I've had VWs and Ford and a large Mercedes. The Merc was brilliant but so expensive to keep up and maintain, and when it did need work the wait time was frustrating The VW was okay, a bit cramped but was no better than anything else and progressively more expensive as time went on. Had it for 7 yrs. The Ford Transit has been a breeze for over 6yrs, now replacing it (181000 miles) with another Transit. The thing with Transits is use the correct oil, service it on time and to the schedule and they are fine
Ford Transit Connect 2005. I used to drive a Volkswagen caddy at work, and even tho it was newer and had adaptiv cruisekontroll, I get less tired driving the ford. It's just more comfortable to sit and to drive. Even tho mine is old and only is 75hk, it still gets me everywhere I want to go. This little vehicle, brought me safely all the way from Norway to Greece and back home. I did miss cruisekontroll for the long stretches, but even tho, I might go for the same car/brand again, over something with cruisekontroll. 😊
The main reason the Ford is a lot less money is the huge amount of "wet belt" failures usually leading to £8000 engine change. GET IT CHANGED NOW. (31k)
I do get that the Ford can have issues, but so can all of them, the VW chews through turbos every week 🤣 the actual reason it’s cheaper is because of the production value and amount of supply/demand. The rust would be the main concern for me with the Ford
I have heard some absolute horror stories from mechanics at a Ford transit centre regarding wet belts. But then as you point out all vehicles come with their own set of issues. My next van to convert will be Peugeot/citreon/fiat ( I think). Best of luck with your conversion though. I subscribed and will watch how you get on.😊😊
Hi, I just bought a transit 350 16reg from work. Medium-sized but high high roof. Only has 32k on it full service history. It has been wrapped all of its life, so paint is good, has the 2.2 chain engine, and only cost £6.5k its has a diesel heater for the rear. So for me, well, please. Yes, crafter is nicer, but it is only camping
The Crafter you compared is the same old platform as the Sprinter, the later Crafter is VW's own platform and is far superior. You would be better off spending a bit more on the Crafter as they look and drive much better than the other two. The Transit engines are junk, and you will have never ending issues. I have been a mechanic for 40 years and I wouldn't touch the Transit.
Yeah I agree that the newer Crafter is definitely one of the best options if budget isn’t limited. Ironically though I’ve only ever had issues with VW vans and never with transits! I guess across the board there is issues for all of them, just got to weigh up which issue you want to face 🤣
Hi, I’ve always used auto trader for my van purchases because it tends to offer a better class of vehicle than the free-ad sites. It’s not completely fool proof though and of course there will be both genuine and not genuine sellers on there so make sure to take someone savvy with you if you go and look. The other alternative is to go to a main dealer, you’ll pay slightly more (or get an older higher mileage van for the same price) but you have the manufacturers warranty as piece of mind which could save you money going forward if you have issues as a lot of non main dealer garages only offer 3rd party guarantees that have limits and loopholes etc. Good luck with your search 👍🏽
Great timing on this video for me as I'm currently looking. Did you look at the Ducato/Relay/Boxer line too as they seem to have good interior space and are cheaper still?
Hi, Are you looking for a van to convert or for work? No, I only briefly looked at those three before I decided to narrow the options down to the VW, Ford and Merc. Unfortunately I don’t know enough about the other three to be able to guide you. I’d be interested to know which van you go for though when you do get one and why you chose it :)
Hey mate, great video! I’m looking at a transit just like yours. Can I ask what model yours is? Is it the 350 L2 H3? Major thing I’ve been told with the Transits (pretty much all of them) is the wet belt going. Have you had yours done? Also how wide is yours on the inside? Plenty of room for your double bed right? Also could I ask how high your bed is mounted? I need a bit of garage space in the mine underneath and would likely need about 4ft underneath the bed to fit stuff, would that make your bed set up unusable do you reckon? Or is the H3 van tall enough to get away with it? Sorry for the all the questions got a bit of a specific use case for the van I’m gonna convert cheers
Hi mate, Sorry for the delay, I have been away. Yes mine is the 350 L2 H3. It’s done 145,000 and so far the belt has been fine. It’s generally the VW crew that slate the transits and to be honest I think it’s a little unjust but there we are. All vans are going to have their issues, just make sure you look over it properly before buying. I’ll be getting the belt done on mine over the next few weeks anyway for piece of mind. I’ll have a measure up of the bed this evening and let you know how high it is. I am 6ft 1 and I can lay widthways across the van, hopefully that gives you some reference. The only thing I would say is go for the L3 if you can so that you can build a shower/toilet room inside, that’s what I’ll be doing next!
