Transporter or Vito ????

**4paw** · 20-12-2012, 02:19 PM

Hi all

New to this part of the forums so please excuse me if I have asked a noob question and if it's a bit long winded.

Always been a big fan of VW and currently drive a R36, but at the moment I am looking at updating a work vehicle and getting a van!! Now not being right up with it on this subject I thought I might get someone esle's point of veiw?

I am currently looking at getting a LWB transporter or Vito ? We are cabinetmakers and I want to be able to tow with either van (around 1.5- 2 ton) and still be able to do a resonable speed down the road safely so I'm looking at the V6 Vito or the TDI 400 vans, I do like either van but to be honest I think the Vito looks nicer but for the price has more bells & whistles than I need as it is the top of the range but still is an option ?

So looking at the transporter range I can go either 2 wheel drive (front) or 4-motion with either a manual or DSG auto, does anyone have any experience here with towing in any of the above configurations that could share their thoughts on the following:

1. Is the DSG box up to the job or should I stay away from this option ?
2. If I go for the front wheel drive option is this up to the job ? i.e. towing, steering & braking all at the front ?(this does concern me)
3. Do I just spend the extra coin and get a 4-motion van ? (and wait 4-5 months for delivery I'm told)
4. Don't get the VW & buy the rear wheel Vito with more power !! (reckon I know the answer here)

Anyone's honest thoughts on the above or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated

4paw

**Transporter** · 20-12-2012, 05:38 PM

The T5 is a better made van with more options available. I'm not sure if you can opt for satnav in Vito, but it wasn't available 6weeks ago. I often reverse up on the steep driveways and RWD Vito would make a skidmarks, which none of my customers would like. Traction in wet on grass would be a problem with the RWD again, so if you ask me the T5 with 4Motion (my current workhorse) would still be my choice, unless they make AWD Vito.

Yeah, and would always get the manual before the auto or DSG.

**wai** · 30-12-2012, 05:02 PM

I always thought the Vito was a FWD rather then RWD van.

My previous vehicle was a Toyota Hiace SBV, and at the time I also looked at the Vito as it had a lower floor height. When I checked it out, it was FWD which is why it had the lower floor height. Have they changed it with the later models?

**4wheels** · 20-12-2012, 09:21 PM

May be a long time ago, but I remember looking at the Vito van when they 1st came out, and comparing it to the then current 5 cyl petrol T4. Surprisingly, given Mercedes reputation, the T4 was streets ahead in smoothness and drivability. How many of those early Vito's do you still see on the road compared to T4's.

My current van is a 2007 Trakkadu camper 4Motion with the 128Kw 5 cylinder (manual, because that was all you could get in 07). Tows like a dream, rated to 2.5 tonne, but watch your ball weight. Only rated for 100Kg on mine, but they may have improved it on the T5GP.

The current T5GP now has DSG available with 4Motion, and it is a 3rd generation, heavy duty DSG. There's been very little talk of problems with this box so far (compared to the original Golf DSG's, or the earlier T5 torque converter auto's), but it would be good to hear from some-one who has towed a lot with one.

Any-way, manual or auto, I'd strongly recommend a T5 with 4Motion for towing.

Brian R.

**4paw** · 30-12-2012, 12:54 PM

Thanks Guys for your input regarding my questions

After looking further into my options I have unfortunately had to pull the pin on my van idea at the moment and stick to replacing my current ute with another

My biggest problem was as you noted Brian is the ball weight I can put on the back of the current T5 van is only 100kg as well (this did surprise me a bit) and this is going to be a problem i think ?, so even if I went with the Vito it wouldn't have been much better.

So on the up side I've just ordered a new TDI 400 amarok tray ute and can't wait to hooker up !

Thanks again 4paw

**Transporter** · 30-12-2012, 05:43 PM

The first Vito was FWD. The current one is RWD.

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**Sunny43.5** · 30-12-2012, 07:32 PM

My first foray into European vans was between the VW and the Vito around 2000 it was not a pleasant experience brand new Vito that a good dealer friend on the Gold Coast loaned me for a night disgraced it self it could not get up our hill with any kind of smoothness from its auto just kept jumping from a high gear down to first then jump back to 3 rd end result second circle of the block to try a different approach was even more disastrous . Next morning drove back to the dealer in limp mode as it had to be reset at the dealers so VW for me , I,ll try not to let one recent bad experience from VW muddy up my postings from here .

**rymi** · 11-01-2013, 03:57 AM

I went through the similar Multivan vs Viano debate 18 months ago and ended up with a V6 Viano.

Always thought I wanted a Multivan but when I drove both the choice was immediately obvious. The 165Kw / 440Nm 3.0 V6 diesel V6 is an absolute gem and has it all over the VW. Its performance is strong and effortless. If you are towing anything, I would urge you to get the Merc. I have just ordered a towbar, rated at 2000 kg / 150kg downweight, although with the Viano's self-levelling rear airbag suspension and a hayman reece load distribution kit I think you could comfortably exceed 150 kg. This same basic engine in other MB models pumps out 600+Nm which should be good for longevity as it is heavily derated in this application. Only downside is variable shift quality from Merc's 5 speed auto, but it feels as though it will last for 100's of 1000's of k's, like most MB autos which go forever. Unfortunately I feel VW's DSG does not have such a reputation for reliability.

Do look out for Cabin comfort too, I drove a VW Transporter van on a 2 hour trip recently and found the driving position too cramped with not enough aft travel or backrest angle. I'm 6 foot / 100kg, and there was simply no room for the seat to go back any further due to the seat back resting against the cabin/cargo bulkhead. I was, however, very impressed with the DSG but not if it needs replacing at 150k, and the 4 cylinder clatter, whilst not too bad, is relatively agricultural compared to the smoothness of a V6.

I find the longer wheelbase / RWD Mercedes easier to keep on the road at high speed and much more relaxing to drive on a long trip. Overtaking is much more fun with the V6 and never a problem. When will VW bring out a similar engine?

**Transporter** · 11-01-2013, 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by rymi

...the 4 cylinder clatter, whilst not too bad, is relatively agricultural compared to the smoothness of a V6.

I find the longer wheelbase / RWD Mercedes easier to keep on the road at high speed and much more relaxing to drive on a long trip. Overtaking is much more fun with the V6 and never a problem. When will VW bring out a similar engine?

Maybe VW need to lose a lot of customers to MB.

I had 4 Vitos (the first edditions) and except cabin noise, dust enetring inside, low quality interior and very bad paint finish I liked the 4 cylinder 2.2CDi engines. I will certainly take today's Vito for the test drive when the time comes for upgrade of my 2005 4Motion.

Thanks for a great write up and honest opinion.