The Mercedes Vito Is A Bargain VW Transporter Alternative With One BIG Problem

[@Brucecarmaintence71]

I used to Work for Mercedes for over 25 years, these are good vans, you’ve summed it up perfectly, the rust was a big issue at Mercedes back then, think it was the water based paints that were used it was actually embarrassing when customers came in with their vans showing you the rust, it was unstoppable at the time, but they are good looking, versatile vans. I’ve owned a lwb one and loved it, I used to work in the parts and have sold just about every part of these vans, I’ve always liked them, and definitely good for converting into a small camper, Cheers from Edinburgh, ( I’ve subscribed to your channel).

[@dadcars]

Awesome thanks man! I do love it such a shame it’s crumbling like a sand castle 😅

[@mydc2200]

What the suspension? I just bought 2010 with m272 3500cc engine, so thirsty, but the air suspension so comfortable better than x5 without air suspension

[@bungfupanda8936]

I've owned my 2007 Vito 115 sport for ten years now, it's been bulletproof in my ownership, I've had a couple of minor issues but they were easy fixes. It's taken me across Europe, taken my bikes to track days, been on holidays in it, oh and it was my place of work and office for seven of those ten years. Mine is rapid for a van and returns 38-40 mpg on long runs if I keep it under the motorway speed limits. Being a 2007 mine doesn't suffer with corrosion like the earlier W639 models. I thoroughly recommend the Vito, over the other manufacturers offerings, even as a sixteen year old van its quiet inside and drives waaay better than other vans half its age and mileage, even the standard sound system is well above average. Two sliding doors are worth their weight in chocolate biscuits. Things to keep an eye on are the propshaft, front suspension condition and geometry, wheel bearings, injector seating washers do fail, when they blow get the washers replaced as a matter of urgency, use toyota avensis diesel seating washers and the problem never returns. Top tip, get your parts from a MB truck dealer, they supply Vito parts at refreshingly lower prices than you would expect and under the prices motor factors charge, particularly service & consumable parts. A great van that deserves to be as respected as much if not more than the VeeDub, particularly the honking T5. Thanks for putting the Vito up there! 👍🏻

[@colinwalshe6686]

Thanks great info on the injectors washers👍

[@paulbrook2459]

Great video, I’ve owed VWs , transits, Vitos , but the best hardest working bullet proof van is the Toyota hi-ace , mine had 246k on the clock and still drove well 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dadcars]

Few people have commented the same! Maybe I should get one on the channel 🙌😅

[@TheBasementChannel]

Had a few older hiaces, they’re pretty reliable.

[@JManners10]

The proace is awesome too!

[@bm7760]

Agree about the Hi-Ace. The couriers in Australia and NZ use nothing else. Shame that one doesn't seem to be available in the UK.

[@ryanmillar1726]

Old mk6 transit for me with the T280 ❤

[@dox009]

Had a Vito W639 Sport now for 4 years, turned it into a day van with insulation, vents, carpets , rock & roll, new seats, ICE, and loads of subtle but useful mods, serviced it and looked after it and I can tell you, it’s so worth it. It goes like stink, handles great, never ever left me stranded and yet if I feel like it, park up and have a tea, take in the view, sleep, then in the morning, embarrass a few cars down the motorway.

[@dadcars]

Sounds like a stunner 👌😎

[@garyguest1885]

Rust was caused by Mercedes having a partnership with Chrysler until 2007 & using the cheaper American metal.. It’s the same with all the Mercedes of that period. Basically If it says Chrysler Benz on the VIN by the door then best walk away..

[@dadcars]

This is interesting… thanks for sharing

[@waterbowman5307]

I have a 2013 116 and love it for its versatility with performance. Changed the rear 2+1 seats for single viano seats and can drive to the beach with 4 people a 10'6" SUP paddleboard stashed down the middle + tons of other kit no need for roof racks, ladders go in etc....and it's a compact! Auto gearbox is a massive win. Tailgate bootlid is another favourite of mine I can sit on the back of the van and get changed or brew up a tea in pouring rain. Not converted her at all like you need the convenience of taking seats out and hauling loads to the tip but still throw an old mattress in and sleep in her occaisionally😂 130k miles and no rust issues

[@dadcars]

My old one had a tailgate boot 😎

[@alouisschafer7212]

The major advantage of a Vito compared to a T5 is the drivetrain in my opinion: The OM611 in the 99-03 Vitos and practically identical OM646 successor engine in the 03 to 2010 Vitos is just a really solid motor. Bulletproof timing chain, dead simple engine layout (i4, single turbo) and there are really no known mechanical failures apart from leaking injector seals which is a fairly simple fix. The 3.0 V6 the OM642 is also known to be in the Mercedes hall of fame when it comes to their best diesel engines. In the passenger cars these engines last forever but IF fitted in these commercial Vans they need to work harder and run hotter. So caution is advised. If the engine had regular oil changes with 5w40 or 10w40 it will most likely be alright but a beat up rig with no service history, a ton of miles is probably just plain worn out. Mercedes in house Automatic Transmission is also a lot more bulletproof than the Autoboxes you occasionally find in a T5 if you want to go for an automatic transmission. Of course a T5 with a pre Euro 4 1.9TDI and manual transmission is equally good at first glance but id argue that the OM611 and 646 is the better engine ultimately. The timing chain in them lasts virtually forever while a 1.9TDI has a timing belt that needs changed every 100.000 or so Kilometers or every 10 years at the latest. A snapped belt or skipped teeth will grenade the motor. Also the "Pumpe Düse" unit injectors on the 1.9TDI are more cumbersome than the standard Bosch solenoid valve injectors on the Mercedes Diesels, they last a long time while the PD injectors can go bad earlier and they are nor cheap or easy to replace. Another known problem is the fact that the head of the 1.9TDI is aluminium while the injectors are hard steel. And with unit injectors there is a lot of downward force applied to them via the camshaft with each injection. Can you guess the failure mode already? The injectors will work themselves into the cylinder head, wont seal up anymore and "tip over" slightly which ruins the injector seat. It rarely happens to these engines and some run for half a million miles without this ever happening and others suffer from his failure at 200.000 miles. If this happens you are usually able to get the injectors to seal back up with the right techniques (using slightly! thicker seals, glowing them out to soften the copper, use ultra high temp sealant in the installation) but the cylinder head is on borrowed time then. It ultimately comes down to Mercedes sporting a Bosch commonrail fuel injection system that is ultimately superior to VWs Pumpe Düse System. VW switched to the 2.0TDI commonrail in T5 Vans from 2009 onward but those early 2.0TDIs are to be avoided they have many problems like junk EGR systems and intercoolers. I don't really want to steer anybody's purchase decision too much but if I was given a Vito and a T5 both in good condition and with the same mileage I would take the Vito for the aforementioned reasons.

