Which bus?

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

Not BMW related but welcoming feedback & opinions. SWAMBO's POS Ford Tourneo Connect broke again on Sat. 2nd motor in 30,000km. 1st one was done by Ford as a good will but I doubt they will assist with this one. 1st motor went on 88k and it's only done 30k in 3 years and its grenaded itself again. We will look at doing a motor swop in the new year and then I'll drop it off at the nearest dealer.

But there is some light at he end of the tunnel. Now I can go shop for some new wheels. I have been jonesing for a bus for a few years now. I just like the fact that everyone can cram into it and still have space to pack. I can remember our 2 tone brow & cream Kombi as a kid. There are a few options now with not only the VW stable but also H1 as well as the Vito. I know VW is a trusted brand and I have only driven a rental H1 over a weekend trip and it did impress me but I have no experience with the Vito.

Budget is about 400k and looking at realistic mileage in the region of 100k. It's only used for the school run as she works from home so will see little driving during the week. Any feedback on the options or items to watch out for on these. Any obvious reliability issues or high maintenance costs to consider when buying?

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

A very good friend of mine whom is in the shuttle and tour business has had 2 T5 and 1 T6 VW kombis, some cadis, and about 4 H1's. He currently own 2. He does crazy mileage and he swears by his Diesel H1's. He says he wont buy another VW bus.

At the start of lockdown when my mom passed and we could not use my car I rented a H1 from a guy he works with. It had 225 000km on hen I picked it up. It ran flawlessly to Cape town and back. Was comfy and used very little fuel for its size.

 

[///M Individual]

My ex director had a 2008 Viano 3.0 V6 CDI that I drove often. What an amazing vehicle it was and proved to be quite reliable until he sold it at around 230 000kms. Most expensive repair items was the rear air shocks and glow plugs. At 400k I am sure you can find a later model. Comfort features are second to none and the electric sliding doors were a pleasure.

 

[individj]

I have a basic T5.1 2.0tdi fwd manual transporter 2014...was like R300k...have it for nearly 2 years...its been really good..I was nervous so went for the most basic setup..no DSG or 4 motion after my Audi troubles...I am happy...service it often and im doing the brakes now...its getting coilovers and wheels next month haha. It has really been so nice...im contemplating changing it for a Vito Tourer Pro RWD at some stage.

 

[individj]

My ex director had a 2008 Viano 3.0 V6 CDI that I drove often. What an amazing vehicle it was and proved to be quite reliable until he sold it at around 230 000kms. Most expensive repair items was the rear air shocks and glow plugs. At 400k I am sure you can find a later model. Comfort features are second to none and the electric sliding doors were a pleasure.

they are lovely..sought after so usually get a facelift 2012 for just under R400k with lower mileage. South African car price problems

 

[TMP TOYS]

I’ve got a the viano 3.0 cdi.
An absolute dream to move with.
Basic maintenance and it’ll last forever.
I looked at the caravelle and H1 before getting the viano, and never regretted it.

Recently rented the hyundai staria van, and ot was packed with features, I just dont like that shape…

If budget allows, go for the newer V Class.

 

[TurboLlew]

Huawei router (staria) seems super popular. Keen to know from a risk/hijacking perspective whether the VW options are good/bad vs the others? Viano/V class are great.

 

[Nick]

i was gona punt my own brand but then i saw you had a budget - you wont get a Staria for 400k yet.

 

[///M Individual]

they are lovely..sought after so usually get a facelift 2012 for just under R400k with lower mileage. South African car price problems

The clean low mileage ones are holding price bud:

Check this 2010 with 95k kms at R345k:

Mercedes-Benz Viano CDI 3.0 Trend for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27281439

Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz Viano CDI 3.0 Trend For Sale - R 345 000 - ID: 27281439

www.autotrader.co.za

Vs 2012 Manual (Didn't know this was an option) with 143k kms at R390k:

Mercedes-Benz Viano CDI 2.2 Fun for sale in Boksburg - ID: 27284010

Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano CDI 2.2 Fun For Sale - R 389 900 - ID: 27284010

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[modocrat]

i was gona punt my own brand but then i saw you had a budget - you wont get a Staria for 400k yet.

