Any feedback/comments on a Vito 120cdi please

[Notamasifanbut]

Hi There,

Some newbie advise and info sought please.

I'm looking for a xlwb Vito to use as a business van/semi camper.

There's a 2008 120cdi available which fits quite a few of my requirements but I hadn't considered the v6 and auto box.

Any one have any comments about fuel consumption, tax rate, insurance, engine remapping for economy, gear box or any other general things to watch out for with this engine??

Thanks very much for any replies and sorry if this is in the wrong section.

 

[BTB 500]

I've had a 2007 120 Long from new (nearly 7 years) - great vehicle.

Road tax is cheap because it's a commercial (even though ours is only used for social & domestic). Fuel consumption averages around 25 mpg, 30 mpg on a run. But it's very quiet & smooth (not to mention quick ) for a van ... we go to the south of Germany and back at least once a year in ours. Insurance isn't too bad, we're with CIS (Co Op) but as mentioned not business use. Haven't bothered with remapping.

The 3.0 V6 is the same one used throughout most of the MB range from the C Class to S class, ML, etc. where it's badged as 280/320/350 depending on the state of tune. Auto gearbox is the tried & tested 5-speed (basically the same one as in my SL).

Just shout if there's anything else you want to know.

 

[Giantvanman]

Big thumbs up for the Vito V6. Can't stress enough how smooth the engine gearbox combo is and combined with decent suspension, it is a great drive.

There are several tuning companies that can take the power up to nearly 300bhp with a tuning chip/box but I haven't bothered………never found it lacking; the standing start acceleration is awesome, the mid range is great as the top end. The only real world benefit is the increased full economy these tuning boxes offer, typically advertising 10-15%.

Steady 70/80mph gets 30mpg, 55 gets 40mpg (39.9) and round town, with normal stop starts, about 25/27mpg, dependant on right foot, but I have seen 30 mpg with light (ish) London traffic.

As Bill said (^^^) , it is a commercial vehicle and is taxed as such; mine is about £200 I think. Insuring as PLG takes some phoning around but I found several companies who would do it. Fully comp on mine from new was under £300 with personal business cover.

One benefit (as I see it) is that I have it serviced at a commercial dealership. They have 24 hour coverage and I can book specified time slots or let them pick it up, service it overnight and return it in the morning, for example. Much better than car dealers in that respect.

 

[TegTypeR]

I have recently just got a 115 Sport Dualiner. Like you I hadn't considered the auto option before purchasing this but I can say it is worth it - and this is coming from someone who is a staunch manual driver.

It sounds strange (considering most vans are manual) but it suits the driving style of a van far better than a manual. That said the auto is not the best box in the world and don't expect VW DSG levels of response but it is smooth.

As for the V6, that would have been my first choice, had it not been for the fact that they are fitted with DPF's (something you may want to consider if you are only doing short runs or low annual mileage). They are smooth and very un-van like.

Tuning is easy (TDi who fitted my kit, do one for the 120 - 253bhp and 6mpg better) and something I would recommend for the money. It's not about the speed of the vehicle but more about the way it drives - it just makes it more effortless.

I am a bit of a convert, it has to be said.

 

[BTB 500]

One benefit (as I see it) is that I have it serviced at a commercial dealership. They have 24 hour coverage and I can book specified time slots or let them pick it up, service it overnight and return it in the morning, for example. Much better than car dealers in that respect.

As an aside some car dealerships are now taking commercials, which would have been unheard of a few years ago. We take our Vito to M-B Ascot now which is about a mile away, rather than commercial dealership which is a 30 mile round trip.

 

[Notamasifanbut]

Thanks Guys - I've heard some horror stories about the early 120 CDI gear boxes but am hoping that MB had it all sorted out by 07/08??

 

[Giantvanman]

Thanks Guys - I've heard some horror stories about the early 120 CDI gear boxes but am hoping that MB had it all sorted out by 07/08??

Horror stories are the chinese whispers of the car world and best ignored, in my opinion. If I believed all the apocryphal tales about cars, I would still be on the pedal cycle and be worried about that too.

But that is by the by; as said previously, these gearboxes have been used on several models for many years.

There have been several threads on (different) gearbox problems recently and they all boil down to servicing………proper fluid change intervals. Test the protective vehicle's gearbox thoroughly and check the servicing record.