[@edim108]

Also you can get Vito with a 4x4 drive with an actual transfer case, low range and stuff, so you can actually go overlanding in it unlike Syncro/4Motion.

[@scaryfear21]

OM611/646 fan here. I absolutely agree to all what has been said about these engines. A quick note on oil: a decent (229.5 preferably, but could be even .3 or .1 if you are sure with supplier) 10w40 every 10 thousand kilometres would do the trick absolutely. I’ve done 300k in this mode and everything was absolutely fine. My only recommendation would be not to drive it uphill on a higher gear and don’t drive it on lower rpms and pedal to the floor. Downshift instead. These engines a bit tend to spin the bearings under higher load and lower revs. So give it some revs, don’t be shy. OM642 is quite reliable and punchy as well (especially coupled with automatic transmission!), but maintenance costs (10 litres of oil) and that bloody oil cooler seals and that common EGR pipe issue, less space under the hood, etc. - I’m not too much fancy about it. Though it can last way longer - there are proven cases with almost 1 million km the US on sprinters.

[@MihaiCbr]

Thank you for all the information, it really helps me decide which van should i buy in irder to convert it into a camper. I've watched and read a lot of opinions of Vito vs Tranporter, but here i've found the truth, in your video and in the comments section. Thanks a lot! New sub here.

[@dadcars]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful :)

[@ttmadness34]

Had a 2005 vito for about 4 years. Loved it and was mechanically bullet proof and I know its still on the road now. Went all around he country in it towing our caravan. I eventually traded it for an E class estate which I have now. Thats also bullet proof aswell. Its a great car and very comfortable. But you know what I still really miss the old vito. Id have another in a heart beat.

[@dadcars]

🙌😊

[@carmanbazza]

I have a 2009 Vito with no rust at all, 100% reliable and 50 mpg motorway driving @56 mph. Love it.. good video 👍

[@channex8179]

I had W638 which I loved apart from the rust, Then I got a 2011 W639 Sport X which had no issues with rust as it was a late model and converted it into a camper van, I really loved that van the only reason I got rid was it needed a timing chain which I was going to do at work myself as I was a Skoda main agent diagnostic technician but I lost my job during Covid and then the insurance shot up above what I was willing to pay. I keep toying with getting another now though as it was a cracking van, I could practically drift it around roundabouts it handled that well!!

[@dadcars]

👌😎

[@Elwooddudes]

Great video dude, My dad had an old Vito, and I did really like it! He did mention the clutches went quite often on his… but it was great to drive. Just realised I saw your pal the bearded explorer at Shedfest last weekend! I thought I knew his face.

[@dadcars]

Yeah he was there too 😅 he was the first to do a collaboration with me, featured me in one of his videos really early on 🙌

[@DF-uq2ir]

Had a Type 1 Vito from nearly new (18 mth old) for 11 years and totally loved it. It was a panel van originally, and I got it professionally converted to a crew cab, with removing rear seats. Yes, it was an absolute rust bucket, but only from the door trim down to the sills. I resprayed those areas myself, and it looked like new for a further 4-5 years before I sold it on to another VanFan. I drive a Ford transit custom, crew cab these days, but it is in no way as much fun to drive as the Vito.... that could easily pull 120mph on the Autobah. 😉

[@dadcars]

🙌😎

[@benstanway3238]

I had 2 T4 Transporters and they were both high miles, and bulletproof, but 1.9D non turbo, so very slow. I wanted a T5 but when I looked around there were so many for sale with issues it put me off. I worked for a company that had 2 W639 Vitos with different blokes driving them, worn out looking, not an easy life, and 250k miles plus, but both ran well. I picked up a W639, 115CDI, not sure if it's chipped but it's very nippy, high miles, but drives really well and been a great van. I really rate the 639 2.2cdi.

[@00pturnerj]

I’m a VW fanboy but this is a great video. You are a very engaging presenter and well edited.

[@00pturnerj]

Subscribed

[@dadcars]

Thanks man! Glad you found the channel! 🙌😎

[@jamesarmitage4070]

Correct about the rust I had a 2004 vito ,and it went to the scrap yard. Now I have a 2013 vito and it's got very little rust. They are good work horses, they ran to 2013-14 . The later one return better mpg but all are good value.

[@jennyomalley7634]

Yep I've had two Vito's , and now looking for a third , was thinking of a GLA but maybe I'll stick with Vito.

[@dadcars]

Naa stick with a Vito 😅 if you buy a modern one it won’t rust 👏

[@thedaddiary7207]

To a restoration series on the Vito. I've driven a vito a few months ago and I fell in love with it so much that I want to get one. It was so smooth and nice to drive.

