Mercedes-Benz Vito (2003 – 2015) Review

Mercedes-Benz Vito (2003 – 2015) At A Glance

3/5

+Mercedes-Benz quality shines through with a comfortable and quiet cabin, lots of configurations thanks to various lengths and roof heights, strong engines.

-Still has awkward foot-operated parking brake.

Since its launch in 1995, the Mercedes-Benz Vito range has sold more than 1.1 million units worldwide. It’s not hard to see why it’s been such a sales success when you look at the latest generation model that landed in 2003 and was updated in 2010.

The Vito is a medium panel van that offers competitive running costs, space and excellent comfort, with the added attraction of the three-pointed star on its nose. That is a guarantee of quality and sound residual values.

Every Vito on sale has a Euro5 emissions-compliant engines, with most using the popular 2.1-litre common rail four-cylinder motor in 95PS, 136PS and 163PS power outputs. For those who really want to fly, there’s a 224PS 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.

The Vito comes in panel van, Dualiner crew cab form with up to six seats and the Traveliner minibus with seating for up to nine passengers. There’s also the choice of three body lengths and every Vito panel van comes well equipped as standard with Bluetooth, cruise control and steering wheel controls for the stereo.

The Vito’s cab is a hushed place to while away any journey thanks to superb insulation from road, wind and engine noise. It also gives a good view forwards and to the sides, while rear parking sensors are an option to help in tighter spots. 

The longest Vito models can carry up to three Euro pallets, while maximum cargo volume goes all the way up to 7.4 cubic metres. Twin sliding side doors help with access to the load area, while a top-hinged tailgate is standard for short wheelbase, low roof models and side-hinged rear doors open to 180-degree or 270-degrees on all other versions. A low load sill helps further, while the load floor has a protective wood covering and load securing rings set into the floor.

Ask Honest John

Van damaged by contaminated fuel -can I sue

"Last week I filled my Mercedes-Benz Vito van, but 24 hours later the entire injection system was destroyed, with repair cost amounting to £4500. The dealer who carried out the repair confirmed that the diesel was contaminated and I have sent a sample away for analyses. I will pursue fuel station for the cost of the repair, but can I also claim for the use of my Range Rover for the six weeks I was without the van and would £0.45 per mile be fair? I covered 2500 miles during this time at 18mpg. "
You can try. I would think that once fuel contamination is proven they will meet the claim for the repairs, but you may be in dispute for the travel costs you are claiming. I think £1125 is "reasonable" for your use of your other car as replacement because you tried to "mitigate" the cost by using your own vehicle instead of hiring another van for which the bill could have been £3000 - £4000. Good luck. Even if you get the £4500 repair cost, you may have to go to small claims court for the travel expenses.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

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