Faults:

Alternator.

Injectors.

Rust.

The van had a full history upon purchase. All oil changes essential. Previous owner replaced the clutch.

General Comments:

Not quite as reliable as Transits of older generations, this 2005 Transit has done me well the last 4 years despite not using it much. I Initially bought it just before the pandemic with the intention of turning it into a motor home. That plan has been shelved for now, but I still might get round to it. Just been using the van in retirement for odd jobs and favours for friends and it has been OK.

Bright white, typical looking common short wheel base version, that started out life as an electricians van that eventually became mine. Generally good condition and has been looked after well, but after nearly 20 years rust it understandably becoming an issue!

2.0 TDCi. Common engine. Not the fastest van in the world, but manages 35 - 40 mpg on diesel and pulls heavy loads no problems. OK to drive, but a little noisy at speed.

Seats are OK, but the interior feels more 1990s than 2005. Dull grey and functional.

Plan to keep it as long as it will last. I do like these vans, but I honestly had some Transits in the 1980s and 1990s that felt better built than this one.

Faults:

Service with brakes and replacement bulbs @ 16668.

New clutch @ 16977.

New injectors, solenoid and engine @ 23000.

General Comments:

Initial thoughts were "what a great van", nippy for a fairly big van, great turning circle, good visibility, all the bells and whistles you could hope for (LX model).

Great load area - fancy it's a bit wider than the sprinter - good for racks on both sides. Dopey little knob on inside of sliding side door though - keeps getting knocked to locked position, meaning I have to clamber in through the back doors to unlock side door, then back out and round to open up the side to get my tools out.

Then got it serviced - needed couple of new tyres and the front pads doing (fair enough I thought, I admit, I do carry a lot of weight for work). Going to work, morning rush hour, maybe a week or two later - and I'm thinking - eh? Doesn't seem to be pulling... no this ain't happenin' - clutch had gone.

A few months pass, and I'm back into the frame of mind: "aaw what a van", stopped for lunch, got back in, started up, and plumes of white smoke, juddering like mad at idle, give it some gas and you only get more smoke, no more revs to speak of. RAC came out - said state of the fuel filter was terrible. Ford "service" for you I guess. Couldn't fix it @ roadside, towed off to Ford garage. Two weeks later, just heard back that despite changing injectors, solenoid and mention of injector pump, dealer now wants to change engine. And they're quibbling about the warranty.

I'm self employed, lost work through the van being off the road, first baby just arrived and really could go bust over this. Not impressed. Backbone of Britain? Crap. Knew I should've bought a VW.