[@dadcars]

🙌😊

[@plumb-bob8597]

As an owner of a few transporters currently a t5, ive always thought the vito was a no brainer alternative, ive read anything after 2006 has better rust proofing, they look really smart and are mechanically solid. Saying that if you do your homework and buy the right vw you should be fine, stay away from the big power engines. Never had any issues with mine. 😊

[@dadcars]

I can imagine with the high prices of transporters the lower price ones are always attractive, but it’ll likely be those that will cost the new owner a lot to maintain… like you say I’m sure if you get a good well looked after one it’ll be a pleasant ownership :)

[@billboballs]

No way on earth is an equivalent Vito half the price of a VW. I've got a 13 plate t5.1 I paid 13 grand for it 3.5 years ago with 100,000 if I could have got a 13 plate Vito with 100,000 miles on it back then for 7,500 I would have. I agree there great vans but half price is a big exaggeration in my opinion. I would imagine both are money pits past a certain amount of age and miles. Still a good video though.

[@jamiehawkes9498]

Great video ,25/45/17 are they going to fit vito 2005 lwb😊

[@olec8978]

I had a 2013 but had to get rid as had another child and couldn't do the school run. I loved that van. The engine management light started coming on (dpf issues) so was time to get rid. 2 years later ive been offered a 2009 lower spec vito vut has only done 40000 miles with one owner who i know well. Im very tempted to convert but worried again about dpf issues. Nout sure if the lower mileage will help with that though....

[@hemiv8949]

316k on my 2012 113cdi dualiner long and still going strong just had service & MOT, little oil leak from oil cooler assembly but still passed MOT

[@dadcars]

That’s impressive

[@alanstonelake2673]

Thats really helped me out. Im replacing my peugeot expert in the winter and want to get the 2.1 latest shape version. Another plus point is the fact it has twin sliding doors which the t5 doesn't have. Will check out your supra vid. Nice work

[@dadcars]

Yeah the twin doors are great! 🙌 if you like sports car you’ve found the right channel 😅

[@marcosrotllan]

My 2006 vito is the most loyal thing I've ever owned. Making its 2nd camper project now, improving de 1st one, the vam deserves it so much. It got repainted again in 2017 and still looks new. 240k. Km and still rocking as the 1st day. I bought 2nd hand at a good price, so its value today is almost the same. Best investment ever. Maybe is my 1st and last diesel van, who knows. Seen a lot of vw vans with lots of problems and angry owners. In snow having the rear traction beats front traction when to want to climb a slope. The turn radio is better than vw because of that rear traction. Love my vito❤

[@StewartStrachan]

I've owned a T4, Sprinter, Bongo and a Vito. The Vito/Sprinter engine is much better than the others and more economical. Also the reliability has been better. The fuel pipe detaching is a common issue with the engine and a super easy fix.

[@dadcars]

🙌😎

[@Gorbyrev]

Great video. I have managed to run my T5 for buttons. We needed a LWB Shuttle for our then 5 kids. We went on to have 8. Two big bills in 17 years. The trick is not to have it serviced at a dealer. Dealer parts and labour are eye watering. So big bill one was 4 years in and was a couple of grand. Big bill two was a refurb of injectors and turbo at 100,000 miles are an injector failure on the M1. When a council tipper reversed into my T5 we got a Viano (posh Vito) for a loaner. It rode better and was more refined. I was also usefully smaller, even in XLWB spec. But the tin worm is the big issue with the Spanish built Vitos and back then they were just as expensive. In my experience lots of T5 spares are cheap as, especially the four cylinder which is all car parts. There is an endless supply of pattern parts from places like Autodoc. For example VW wanted £280 for an air-con condenser. Autodoc had one for £66. The five cylinder 2.5 AXD which I have is more expensive but it is a great engine and has a gear driven camshaft. I can't believe that over 17 years of motoring it has only depreciated about £10,000, or around £50 a month. They are pricey second hand but they do hold their value.

[@dadcars]

Great comment! Thanks for sharing this, wait what how many kids do you have?! 🤯

[@Gorbyrev]

@@dadcars like you we had 4 young ones by the year 2000 which we carted about in a couple of T4s but we just kept going and by 2013 we had 8!

[@dadcars]

@@Gorbyrev that’s incredible! Well done 🙌😅

[@stevehufngel7221]

My dad just bought a first generation vito the thing is extremely beat up, but still relatively solid in mechanical means. Now it’s a challange for me to get it to pass the MOT Door sills wheel arches rear flooring panel needs replacing windscreen must be repaired the entire suspension of the van needs to be changed. It’s going to be heaps of work but I bet it will be fun wrenching with the old man

[@dadcars]

Father son time 😊🙌

[@jaakko200987654321]

vito has the ultra reliable 611/646 engine. even if it breaks, replacement engines are easy to find since they are in almost all models from that era. biggest problem with the 611 is air leaks in the low pressure fuel system

[@scottmurray2729]

Great video. No house to fix, I think the Vito has earned a KZbin restoration series. 😁

[@dadcars]

😅 maybe I should start with a “first clean in 6 years video”

[@TyronePatOne]

If you're after an automatic, the vito is the clear winner. Proper torque converter box, well proven and reliable, 40mpg with a rear wheel drive, it has no equal. Vw DSG is excellent too bit you're going to have to renew a clutch eventually. It also has problems with it's mechatronics.

[@dadcars]

Yeah a torque converter is want you want on something like a van

[@LordClunk]

A company | worked for got a fleet of Vitos when they first came out (2002). The only issue I had with them was the lack of space above the pedals. On the one I was issued with I removed the trim above the pedals. They were all electronically restricted to 75mph. Except for some reason, mine wasn't. During a week off, one of the supervisors found out mine wasn't restricted and decided we were swapping vans.

[@dadcars]

😅 how did their fair over time? All rust to bits?

[@LordClunk]

@@dadcars I left the company 6 months after they were issued. Last time I saw one of the vans, it was 3 years later and it was on the side of the M4 at Reading after rear ending another car in a traffic jam. That one looked quite badly bent. I've been after a decent van for a while. I always dismissed these due to rust, and Mercedes parts cost. (Last Merc van I had (1984 508D) cost nearly £2,000 for a full set of brakes and put me off them for a while. I sold that van not long after (1999) and the person who bought it from me still uses it. So it was a reliable beast. ) Maybe I should reconsider.

