Vito purchase

[a864tuu]

Hi ive just registered on this site and looking for help/info
Iam looking at purchasing a vito 109cdi 2011 that has 230000 mile, full service history,and a years mot, is that too high or should i look at a lower mileage one as ive also seen a 2005 no service history but 93000 miles, what is everyones opinion?

 

[BTB 500]

Be aware that the 109 has a low ratio back axle, so is best for local trips. They rev higher than the other versions at motorway speeds, and have the highest fuel consumption of the 4-cyl models. The 111 is often a better bet, with more power and lower fuel consumption (win/win). Which body length are you looking at (Compact/Long/Extra Long)? The Long and Extra Long have an under-slung spare wheel behind the back axle but the Compact doesn't have room for this - you have to store the spare inside the van (or rely on a puncture repair kit).

If a 109 will fit your needs then ...

The 2005 one might not have galvanised body panels as they were introduced around then. Earlier ones had serious rust problems so you'd want to check for that pretty carefully (all pre-facelift Vitos have plastic front wings BTW). 93k miles is very low for a 17 year old van ... check the MOT history online to confirm this is genuine.

A 2011 Vito 109 would be a very late pre-facelift one (it was replaced by the Vito 110 in 2010). 230k miles in 11 years is probably about average usage.

Obviously you'd want either to drive fine with no obvious issues or warning lights etc. Check the front tyres as they are very prone to scrubbing off the inside and outside edges of the tread.

 

[a864tuu]

Be aware that the 109 has a low ratio back axle, so is best for local trips. They rev higher than the other versions at motorway speeds, and have the highest fuel consumption of the 4-cyl models. The 111 is often a better bet, with more power and lower fuel consumption (win/win). Which body length are you looking at (Compact/Long/Extra Long)? The Long and Extra Long have an under-slung spare wheel behind the back axle but the Compact doesn't have room for this - you have to store the spare inside the van (or rely on a puncture repair kit).

If a 109 will fit your needs then ...

The 2005 one might not have galvanised body panels as they were introduced around then. Earlier ones had serious rust problems so you'd want to check for that pretty carefully (all pre-facelift Vitos have plastic front wings BTW). 93k miles is very low for a 17 year old van ... check the MOT history online to confirm this is genuine.

A 2011 Vito 109 would be a very late pre-facelift one (it was replaced by the Vito 110 in 2010). 230k miles in 11 years is probably about average usage.

Obviously you'd want either to drive fine with no obvious issues or warning lights etc. Check the front tyres as they are very prone to scrubbing off the inside and outside edges of the tread.

I am longing at the long version, but only local use, the only motorway work will be about 40 miles now and again. with a good service history is the high mileage one a worry.

 

[BTB 500]

The high mileage one could be fine if it's been serviced & maintained well. But it's not guaranteed ... you would need to check it out carefully. Look at the MOT history online as past fails can give you some idea of how it has been looked after. The Long body length is the one to go for, IMO.

 

[a864tuu]

The MOT history is very clean which to me shows the vehicle has been well looked after, the only items listed on the MOT site is the usual, wipers,tyres, brakes, apprently is has a good service paper work history included, and very few fails, last mot the brake discs were mentioned as getting pitted and worn, but they are a general serviceable item, which you generally expect to have to replace, There is absoulotely no mention of corrosion.

 

[BTB 500]

Sounds like it is worth a look then. Obviously it's still an 11 year old vehicle with 230k miles so would need checking over carefully.