, it’s part crew cab van, the LDV bit is fine, bit dated, I couldn’t say the same for the Transit bits though. It’s had a new duel mass clutch at 101 thou miles, then blew the seals out of the slave cylinder when clutch was being bled costing 500 quid. Occasionally goes through the heater plugs on while we’re moving making it stunt stop, have to restart the engine to get going again. It’s had two alternator belts and the belt tensioner bearings are showing signs of wear. Also had a recon steering box fitted as the old one was weeping oil, but it failed mot for it. The steering pin doesn’t last if you don’t keep it greased. It tows a ifor williams trailer easy. It’s my second Convoy, my last one had the Peugeot turbo, that one was fine but steering box went on that one too, that’s why I got this one, you have too take engine out to get box out. I love the LDV, it’s a proper work horse, I’ve had 6 including the 200 models and I’d have another. Thanks alot brown for stuffing LDV, i’ll always hate you.

LDV Convoy LWB high roof 2002

Hi all, I bought a brand new 2007 transit that suffered over 50 breakdowns in 2 years [11,347 miles] and is now dead!! So I bought an LDV convoy 2002 3,5ton to replace it and I have to say what a great van. My mate serviced it and it cost £20 for genuine air, oil and fuel filters. I have beefed up all the doors with extra chubb locks, fitted a tracker and a 5,000watt inverter. The LDV is not a racing van but is happy to plod along in the pace of todays drivers. I would recommend an LDV to anyone as mine does over 350 miles to a tank of diesel. The transit was a woefull 24MPG. I would buy a new LDV today!

LDV Maxus 120 h/r lwb 2006

I am a courier and have just taken my Maxus through the 100,000 miles mark. I’ve just had a clutch fitted and had the timing belt changed as per the service requirements. It’s an excellent work horse with no real problems to report. Yes it’s basic the panels are thin, but hey you get what you pay for. Look after it, drive it with care and she’ll take care of you. RIP LDV, such a shame.

Responses to this review
Hi Carl, how much was the timing belt to be done please? - Russ Owen from England

Hello, It was £300.00 you can only get the parts from LDV, You must replace the pullys at the same time - Carl Henrikson from London

LDV Maxus 2008

I wish I had found this site earlier. I have to manage a small fleet of light commercials, the LDV being the newest addition. Within 20,000 miles it has had more problems than the rest of the fleet combined. Door locks failed, radiator fixing bolts vanished, rad hose split, fuses blowing, water ingress, rust, radio works when feels like it, power steering reservoir worked loose and fell off etc. etc. etc. The best yet is total clutch failure after 20,000 miles and on light duties. Thank goodness the rest of the fleet is not LDV. I would be redundant as the company would not make any deliveries.

LDV Maxus 2006

I have just bought this Maxus. I was told the fan belt needed tightening. I’ve had a new tentioner, idoler and another pully & belt fitted but it is still squelling - so I had a new clutch pully fitted but still no joy. Can anybody help?

Responses to this review
Get a water pump - Thomas Stewart from England

LDV Maxus 3.5 95 2005

I’ve only had this van for about a month and have spent a bit of money on it already but as I can’t say how it was treated before I got it I’ve no problems with spending on it. It drives really well and I find it much more comfortable than my previous Transit van. I drive a 100 mile round trip 6 days a week to work and it’s a total pleasure to drive. I love it and best of all its British.

LDV Maxus lwb 2006

Just bought the Maxus lwb 2006 model. After reading some of the views on here; have I done the right thing? But saying that, it seems to drive fine with no problems so far, not sure how much warranty is left on the van. I bought from auction with no service print-out with 19000 miles on the clock. Does anybody know how I can get any info regarding warranty? Thanks. I had the van at the right price in comparison with the transit OF THE SAME AGE saved about £3000.. and the last transit I had no end of problems, for example - NEW FUEL PUMP £900 POWER STEERING TENSIONER £300 NEW MIRRORS £80 SENSORS LOST COUNT, MISTED HEADLIGHTS £120 - rust... loads of... all makes of vehicles have their problems, you just have to live with them.