[@dadcars]

@@LordClunk yeah parts not been to bad for me, always taken it to an independent garage of course

[@davidanderson391]

134000 miles on my 2010 W639 Vito converted camper and not a single bit of rust on it at all. If looked after, these vans are bullet proof. As vans go, it drives brilliantly.

[@matjaz106]

I made on my 2009 W639 Vito (high and long model) 470,000 km. Not single point of rust. Bought in Holland, it seem this model has zinc cover on chasie, as even if some scratch, no rust happen.

[@danielhamilton2157]

Restoration video definitely I love mercs had a 54 plate sprinter the running gear was great but the body was shocking same with the cars I've had but I still love em great video!

[@dadcars]

I like the idea of a sprinter 😎 would need that size for a camper with 4 children 😅

[@leongiles3496]

Nice that you did piece about your "old faithful"... warts and all...

[@dadcars]

I was going to tidy it up a little but thought I’d keep it real 😅

[@diegocanecorso7665]

What’s funny is the only actual engines that are a Mercedes engine is the 2.1 diesel and the actual hand built AMG engines every single other engine is actually a Renault

[@B3060J]

I have a VW T6, converted myself, and my partner has a vito, bought fully converted, for half the price i paid (and half the milage on the clock too!) I have a swivel seat, she cant fit one apparently :) She loved her vito, we joke about it being a turdis - but it does its job very well. I would never go with one personally, even if i didn’t go VW again, id probs got Merc Sprinter.

[@dadcars]

I’d love a sprinter 😎

[@bradscott2432]

We had a 115 CDI crew cab Vito as the family car my father got it new in 2004 and had it until 2017 and that time covered over 200k miles and never skipped a beat the only issue was from it starting to rust afrer about 10 years both side rear quarters around the sliding door rails

[@dadcars]

Bloomin rust! 😅 like you say, never skip a beat mechanically do they

[@peterdann6758]

We have a 2006 vito 2.1 with 214000 and still going strong, must say, its 17 years old and still driving 100 percent. Strand, city of capetown

[@marcosrotllan]

2006 2.5 vito, 240k km and still like the 1st day. Vito rules

[@nicolaepopiela1857]

After owning a sprinter for many years Just bought my first vito 2.2 2019 so excited to see how will work

[@Elwooddudes]

How you finding this Vito? Looking myself! Thanks

[@cf8549]

I’ve got a 2015 dsg t5.1 transporter and a 2007 Vito 109. Id have to agree with you about the maintenance and repairs . The original battery lasted 14 years on the Vito!. The transporter looks better imo but the Vito drives better, I’d happily drive it anywhere, it clonks and bangs and is full of dents but always is reliable.

[@R-K61]

I bought a brand new 2004 Vito 115 at 150+bhp first in Cornwall, brilliant rally car in van clothing,12 months later the silver paint had an issue as every panel was a different shade and Mercedes said it was in a smash but no it was the paint, Mercedes repainted it free of charge, only other issue was the turbo actuators, years later and i mean years i pulled into a local garage and the guy who had bought it after my 2.5 years of ownership pulled up and the mechanics were perfect but the body was goosed,Currently on my second ML270 and still a merc fan.

[@dadcars]

🙈

[@drivelaughing7905]

I bought a cheap Vito when I started Amazon driving over lockdown. I loved it to bits!! It was ratty and faded red, but it was brilliant. Unfortunately it was rust that got it. The panels were a bit rusty but it was the underside that I couldn't see that claimed it. Nearly half the sill under the sliding door had dissolved and some very large holes in the front cross member. I would buy another in a heartbeat though, if it wasn't for the stupid London ulez. It would be the perfect vehicle for my current job, if I didn't have to go into the ulez zone regularly. Your video has made me really miss my red baron van 😢

[@dadcars]

Yeah ULEZ must be making it very hard for self employed people who need a van 😓

[@Mrtallguy76]

Loved driving Sprinter based vans for one of the large supermarkets in the early noughties, and have to admit I like the look of the Vito.

[@dadcars]

Always got a bit of power to them as well 👌

[@Mrtallguy76]

@@dadcars was always fun running back to the store empty 😉

[@FRFRANKIE]

I loved your video. Keep up the awesome work.

[@dadcars]

Thanks Frank 🙌

[@Birmingham_racing]

Never had much interest in vans until I drove a transporter couple of years ago since then I've had a soft spot for transporters. In all fairness that was a 2017 with AppleCarplay, dsg and 200bhp engine I think so was a nice experience. No 7 seater has big last row with a big boot unless you get something like this

[@dadcars]

Yeah I’m sure the newer merc vans are brilliant too, same dimensions as a large SUV but so much more practical

[@guidovane9589]

We had a 2007 extended 109 cdi version. Now we drive a petrol VW...( yup), a Caddy Maxi... 7 seater... and a boot! So they do exist. Do to emision regulations on diesel engines in the netherlands, we made the switch to petrol.. and you are right. A 7 seater with a boot are hard to find if you use the seats.

