Honestly...are those V-class cdi vans really that bad?

[speckstar]

Hi, really need some advice as thinking of buying an April 2001 Cdi automatic V-class, which has lovely cream leather seats and a shiny blue body. I like it, wife likes it, and the kids would love to trash the interior.
But, big problem: everywhere I look people seem to be lining up to rubbish this particular MB vehicle. Surely it can't be that bad? Can it? And dealer wants 17k for this particular example, is that too high, given the heavy depreciation many mention in respect of this lovely much maligned mega van?

 

[Arnie]

They are quite solidly built, but as they are derrived from a Van, the criticisms are centered mainly on the ride and handling.

Then, quite a few people on this forum have had various probelms with electrics and other bits and pieces, which can happen to other MPVs too.

My brother was looking at one for his family, but decided that the ride was too harsh, the seats, while very solid, are too heavy and take up too much room. So, good for an airport taxi vehicle, but not so much for practical a family car.

He though that the French (Renault, Peaugot, Citroen) alternatives were better thought out, but too plasticky (dash was already broken on one new car), and they are also riddled with known electrical and gearbox problems, although they are the only 5* NCAP and have all the ABS, traction control, ESP etc. The Chrysler alternative, had a good interior, but flaky engineering and seeminly no rust-proffing underneath. So, eventually, he went for a Totota Previa (Japanese 4WD-version import). However, this has only basic ABS.

The V class may not be up to much, but then neither is the competition in this sector.

Oh, yes, if you want automatic and diesel, then your choices are further limited (Chrysler, Toyota, V-class.)

 

[mark999]

The V-class is really bad I bought a new v220CDi manual in March 2000.
I sold it last year with only 18k miles on the clock.
It must have been back to the dealer 30 times with numerous faults. Some very serious (faulty brakes, air suspension).

the full list of problems I had is as follows Faulty brakes, Clutch (7k miles)
Steering vibration (faulty manufacture of wheels) oil level sensor, suspension links, 2 air suspension pumps, faulty central locking, water leaks from side door and rear windows, failed electric windows, corrosion.

Every other v-class owner I have spoken to has had a similar story to tell.

One word of warning the air suspension pump is at least £700 to replace, failure of these units can cause the rear screen to shatter.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

No ifs, no buts, they are bad buy. Look on it this way, everything will go wrong. Thats why there is so much negative feedback. You need your head examined to go for one of them. Yes, look great, drive great and so on, but relaibility is way off the mark.