LDV Convoy 2.8 low roof 2000

Bought the van in June 07 for a little over £1000, so a great deal cheaper than other makes. This has the Transit running gear which has always worked fine and never let me down yet. On buying the van I let my local garage replace the cam belt, flush out the rad, service, pads etc. The starter motor packed up in France in October 07 (bump start at the port); this was replaced on return with a Ford one (not the Korean one that LDV use). It is now just under 2 years old with MOT next week the paintwork/body are starting to look a little worn/rust spots but as its a builders van it does have a hard life. It has taken me and my tools to my house in Brittany many times fully loaded and still does 70 -75 on the motorway with tow bar fitted (bought for £60 on eBay, brand new) - tows fine as said before. It is a little dated but at least you can still work on it without the need for a laptop. I can say that I am pretty happy with the van but have been thinking of changing for the Maxus but will wait to see if LDV survive their current cash crisis (or us!)

LDV Maxus swb 2006

We bought this van and have had a few problems; cab door hinges weak, had have a new battery at the start of it’s life, but it is British we should support LDV - they are cheap and basic but still a better than anything the French or Italian van makers can produce.

LDV Maxus 3.5t 95 2008

Can honestly say that for the money this is the best van we have had. OK, Sprinters are nicer to look at but they wont earn me another £10K per van!! Previously had a Citroen Relay which were c**p & had poor dealer service. Our local dealer here was quick to service & cheap.

LDV Maxus 2008

We have had this van since new, it was purchased from Birmingham and on the short drive from there to Reading it broke down. As soon as this happened I should have got rid, anyway the van is just over 1 year old now and goes back to LDV every month for them to reset the computer and put on new pedal. We have had 5 new pedals. So, last month, it went back from where we got it for them to say it’s the pedal, so it gets changed again. Always goes wrong between the 9th and 14th off each month. Its the 13th of April today and my van is waiting to be recovered, new pedal and a reset of the computer here we come. DO NOT BUY A LDV MAXUS!!!

LDV Maxus 2005

Having always owned a van I have to say the Maxus is by far the best, I bought 2nd hand from an LDV dealer and apart from having the weak door mounts replaced to the later type under warranty.. no problems. used all day every day. Good British built van.

LDV Maxus 2007

Just want to point out the comments made about the instruments are a design classic in a Mini. Strange how things are marketed...

LDV Convoy Convoy 2003

I have quiet a few Convoy minibuses; the early ones (1996) run the Peugeot engine. I have one with 200k on it, still going great but maybe a little tired. A bit later, in 1998, they run the Ford DI; a great engine and coupled to the MT75 gearbox, simple and reliable. In 2001 the Ford Dura engine has a few faults but the same drivetrain as a transit for little money. Unlike some people I have not hired one of these for a day - I have worked and used them for 12 years. My opinion is that it is a good twin wheel reliable workhorse with no frills but do the work you bought them for if maintained. MY OPINION IF LDV HAD CONTINUED MAKING THEM ALONGSIDE THE MAXUS (YUK) THEY WOULD NOT BE IN THE TROUBLE THEY ARE NOW . I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT MORE AND SO WOULD HAVE MANY PEOPLE I KNOW WITHIN THE BUS INDUSTRY, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Responses to this review
Hi, I also have an LDV Convoy mini bus for a school contract. I am thinking of buying a younger minibus, what do you think of the LDV Maxus? - Eliz Ramsay from Dumfriesshire

LDV Maxus SWB 2007

I bought this van from new and straight away had a list of problems including central locking not working, rear door locks breaking, side door lock breaking several times, not starting - flat battery several times, hole in floor mat within 8 months, rusty roof, leaking roof. This van is that bad that I used it for 9 months then parked it up and bought a new van when I took it in for a part exchange the dealer offered me £1500 - it was 9 months old with 12,000 miles on the clock. Do I need to say more? USELESS!

