Ford Transit

spudwiser

hi i have had a ford transit for 16 years and am thinking of geting a new one this spring

what i would like to know is whether to buy a FWD or the more traditional RWD? and are their any advantages/disadvantages associated with these

any help on this or links would be greatly appreciated

thanks

GERMAN ROCKS

i dont think the new ones are as good. my uncle has one and the dashboard lights up like a christmas tree. its contantly giving small niggily problems but his might just be a lemon

dirtydiesel

Rwd is best one for carrying heavy loads.
I have had 4 transits and never had a bother with any of them.

CharlieCroker

used to sell them and i'd always recommend the RWD.
FWD just spins the wheels if theres any bit of weight in the rear and they chew through driveshafts. If its not brand new, try and go for the 06 up (newer model). better engine and gearbox and they're basically a nicer van to drive.

CharlieCroker

used to sell them and i'd always recommend the RWD.
FWD just spins the wheels if theres any bit of weight in the rear and they chew through driveshafts. If its not brand new, try and go for the 06 up (newer model). better engine and gearbox and they're basically a nicer van to drive.
Bare in mind too that afaik all the SWB versions are FWD but have a smaller payload so doesn't have as much of an impact.

RTTH

I just bought the pre 1999 "smiley" or "whores mouth" model this week after driving a 01 bull nose for almost 5 years. They are a lot noisier, slower but I believe they are a stronger van. It is difficult to get a clean one that hasn't been trashed.

Post 00 Transits give starter / ring gear trouble that can cost well in excess of e1600 when a clutch is included which is the reason I got rid of mine.

FWD also give more trouble than RWD models with front brake disks, wheel bearings, etc costltly on labour.

colm_mcm

I think the OP is looking at a new van though.

paul127

have had a transit for the last 7 years(3 different ones) but the new model 07 is not as good
have had to put in two egr valves , recalled for steering and wont idle properly customer sevice was also rubbish needless to say my last transit

GERMAN ROCKS

the new ones are a **** for stalling too when trying to take off

fj1200

Have to agree. The post '00 ones are a bit of a letdown. Poor build quality. But what do you buy. I think they're the best of a bad lot in their class.
As for fwd, I don't find much difference performance wise. Mechanically though it's very soft.