[PoleKing]

Starting to switch towards the new Vivaro 120BH van as opposed to the Transit Custom 125 as finding a few better deals out there.

Only concern is the 1.6lt engine, although I see in the specs the Torque and BH is fine.  I know new technology in engines can see smaller engines with more power.  You only have to be an F1 fan to to see this happen 

However on speaking to Ford, they tell me the Vivaro will not perform when loaded with a 1.6lt engine.  Are they spinning me line?

From my experience downsizing with new turbo technology in the latest engines across various manufacturers has been pretty good.  When you drive one you realise that it's just as powerful as the bigger engines they are set to replace if not more powerful.  They also pull a lot lower down the rev range.  I've not driven one of the Vivaro engines yet though.  How they are after 100 000 miles is another matter, but by the looks of it your considering brand new so that will probably be someone else problem.  One of the benefits of a smaller engine is increased payload.

Regards the Ford sales person, he's just trying to make a sale, you wait until Ford put small engines in their Transits.

They also do a BiTurbo version if you are worried about power.

Simon.

Really?
Does 400cc really make that much difference?
What's that in weight?
How much would the extra turbo weigh too?

I'm a bit of a size queen.  I don't trust the little engines. I've only got the 2.0 van but would love the 3.2 Merc

I think it 30-40kgs from what I saw from the previous 2.0 version. Ok maybe no big deal but I'd still more than welcome it on a weigh bridge. I'm pretty sure most modern diesel vans will have a turbo so the added plumbing is not really extra weight.  The ford TDCi engine is turbo hence the T in TDCi.

Simon.

Extra turbo I meant as in there's 2 in the Bi Turbo 1.6.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I think from what I've seen most only have one turbo. The BiTurbo is the much more powerful engine.  Even then I don't think its twice the turbo weight as I believe that the turbos work on different Rev ranges. A smaller turbo does low rev range and a bigger one does hi.  As a work horse I don't think I'd go for the BiTurbo option, as long as it can hold its own on a motorway I'm happy.

Simon.

[Spruce]

What kind of warranty are Ford and Vauxhall giving - does it match Hyundai for example?

Warranty is made to sound good as it is lit up with neon lights.

Fair wear and tear is also a clause you will find often in warranty small print. You can given a 10 warranty which is a great selling feature, but most of anything needing replacement will be fair wear and tear so will not be a warranty claim as the vehicle gets older.

If its going to fail then it will be within the first few months, certainly within the first year. After that it has to be a major issue for warranty. It can also cost you a fortune to prove that the failure was a manufacturing/assembly fault. It can also be time consuming as the issue is past from one to another - (waiting for the vehicle to be assessed by the manufacturers technical inspector etc. Even an AA report doesn't guarantee you a speedy resolution.)

Another thing to be especially aware of is the anti perforation warranty. If you don't specify on each service (written on job card) that they are to inspect for any issues (the labour to do this is added to your bill), then they will not accept a claim even if their is a justified paint/body rot issue.

[STEVE-UK]

I have a 310 125bhp Custom, It is well built but sluggish, when motorway driving you need to drop a gear when on an incline, A little research reveals the custom's gearing is to long hence poor acceleration, If you opt for the 330 model the gearing is lower to allow for the extra weight, giving better performance...I got my info from transit owners forum

My last van was a trafic 2.0 115, this was more car like to drive and a fair bit quicker than the custom

The custom goes back in July, I might replace with the 140bhp trafic or a custom 155bhp 330

If going for a custom i would advise opting for the stereo upgrade, load liner, heated front screen

[sparkleglass]

don't listen to ford I got one of these vans back in dec great pulls better than my old vw transporter but it was a 51 plate 2.5 tdi

[Mist A Bit]

i cant remember the last time i had anything under 3.0 car or van. i prefer proper guts, non of this wizzy turbo stuff that breaks before 100,000 miles

[PoleKing]

i cant remember the last time i had anything under 3.0 car or van. i prefer proper guts, non of this wizzy turbo stuff that breaks before 100,000 miles

Nowt wrong with Turbo's. My car's got 2 of 'em. But you need a big heavy lump (not the driver ) to go with it/them.