LDV Maxus 1 2005

Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. Brakes are useless - body work, there’s a dent in every panel but at least its British...

LDV Maxus 135 refridgerated box 2008

This is the second Maxus on the fleet. We also have a 05 swb 120 van. We have found them to be very reliable, cheap to service and very good value for money. The cab has all the things you want electric windows, mirrors etc... but best of all it is still built in this country and it deserves our support! Its a shame some people look at the badge rather than the van.

LDV Maxus swb 95ps 2008

We are on our second Maxus vehicle for our business and I was shocked to read reports above. We have had Citroen’s, Ford, and Vauxhall in the past and for us the Maxus is perfect. Great engine, reliability, and service from the dealership. The load area for the class is brilliant, and ok furnishing is basic but for the price its unbeatable. Brilliant British made van, thank god for the Maxus!

LDV Maxus 2006

This is the worst van available in the UK today. The gearbox blew after 23000 miles - new replacement fitted by dealer lasted less than 3 weeks - starter motor jammed causing electrical fire under bonnet and paper thin bodywork. Only a mug would by another one.

LDV Maxus Concept Conversion Minibus 2007

Very good vehicle, I got used to instrument panel in wrong place, very quiet on motorways, floor under driver gives way so needs new floor or mat covering it, other than that good vehicle.

LDV Maxus lwb panel van 120 p/s 2007

I have had my Maxus van for over 12 months now and to date I have had no problems with it. It is the most reliable van I have ever owned! I use Thomas Hardie in Trafford Park - great as it is open 24 hours for service. Joanne always keeps me well informed with any offers or warranty recalls. A great van and a great dealership.

LDV Maxus 2007

Worst van I have driven. 1. Badly under-steers (wouldn’t like to drive in winter) 2. Poor response on brakes. 3. Seats like park benches, gave me backpains after 30 minutes drive. 4. No height adjustment on drivers seat. 5. Instrument panel in wrong place, need to take eyes off road to make out symbols. 6. No small mirrors to help with blind spot view.

LDV Maxus 350 120PS 2005

Never buy one, get a bike, you will be on the road longer. 25 years of vans this one was a big mistake cant wait to get rid!!!!!!!!!!!!

LDV Convoy Convoy LWB Hi-top 2002

Having made a last-minute ebay purchase on EBAY i was left requiring a van to move some large furniture from the New Forest up to Bath. A local hire company soon furnished me with a van, which turned out to be a 5 year old LDV convoy. Getting into the convoy is like climbing into a tardis in two ways. firstly, the cab is extremely spacious - due to the convoy’s large width compared to similar vans. Secondly you travel back in time to the 1970s when you settle into the basic interior. The controls, all large simple buttons, and the basic dashboard with very few dials and lights, are like something from another era. On starting the engine all those features which would be quite useful to remain still, such as the (manually adjusted) wingmirrors and gearstick, begin to vibrate. On depressing the accelerator the engine emits a roar which sounds like its in severe need of a packet of soothers. However, this does transmit to good power on the road, and, even unladen, the convoy holds the road as if its stuck there with glue. Acceleration when empty was good, and the convoy coped with all the hills i threw at it. The (loosely fitted) plywood bulkhead didnt fill me with confidence when the back was full of furniture, especially as there seemed to be little to tie it to! However, the chances of stuff moving around when breaking with the convoy’s pathetic brakes were fairly low! All in all an uninspiring vehicle to drive, but an experience for anyone who wants to make their own car or van seem like a luxury model!

LDV Maxus 2.5 CDI 2.8t lwb h/r 95

The maxus I drive is a company vehicle and it does its job well. The only down side to this van is the instrument arrangement as these are set into the middle of the dash which, as a three seater cabin, means you have to keep looking to the left to check anything, although you do get used to it. Nice little van.