[@dadcars]

ULEZ in London is killing a lot of these good old work horses too 🥲

[@JollyWollyCollie]

Great video. I liked my Vito(2004) but sold it to get back into a VW (T4 2.5 tdi) which I love. I can concure on the rust, seen some really bad Vito's but mine was pretty good, perhaps as I did wash and wax it regularly. The T4 does has some rust but not all over like some Vitos can get. The Vitos's ride was better (but my T4 is lowered a bit) and as was the drive, I loved the 6th gear and wish had it on the T4. When I bought /sold prices were a bit more level, account for age, was probably 33% move for the vw but wasn't that expensive. A bad point on the rear wheel drive it that in snow or mud it make it really hard (or fun) to drive. I'd take it out if had too but wife wouldn't. Note on the hand / foot brake too. I had no problem but it put my wife off driving it. The Vito has a chain not a belt so that seem to really help with the maintenance as the VW new belt big bill every 4 years seems to come round pretty quick. My T4 has been good for 4 out of 5 years. But last year was expensive. With the VW price being high it also means the depreciation is a lot lower. I think my van is worth more now than when I bought it (covid 'camper' boom) but a Vito a lot less. That 50% price difference now probably right. Bit of a heart not head decision to sell the Vito and get the T4. I have recommended people get a merc if they want a vw alternatie ('but check for rust as they can disolve'). Sold mine to get back into the VW scene as makes every trip more interesting (wave hunting, vvw spotting) and I do a fair few shows (more acturately convoys) so it's a hobby as well as means of transport.

[@dadcars]

VW is a lovely van to own if you can afford the price of entry I agree 🙌

[@michaellittler2616]

When I was looking at buying a van to convert to a camper there’s something called Black Death kept coming up on the Vito think it was something to do with the injectors ? as well as the rust so based on that I bought a T4 to convert

[@dadcars]

T4 is cool! They rust as well though don’t they?

[@michaellittler2616]

@@dadcars yes they do at 25yrs old now it’s starting to rot on inner sills I had to repair them for mot and the arches are starting to bubble so it’s not too bad considering it’s age

[@Markdmarque]

Injector seals leak!!..Which causes "Black Death" it is horrendous as the soot plus gunge accumulates around the injectors and on the cylinder head plus glues up everything. Takes ages to sort out and clean. Use a different copper seal from another car and it helps

[@MrScrofulous]

I'm on my second Vito. My current 2015 LWB 116 axe-murderers van is mine from new, 240K km, bulletproof, right up until yesterday when the Can-bus had a fit and shut down half my electronics including A/C on a filthy humid summer day when I was still 300km from home. After I got home, it would not start, and the cooling fan went mad, so I disconnected the battery overnight, and bugger me, it's perfect today. NO rust and I live at teh beach, no garage. It's kinda beat to shit, but still looks immaculate after a quick wash. I'm worried that it's developed German electrical gremlin syndrome. Might be time to trade. The new ones are so expensive and the nav screen is beyond 80's naff. I'm thinking about a Ford Transit Custom Sport.

[@robertalford9604]

Have a 2008 vito 109 mapped custom exhaust have owned it for over 13 years still does what it should just starting to bubble around rear arches 18 inch amg alloys 196 bhp rear wheels what more do you want

[@dadcars]

Honestly never thought about mapping it… maybe I should 😅

[@vinceedmundsart2999]

Just bought a 2013 116 sport to transport my artwork to art shows up and down the country, so I am looking forward to many happy miles and slowly making it my own

[@danmuygallo]

The vito is the best van I owned, but I had to down trade for the citan for fuel economy. I like the rear wheel drive too, but it's shit on wet grass with no weight in the back, and there is always the possibility of overloading it, so you keep the drive but lose your steering. Fun and games.

[@marcosrotllan]

Rear drive is a big plus in the vito. Try to climb a big slope with a lot of weight whith front drive....

[@stuartchapman5171]

Great vid thanks for sharing. I haven't owned a van for 27yrs. I used to run mk2 Transits. Couldnt find an affordable modern one that wasnt hanging off the chasis. I avoided the VW, like you say, excessive mileage at a decent price point. I know Mercs rust out but for a few hundred over my budget I picked up a SWB Sprinter, no rust. I had dismissed the Vito. This was because the independent Mercedes van guy who serviced my mates fleet said he wouldn't touch one. Ive seen a lot of older ones on the road, going strong, that says something. I like my Sprinter but boy is the front suspension and steering awful. Ive dropped a grand on mine, all the joints and shocks that were worn done. Its still tiring to drive, compared to my works, Transits. For a low top I can just stand up in it, a bonus as it doubles as a stealth camper as well as my daily commute/ PA shifter. Im not getting any younger. I may run it for a year and swap out for the Vito. Im not out in it enough to warrant the height. You’ve opened my eyes. If the Vito has "normal" suspension.

[@dadcars]

My suspension isn’t great 😅… I like the idea of doing a sprinter office/ camper conversation!

[@stuartchapman5171]

@dadcars I'll have to hire one. See how it drives. From somewhere with older models. I don't buy new motors.

[@peterjohn8625]

I live in Australia and bought a 99' Vito. Even the dents I put in it have barely rusted years later. It's parked outdoors too. From the sounds of it, I think I got lucky.

[@janstaes2172]

nice vid. i would love to see you test a mercedes benz R class amg 63 or 500. these can be had as a 7 seater. this one should be practical and sporty to.

[@dadcars]

Me too! I mentioned this in a recent video in fact! Great minds 😜

[@janstaes2172]

@@dadcars 😀 idd

[@geraldhitchens8130]

l have an 06 vito .What l like is the in line config of the engine and g/box.Makes it nice and easy to work on .Just take the front apron off and you can get to everything. My only complaint is the electrics .l still can t work out how they work and where the fuses are ......anybody know ? Would be most grateful if you could tell me :)

[@FRFRANKIE]

Hi Ben. Hope your doing good. I would keep that minivan just for Tesco runs. It could be worse. It could be the 2017 VW Metris my Uncle bought new back then with only 1 sliding door. Lol. Or even worse than that. I could be me. I just did the stupidest thing ever. I bought a 2012 Citroen C6, V6 turbo diesel with 90,000 miles on it. I don't know why. I should of just bought another XM. Lol.

