2021 Ford Transit Custom review | Edd China's in-depth review | What Car?

From the moment the Ford Transit Custom was launched in 2012 - it was a runaway success. It's consistently been the best-selling van in the UK. But why? What's it like? And should you buy one? Watch our review to find out.
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#FordTransitCustom #TransitCustom #Transit

[@golfman1987]

I’m not even in the market for a van just came here for Edd👍

[@woody555kl]

Same here loved watching him on tv 👍

[@woody555kl]

Weird seeing someone tower over a transit tho 😯

[@johncox0701]

Same here, miss Ed.

[@haggisuk9952]

Benders

[@HarmenXL]

Why is the manual gearbox preferable to the automatic gearbox??

[@paulmanners1364]

Glad to see Edd is back on the tube His well known street cred will make him a really believable presenter

[@anthonybyland7965]

Good ol Edd, he comes across as the sort of person that tells you what you need to hear not what you want to hear, what a lad 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jamiermathlin]

I have one, it is awesome, 170bhp, Sat Nav, Cruise, air-con, heated seats, heated windscreen, bi-xenon headlights, fold-down roof rack, rear camera and parking sensors all-round, USBs everywhere, lots of storage and it averages 45mpg, the best van I have ever had :-) :-)

[@jayb8439]

Always good to see ed

[@Synthtv1]

Owned the custom for over an year now ,done about 25k on it ,good ford warranty just change the oil way sooner they tell you to do so,the engine is very powerful the gearbox is smooth . Wouldn't choose another van , I am very satisfied with my choice

[@gingermongoose3325]

As an agency driver, usually driving lorries work can get a bit lean this time of year. But my agency are amazing & always strive to give reliable drivers some form of work. So over the Xmas / New year period I was allocated work at a popular van rental company, mainly collecting vans that had been hired by the Royal mail & Parcelforce. These were all newish 2019 plate vans, all less than 5000 miles - the damage on them was horrific ! Our team of 3/4 picked up over 60 vans, & only one had no damage, some were so bad, they would be illegal to drive. The cabs, for the main part were disgusting, - food, drink, clothing & general mess all left behind, (however I did gain 38 pence & 3 lighters) So in the past 10 days, having driven most new model vans, my conclusions are : Sprinter - Good van, Solid, but seems a bit dated. Transit- Always been a favourite of mine, overall best for value & practicability. Crafter - Pulls like a train, basic cab, a workhorse. Boxer - who the hell thought putting the handbrake to the right of the drivers seat was a good idea ? - when fully raised it will do it's best to sodomise you whilst exiting the cab, other than that - feels OK, but think it may have many things malfunctioning shortly after purchase. And now, my absolute favourite, - the VW Transporter, Solid, well made, fast, comfy, an absolute pleasure to drive. Now the downside - the model I was driving costs around £38,000 - it was nice - but not that nice.

[@ivandrozd8262]

Hi. What about vito van? Have you missed?

[@r.a.monigold9789]

You - "pitching cars". Him - "modding vehicles". Switch - A - Roo or Irony? No matter, you are (and ALWAYS have been) a wonderful presenter - making the complex comprehensible while turning sneers into laughter. Great job. I'm happy to see you back! Nice work - Thank you for sharing...

[@matthewdutoit]

My work have Transit Custom Base trim LWB 2.2 6 speed and Sport SWB 2.2 6 speed. Both lovely van. My current work van is that Basic LWB. It have LED rear lights in cargo, reverse camera, electronic windows and mirrors, brilliant van. Love it!

[@Ulthion]

I love the fact, that at last someone start making vans, what looks like just great cars, not only "machine for work".

[@darylkik6204]

Its Ed China. I watched all of your previous shows many times. (Wheelers Dealers from the beginning to California.) Great to see you back as you have been missed by many fans here across the pond.

[@Banditmanuk]

Been running a short wheelbase high roof since 2015. As it's my own van I went for the most powerful and its quick. Easy to drive, very car like and so far been totally reliable

[@CL-vz6ch]

The hire van versions are much faster.

[@Endurorodzndubz]

A transit driver only needs to know, how fast it goes and how good it is to tailgate in.

[@03stef]

I use the van for work

[@nickwhitley5491]

Also how long will it run with no coolant

[@ethan5577]

Edd! More Edd hosted videos please!

[@thevirginclanlee275]

I really come to understand a pick up truck is sooo redundant when this vehicle showed in a local Ford dealership, a van is far more useful than a pick up truck.

