2003 Mercedes-Benz Vito 108 CDI review from UK and Ireland

From day one the electric windows have a mind of their own, and you may have to close them several times on one journey.

The rear courtesy light falls out of the fixing, and is impossible to refit. We have brought a new unit from the dealer, but it still happens, and it's often found hanging from the wire. This is after being fitted by the main dealer.

At 30000 miles we found that when braking on a corner, the van would jump and lunge, and the traction light flash on the dash. When investigated by the dealer, they found rear wishbone had come loose, and would require a full four wheel alignment, which they did not offer. Upon completing this work, we tested the van and the same fault was present. Again back to the dealer for yet more investigation; this time we were told that the rear suspension had to be replaced. This has fixed the fault.

We are now on our fourth set of front tyres and associated full wheel alignment. This I believe is quite a common practice.

The fault this month is the gear box now jumps out of first gear, and the advice from the main dealer is we need to replace the unit. However the van is two months out of warranty, and after a fruitless and pointless conversation with Merc CUSTOMER RELATIONS, they are not prepared to assist with any of the costs.

This vehicle should be used for flower or pizza delivery, or to take the dogs out, and no way be used by any one who wishes to use it every day and expect many miles between services. The down time we have lost would have paid the extra cost toward a Volkswagen Transporter.