Mercedes Vito - Does this look any good?

Sharon the Cat

Sharon the Cat

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Viewing this van at 12:30 today. Does anyone have any opinions/views/advice?
On both eBay & Gumtree

We've only owned a coach built so this would be a whole new ball game for us.
 
What about number 1's and 2's ?
Headroom may be an issue, doesn't appear to have an elevating roof.
I recently downsized from a c class and obviously living space is a major shock to the system but no way could I have done it without having a loo and shower.
Have to say mind that for me the benefits of being able to access and parkup anywhere, use as an everyday vehicle, easier & quieter to drive, better mpg and less chance of the dreaded water ingress far outweigh the negatives of living space etc.
 
It looks a great vehicle and conversion but don't know enough about the tecky stuff re the engine but I love it.
 
he's done a lot of work on it, and it looks good,and well thought out, front swivel seats are a bonus. good vans , vitos
 
Is it just me or does the whole front end look like it's been rebuilt? Different colour, panels not quite lined up straight?
 
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Haaamster said:
Is it just me or does the whole front end look like it's been rebuilt? Different colour, panels not quite lined up straight?
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Agreed, there is something that needs checking out. Vito's changed to galvanised bodies late '06 so rust was a problem before.

We have a 12 plate vito and quite like it. Had it just over a year.
 
Every panel joint is incorrect & looks like a whole front end smash,no h/room no loo wash room etc ,and only 35 mpg gosh my 6.4 toner does 30mpg me i would walk away FAST.
 
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My mate is a merc specialist and the first launch of the vito suffer tin worm also prone to leaking injectors which turns to carbon he uses cheap coca cola to dissolve it make sure you get a mechanical check done on it also the Base vans can be picked up surprisingly cheap and a conversion would cost you around £4500
 
Hi STC,

Looks nice and may be a 'good un' with the correct checks.

I had a tin top Bongo for a few years and the main drawback was the low roof.

I was using it alone at the time and I think two had been using it it would have been sold after the first trip.

Tintops are ok in good weather but in bad you go stir crazy in minutes!


Cheers


Boots
 
Sharon the Cat said:
Viewing this van at 12:30 today. Does anyone have any opinions/views/advice?
On both eBay & Gumtree

We've only owned a coach built so this would be a whole new ball game for us.
Click to expand...

Would be inclined not to bother myself. Early Vitos suffered really badly from rust and don't think the problem was sorted till around 55 plate vans. Also looks to have had front end rebuilt at some time so be very careful. Merc engines also have a reputation for the "Black Death" where injectors leak carbon and "weld" themselves into the head. Not insurmountable but certainly inconvenient and costly! Either go for a Vito newer than say, 06, or probably avoid and find something else would be my advice. Having said that there seem to be plenty Vitos with 350k miles plus so they don't all die. Unfortunately they do all rust!
Just my opinion hope it helps with your decision.:goodluck::hammer::drive:
 
Haaamster said:
Is it just me or does the whole front end look like it's been rebuilt? Different colour, panels not quite lined up straight?
Click to expand...

yes my thoughts exactly .these vito suffer from quite severe rot as do most merc vans , certainly been done up ,but to what standard . also watch the chassis thats rather vulnerable to the rain .
 
Boots said:
Hi STC,

Looks nice and may be a 'good un' with the correct checks.

I had a tin top Bongo for a few years and the main drawback was the low roof.

I was using it alone at the time and I think two had been using it it would have been sold after the first trip.

Tintops are ok in good weather but in bad you go stir crazy in minutes!


Cheers


Boots
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I can definitely relate to this mate. I run a tin top pug expert at the minute and my son and I are both 6foot biggies! Its not too bad to sleep in in summer but in bad weather all we can do is sit in the front seats and sulk!! I'm converting an ambulance just now and can't wait for all that lovely space!:idea-007::hammer::banana::camper::lol-061:
 
I knew I'd come to the right place for advice.
Also looking at a T4 on Gumtree.

T4 at least has a porta-potti.

We've only had 3 days off this year so will mostly be used for cycling walking trips on a Sunday afternoon & maybe the odd weekend. Percy (now sold sob sob) was a coachbuilt & we miss him too much. My fault, couldn't sleep so I was up & searching the web at 4am.
 
I could be wrong, but that T4 looks like its sat a little low at the back. If you do get it, I have a set of locking wheel nuts you can have gratis. :goodluck:
 
I like the Vitos but I would never have one after doing an extended test drive of a brand new one back in 2012. after around 80 miles my knee was aching a little and after around 150 miles I was in real pain in one knee and both ankles and after 300 miles I was so happy to give it back (I borrowed it to try and and also had a series of meetings in the next couple of days while using it so had no option but to persevere).
The Pedal position had such a layout that meant had to sit at an angle and have my feet hovering - never had a problem with any other vehicle and found the VW T4, VW T5 and Renault Master all very good to drive for hundreds of miles non-stop.
 
wildebus said:
I like the Vitos but I would never have one after doing an extended test drive of a brand new one back in 2012. after around 80 miles my knee was aching a little and after around 150 miles I was in real pain in one knee and both ankles and after 300 miles I was so happy to give it back (I borrowed it to try and and also had a series of meetings in the next couple of days while using it so had no option but to persevere).
The Pedal position had such a layout that meant had to sit at an angle and have my feet hovering - never had a problem with any other vehicle and found the VW T4, VW T5 and Renault Master all very good to drive for hundreds of miles non-stop.
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I have a Renault Master based PVC, loads of headroom and fully galvanised to keep the dreaded rust at bay.
 
A check of its mot history the mileage is not consistant in 2011 it was at 160,000mls then the next year 111,000 ? its now advertised as 139,000mls? its lost 50,000 mls. somewhere? also has a couple of corrosion advisories too
 
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Thanks to everyone who offered their experiences & advice.
The Vito was vetoed & we now own a 1993 Volkswagen T4 Converted by Richard Holdsworth to a Villa XL High Top in 1994.

:fun:
 
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