Ford Transit Custom
OUR PICK 2.2 TDCi 125 L1H1 Limited (2016/16, 41k miles, £15,500)
FOR most people looking for a used van, a mediumsized model should fit the bill, because it offers the best balance between size and carrying capacity. Mid-size vans are wide enough to be manageable on urban streets, yet still have the cargo capacity to meet most needs. And if you are going for one of these models, the best in the business is the Ford Transit Custom.
The Transit’s popularity (it regularly vies with the Fiesta and Focus for the title of Ford’s best-seller) means there’s an abundance to choose from on the used market. Prices start from as little as £5,000, although as with most vehicles we’d spend a little more to get something that hasn’t done an astronomical mileage or had a punishing life.
There was a refresh in 2016, so there’s a natural drop in second-hand values on pre-facelift models, and we’d opt for a late-2015 van for the best value. You have a choice of two body lengths and two roof heights, or there’s the versatile Double Cab In-Van variant that can also be used as family transport. Keep an eye out for vans that have clearly been well cared for, while examples with added security or that have been fitted out with racking in the cargo area could be worth paying extra for.
Diesel power is the order of the day. We’d seek out a 125bhp 2.2 TDCi, because this is a proven unit. The later 2.0 EcoBlue is a good performer, but early examples had teething troubles, which may or may not have been remedied on the van you’re looking at.
You’ll know how luxurious you want your van, although basic is usually best – but there are well equipped Limited and racy-looking Sport models available with some added style. If you want an alternative to diesel but can’t make an electric van work for your individual situation, a budget of around £28k will secure a Transit Custom PHEV. This has an electric range of roughly 30 miles, while an EcoBoost petrol engine acts as a generator when the battery is flat.