Transit Vans.....
Submitted: Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 13:39
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Member - Royce
I love my old SupaTrupa.... but it does cost a lot to run and is probably more than I need for my current lifestyle. The off road capabilities don't get used much nowadays. And.....currently she in the workshop waiting for news on why she won't run anymore! I think... maybe a ring.... but ..... time to think....
So.... I need a roomy multipurpose vehicle that can carry a heap of stuff in the back. Something I can slide a 'campervan pod' of fittings into and out of. Something I can tour anywhere in Oz in comfort. I would need to take her onto gravel roads and sneak into the odd roadside
campsite without getting stuck.
With the right equipment and experience, even 2WD you can get
places ..
Any opinions on Ford Transits?? I'm probably looking at a late '90s diesel high roof, long wheel base.
But then.... maybe I'll stick to the old bus.....
Reply By: mechpete - Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 20:38
Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 20:38
stick to the old bus as you call it , you will be sorry you bought it after having a jap 4wd there not a patch on the jap stuff
mechpete
AnswerID:
334128
Reply By: mike w (WA) - Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 20:39
Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 20:39
Royce,
Previous job I worked at had a transit as one of the service vehicles (early 2000's) and gave us a hell of a run. Expensive on parts such as brakes, did the diff quite early on, replacement was getting noisy in the end, a few leaks and not the most comfortable of rides.
My current job sees me cruising around in a Merc Sprinter. Do plenty of kilometres, fairly weighted all the time and very comfy, driving position and comfort is fantastic, economical diesel, and good engine life. My employer runs a fairly hefty fleet of mercedes, and the biggest issue that they have had in the 8 or so years of having them is a blown head gasket, which was at 219,000 km. Most vehicle do
well more than this, this was one that surprised even them (and we are talking out of 100's of sprinters)
The early models (315 series from memory) had this crazy 'sprint shift' system which was like a semi clutchless auto- horrible and steer clear. Second generation and since are much nicer. Current models (615??) are twin turbo, plenty of pull.
Sprinters are also available in 4wd configuration!!
Also, wouldnty it be wanky to say that you are 'travelling this great land of ours in a Merc..' (insert plum in mouth)
Good luck
AnswerID:
334129
Follow Up By: Member - Duncs - Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 23:32
Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 23:32
Hi Mike,
We hava a Sprinter at work too, its not a bad bit of kit.
How's the A/C in yours?
Ours is pathetic, wouldn't keep you cool in Antartica. It has been in for repairs more than once and has always been hopeless.
Other than that llike I said above its pretty good.
Duncs
FollowupID:
601924
Follow Up By: mike w (WA) - Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 11:01
Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 11:01
Not to bad, havent had too many issues. Although we do have rear aircons installed (roof mount) for the rear, so the aircon doesnt have to work too hard in the front.
FollowupID:
601959
Reply By: Eric Experience - Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 23:33
Friday, Nov 07, 2008 at 23:33
Royce.
The sprinter is heaps better, safer, quieter, cheaper in the long run.An ex
ambulance is the go. Built in Germany, air bags ,more power,10L/100k doors on both sides,top of the range seats all for about $20k. The down side is the damage the workers do when the
ambulance components are removed. Eric
AnswerID:
334161
Follow Up By: Ups and Downs - Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 08:57
Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 08:57
I've always wondered whether an ex-
ambulance is good value.
They usually can be bought for a good price because as you say there is a bit of damage when the gear is removed and it's hard to completely remove the ambo look.
My concern with the turbo models is that they often go from a cold start to a high speed and then a sudden stop.
How does that affect their motor life?
Paul
FollowupID:
601941
Follow Up By: Eric Experience - Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 21:34
Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 21:34
Paul.
I have 2 ex ambos, Both get driven hard from cold and no problems.The later ones IE 2003 onwards have a
water heater under the bonnet, it burns diesel and can be set with a timer to preheat the motor. Great for those cold nights when sleeping in the vehicle. Eric.
FollowupID:
602057
Reply By: Member - Axle - Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 09:29
Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 09:29
Hi Royce, From what iv'e seen and heard around our area, the transit is a bit of a lottery!all models, either break down every 9ks or 900,000ks....lol.
Cheers Axle.
AnswerID:
334191
Reply By: Zukscooter - Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 20:37
Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 at 20:37
Royce,i just sold our motorhome which was on a transit 2002 mod.the only problem we had was an oil leak @ the back of the motor & a blown inlet gasket in 70000 ks. H ving said this the aus post vans in Tas where having lots of problems gear box's,diffs,motors,etc but that is a different kettle of fish with different drivers & or giving the a good old flogging.
Cheers Bob.
AnswerID:
334276