I’m doing the same exact thing as you but totally disagree with your choice. The newer Crafter or MAN TGE is way better than the aging Ford. They are about the same money for the newer version. You showed the old Crafter. The new version is far and away a nicer van than the Ford in my opinion. The cost for a 2018-20 Crafter with around 70-90k is the same as you paid for your Ford, but that mileage isn’t an issue for these vans.
I felt the same, for me it totally felt like its a paid advertisement, what would make no sense. Anyway the reasoning doesnt seem legit. I would go with they MAN TGE/crafter as well.
I wish I did get paid for it. I don’t know enough about the MAN to have included it, it’s just a video about my opinion of the three vans in the thumbnail/title :)
Why not pay a bit extra and get the electric version, cheaper to run, (i've had electric vehicles for years), more reliable,hardly any maintenance, some have 230v sockets 2.3kw output, 68kwh battery, that's enough juice to be off grid for weeks, skip all the electrical/solar install and cost.
In theory everything you said makes sense and in a dream world it would work. I currently have an electric XC40 and it was the worst decision of my life! On long drives the electric works so it more than fuel, even with the extended range it just isn’t enough to get me the distances I need to go etc. For someone that doesn’t make long journeys I agree that it would be a great idea but the idea of a camper is to travel so I wouldn’t be comfortable in a an electric one just yet.. maybe in the future though when they improve 👍🏽
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I accidentally screenshotted the wrong Mercedes Sprinter.. this is a 2017 model with 102,000 miles! Sorry guys!
I've had VWs and Ford and a large Mercedes. The Merc was brilliant but so expensive to keep up and maintain, and when it did need work the wait time was frustrating The VW was okay, a bit cramped but was no better than anything else and progressively more expensive as time went on. Had it for 7 yrs. The Ford Transit has been a breeze for over 6yrs, now replacing it (181000 miles) with another Transit. The thing with Transits is use the correct oil, service it on time and to the schedule and they are fine
Ford Transit Connect 2005.
I used to drive a Volkswagen caddy at work, and even tho it was newer and had adaptiv cruisekontroll, I get less tired driving the ford.
It's just more comfortable to sit and to drive.
Even tho mine is old and only is 75hk, it still gets me everywhere I want to go.
This little vehicle, brought me safely all the way from Norway to Greece and back home.
I did miss cruisekontroll for the long stretches, but even tho, I might go for the same car/brand again, over something with cruisekontroll. 😊
I have a transit too.. good choice and great video 👍🏽
Thank you
Exactly why also chose a transit.
The main reason the Ford is a lot less money is the huge amount of "wet belt" failures usually leading to £8000 engine change. GET IT CHANGED NOW. (31k)
I do get that the Ford can have issues, but so can all of them, the VW chews through turbos every week 🤣 the actual reason it’s cheaper is because of the production value and amount of supply/demand. The rust would be the main concern for me with the Ford
I have heard some absolute horror stories from mechanics at a Ford transit centre regarding wet belts. But then as you point out all vehicles come with their own set of issues. My next van to convert will be Peugeot/citreon/fiat ( I think). Best of luck with your conversion though. I subscribed and will watch how you get on.😊😊
Hi, I just bought a transit 350 16reg from work. Medium-sized but high high roof.
Only has 32k on it full service history. It has been wrapped all of its life, so paint is good, has the 2.2 chain engine, and only cost £6.5k its has a diesel heater for the rear.
So for me, well, please. Yes, crafter is nicer, but it is only camping
Sounds like you’ve had an absolute steal there! Just look after it and it will last the distance :) enjoy!
Brilliant👌
Excellent review
Thank you mate :)
Great comparison ✌🏽
Thanks dude
Can an ford transit van 2008 fit on VW crafter body?
The Crafter you compared is the same old platform as the Sprinter, the later Crafter is VW's own platform and is far superior. You would be better off spending a bit more on the Crafter as they look and drive much better than the other two. The Transit engines are junk, and you will have never ending issues. I have been a mechanic for 40 years and I wouldn't touch the Transit.
