Vito 120, should I buy one?

[Pat c]

Hi, just sold my T5 transporter and was thinking about getting a v6 dualiner about 2008 reg but having a look around this site they seem to suffer with a few problems. Are they a worth while buy or am I just letting myself in for a whole load of bother.
I've also got a c320 estate that I've had for 6 years so I already know about the swirl flaps issue and the liking for a glow plug or two but the Vito 120's seem to suffer from a few more problems. Are the other issues that seem to crop up in the minority of vans and were most of them ironed out in recalls. I did not expect to see so many issues with them which is a shame because the thought of a van with a 200+ hp v6 in it made me laugh and can only imagine it would put a smile on my face.

 

[ringway]

I had my 2008 120 Sport Dualiner for almost 3 years and 25,000 miles and (minor rust issue aside - LINK) loved it.
In that time, I replaced a pressure sensor and a rear spring. Not bad, eh?

A great van that was a hoot to drive and although I'd say that the VW is perhaps prettier, there's no chance of it laying up with a Vito 120.

 

[parksie14]

I came from a 180 T5 to the 122Vito, the power is a real joy, whilst the van is supeior in almost every way to the T5, do it.

 

[Giantvanman]

If you looked around the internet forums and such before you buy any vehicle, you wouldn't buy any vehicle. A fault that someone or even a few people experience does not make the vehicle a bad one or fault ridden.
Another member on here has a 120 and the sum total of his problems is the top coil of one spring corroded and he had to replace a glow plug….the van is the same age as you are contemplating.
I am on another Vito website and the problems experienced with the 120 and the 122 are no more than those suffered by the 109/111/115/et al.
Just buy the van based on condition and history is what I would say. The thought of a van with that power and auto box is tantalising but nothing like the real world experience. I genuinely look forward to driving mine because it is a hoot and a blast to drive and never fails to raise a grin.

 

[BTB 500]

Hi, just sold my T5 transporter and was thinking about getting a v6 dualiner about 2008 reg but having a look around this site they seem to suffer with a few problems. Are they a worth while buy or am I just letting myself in for a whole load of bother.
I've also got a c320 estate that I've had for 6 years so I already know about the swirl flaps issue and the liking for a glow plug or two but the Vito 120's seem to suffer from a few more problems. Are the other issues that seem to crop up in the minority of vans and were most of them ironed out in recalls. I did not expect to see so many issues with them which is a shame because the thought of a van with a 200+ hp v6 in it made me laugh and can only imagine it would put a smile on my face.

I've had mine 8 years now. Problems have been:

2 glowplugs
Broken rear spring
Crank position sensor
DPF pressure sensor
Rear exhaust box replaced
New discs all round

The front window regulators were replaced under warranty and the spare wheel carrier was replaced under recall.

Would I recommend it - certainly. It's quiet and smooth and powerful ... no other van like it. My average fuel consumption is around 26 mpg but that includes a lot of short trips and some towing. I get just over 31 mpg on a long run at motorway speeds (75-ish).

 

[Pat c]

Thanks for the replies, I sometimes think looking at forums seem to throw up all the horror stories about vehicles which can cause a few doubts as to wether or not you are making a wise decision or not, glad to see you all enjoy yours and I think my mind is made up. I'm going to look at a black 08 plated 120 Vito Brabus tomorrow, 65,000 on the clock but he's looking for about 15k for it which I think is a bit over the top on price, but worth a look at just to see what you get for your money. Have you got any thoughts on what a ball park figure would be if it was in good condition with all the relevant paperwork.

 

[okjc]

I have just bought one done 150 miles so far...... with no problems haha

just a massive smile on my face

 

[Pat c]

150 trouble free miles, that's done it for me I'm having one.

 

[Pat c]

Well the one I looked at today didn't really measure up.

 

[Giantvanman]

Well the one I looked at today didn't really measure up.

What a shame. What sort of age/budget are you looking at?

 

[Pat c]

Hi, looking for one about 08-09 compact with a budget of around 12-13k,I think that should be a good amount of money to work with but you never know until you start looking at what's out there. There were just a few bits I was not keen on with this one, nav disc had been lost, would have liked a bit more Merc/ specialist history rather than any old garage, would have liked comfort seats in the back just because of the way they fold up and a few other minor bits, I know they are all only small things but when you start putting them all together it starts to make a difference plus the least he would take was 14k which I thought was a bit expensive but only time will tell when I see what else turns up

 

[Giantvanman]

Hi, looking for one about 08-09 compact with a budget of around 12-13k,I think that should be a good amount of money to work with but you never know until you start looking at what's out there. There were just a few bits I was not keen on with this one, nav disc had been lost, would have liked a bit more Merc/ specialist history rather than any old garage, would have liked comfort seats in the back just because of the way they fold up and a few other minor bits, I know they are all only small things but when you start putting them all together it starts to make a difference plus the least he would take was 14k which I thought was a bit expensive but only time will tell when I see what else turns up

With the new Vito not having a V6 option, the current 120/122s prices are quite strong; who knows if that will continue? One valuation on my two year old van puts it at only £1k less than I paid for it; the other valuations aren't much less.

 

[BTB 500]

Hi, looking for one about 08-09 compact

The Long has the same wheelbase and is only slightly longer overall. It has the advantage of an under-slung spare wheel carrier ... the Compact doesn't have enough space behind the back axle for this, so you either have no spare (can of puncture sealant and a little 12v compressor instead) or the spare mounted on a bracket inside the van. So unless overall length is absolutely critical for you I would seriously consider a Long (often wrongly described as Long Wheelbase which it isn't - that's the Extra Long). Good luck with your search anyway!

The rear comfort seats are definitely worth having btw ... we normally run ours with the single removed, but the backrests on the double are separate so they can be reclined or folded forward individually.

Parktronic is good to have too, for obvious reasons

 

[Pat c]

I was hoping 12-13k would do the trick, I will keep looking at that kind of price at the moment but if nothing suitable turns up I may have to reconsider the budget.
The parktronic would be a bonus and is on the wish list along with a host of other toys but sometimes you just can't get all the ones you want on a used vehicle. I was lucky when I got the C320 it had been a demonstrator so had almost every option fitted to it which was all the options I was looking for and more, don't think I can be that lucky twice.

 

[BTB 500]

FWIW I'm at home today so looked up the lengths ... a Long is only 9.6" longer than a Compact.

 

[roca1976]

Just traded from a 1.9td T4 to a V6 Vito...the immense shove is apparent with a lovely V6 rumble, do it while you still can. Won't be long before the world is full of small engine twin turbo eco friendly vehicles.

 

[Pat c]

I'm looking at the moment but struggling to find a decent dualiner anywhere near the South West.