MB Vans vs Eclass

[Swampy_B]

Im in need of some help, i've had a 211 E220cdi for 2 years and quite frankly had a mechanical headache to go with it. Month after month it would spend some time in a garage for something.

Business needs have changed and i'm looking at replacing it with a Van/Minibus with wheelchair access. People have recommended Vianos/Vitos and as this isn't a vehicle i have ever used i need some advise.

Which engine should i be looking at for a reasonable amount of power, fuel consumption and Co2. Also any well known design faults on them like my lovely E-Class (rad leak into gearbox, rear a/c faults and electrical problems galore). Which optional extras are reliable and which are not worth the hassle.

Please Help

Thank You

Any help appreciated

 

[stumpy]

I am looking at a Viano for my fleet too and I think it is a good choice for your needs. It does depend what age you go for though as to the reliability. My dads Vito is an 08 and has been fine but I hear some horror stories about older ones. The Viano has plenty of space in the cabin and the rear suspension can be dropped to aid loading which is useful. My view is this - almost every private hire operator in London can't be wrong can they?

The VW Shuttle / Caravelle is also a good vehicle. Cheaper than the Merc but smaller too.

 

[Juddian]

Just a thought is it worth a look at the new London Taxicab based on the Vito with four wheel steer.

Should already have wheelchair access, and the pure enjoyment of a 25ft turning circle.

I'm told that the rear steer is by hydraulic ram (20 minute swap) and the whole vehicle is designed for ease of service and reliability.
Just as well cabbies are not noted for their patience.

 

[stumpy]

The Vito taxi is very popular with London cabbies.

 

[television]

I know a few operators that use Vito's and they have not had any problems with them, my good friend uses two sprinters for satellite work in the UK and Holland with never a problem so far and the oldest one there is a 2000

 

[jubhi]

My Uncle a builder by trade is on his second Vito now, he swears by them. He recently changed to the later shape model, I borrowed it for a day and I was surprised by how nice it was to drive, just felt like I was driving a big car and not a van.

 

[Quick Silver]

Vito Taxis

I have 2 vito's with wheelchair conversion by Jubilee Automotive group they have covered 700,000 miles between them and have never had any problems with them other than fair wear and tear and they are both still on their original engines and gearboxes (manual) never ever changed the wheel bearings either. They are both still in good condition and are serviced on the dot .One is a 108 D (2.3 natually asperated and the other a 2.2 110 CDI ) The 110 CDI is much faster has lots more power and is more economical and return around 35 to 40 mpg. Both are 638 models similar in design (I think better) to the New London Vito taxi without the rear wheel steering.I have driven the new London Vito Taxi at its launch back in August . The Jubilee conversion is better quality and the wheelchair loading is better both manufacturers have full M1 certification as a Taxi Cab.