Yeah I agree that the newer Crafter is definitely one of the best options if budget isn’t limited. Ironically though I’ve only ever had issues with VW vans and never with transits! I guess across the board there is issues for all of them, just got to weigh up which issue you want to face 🤣
I totally agree the ford is nicer looking. Where would you suggest the best place to search for a decent ford transit van to convert? Thankyou
Hi,
I’ve always used auto trader for my van purchases because it tends to offer a better class of vehicle than the free-ad sites. It’s not completely fool proof though and of course there will be both genuine and not genuine sellers on there so make sure to take someone savvy with you if you go and look.
The other alternative is to go to a main dealer, you’ll pay slightly more (or get an older higher mileage van for the same price) but you have the manufacturers warranty as piece of mind which could save you money going forward if you have issues as a lot of non main dealer garages only offer 3rd party guarantees that have limits and loopholes etc.
Good luck with your search 👍🏽
@@Convert_and_explore thanks so much for the reply. Very helpful.
Great timing on this video for me as I'm currently looking. Did you look at the Ducato/Relay/Boxer line too as they seem to have good interior space and are cheaper still?
Hi,
Are you looking for a van to convert or for work?
No, I only briefly looked at those three before I decided to narrow the options down to the VW, Ford and Merc. Unfortunately I don’t know enough about the other three to be able to guide you.
I’d be interested to know which van you go for though when you do get one and why you chose it :)
@@Convert_and_explore Hey buddy. Its just for a conversion. I'll definitely take a look at the ford too. Hope you conversion goes well
Transit is the van I chose, though I could only afford a 2017 model🤫
Good choice! Mines only a 2015 so you’re doing better than me 🤣
Hey mate, great video! I’m looking at a transit just like yours. Can I ask what model yours is? Is it the 350 L2 H3? Major thing I’ve been told with the Transits (pretty much all of them) is the wet belt going. Have you had yours done? Also how wide is yours on the inside? Plenty of room for your double bed right? Also could I ask how high your bed is mounted? I need a bit of garage space in the mine underneath and would likely need about 4ft underneath the bed to fit stuff, would that make your bed set up unusable do you reckon? Or is the H3 van tall enough to get away with it? Sorry for the all the questions got a bit of a specific use case for the van I’m gonna convert cheers
Hi mate,
Sorry for the delay, I have been away. Yes mine is the 350 L2 H3. It’s done 145,000 and so far the belt has been fine. It’s generally the VW crew that slate the transits and to be honest I think it’s a little unjust but there we are. All vans are going to have their issues, just make sure you look over it properly before buying. I’ll be getting the belt done on mine over the next few weeks anyway for piece of mind. I’ll have a measure up of the bed this evening and let you know how high it is. I am 6ft 1 and I can lay widthways across the van, hopefully that gives you some reference. The only thing I would say is go for the L3 if you can so that you can build a shower/toilet room inside, that’s what I’ll be doing next!
I’m doing the same exact thing as you but totally disagree with your choice. The newer Crafter or MAN TGE is way better than the aging Ford. They are about the same money for the newer version. You showed the old Crafter. The new version is far and away a nicer van than the Ford in my opinion. The cost for a 2018-20 Crafter with around 70-90k is the same as you paid for your Ford, but that mileage isn’t an issue for these vans.
I felt the same, for me it totally felt like its a paid advertisement, what would make no sense. Anyway the reasoning doesnt seem legit. I would go with they MAN TGE/crafter as well.
I wish I did get paid for it. I don’t know enough about the MAN to have included it, it’s just a video about my opinion of the three vans in the thumbnail/title :)
Why not pay a bit extra and get the electric version, cheaper to run, (i've had electric vehicles for years), more reliable,hardly any maintenance, some have 230v sockets 2.3kw output, 68kwh battery, that's enough juice to be off grid for weeks, skip all the electrical/solar install and cost.
In theory everything you said makes sense and in a dream world it would work. I currently have an electric XC40 and it was the worst decision of my life! On long drives the electric works so it more than fuel, even with the extended range it just isn’t enough to get me the distances I need to go etc.
For someone that doesn’t make long journeys I agree that it would be a great idea but the idea of a camper is to travel so I wouldn’t be comfortable in a an electric one just yet.. maybe in the future though when they improve 👍🏽