[@Retrofordguy]

Never been much of a van man but I love transits and I love the new shape with the sport pack get it remapped with more power and it's a no brainer it so good looking

[@AmandaJayne46]

Yep I’m with golfman, but I must admit. I would definitely go for the new Transit Sport in a heartbeat 💓 though at the moment I don’t a van at all, but would go for this one. It’s great to see you back on KZbin Edd. 💋

[@donwhitlock3216]

Good to see you again Ed

[@craigcotton4978]

I bought mine from new 2016 (66plate) now has 35k miles 2 faulty injectors at delivery mileage 200ish pulling away is tricky clutch has a mind of its own Idler pully had to be replaced due to excessive noise hill start works when it feels like it horn sounds 3/10 times when you lock the van (doors all shut) 1 rear parking sensor failed wipers go on when they feel like it indicators repeat quickly sometimes as if there was a fault/earth fault Power and torque is not consistent under 3k rpm i took it to a dyno to prove this over 3k power and torque are consistent Ford dealers are useless they rely on computer diagnosis for warranty repairs, "technicians" are not interested in looking into a fault if the computer cannot find it. it has been to 3 dealerships for the above issues and some are still not fixed approx. 20-25 times Interior is nice and the heated seats are great, parking sensors helpful and dab radio is good To sum up I would never recommend a transit custom to anybody and I hate driving it around the town, motorway driving is decent.

[@Nintendude2013]

Damn

[@_.Mike.__]

My new custom's engine blew up 7 weeks after 3 year warranty expired (36kmiles). Ford told me to F off. Great van 👍

[@stevematthews4214]

Found On Road Dead

[@DGT73]

sherco dude we ran 3 2015 customs and they were shockingly unreliable after around 50k they start to fall apart

[@ErikTheVikingMechanic]

Wet timing belt? I've seen few of the new models it timing belt shredded and out of sinc timing destroyed the engine

[@_.Mike.__]

@@ErikTheVikingMechanic hole in piston 👍

[@joannecooper6924]

Worrying! Currently waiting for verdict from Ford customer service as the cam belt/chain went on my van, 59,617 miles and 2 weeks out of 3 year warranty, Ford say needs a new engine costing nearly £7,000. Vehicle has full service history but dealership says it shouldn’t have happened but right now that doesn’t help me.

[@archechme]

I drove a limited version with the 130bhp engine and it was absolutely amazing to drive for a van. The gear change, throttle response and steering were amazing. Shame I had to go back to a Renault Master afterwards :(

[@richards4456]

Two different classes of van though. Medium and large. Master is a great van. Far more reliable than a a transit.

[@archechme]

@@richards4456 It was a hire van for a quick run down to London whilst the Renault was having an MOT. Don't get me wrong, the Master can be many things but unreliable is not one of them. I was just amazed at how nice a van could be compared to a utilitarian Master.

[@dubtownman9508]

Edd is not dead, long live the king....

[@iantaylor1524]

Epic to see Edd again!! I’ve missed you edd

[@johna8999]

Where's the reveiw? This is an infomercial.

[@thetruthmakesfree1872]

Good to see Ed. Missed ya.

[@svensshed1564]

I just bought the transit sport 340 and its awesome. I can’t recommend it enough

[@OFP2]

Get live streaming Ed so we can watch ya mechanical skills again mate

[@alancobbin1310]

Still the king of the hill ,that phev sounds good ,nice one edd👍

[@TheTigersbay]

Great too see Edd China . 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great review .

[@DaveInBridport]

My employers just taken on 2. Hated Ford before but these are lovely. Bit bouncy and fuel needle starts to head south after what seems very few miles. Comfortable, pokey, quiet. Sound system isnt as good as out 59 plate T5. Speakers are harsh at higher volumes.

[@warriorcharge3969]

The Edd-Master 👍🏾

[@johnricci4511]

Wow! Far different than the Transits I'm accustomed to In Canada. 8pass with the 310hp Ecoboost V6 which makes our version of this van a monster by comparison! Yes...it is for it's class.

[@ant2312]

yes but petrol costs a fortune in the UK so we don't want gas guzzlers

[@easileeeasilee5411]

Edd you should have drove it in the wet with a load in and you may have changed your mind..... the all new Ford sledge!!

[@English-Sparta]

I have a facelift limited. We have new transporters in our fleet too. The custom is very bouncy compared and the transporter feels and hold the road much firmer.

