Custom 2016 euro5 vs euro6

[Potta81]

Hi guys/gals
New to the forum so be gentle lol.

Im after a bit of advice, I currently have a 2012 mk7 but I’m looking to upgrade to a custom.
I basically would like to know your thoughts on if I should get a 15/16 euro 5 or get a newer euro 6 engine?
I’ve heard about the wet belt issues with the euro 6 engines so im edging towards a euro 5 tbh as the emissions laws aren’t in force where I have to drive ( Wolverhampton )
I’d need to bigger payload 290 version as ill be carrying weight in the back, so preferably go with a 155bhp ( if I went euro 5 ) also so it can get me from a to b easier.
Van prices are very high imo atm but I wanted to treat myself to a higher end sport/limited model but any decent looking euro 5 with under 100k mileage are between 9-13k for a van thats 9/10 years old.
Any advice would be appreciated as I’ve never even drove a custom & know very little mechanically about vehicles.

Many thanks

[Radiofence]

I carry a cable burying machine (about 250kg I think) all the time, ramps, strimmer hedge cutter massive drill plus cable.
I've got 310k on my clock.
Personally I think it's the best van I've ever owned.
2.2 swb. Just got back from fitting a cat fence in the Swiss alps and it managed 42.9mpg (so the computer says).
I'll be avoiding the wet belts for as long as I can.

[Potta81]

Thanks for your reply, I’ve found a 17 plate euro 6, wet belt changed albeit 25,000 miles ago, full mot & 10 service stamps in service book.
On research im led to believe if serviced regular like this one wet belts should last as they should due to the regular oil change.
I am undecided tho still tbh

[Radiofence]

Have a good read on this forum and others. Somewhere onngere is an article about the fibres that are shred, getting involved in buggering up the vacuum pump too.

[Potta81]

Thanks for that. I know it’s all opinions but would u stick with a decent euro 5 then? I’ve seen what looks a lovely sport 155 in black. 2014 tho at £10k ! It’s on about 125000 miles but it has fsh.
Tbh im edging towards a euro 5, im worried about the wet belt now & I haven’t even got one lol

[metalworker0]

FSH -- well ..that depends if they went by the ford recommended service intervals ..they are way too long

if you look at the history and its been changed at under 10,000 miies you are alright . fords service interval is 20,000 i think ....if it's had that treatment and your paying £10k for it, leave well alone!

Enthusiast models like Sport, RT etc ..will possibly be better maintained.

all the best.mark

[Potta81]

Thanks for the reply, yea I know what u mean. I’ve actually asked for photos of the service history anyway. Similar to what u say, some people think fsh is 3 stamps lol.
Price of decent spec vans is unbelievable tho atm, I have a feeling people are pricing the euro 5 engine customs high because they know people don’t want the hassle of the euro 6 wet belt customs.

[metalworker0]

Wonder if euro5 are priced lower, in and around London with the ulez thing going on.

all the best.mark

[Potta81]

Good call, but everything is more expensive down there anyway so probably not is my guess. I think im going euro 5 & have it inspected before I buy it. Not always worth it maybe but it’ll be more peace of mind.
Cheers

[metalworker0]

just done a search on ebay within 25 miles of sw11 which is Battersea ..that i think is centre-ish

transits from 2012 - 2015 which excludes the ecoblues

average price ..this is for sale not sold prices .. £5000 - £6000

no idea of mileage as i did not get that option on this search

all the best.mark

[Potta81]

Thanks for taking a look mate, I’ll have a search.

[APW]

If the history is non-approved dealer, and it’s not backed up with receipts its worth squat!!
.... the little service book with the stamps in are easy to fake as new ones are avaliable on Amazon!!

If it’s showing Ford “approved” dealer service, then go to any Ford dealer and ask to see the vans DSR (Digital Service Record) as any work done by an approved agent will be recorded on the DSR....
You can view the DSR yourself by registering on the Ford UK’s site and entering the VIN and/or registration number.

Below is part of a screen grab for the DSR for my 2018 ecoblue vans last service (I've left out the section with the vans VIN and REG), as you can see it's had all the belts replaced...

Ford DSR.png

To be fair, other than a dead battery (due to age), my euro 6 has been faultless. I had the belts replaced last year due to the van being 6 years old and they still looked new with no crud in the sump or oil pump strainer... the oil (and filter) has been changed at least every 10000miles & normaly around 8K (forget the ludicrous 36000mile service intervals as per Ford's schedule), I get the local "approved" independent Ford dealer to service it every 2 years and I do interims myself using genuine Ford filters and the correct Ford-Castrol Magnatec 0W-30 WSS-M2C950-A oil.

If Ford had originally set the service intervals at around 12K miles and the belt replacement intervals at around 80-100K miles I doubt we’d have seen all these engine issues… however the sales and marketing men love to quote big numbers.

I have driven both the 2.2 and the 2.0, the 2.0 has more torque, is smother, quieter and much more refined… its just a shame that they decided to put the belts in oil and then add ludicrous service intervals into the mix!!

[APW]

..... If you decide to get a 2.0L ecoBlue factor into the price having the belts changed and for your own peace of mind, get it done straight away… It should cost you around £1350 to £1400 including a full service and VAT from an approved Ford dealer (mine was £1389 last year and also included a years free AA breakdown cover), and around £1100 to £1200 for an independent.

[Potta81]

Thanks for the replies, I’ll have to have a think about it all.
I’ve just woke up, I’ve been dreaming about vans as it’s all im thinking about at the moment haha