Ford to VW....yes or no

[Rich5297]

I currently drive a Ford Transit Custom 65 plate with 153k miles and it runs like a dream. It's been converted but we feel it needs a pop top and maybe a heater but with the mileage, we're not sure whether to stick or twist!!
Keep and do the bits that we want or get a newer van and a pop top etc etc

My dilemma is do I stick with Ford or go and buy a Transporter?? I've read so much but still I'm undecided. It would have to be a 150bhp but not bothered which transmission. I looked at the 204bhp but after reading about them, too many issues so the 150bhp is the preference but can someone sell me the dream or is it just and over hyped badge??

I'm not poking the bear or anything I'm just after some honest advice. My transit has all the bits, heated seats, heated screen, sensors, folding mirrors, a/c etc and might not seem a lot bit does me but as previously stated I want some newer , less mileage....

Thanks for taking the time to read, please be gentle.....

PS I love love my Ford and I'm certainly not against another one but I'm exploring options.

 

[dubber36]

If the current layout gives you what you want and the van is in good order, I'd stick with what you know and spend some money on your current van.

Say you spend £10k on a roof, heater and a mechanical refresh, you'll have a van that you will have confidence in and will last you many years. Never mind it's age or value. That only matters if you ever sell it. Spend £30k changing the van for something newer and who knows what new vehicle problems will be round the corner.

Clarkson and Metcalfe concluded that vehicles peaked around 2015/16. Well, you already have yours on your drive.

 

[Rich5297]

@dubber36 thanks for your reply, that makes perfect sense and tbh, I hadn't thought about it in those terms!!

I've just driven up from Shropshire to Northumberland for 3 nights and it drove like a dream!!

Thanks

 

[Lubrown]

@dubber36 thanks for your reply, that makes perfect sense and tbh, I hadn't thought about it in those terms!!

I've just driven up from Shropshire to Northumberland for 3 nights and it drove like a dream!!

Thanks

If your van is well insulated you might find you don’t even need a heater. Unless you’re planning on camping somewhere cold.
Not used our heater in six years despite the odd camp in February.

 

[doncarlyon]

I'd say the transit is nicer to drive. Maybe test drive a transporter and then decide.

 

[Macp]

I'd say the transit is nicer to drive. Maybe test drive a transporter and then decide.

A lot of people say that but having driven the tranny I didnt find that.

 

[Lubrown]

A lot of people say that but having driven the tranny I didnt find that.

Got to admit I did when I was looking for a camper.
The Transits I tried were consistently a better ride than the (many) Transporters.

The Transporter was my preference for various reasons in the end but even with the Komi Special Actives fitted it is still only acceptable ride wise.
I still love it though.

 

[BuilderJay]

I leased a Transit Custom for 3 years after 13 years ownership of a T5.
The ford was great in many aspects but I felt it was very uncomfortable after a few hours. Very stiff legs and back when getting out but not so in my old T5 and current T6.1.
That’s only my opinion but to the OP if you like your van I’d say keep it and spend the money upgrading it. Good luck in whatever you decide

 

[Rich5297]

Some great points of view fellas, thanks....I've never driven a Transporter, so maybe give one a go but I like the suggestions about potentially keeping the Custom and getting the upgrades that I mentioned!!
@dubber36 good point about the heater....we usually stay on sites and have hook up 90% of the time. Therefore, a diesel heater isn't a nessesity as I've got a fan heater.
Thanks again all

 

[Camperbility]

Hi, only just seen this thread, and probably too late for you, but a consideration when choosing between Transits and Transporters is corrosion. I owned eight transits between 1974 until 20216, all but one new. The last one was an MOT failure at ten years due to rust in the underframe, (chassis). All of them suffered varying amounts of rust in their lifetime. Mechanically they were very good, particularly engines and transmission. They were work vans always fully laden. I have only just joined the VW fraternity with a T6.1 campervan. But looking around and from what I read, the VW's are much more rust resistant. An important consideration if you are planning long term ownership.

 

[DaveD]

Hi, only just seen this thread, and probably too late for you, but a consideration when choosing between Transits and Transporters is corrosion. I owned eight transits between 1974 until 20216, all but one new. The last one was an MOT failure at ten years due to rust in the underframe, (chassis). All of them suffered varying amounts of rust in their lifetime. Mechanically they were very good, particularly engines and transmission. They were work vans always fully laden. I have only just joined the VW fraternity with a T6.1 campervan. But looking around and from what I read, the VW's are much more rust resistant. An important consideration if you are planning long term ownership.

Fair point, but if the chassis for the new Transit and Transporter are made on the same production line now, and subjected to the same treatments, this might not be an issue?