Ford Transit Custom (2013 - 2024)
transit custom limited lwb290 2.2tdci h1
Very disappointing as a van, more a driving delivery van
I changed from the MK7 swb transit limited (gls) T280 110ps 2008 to the lwb transit custom 290 125ps. 2014
within the 1st 80 miles of it from new its so "poor" by comparison.
Less space, much less cubby holes / storage. No centre cup holder which is in the seat middle now and can be easily knocked over the new seats!
One heated passenger seat - by the window! the controls on the seats which get easily knocked into the on position with no warning light on the dashboard
Fog lights / Lights / instrument dimmer in a hidden position
A smaller steering wheel so you hand covers the speedometer when in use and too small to rest your arm on the door (like in the old one you could)
Controls on the steering wheel that turn with it so adjusting things whilst turning is near on impossible
A display that tells you how much fuel you have left, despite a fuel gauge and a fuel warning light - but each time you change it to a different display and then turn off the ignition you have to go through the whole process again!
Folding mirror and electric window controls on top of the opening doors - ideal to get wet / damaged in the rain if you leave the door open - which you have to do on the passenger side when refuelling do to a security flap on the fuel cap behind the passenger door!
Large door handles that stick out in clear view of the wing mirrors.
Door pockets that low that you cannot access them with the doors shut.
Long arms needed to reach the fan heater control speed
A "one only CD" player - the old one held 6
Centre display screen too small (sat navers would struggle) and if your on the phone and go for reverse you cannot see the display as it still tells you who you are calling
Driver and Passenger Door closing handles too low down
Internal hooks for coats in an impracticable place
No sensor for the alarm in the back but yet one in the front!
Arm rest is a click up and down one - so irritating as its to be reset if you adust it each time you put the handbrake on, so you "adapt your arm" around it!
Large roof ariel - so watch multi-storey car parks as they eat the plastic (last one did that)
Folding roof rack with no holes in it to attach things easily
Should be keyless entry/exit - it isn't
the passenger door has to be "again unlocked" when stood outside the van if you have got out of the drivers side
You cannot gently "kick" the side door shut, it has to be released by the handle, not good when your hands are full (the old one could be)
a under storage long length pipe access point - yes on the side where the passenger door opens (nice trip hazard on entry /exit to the vans rear) and you then have to empty under the passenger seat to use it!
Side protectors that do not go all the way down the van (ideal for car door openers to damage the bodywork) worse on the lwb.
An exhaust that finishes "under the van" and really does on the LWB finish under it, great for black soot deposits!
Panels that if damaged will be expensive to repaint due to no "cut in edges"
No spare wheel protection cover under the van
Much Smaller cabin windows
Bumpers are plastic and "different colours" to the bodywork in their sprayed form
Oil filling point absolutely stupid - to a point where a spillage deflector has been fitted! why not extend it to an accessable place!
5th and 6th no use at low speeds so mpg poor in towns, at least 8mpg less than my old one, so now its mid 25mpg around town!!
No date on the centre display
No where to "attach" the floor matts if ordered, despite a picture in the book saying that they are there.
Seats not as comfy by far
Not enough rear tie down points at high level
Partial ply lining supplied
Less space due to "egg shape"
Not as powerful
Good Bits Now
very quiet, smooth gearbox, brilliant for speed humps, good in the wind. better suspension, quieter cab
Cruise control very good (although the dial on the moving wheel is awkward at times to access)
A delivery drivers dream (has a sunglasses holder you know!)
Looks like easier to access some bits underneath for the mechanics
Would not buy another one, would look at the new Vauxhall Vivaro sportive 1.6tdi - more mpg claimed and squarer
Ford have tried to re invent the wheel and failed in my opinion as a "van" - its a custom car.