In reply to Dave Williams:
> Can't comment on Transits as I've only driven one, but we own a Vivaro LWB. As others have said, I'd agree that the Transit's nicer to drive and has a much better turning circle.
> Vivaros - When they go well, they are great, fast, economical for what they are and comfortable. But when they go wrong ....!!! We've got a 2008 one, 109K miles with a FSH and it's not going; in fact it hasn't gone for well over a year.
> Problems started when an injector went. New injector £400 + VAT and fitting. Garage (very reputable; not a bunch of cowboys) couldn't get the old one out of the head (a very common problem apparently) so had to get it done by specialists - another £350 + VAT. New injector fitted, van running on 3 cylinders only. Garage stumped, so they trailered it over to the main dealer for specialist diagnostics. Verdict? When the injector went, it took out the engine management ECU. (Not uncommon apparently.) Genuine parts ECU = £550+VAT, although the garage sourced a rebuilt one for £350+VAT. ECU fitted, injectors coded to it etc etc and ... still running on 3 cylinders.
> The final step was to replace the rebuilt ECU with a genuine parts one. No difference; still chugging on 3. Both garage and main dealer stumped. That was last year and the van still isn't going. In fact it's basically scrap as we decided that we couldn't just keep throwing money at it. To date it has cost £2800 for 'repairs'. It's become a very expensive hen house.
> Were we just unlucky? Well seemingly not after an off-the-record chat with the main dealer's service manager. Apparently the MD sees loads of Vivaros with injector and ECU problems, at all ages and mileages, both in and out of warranty.
> Google ''Vivaro Problems''. See what you think then.
I'd say this is because main dealers are essentially not very good at problem solving they charge top dollar and are basically parts fitters, stuck injectors are something you get used to and find ways around, taking £2800 for that work that's been done is pretty much criminal, however if folk think main dealers are reputable businesses well it's their choice to throw their hard earned money away.
> Toyota anyone?