Which One Would You Buy ?? 125ps / 100ps

[LoveBHP]

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum and new to the world of transit vans, but going to view one to potentially buy first thing this morning (Thursday 19th Sep).

My small Kangoo went bang so need a new one for work (general property maintenance/repair/improvement) and decided (and excited) to be stepping up to a SWB transit van!

Having spent DAYS reviewing everything out there in a 100 mile radius I think I have narrowed it down to 2 great examples. So out of these two, which would you buy and why? and which do you think is the better buy/value for money?

(BTW I love all things fast so after a bit of research quickly decided I wanted the 100BHP model at least, but ideally the 125)

This is the 125 example (which I have kind of fallen in love with)......

http://tinyurl.com/qgvwbco

I love the fact it has a private plate too.

However, tonight this one has just come available and given the mileage seems by far the best value for money. My intention was therefore to go and view this first thing in the morning (i.e. leave house in about 5 hours to get there close to them opening). I would expect this to sell fast.

http://tinyurl.com/lwd2umw

I am a little surprised that the 125 has not sold, as I know it has been up for sale for a least a few days now, and on the face of it seems a cracking deal, given all the extras such as pte plate, electrics, tow bar etc. Does this maybe suggest ppl have looked at it and walked away? It is 1 hours drive from my house (and in the opposite direction of the 100ps white one I am going to see first.

I have searched the forum for buying tips, what to look for, but would really appreciate everyone's opinion on which is really the best buy?... (I am having to borrow money from family to buy this so want to make the right choice).

I am a little put off by the 100ps leaf spring rear suspension, having read up a bit it doesnt sound too great. Anyone got experience? more knowledge? Should I let this put me off?

Overall, deep down I want the more powerful engine But would I be crazy to pass up a 100ps van 2005 with just 68k miles for £2,500 with only one owner and 12 months MOT, alarm, tow bar and 2 keys?

Will I regret passing up the 25% extra power for just a few hundred extra quid? Or is the mileage really that much of a deal breaker??

I will be at the dealers for some time thoroughly going through the service history etc so I will keep checking this thread before I sign on any dotted lines! So all your input will be highly valued!

Thanks in advance guys! (I feel like a kid on xmas eve!!)

[Altransit]

I am a little put off by the 100ps leaf spring rear suspension, having read up a bit it doesnt sound too great. Anyone got experience? more knowledge? Should I let this put me off?

Probably too late now anyway, but surely they both have leaf springs on the rear

[ake]

I'd have bought the 100ps, much less potential trouble than the 125 with the very fussy injectors.

All Transits from Mk 1 to 7 are rear leaf springs.

[duvet]

I'd have bought the 100ps, much less potential trouble than the 125 with the very fussy injectors.

All Transits from Mk 1 to 7 are rear leaf springs.

if they both have 5 speed boxes ...the basic van is the same so buy the less rusty one/quieter one, cleaner one

you can get the 100 remapped.



and I personally avoid things with tow bars already fitted - I know how I've screwed vehicles up in the past by towing. plus there always a chance they had a boat.

[trigger]

I would say go for the 125, more power and better spec but then maybe i'm biased cos i got one

[ake]

I would say go for the 125, more power and better spec but then maybe i'm biased cos i got one

No you don't. You have a Mk 7, a completely different beast from the MK6 TDCi, which was quite frankly sh*t, unless pampered from day 1

I'd have bought the 100ps, much less potential trouble than the 125 with the very fussy injectors.

All Transits from Mk 1 to 7 are rear leaf springs.

if they both have 5 speed boxes ...the basic van is the same so buy the less rusty one/quieter one, cleaner one

you can get the 100 remapped.
Both 5 speed. The only 6 speed Mk 6 was the 135 TDCi 2.4 RWD ( which was also sh*t and temperamental unless pampered from new.


and I personally avoid things with tow bars already fitted - I know how I've screwed vehicles up in the past by towing. plus there always a chance they had a boat.

[LoveBHP]

I am a little put off by the 100ps leaf spring rear suspension, having read up a bit it doesnt sound too great. Anyone got experience? more knowledge? Should I let this put me off?

Probably too late now anyway, but surely they both have leaf springs on the rear

Thanks for the reply, im completely new to Vans so showing my pure lack on knowledge there!

Thanks for keeping me right, appreciate your reply

[LoveBHP]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

As it turns out I bought neither. I test drove a mk7 and fell instantly in love so started looking just for mk7 after that.

Found a 130ps model so snapped it up. Love it. What a machine. Beaut to drive and nippy as!!

Happy days.

[LoveBHP]

I would say go for the 125, more power and better spec but then maybe i'm biased cos i got one

No you don't. You have a Mk 7, a completely different beast from the MK6 TDCi, which was quite frankly sh*t, unless pampered from day 1

I'd have bought the 100ps, much less potential trouble than the 125 with the very fussy injectors.

All Transits from Mk 1 to 7 are rear leaf springs.

if they both have 5 speed boxes ...the basic van is the same so buy the less rusty one/quieter one, cleaner one

you can get the 100 remapped.
Both 5 speed. The only 6 speed Mk 6 was the 135 TDCi 2.4 RWD ( which was also sh*t and temperamental unless pampered from new.


and I personally avoid things with tow bars already fitted - I know how I've screwed vehicles up in the past by towing. plus there always a chance they had a boat.

Got a mk7 in the end mate, so I trust you would think that was a good move?

Love your advice on the tow bar too! VERY good point! This van has neither tow bar or roof rack. The owner just used it to ferry camera equipment round. 99k miles on clock.

[Altransit]

Get some pictures up then

[bigjohnthomas]

tow bars a good my lime had one on when i got it. got fifty shelkels for it on gaybay

what wasnt good was i found the guy i got the van from was selling snow tyres off it with a pic of the lime being used as a snow plough on the moors