I think the Staria looks very futuristic. A few months ago while down in Mexico, a Staria had me look at my speedo (while driving the X3) to check WTF was going on. It was hauling a$$.

 

[Nick]

the LUX version is so nice, short of the v6 in the merc i dont see the point in spending all that extra moola.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I think the Staria looks very futuristic. A few months ago while down in Mexico, a Staria had me look at my speedo (while driving the X3) to check WTF was going on. It was hauling a$$.

The guys driving them is hauling @ss. Got one on the N2 inbound. As I went pass the airport he came flying up behind me. I let him go pass and followed. We were doing well above the speed limit.
I eventually went passed him. He flashed his lights as I took the M3 towards Meadowridge and he carried on towards the city.

 

[AshG108]

Hyundai diesel motors are under rated...my wife's IX35 has the 2.0CRDi with 130kw/390nm...but it runs easily with other 20ds and keeps up pretty well. its feel VERY light when footing it and holds on the highway speeds with ease too.
That Staria definitely has some good oomph, also saw one on the way back from PMB and it was owning the right hand lane with ease.

 

[Thami4u]

T

I’ve got a the viano 3.0 cdi.
An absolute dream to move with.
Basic maintenance and it’ll last forever.
I looked at the caravelle and H1 before getting the viano, and never regretted it.

Recently rented the hyundai staria van, and ot was packed with features, I just dont like that shape…

If budget allows, go for the newer V Class.

The Viano V6 is a great car. I've been using one daily for almost 5 years now.
If you go this route may advise would be Viano Ambiente (it's middle iteration) or the entry level Trend. They come in 17" wheels which makes for a very comfortable ride and manual doors (an option in the Ambiente). The electric doors are nice and cool but expensive to repair and it is not uncommon that they mulfunction. The top of the range is the Avantgarde & Avantgarde Edition (slight difference in aesthetics) these two come in 19" wheels, low and a very sporty ride.
The downside: the engine noise and gear ratios .
The upside: turning circle is great, front heated seats, great sitting position (you never feel tired when driving), reliable and build quality is proper.
I'm just not sure if you can get one under 120k mileage for under R400k cos these cars have held their value quite well.

 

[Spanky]

Huawei router (staria) seems super popular.

I can see how this slip-up happened

 

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

Thanks for all the comments.

I can see how this slip-up happened

Yes the router is not an option...

Read some feedback on the Vito's and build quality wasn't that good. Granted the poster spoke about gravel roads daily but he didn't have the same issues with the VW. But yes the VW has other risks associated with it.

Will take some for test drives and see which option we go with. Fortunately we are not in a rush as there are other vehicle to drive with so we'll spend some time shopping for the right one. For me reliability and cost of maintenance is key. I've gotten a hiding with the Tourneo now so not keen on a repeat.

 

[hansi06]

Any opinions on the Kia carnival? Not really a bus, but somewhere in between.

 

[firaz]

Hyundai diesel motors are under rated...my wife's IX35 has the 2.0CRDi with 130kw/390nm...but it runs easily with other 20ds and keeps up pretty well. its feel VERY light when footing it and holds on the highway speeds with ease too.
That Staria definitely has some good oomph, also saw one on the way back from PMB and it was owning the right hand lane with ease.

I also had one. Fantastic car, what’s your mileage at?
My one packed up at 195k, engine not at bullet proof as a bmw diesel. And I serviced it religiously.
I am put off all these cars, Hyundai, Kia and the rest.
Will never last.


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[CK4LIFE]

. For me reliability and cost of maintenance is key

H1 might be one to go

 

[Briz]

I would suggest the Vito 116 CDI or the Viano with a similar engine. I know a guy who had a Vito with over 600 000km doing Uber with no major issues. Those things move. The H1's can only dream of such mileage without having to redo the engine.

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