Which? Minibus Peoplecarriers Need Not Apply

blue_haddock

I used to sell taxis and minibuses for a living so have a bit of background in the area. I now sell parts for a living so have a good idea of what goes wrong on them as well!

I personally would go for a Ford Torneo 2.0 TDCI as you get a really good spec on them with alloys, air con, electric windows etc. The caravelle isn't a bad vehicle but would be a fair bit more expensive than the ford. The vivaro and trafic are essentially the same vehicle and whilst not a bad van they do have their problems.

The ford has quite a reputation for going through clutches and flywheelsbut is otherwise a fairly rugged vehicle. Parts for it are dirt cheap. The trafic/vivaro has many problems including gearboxes and turbos.

Brooker_Dave

jeannieblue wrote: »

Huh????

What planet are you from? Basically you would prefer, say, a Yaris built in Europe to a Yaris built in Japan?? Do you not know that (sadly) the quality of Japanese build is far better than European? Plus they hardly rust - due to lack of salt and lord knows what on our roads...

A Granvia is pretty much a Hiace in disguise. They are good and solid and very spacious and comfortable. Generally bought for travelling in ....

Some of those Jap import vans are thinner versions of what we get in Europe, so no dual passenger seat.

OP consider a Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar, cheap and nice to drive.

jeannieblue

Brooker_Dave wrote: »

Some of those Jap import vans are thinner versions of what we get in Europe, so no dual passenger seat.

OP consider a Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar, cheap and nice to drive.

But a Granvia is not in that category. You have to admit that - even if the OP is in denial...

Rolandtheroadie

LDV probably out (used to the sherpa back in the day).
Torneo i'm not sure. It looks the part, as you say, it's cheap to fix, I'm just a bit concerned about the TDCI engines to be honest.

I've just had to do the injector seals/leak off pipes on the wifes 1.4 fiesta TDCI and I believe the problems the same with one of the Focus TDCI engines (1.8?).

Works transit had problems but I'm unsure if its the TDCI or not and dont know if it's the 2.0. (lost power suddenly at motorway speeds, could maintain the speed you were travelling at but wouldnt accelerate any more).

I've the 2.0 Mondeo TDCI just now (we're keeping that an getting rid of the Fiesta) And (touch wood) it seems a great engine, accelerating surprisingly well and I'd imagine it would be a good enough engine for the size of the torneo.

cheers

goldspanners

scotsman4th wrote: »

LDV probably out (used to the sherpa back in the day).
Torneo i'm not sure. It looks the part, as you say, it's cheap to fix, I'm just a bit concerned about the TDCI engines to be honest.

I've just had to do the injector seals/leak off pipes on the wifes 1.4 fiesta TDCI and I believe the problems the same with one of the Focus TDCI engines (1.8?).

Works transit had problems but I'm unsure if its the TDCI or not and dont know if it's the 2.0. (lost power suddenly at motorway speeds, could maintain the speed you were travelling at but wouldnt accelerate any more).

I've the 2.0 Mondeo TDCI just now (we're keeping that an getting rid of the Fiesta) And (touch wood) it seems a great engine, accelerating surprisingly well and I'd imagine it would be a good enough engine for the size of the torneo.

cheers

the new transit comes with a 2.2 tdci engine for front wheel drive and 2.4 for rear wheel drive.

Rolandtheroadie

It would probably be a bit older and still have the 2 litre but just as an afterthought, what about road tax charges? Anyone any ideas?

goldspanners

scotsman4th wrote: »

It would probably be a bit older and still have the 2 litre but just as an afterthought, what about road tax charges? Anyone any ideas?

i think the older shape transit had issues with fuel pump seals leaking. ford will tell you it needs a new fuel pump costing £900 but they can be repaired for £150.
i wouldnt let this put you off.
make sure it has a fair bit of power,dont know much about the last shape transit,but i do know you should be looking for one with more than 100 bhp.(not sure what the tourneo's engine choices were) the vans lower than that can be a bit annoying on the motorway.

ozvaldinho

scotsman4th wrote: »

It would probably be a bit older and still have the 2 litre but just as an afterthought, what about road tax charges? Anyone any ideas?

I think it'll be £180 as it's a commercial vehicle.

Brooker_Dave

jeannieblue wrote: »

But a Granvia is not in that category. You have to admit that - even if the OP is in denial...

I don't even know what a Granvia is.

I test drove a Bongo once.

Jap imports always seem so old though, I know they're loaded and are in goo nick, but when most seem to be 10 years old before they even get here, you have to wonder if it's worth it.

Brooker_Dave

goldspanners wrote: »

i think the older shape transit had issues with fuel pump seals leaking. ford will tell you it needs a new fuel pump costing £900 but they can be repaired for £150.
i wouldnt let this put you off.
make sure it has a fair bit of power,dont know much about the last shape transit,but i do know you should be looking for one with more than 100 bhp.(not sure what the tourneo's engine choices were) the vans lower than that can be a bit annoying on the motorway.

I went to buy an 05 Transit the other week, but a test drive revealed it to too van like (compared with Traffics/Vitos etc), it reminded me of the old Transits, noisy, bit cheap inside etc