[@dadcars]

Just never use it now! Just handy for picking up something from Facebook marketplace 😅

[@Firkinnel]

Previously had an 02 (W638) and an 07 (W639) Vito camper. The mk1 was worse for rust and on par with Transits. I would avoid both models as you can never eliminate the rot. Mechanical issues can be rectified. After the MBs I converted an 09 Renault Master Minibus. Not a spot of rust on it. Highly recommend them and Trafics for camper conversions. Just bought a 2000 T4 Atlantis, luckily I just moved to Spain so rust isn't an issue here.

[@Yourtruthmightnotbemine]

I’ve had mk1 6 seater then I bought a mk2 with fold down/ away seats.I had to get rid coz of rust issues that could not be resolved.I’m now on my third one a silver mk3, 13 plate panel van lwb . Having previously had a mk2 that rusted away before my very eyes I was dubious about getting another but after driving everything else I decided to take the risk. i would definitely recommend them again because they have rectified the issues with rust and adding to that definitely recommend them to anyone who wants low maintenance trouble free motoring.the engines very good and run forever and ever I wouldn’t buy anything else it drives like a car I can honestly tell you that it does corners at high speed I’ve got 18’s on mine with wide ass tires and goes like the clappers and beats most people off the line and I’ve got a lwb!😮I love them !! The absolute Best van on the market!! For sure!

[@dadcars]

I wished I had a LWB every time I picked up sheet materials in this 🙈 you have to put plasterboard at an angle as it’s slightly too small

[@civiprepper]

Love the vito. The removable captain seats make them really versatile. I bought a 2010 model 4 years old in 2014. Had it for 10 years and taken it from 50k to 150k miles without a single issue. The dual sliding doors is totally a game changer and when we go camping we have an inflatable side cabin. Taken it skiing also in Austria and put chains on so rear wheel drive was fine.

[@mydc2200]

I removed the third row seat and put 2seater sofabed, my kids love it

[@deaks25]

Cars like this are quite important as the coolest of cool DadCar usually comes with a Family Beater-Bus like this that does the job of enabling the nice car. I wouldn’t be surprised if AutoAlex offered to buy your van; he does love his rust buckets 😉

[@dadcars]

Alex will be a lot more impressed by this than the Aston 😅

[@weekendbikingwarrior360]

brilliant video, I've lived the same life... first vito new... my current is 2nd hand. 2011. way better rust. thye just drive... best example... CAT broke 40 km south of Paris... still got me, and the kids home. only issue... I would want a 4 wheel drive.

[@dadcars]

Awesome! I filmed an update video on the vito this week! Coming soon 😎

[@dougsphoto]

Hi thx for your review but how would you compare it to a Toyota Hiace all-wheel drive diesel thx

[@dadcars]

I’ve never driven one so cannot comment, I’d like to though

[@AlexH1984again]

Had my 2007 vito 120 for a couple of years now, been a great thing. Only issue I've had is certain spare parts - my van is an auto and the auto gear position switch cacked itself. When that dies, at best you're stuck in a single gear so it can leave you in a bad position if you're far from home. It took Merc 3 months to get the part. Luckily I managed to get a second hand one in the meantime but that wasn't easy to get either. Apparently the key receptacle thing can fail also and they can't be purchased anymore either. Other than that switch its had a new aftermarket prop-shaft as the original's UJ's were failing and squealing (150k on them, can't argue with that) and I've had to replace the parking brake shoes as one side fell to bits. The backplate that the brake shoes fit to looks to be a problem as well as the holes for the springs rust out and being rear wheel drive changing the back plate looks like a bit of a pig to do, a few video's of it on this here tube. Only a slight amount of rust on the os sliding door though so that's a result 😂😂

[@dadcars]

Ah so you’ve still had rust on the panels in your 07 that’s interesting, not to the level of mine it seems 😅

[@stevegrim]

I have a Mk1 Vito, Rusty as hell. One thing you didn't mention was fuel consumption. I struggle to get 30mpg, I rented a Peugeot Expert a few years ago and I got an easy 55mpg.

[@boyasaka]

And the Peugeot hardly rusts

[@dadcars]

I fill up the tank on this and it lasts FOREVER! 😅

[@dunk8157]

I had a Mercedes with the same engine and it suffered from the "black death", was quite expensive to sort it out. Check the injectors are not leaking. Saying that I was able to replace the injector myself after getting the head helicoiled. Also the seats were uncomfortable, a big step down from 80s Mercedes I owned. However some brands are even worse now so I can see the argument for these.

[@tiilh]

I am trying to get a Vito for a camper conversion. Currently, I have a Renault Grand Scenic, which is fine for camping, but not for living in it

[@dadcars]

You do see a lot of nice vitos around without rust too, just have to do a good bodywork inspection

[@cafe405]

Never even considered a Vito. It's not a vehicle at front of mind when looking at people luggers. Gutted I can't make Shedfest as travelling back from a long weekend on the continent. Was great seeing JayEmm at Helmingham when on holiday I'm Norfolk a fortnight ago, would have been awesome to see a few more of you and say thanks in person. Maybe next year.

[@dadcars]

There will be future events 😎 be good to meet you

[@stephenbrentnall623]

A really good video. But I've got a Berlingo VTR which I reckon its a real competitor. Cheap to run and mend. Just a thought.

[@dadcars]

Berlingo is smaller than Vito/t5 though but yeah friend of mine has had one for years and it’s been a trusty steed

[@joeledger3013]

My good friend Fred Whitmarsh sold your van new in 2004 from Commercial Motors in Holmbush St Austell. I’ve got a 2014 64 plate Vito 122 CDI Sport X Dualliner in black only done 51k miles, mint van and not rusty, plus I sold it from new, so I know it’s total history. Far better vans than Transporters , but I guess I’m biased as I sold them new for 24 years!

[@dadcars]

Wow this is awesome! Thanks for sharing 🙌 what’s your theory on the rust? Is there a year that it was sorted from?

