1998 Ford Transit 180 Hightop review from UK and Ireland

New speedometer fitted at 3,000 miles (electric speedo).

Complaints of poor heater performance, cabin noise and excessive fuel consumption.

I had a '94 model of the pre-facelifted Transit diesel and cabin noise and heater performance were far superior to this model. Also as an added bonus the exterior mirrors of the 1994 model cleared of their own accord due to standard fitment deflectors which are now not fitted to any current model. All the above problems were reported to the local Ford dealer who contacted the technical department of Ford UK and was advised that cost cutting measures such as removing engine soundproofing on the new model were due to the addition of other equipment such as an RDS radio and drivers armrest and that they had received other complaints of excessive cabin noise. An interesting note, when the facelifted Transit was launched in 1995 it was quieter than the current model and I would happily accept a swap for my old company Transit any day of the week. Basically, if you are in the market for a Ford Transit, choose a pre R registered model (before 1998).