[@johngrant1337]

I would love to have a Transit Custom in USA it is only the small transit connect or the big transit. The custom looks super the right size ( not to small or to big) just the right size

[@nintruendo6411]

Thank God these Transits came Stateside. I love my ‘15 Transit Connect.

[@ukman9797]

Yeah, noticed a lot of europe stuff now being in the states. Nice Ford have got their act together and building global models instead of country specific. Shame the Transit is now being built in Turkey, shifted from Southhampton in the UK during 2015 I think. Don't know whether there is a US specific plant building them for your market, or they are coming from Turkey.

[@jasonwindebank5455]

Love it i got the chrome blue sport and am well proud when i pull on site i look good in it as well🔨🤣

[@courtneyjames9345]

Jesus how tall is edd ! He makes the transit look like a mini countryman

[@grahambelcher2355]

We need more of Ed. Keep up the great work

[@GregsMowing]

Best vans out there. I’ve got that shape limited. L1 h2 manual 130ps. 32mpg after a year. Not great

[@ORileysAutos]

Best van on the road. Ours has 415,000 miles But it was stolen very easy. Just upgrade the security from an auto locksmith and your good

[@thomtrucker1925]

Posts inside side doors are completely crazy idea. Hide view and during rain water stay in front section of side windows

[@DRAGONS147]

I don't care what anybody says The Ford Transit Custom is the most stylish looking van on the road at the moment.

[@wordsofhis1799]

Ford just issued a recall for those that had auto start feature; seems the pressurized transmission start assist can leak oil onto the catalytic converter and start a fire. Goood job, Ford.

[@shadowcycles5295]

More edd please guys a legend 👍

[@GorgiRO]

“All controls whitin reach” yeah right if only my arm was 20cm longer 😂

[@chalkfarmcarsquadso1664]

Edds back. Nice one

[@Gixer750pilot]

Every tradesman is asking has the security been improved over the old one !

[@jrea424]

No.. is the answer

[@perpelle]

Copy pasting from another post I did; "This is a common missunderstanding. Edd is reviewing a new custom, right? In what way is it easy to brake into? I have a 2020 with deadlock option + factory alarm and there is no way of getting in the back without a coded key. The lock from the outside is strengthened (I honestly don't know how bad/good it is now) but even if they get into the cab it's impossible to get into the rear."

[@SammyInnit]

pelleper www.sussexinstallations.co.uk/news-blog/524/ford-custom-and-ford-transit-mk8-hole-in-the-side-load-door-new-attack-trends.html Read a book, dunce.

[@colinleonard5134]

…p

[@fuckthis81]

Will be getting one of the base models soon as my new fleet van. My transit connect with only 49k miles is ready for the scrap heap already. Fault after fault with the ECU and DPF. Hopefully the Custom is better 🤞

[@iantaylor1524]

It needs to be a lot wider than previous versions because I used to be a tree surgeon with 2 other colleagues in the same van and they were not able to get completely comfortable especially for the middle seated passenger. If you can fix this then I’ll honestly say that you can not do better than a Ford Transit.

[@seamusmcshean260]

I had a new one for six months and I could not wait to get ride of it. Very easy to kill the engine changing out of first gear , particularly at roundabout s and traffic lights with the clutch being very touchy-feely. The rear suspension is very bouncy and hard on the neck, particularly with long journeys, just have a look at any of these transits passing you on motorways, the rear end bounces constantly, needs some refinement in my opinion, anyway got the transporter now, a whole different world.....

[@richards4456]

Chatting to someone who has one and said the same thing. Missed their old trafic because of this. Trafic of course isn’t leaf sprung like the transit. That’s why.

[@nsz2302]

Avoid the 2.0 ecoblue we have 6 of these at the company and 3 of them already had major engine issues just over 100k miles

[@wasbeen]

Unfortunately, it's the future, emissions mean all diesels need AdBlue. Don't think you have a choice now.

[@nsz2302]

@@wasbeen My problem is not with the adblue story. It's with that underenginered "thing" in front ford calls the engine. As far as i know because of this engine (and it's constant problems) we terminated our contract with them. To be fair the old 2.2 euro5 diesels run absolutely fine even after 3-400k.

[@nicolbunyan3203]

Edd you forgot to mention you get a free welder with your transit you will need it unlike the transporter you keep mentioning

[@joaopmf]

Edd standing next to a Transit makes it look small

[@fargogemini694]

Ed still kicking himself

[@1hutchy2go]

If the would sort out the security issues and injector problems they would be an awesome van.