[@joeledger3013]

@@dadcars Yes, Mercedes started galvanizing the body shells for the 2006 model year, so from 2006 06 plate to current model, their rust resistance is pretty good. My 2014 Sport X is completely rust free, but it has had an easy life to be fair.🫤

[@paultownend3673]

As a 2017 vito L2 owner I can say you are right about transporter and Vito's Would you buy a VW over a merc car The vito I have is a lot better that VW I know And does more to the gallon

[@dadcars]

I like transporters too but I feel they are overpriced for what they are, If buying new which I never would, I’d get a VW because of that though

[@loveitorleaveit6868]

Lover my 08 vito 115cdi. I found it well built and reliable, my t5 vw was beautiful but every few weeks there was always a mechanical issue to tend to

[@wasp6594]

Thanks for the video which has convinced me to stay with my grey imported Nissan El Grand. Better equipped, highly reliable and quality built for the extemely discerning Japanese market.

[@dadcars]

😅 I am a big JDM fan!

[@Life_of_John]

Was looking after this videos at similar, then i saw the comments about rust. And lots mention the toyota hiace. Whats the model to go for? Anyone? Thanks.

[@oliverrice8869]

Is this the same Vito that you brought to shedfest a couple of weeks ago? I’m sure it had writing all over it?

[@dadcars]

This was the week before shedfest so we hadn’t drawn all over it yet 😅

[@mikkimason4716]

ive got a 2005 vito that i got for 5.5k and doin it as a campervan its literally just flown through its mot and because i`d only done bout 500 miles the guy said not to bother servicing it, bloody love em, so comfy, not speedy but hey i get there eventually, wats everyone else got, mines a 05 115 minibus auto, but only got 2 seats cos of conversion.

[@miketaicee8570]

Got 3 kids soon to have our 4th. New to the channel so i don't know if you've covered this already. But what is your dad to day runner for your family of 6???? Just asking for a friend 😉

[@dadcars]

I just posted a new video which features our main family car 👍

[@miketaicee8570]

Thanks I'll go take a look now. Look forward to seeing what it is ✨👍✨@@dadcars

[@billylip680]

Its chain not cambelt, id rather have a sprinter though

[@horster2783]

I like the vitos. I would say though that I bought a Vw t5.1 (high line) 4 years ago now and it’s worth the same as what I paid for it even now with a few extra k on the clock. My current Vw in 40k miles has only had routine servicing, intercooler needed replacing as a stone went through it and an air con condenser. So pretty good imo. My previous one was a money pit and cost me about 2k. For my current one I went for the most popular 2.0 tdi 140 engine as they’re so common and if the engine did go I could replace the engine relatively cheaply.

[@dadcars]

They do hold their values very well!

[@davefrancis7213]

Was there a year where the rust issue was solved?

[@SKOMPAS]

You have convinced me to definitely *not* get a Vito or a Transporter, I will look for a Hiace!

[@dadcars]

😂 Lots or people recommending them in the comments

[@SKOMPAS]

@@dadcars I know I’m just hopping on the band wagon, all the comments that are pro Vito seemed to have owned them nearly new which doesn’t fill me with confidence

[@mrbeeoutdoors3213]

Mercedes have a lot to answer for when it comes to rust.. Literally their entire range, Vitos, Sprinters, cars have rust issues in the early 2000's, seems like as you say maybe 2007 onwards (ish) they sorted it in their cars, not sure about their van range. Edit: Dates might be off, its been a while since I researched.

[@dadcars]

It’s been disastrous for their reputation

[@paulweston4994]

I've been running vitos since 2004 with my latest being a 2017 which i bought new and I can tell you now, mercedes have never sorted their rust issues. I've been in the body repair trade since 2001 and the majority of rust repairs I do are on mercedes. With the newest being 1 year old. I'm in a constant battle to keep the rust from getting too bad on my own van that it's the second time that I've had to repair my rear arches because of rust. Not mentioning all the other places that's starting to scab up. If it wasn't for the rust they would be the best van on the road.

[@mrbeeoutdoors3213]

@@paulweston4994 ah... that's sad news. I really noticed a big difference appearance wise in their cars when going through years, but I've never owned one or been around them long enough to say with certainty. I know their Sprinters are atrocious for rust. Perhaps that's how they keep the price competitive because I get the impression (right or wrong) that the engines are often long lasting.

[@louieburridge-yg4yu]

I’ve had both and the Vito is better to drive and more reliable and it’s got 217,000 miles on the clock,the only thing is the transporter was more spacious but the size was a issue with car parks where the Vito doesn’t have that problem,great video 👍

[@sportzntouring]

My favourite quality of this van is what you did with it at Shedfest! Pure Art! (Your Instagram followers will know what I mean).

[@dadcars]

I still haven’t cleaned it 😂 get some strange looks driving it around while my car is off getting work done 🙈

[@xhuljom2560]

I still got my 2006 vito sunroof, 2 slide doors with little windows, automatic diesel but I’m looking to sale will be a good project for someone

[@roycampbell5605]

I had a t5 sportline lovely van and they are ok up to 100 thousand but after that they start to cost lots of money to maintain

[@dadcars]

And 100k would be a low mile example and carry a premium 🫣

[@roycampbell5605]

@@dadcars at 100 000 they need a new camshaft

[@fordlover9509]

​@@roycampbell5605not always mine needed a cam and tappets on 190 000 miles there are people driving around with original cam over 200 000 miles

[@josephdaly3327]

Just don't drive it through large puddles like i did. I'd bumped up onto the kerb so as to minimise the risk, but the kerb dropped down as it was an entrance to an industrial estate and i came to juddering halt soon after as the engine seized completely. Being an automatic it didn't respond well when i revved the engine. So that cost me £1000 on the insurance excess, and I found out the hard way that Mercs don't like murky water. Judging by the rust on your van, it's probably not that keen on clear water!

