Used Ford Transit for sale: everything you need to know
Ford used to call the Transit the ‘Backbone of Britain’, and there’s more than a little truth to those words - Transits, like Ford’s Fiesta supermini, are absolutely everywhere, yet you never really notice them until you start actively looking for them. If your work involves driving a van, then you’ve probably already driven, or at least considered, a Transit in the past.
The Transit range has diversified in recent years, and the traditional Transit panel van is currently known as the Transit Custom. That’s the model we’re covering here, with a focus on the 2012-2023 model that has only recently been replaced by an all-new model. If you’d prefer something smaller, then the Transit range starts with the Transit Courier, with the Transit Connect sitting between these smaller and larger models. Read on to find out more about the Transit Custom.
Should you buy a Ford Transit?
Ford has been building Transits since 1965, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. These vans are everywhere, doing just about every job, in multiple body styles and with all kinds of different engines and trim levels. Even if you don’t intend to buy a Transit as your next van, you should at least consider one, because Ford really knows what it’s doing with its popular panel van.
It goes without saying that with a large variety of models, there’s probably a Transit that meets your load space and payload needs, with chassis cab versions giving you further options. A range of diesel engines, plus front, rear, and four-wheel drive layouts, three wheelbase lengths, and three roof heights expands the van’s usefulness further.
The Transit drives well. The Custom made a step on in driveability and refinement compared to its predecessor, and while the ride is firm unladen, positive steering and refined and frugal engines make it an easy van to drive. Quality is pretty good too, with a car-like cabin, and car-like equipment levels in higher-spec versions.
The van’s ubiquity plays in its favour too. Not only does Ford itself have nearly 400 dealers across the country, but there are plenty more specialists ready to work on these vans, and finding parts is easy too - while the number of used vans out there means you can be choosy when shopping, knowing you’re likely to find a better van just around the corner. Don’t discount some of the Transit’s less common rivals though: vans like the Volkswagen Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter are well-rounded products too.
What’s the best used Ford Transit model to buy?
In terms of body style, engine, and drivetrain, choosing the best Transit comes down to your own needs for a work vehicle. This is especially true of the E-Transit, which could be perfect for local jobs but has a relatively limited range that may not be suitable to driving further afield or regularly carrying greater payloads.
When it comes to trim levels though we can point you towards Trend trim and above, which get a few comfort and convenience features that should make daily use just a little easier. Ford’s heated windscreen is a godsend in winter for instance and the standard air conditioning will make summer more pleasant too, and the 12-inch multifunction display adds a touch of car-style usability in any season. Keep an eye out for Trail models if your work takes you off paved roads too - even front-wheel drive versions get a limited-slip differential to aid traction.
Used Ford Transit fuel economy and performance
- Ford Transit Ecoblue 105PS: Ford doesn’t publish performance figures for the Transit but with the 105PS version of the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, the most efficient standard wheelbase, low roof model with front-wheel drive achieves up to 43.5mpg.
- Ford Transit Ecoblue 130PS: Getting a Transit with more power doesn’t appear to affect economy much, as Ford quotes the same 43.5mpg for the 130PS 2-litre diesel. There’s a small penalty of around 1mpg for automatic models, no penalty for rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive drops economy to 29.7mpg.
- Ford Transit Ecoblue 170PS: The 170PS Ecoblue also attains the same economy figures as the previous two engines, model-for-model.
- Ford Transit Ecoblue Hybrid: The Ecoblue Hybrid uses mild hybrid assistance with 130PS and 170PS outputs, achieving the same 47.1mpg economy in both, while rear-drive models are slightly more frugal at 48.7mpg.
- Ford E-Transit: In fully electric form, Ford quotes a range of up to 196 miles, a figure that will of course fall in real world use, and especially carrying heavier loads.
What used Ford Transit trim levels are available?
The outgoing Transit Custom range covered here came in four trim levels, with Leader, Trend, and Limited in the main range, and a special Trail model designed for those who may spend time off the beaten track. The Trail is most recognisable for sharing styling cues with Ford’s pickup trucks like the Ranger, and gets equipment and tyres suited to unpaved roads. E-Transit models aren’t available in Trail or Limited spec, but bear in mind too that with such a wide range of models, you may find other trim levels for sale beyond those covered here.
- The Ford Transit Leader gets either 15- or 16-inch steel wheels depending on engine and body format, remote central locking, electric windows, a trip computer, and had options including a heated windscreen and electric and heated door mirrors. Electric versions got a slightly higher level of kit.
- The Ford Transit Trend added the heated windscreen as standard, plus automatic air conditioning, a 12-inch multifunction display, cruise control, and extra safety and convenience features.
- The Ford Transit Trail is designed for those who may do more work on unpaved surfaces. Front-wheel drive models received a limited-slip differential, and all-wheel drive was an option. The large FORD-branded grille echoes the look of Ford’s pick-up trucks.
- The Ford Transit Limited is the best-equipped Transit, with standard heated folding door mirrors, a leather gearknob, and alloy wheels, and even chrome exterior trim.
Used Ford Transit dimensions and load capacity
The Ford Transit’s dimensions are:
- Length: 5531-6704mm
- Width: 2059mm (without mirrors), 2474mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 2413mm-2778mm
- Ground clearance: N/A
The Ford Transit’s load capacity is:
Used Ford Transit road tax
Light goods vehicles are currently taxed at a flat rate of £335 per year, or £175.88 if you pay every six months by Direct Debit. Transit variants rated for more than 3500kg will be subject to a different rate of tax.
How much is it to insure a Ford Transit?
Ford hasn’t published insurance group ratings for the Transit, but your insurance premium will vary significantly depending on the van you’re looking at, and the work you intend to do with it. Speak to a broker to find a competitive quote for you and your business.