[@ajitrughoo6735]

Great to see Ed ! Am subscribed!!

[@worldwideview4677]

Does it still have the engine issue?

[@willyd-adv]

Not enough information on the PHEV but still a good video.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Great review Ed. I’m actually looking at buy one so I was very interested in your opinion. I thought you guys were metric now. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@redstihl9027]

We are

[@fuzzfacelogic789]

I have a 2017 model which I've owned since new and still liking it. Appreciate the good fuel consumption, great turning circle and features which would come as extras otherwise. Also, I would be in a permanent state of cringe if I had to drive around in any vehicle with those 'racing stripes'. Why are the rear windows on that van blocked out?

[@garywalker3818]

transits are number 1 for me as i have a mk6 gary from crewe

[@paddymuppy]

The new VW Transporter T6.1 is now available to order. Can you do a review on it please?

[@117000000]

Edd China then Ford or accessory companies should hire you to really costumize one or more of them on camera. Camper conversion. Or outfitting for professional uses. Raising or lowering the suspension, and so on. I am guessing that your core audience really wants to see you do what you did in wheeler dealers, and you could do this with the vans for instance. But I was always convinced that you would be headhunted by somebody super rich to take care of their car collection. You must have turned down some offers then. Regards from Denmark 👍

[@dagoelius]

being a rather tall guy myself, I'm surpised Edd didn't comment on its cramped cabin space.

[@evo5349]

Its just the security that's crap. Good review Edd

[@bpenny4352]

And what about the security, or lack of

[@davidsingleton9864]

Transits remain the king of vans plus lots of character plus different shapes and sizes.

[@fatwalletboy2]

clearly somebodys buying the sport models with the alloys go faster stripes and bodykits but lord knows why-its just a van!

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

fatwalletboy2 . Because we’re not all tradies and some of us need a van for other reasons. I don’t particularly need a sport and I agree that a sport van is a bit of a joke but it’s the only way to get some of the luxury and comfort I want for long trips. When it’s 4000 km from one side of the country to the other I certainly want some comfort. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@jasonwindebank5455]

I got one cost me 30 grand🤣👍

[@jasonwindebank5455]

@@scroungasworkshop4663 i am a trade amd been driving transits for 20 years and agree the sport has some great features and look great

[@alexandermichael117]

Give us a your view about a ford van,as a camper van,as Im thing of buying a camper van and not knowing which van is best.

[@famousfutterittrainer8831]

Yeah more edd china please

[@gerrydays1909]

Nice looking transit I have 2015 2.2 tdci limited from new still drives good even with 228.000 miles 👍

[@RWL2012]

well yeah, it would do with only 228.000 miles on the clock. 228,000 however...

[@gerrydays1909]

RWL2012 🤔🤔

[@alexandrubejan89]

How can Edd say plenty of space for the driver when he is with his knees in the dashboard 😂😂😂. His quite a big lad!!! Nice Edd. But I find Renault the most comfortable and spacious cabin than all.

[@moneymandan6217]

Love Edd china top mechanic and decent bloke

[@paulthomas3841]

I use to deliver driver, the transit use to "Break down", the Builder, I use to work for the had aTranst broke down all the time 3 things would brake Macanic told me

[@filthymcnastyazz]

Whutt?

[@joeladams4779]

We miss seeing you and your Mecanical work. Nice too see you again

[@CRA1G1EBOY]

Hurts my back after an hour of driving. 😳

[@CERTI0151]

Same! Does your brake seem abnormally high too? And makes your leg ache?

[@vasel208]

Everyone should own a van at some stage of their lives as a daily driver.

[@mrpurplehaze100]

I love mine. I came from a transporter which felt better quality, but the custom is good enough but with more space. My only real criticism, is that the rear suspension is so bouncy.

[@Hurbman28]

I’ll just wait a few years and pick one up for a grand

[@Hurbman28]

The Stig's English cousin agreed mate I’ll stick with my vw

[@davidjohnson1629]

Yeah wait and get a cheap one when it's been used and abused battered and bruised that makes sense

[@Hurbman28]

david johnson it’s a Ford mate it’s gonna rust to bits no matter where you by t form

[@davidjohnson1629]

@@Hurbman28 you would have thought they would learn the lessons, I have them galvanised, they're not going to sell any more vans with the ones they sell last

[@Hurbman28]

david johnson I loved my mk7 but it was stolen one night with Mx bikes in there. When I found out how easy they were to steel I was gutted. I’ve got a vw caddy now and I don’t think I will buy another make of van again it’s by far the best van I’ve ever owned

[@jc8241]

Good vid Edd. I love my custom 14 plate

[@UKHope384]

Wow! Eds got his tools back!

