Buying a Ford Transit Custom - which diesel engine is best?
I'm looking to buy a campervan based on the latest Ford Transit Custom Kombi high roof. It'll be a 2021MY Transit base and the two diesel engine options I'm interested in are the 130PS or the 170PS version with the six-speed manual gearbox. I'd appreciate your advice on this.
My questions are, is there anything to consider regarding the reliability or servicing complexity of one vs the other engine? Also, is the driving experience with the 170 engine nicer such that its worth a bit more money do you feel (about £1500)? Anything else worth knowing about this Ford van base?
My questions are, is there anything to consider regarding the reliability or servicing complexity of one vs the other engine? Also, is the driving experience with the 170 engine nicer such that its worth a bit more money do you feel (about £1500)? Anything else worth knowing about this Ford van base?
Asked on 19 March 2021 by Simon Rixon
Answered by
Dan Powell
I'm a big fan of the 170PS Ford Transit Custom. The engine is broadly the same as the 130PS unit but uses more powerful turbocharging and mapping to obtain additional power. I ran a Sport Van with this engine for three-months and was really impressed with the performance: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/our-vans/ford-transit-custom.../
The key thing to consider is fuel costs. The 170PS is a thirsty engine and you'll be looking at less than 30mpg with a fully laden camper van. The 130PS engine is a good all-rounder should be fine for your camper van needs. It will provide better value when it comes to fuel.
The key thing to consider is fuel costs. The 170PS is a thirsty engine and you'll be looking at less than 30mpg with a fully laden camper van. The 130PS engine is a good all-rounder should be fine for your camper van needs. It will provide better value when it comes to fuel.
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