Asvice on buying a Mk4 or later.

[baconsdozen]

After over 350,000 miles my merc has just about died.I've never been into modern vans or cars,never owning one that was less than 15 years old. Newer motors with electronics and sealed units have no interest for me but I thought I'd give a later diesel tranny a go.
Any points to look out for,anyone got any recommendations.I don't mind work but prefer the 'you can usually fix it with an elastic band and jubilee clip' if it conks out type of vehicle.Is there any newer transit that has a chance of being as reliable as the old merc was?.
You lot just have to be the guys to ask.

[Muddy Trucker]

'you can usually fix it with an elastic band and jubilee clip' .

Dont go for the TD with the Epic pump .

[Smooth Hound]

check the chassis, especially around the back end, round the top of the spring hangers etc. the inner sills and around the steps , check around where the seats and belts are fixed to the van body or floor.

[ph8]

Dont go for the TD with the Epic pump .

I second this: I have one and I never know what's wrong with it when that damned light comes on.. Furthermore the pump's reputation is not the best..


Tim

[MinorMatt]

The only thing that kills Mk3/4/5 transits is rust! The mechanical bosch pump ones (70 or 76ps) are a bit sluggish but are basically bomb proof provided they are serviced and the cambelt is done on time (40,000 miles). Even if the cambelt does break the worst that happens is a bent push rod or 2 and possibly broken rockers.

[AndyG]

If you want a van that "goes", then go for the Turbo Diesel

If the EPIC Pump and electronics give you any grief you can't deal with, you can easily convert it to a mechanical Bosch pump and still keep the turbo

[baconsdozen]

Thanks for the advice.At least I know one thing to avoid.
I'm tempted by the LDV vans,transit running gear and rust doesn't seem such a big issue.

[baconsdozen]

Thanks again for the advice.After looking at quite a few grotty vans and being left bored silly after driving a new transit and a sprinter,I've decided to look for another Mk1 or 2 or maybe something like a jag Mk10 to do up.

[FredTransit]

....I've decided to look for another Mk1 or 2 or maybe something like a jag Mk10 to do up.

So basically 2 vehicles with the same type of carrying capacity! Look for a Mk2, you know it makes sense. No chips, and you can fix em with the aforementioned elastic band and jubilee clip!