[@deeblack9393]

Here in U.S.A. the Transit is a relatively new replacement for the Econoline series and I personally have found them to be rather top heavy especially the extended roof version. So much so that highway driving is a white knuckle experience.

[@petelattimer6808]

you must be a pretty poor driver in that case, as the Transit is one of, if not THE best handling vans available in the UK, and manages to do it WITHOUT ruining the ride quality, unlike the Mercedes, VW, Renault/vauxhall etc offerings.

[@deeblack9393]

@@petelattimer6808 you are making assumptions based on cultural differences. I am an excellent drive in fact I have had several jobs where that is what I did, I drove vehiclesr but the way they are built here is different than there they sit higher with a higher center of gravity at least for the full-size van the Transit Connect is a different story though because it is a minivan.

[@an04ker]

@@deeblack9393 your just pissed cos it hasn’t got a relic of a v8 in it. The custom is the best van going.

[@deeblack9393]

@@an04ker no I am not just pissed because it doesn't have a v8. I actually prefer the room in the driver's seat of the Transit over the cramped space of the econoline. Why can't you Brits just accept that we have different opinions and different ways of doing things? You are the second Brit to post a b.s. comment based on stereotypes that are not true just because of the way Americans have been represented mostly by comedians. I have not done the same with your culture. I have offered my personal opinion and have been attacked for it. If you want to go there I can but I have chosen not to trying to be nice. If one more person attacks me for an opinion then I will no longer be nice.

[@dunk8157]

@@an04ker You are talking about 2 different vans, the Transit is the big Sprinter sized one the Transit Custom is more VW Tranporter size.

[@MrIcewing]

Hmm I think i missed the most important part... Security, tie down points, lights in the back, cup holders, flooring, loading hight and all the other stuff that makes a van a van.

[@twig3288]

Reclining seats?

[@raymondrichings7688]

Thank you just what I wanted to here👌😎

[@yashveersingh1795]

great video thanks🤩😍

[@brianstirland4585]

welcome back edd

[@sergioghiotto5404]

Quanto tempo Ed China, parabéns pelo seu novo programa.

[@kasirmir1925]

Great work Edd 👍🏻 More Edd, please 🙂

[@krulleman]

Love that guy Thx for the tips man

[@tommyo813]

Edd China looks like he's been on the china white

[@chrysfil9810]

Mr China! When you need to move your knees in order to change gear and your privet parts come in contact with the stirring, you can't call the van COMFORTABLE. 😂

[@romanf5666]

Chrys Fil no car is comfortable with this size only a big truck maybe

[@sebbe5004]

I had previous transit for a while, really good van, handling is excellent

[@bobjob7611]

I see ed, I click!

[@kitsandham7001]

Least reliable thing I have ever owned. In 8 months it’s had dpf issues, engine malfunction warnings, brake system warnings, immobiliser warning lights. It’s now dead outside a customer’s house, wouldn’t jump start, headlights won’t go off so I couldn’t lock it as it has no power. Cost me £8000. Hope it catches fire.

[@Asator66]

Damn, what year was it? How many miles did it have?

[@kitsandham7001]

@@Asator66 2014 90k uk model. Engine light came on last week for 3 days then went off. Most likely it failed! It’s a nice place to be when it works though.

[@Asator66]

​@@kitsandham7001 Sounds like a nightmare! As a first time van buyer I've read up on all of the EU market ones (Expert/Proace/Dispatch, Transporter, Transit custom, Vivaro) and it's hard to find one that sounds very reliable. At the moment the Proace seems to be winning though. I guess best thing would be to ensure you have some kind of warranty from a dealership rather than going private in case things do go wrong.

[@paulthomas5185]

Why is no one talking about the premature ‘wet belt’ failures on these 2.0 transit custom motors?

[@elwittinio2865]

We've got loads of 19 plates at work all failing. Mine only had 99k on it. Coolant leaking, dpf, engine light on, knocking noise when turning, cam belt needs doing. Won't be getting it back it will be sold off .

[@jacobusenmez8506]

Edd China you need to come back

[@RCTurbo79]

You did'nt mention that the body panels are made from Cheesium.

[@crooky1811]

How did you get on with the pedals all being different heights, Mine gives me ankle aches in stop start traffic going from the throttle to the brake all the time. Dead comfy on the motorway trips though