[@dadcars]

Ooo sounds nasty… to be fair the underside of mine isn’t too bad 😊

[@josephdaly3327]

Engine water ingress is what killed it. The lesson is to approach deep puddles slowly so as not to create a bow wave. A BMW 3 and a Mercedes C class soon joined me in grief, and yet a Bentley put the puddle to the muddle and sailed through, and couple of Fords also managed to ford this temporary ford. They were obviously Focused enough during this Transit-ion to not get Cortina trap!

[@dadcars]

@@josephdaly3327 EVs get written off like this as well 😬

[@grahamrobson9292]

I owned a T5 2008 130 for 14.5 years in the end it had rusted sub frame and inner wings drivers door bottom and a rear arch lip. The sub frame was £800 and a lot of labour so it went to salvage. should have waxoyled the transporter subframes and the body. It drove beautifully lovely steering but the gear change quality was great turned notchy around 90 K. The first big expense was a DPF delete and remap. Then the 5cyl exhaust manifold was warped leaking and the turbo bearings worn and the manifold was skimmed and turbo reconditioned the intercooler bent like a banana due to the welds corroding. Otherwise at 15 years old it was on its original clutch shocks and exhaust and never let me down. It still used plenty of oil even after the turbo was renewed.! But get them waxoyled and change the oil 2x per year I neglected mine! Protect your subframes !!!! It’s epidemic as they’re just tin

[@phillmcaverty]

Check out the old hiace super customs. You can get mega spec interiors with all the goodies. Digital dash, seat and steering retract when key is taken out...... plus they'd do veg oil at a ratio

[@dadcars]

I do love a Toyota 😊

[@davidspence784]

I painted my w638 rust spots with white household paint, its not perfect but it looks better than rust.

[@dadcars]

😂🙌

[@nunodias2619]

Which engine is best for the Mercedes Vito?

[@richy69ify]

Do the injectors get stuck on these ?

[@andywakefield9826]

Iv got a vito on the drive. 54 plate. Bought it for £700. 120k miles. Its been welded front to back both sides. New arches and sills. New side loaders. Full (diy) repaint. Body kit. Amg slabs. Im 5k into it. And it still needs an alternator and putting back together. Iv lost heart with it. Ohh ye and it still needs welding on the rear panel where the door latches.

[@mikesievers1482]

The rust in mercedes vehicles is an interesting one for sure. I've seen a lot of people comment on this issue, particularly on internet forum's. I suspect it's because they use salt on the roads in the UK and certain parts of the US? Here in New Zealand you would struggle to find a Mercedes of any year with rust issues. I've owned probably around a dozen Mercedes since the early 90's, from mid 70s w123's,w126,w124's,w210's 3 x 190e's, including a 190 16v which I've owned for 14 years, and everything in between. Right up to my current 164ml. None of them had any type of rust what so ever. I do know folks in the Mercedes car clubs that have owned old 114's with rust in the boot floor behind the wheel wells. But I think that was a common problem with that model anyway. Even early on. But there still on the road over here. It's also not uncommon to see a lot of first and second gen Vito van's on the roads over here with 500,000km's on the clock. But with that kind of mileage, I suspect rust would be the least of its problems 👍

[@dadcars]

I’ve not helped matters that’s for sure 😅 great comment! 🙌

[@boyasaka]

Here in the uk A 10 year old Mercedes is rusting 12 years and the wings and bottoms of the doors are rotten , many years ago I bought a 3 year old C Class and before it was 4 , paint was blistering along boot and rear arches YET again here in the UK Peugeots and Citroens do not rust , so if they can protect the car from rust why can’t Mercedes ???

[@mikesievers1482]

@@boyasaka Yes very true. Over here we pretty much have the same vehicle fleet on our roads as the UK. So I'm familiar with the Peugeot, Citroën vehicles. And yes you're right. They don't rust. Even earlier Fiats,Alfa romeos etc don't seem to be affected as much as what you would see in the UK or Europe. Back in the early to mid 2000's I worked for an importer specializing in bringing cars in from Japan. The general rule of thumb was not to buy vehicles that had lived along the coast, as rust was often a problem. Particularly in vehicles like the Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 Van's, and pretty much anything Nissan 4x4 from that era. But if we purchased the same vehicles from way inland. Not a problem. I suspect most of the rust issues in the UK is more down to the climate. With the harsher damper winters? At least I think that would play a major part.

[@boyasaka]

@@mikesievers1482 yes your right 3 months of the year , the councils spread salt on the roads ( rock salt ) to stop roads getting slippy on frosty nights , and that doesn’t do cars much good at all Lots of people import Japanese cars into the uk ( as they are also right hand drive ) And usually a 10 year old jap import is 100 percent rust free even the undercarriage as there is no salt applied to the roads over there , But that still doesn’t explain why the likes of Peugeot and citron rust less Even Audi which are suppose to be fully galvinased rust over here My mate bought a brand new Audi A4 and really looked after it , washing and waxing it regularly , when it was 10 years old , he had both front wings replaced and rear arches cut out and new ones welded in , as were rotten , yet my other mates Peugeot 106 , a small cheap basic car is totally rust free aged 14 !!!!!

[@chappy2121]

Ive had vitos, vivaros, transporters and transits. Only one I'd buy with my own hard earned? Transit custom everytime. Or Elgrand or Vellfire/Alphard

[@dadcars]

The new transits are cool looking 👌

[@reedy8585]

They are nice vans to drive but the final gear ratio is a bit short especially for euro trips

[@dadcars]

I rather like going through the gears 😅

[@CM-1723]

My t5 is rusting i probably should of sorted it when i first seen it but cant be bothered ha

[@dadcars]

A van is a van 🤷‍♂️ not a classic sports car so I agree! 😅

[@cemeteryguestrob9745]

make your mind up! Do you do this in MacDonalds?

[@Markdmarque]

Plus side ...Vito has chain driven cam Minus side injector seals prone to leaking

[@Ella_therain]

I got a 2.2 viano and it's brilliant

[@dadcars]

Any signs of rust at all?