Dear friends

I´m looking for information regarding the Vito combi.
I´m thinking of purchasing one second-hand and wonder what is the best engine choice: 108 CDI, 110 CDI or 112 CDI.
My main interest goes to reliability, as I'm going to live in an relatively small Island (in Azores), power ouput isn´t the most important factor. I want one with AC though.
I also wonder if there are any other problems that usually occur or other weak points I should know of.
Normaly the dealers say their products are the best, ofcourse, but only real life owners know how it is.
As I am a surfer an BTT enthusiast the space is important as is safety an confort, for it is going to be also the family car.

Many thanks in advance

Pedro

 

Hi Pedro

Take a look at my posting under subject "daydreaming" about Vito conversion to V class unreliability. The experiences of the people I know are the worst I could ever imagine.

 

Thanks for the reply Paul, I'm still intrigued though.
I also saw a program in BBC about a survey on cars that brought their owners aftersale satisfaction, or something along these lines, an on it they interviewed 1 or 2 V class owners wich said horrible things about it and the problems they had.
My question is: - Is this true also for the Vito? Here in Portugal it is a very popular van for professional use, wich normaly is more intensive and objective. Also there aren't many of them in the second-hand market wich seems to indicate that people hang on to them!
The emphasis on the piece I saw was that MB rushed their entry in the minivan market with a clumsy conversion, not being able to put in the same quality they put in their upmarket cars wich ooze RELIABILITY!
If the Vito suffers from the same diseases then it's a pitty because it simply is the most beautiful van ever made, and in spite of my admiration for the looks of it an of MB in general, I don't want to buy a car that will bring me grief.
Also buying second-hand, wich is the only way I can afford it, won't give me the security of a warranty, and I sure as hell can't afford constant rushes to the shop (no MB dealers where I'm going!)

Anxiously waiting for reply

Pedro

 

pedro, I can only reinforce that my vehicle (CD108) has been very good. Most probs I had were at the dealers.

The principle probs I had were:

electric window failure: I then discovered that the dealer had installed Italian OEM electrics - which are as bad as Lucas products

sliding door shift: loose bolt requiring adjustment

failed door opener: mechanical linked to the fact that the tech had bumped the linkages whilst fixing the e-windows

My vehicle was lowered by the factory 5cm and I had 15" rims put on (as opposed to the factory standard 14"). It is not the most practical suspension for country roads. However it handles like a big fat mini cooper s <g>

The paint is not very rugged, but I do a lot of long distance travelling (typically 800k trips from my work to my home every month or so). So it is vulnerable to stone damage from passing semi-trailers/lorries

I am looking at doing a chip up conversion when the warranty finishes. But I am having trouble finding someone in Australia who sells them.

Does anyone know if the body was an MB design??

also, mine had done 76k in 2 years, and you do not many (I have seen max 6) for sale secondhand.

MB dealers here have given their trade ins 24 months warranty on vehicles that are out of factory warranty. (which is a statement of confidence)

Apart from techo finger problems, MB have been very very good with mine. even when I (red face time) I filled up with Unleaded instead of diesel. (I got confused about which car I was in.. )
They towed it away within 15 mins of a phone call, drained the tank, refilled it, washed the car and gave me a loan vehicle whilst they played with it. Even though everyone in the workshop was thinking that I was a ****head, everyone was gracious enough to smile and keep on working).

I have 3 mates with CDI Vitos and they also would be repeat buyers. That being said, I do understand that the Ser 1 Vitos were a bit awful.

gary

 

Thanks for your prompt response gary.
Thank God there's hope.
I sure am glad to find out that some Vitos are reliable, cause right now I'm very inclined to buying this sort of van and this is the only one I would find interesting to own, with the VW Transporter coming a far second. But, as I said, there's nothing worst than an unreliable car.
By the way, when you say series 1 Vitos, were the engines the problem (CD's instead of the newer CDI's) or just the general ensemble? What are your's consumptions?

Like you say down there

Cheers Mate

Pedro

 

Pedro,

My understanding is that the engines of the Ser 1's were a bit ordinary. Cracking pipes on the injectors etc...

Be that as it may, it is next to impossible to find a second hand Vito here. I had a look at VW Transporters as well when I was looking for a vehicle. I stopped that once I drove the Vito. However, the LWB Transporter does have a better carrying capacity, but is certainly no comparison on ride, handling and general resale.

VW doesn't have the same holding power on a yr for yr and model for similar model resale. Plus they didn't have CDI as a diesel option.

I can only go off my experience (as well as a few others), and it has been a superb vehicle to date. I've had approx 7 different vans, including Ford Falcon Panel Vans, Ford Econovans, Mitsubishi Express, Toyota Hi-Ace, Mini Panel Vans, F100 ex ambulance conversion. This vehicle has been the most fun to drive, and the most relaxing after a long trip. The longest single road trip was approx 2000k's one way from Brisbane to Adelaide. In isolated parts of the country it was quite happy to sit on 150kmh for 10-20k's without getting "fussy". Although the sports suspension I had fitted is not very attractive on bumpy, corrugated country roads, as a tourer it is fantastic. Now if I could have Vito economy and the 427 V8 out of the F100 for power... )

 

Pedro

My comments only refer to the Vito van conversion to V Class. My understanding is there are two Vito van conversions. One that adds seats and side windows and not much else and one that is a luxury people carrier which Mercedes brand as the V Class.

The Vito is a very popular van in the UK and as far as I am aware has Mercedes normal excellent reputation for reliability. The V Class was popular when first launched here as it is fun to drive, comfortable and practical in use but sadly just too unreliable. As I said before I know a number of people who owned one but were so disappointed they would never buy another.

 

Paul,

We don't have the "V" class here. The people mover Vito's are conversions done by the dealers or OEM manufacturers. None here are factory done. A lot of Vito's are used here as Disabled Taxi's. Electronic ramps, hi set roofs are fitted and added etc...

There is a roaring trade in Sprinter conversions as campers etc... although a bit pricey..

When I bought mine the rep offered to have a set of rear seats put in etc for an extra $900 Aust. I ended up getting mine kitted out by a reputable upholsterer, had it lined etc.... it was worth it to cut down on the "echo" coming from the rear..

I'm curious as to how the V's would differ in build quality to the run of the mill Vito's.... still, must be a significant issue if there is a noticeable reliability problem.

Are these an in-house design? - as they don't look very Korean.. (look at that ugly ssanyong 4wd, and the MB SSanyong rebadged vans - sooooo ugly.