Faults:

Left disk warped @ 20000km.

Injectors replaced @ 61000km.

Diesel pump replaced @ 105000km, again @ 220000km.

Brake shudder has been a problem from day one (apparently because of water getting in contact with the brake drum). It has become so bad now that I fear to drive in the wet as the whole vehicle starts shaking because of the shudder caused by the front brakes. Please help me as I don't trust the dealers. I think it is a manufacturing error.

General Comments:

A very nice spacious vehicle with incredible fuel economy for its size. Just a pity this square model was dumped in South Africa before the new model was imported.

Faults:

I am the owner of a small business.

In Sept. 2003 I purchased a Mercedes Benz Vito 112 CDI.

A month later the car began giving problems. It failed to start. I called the dealership; they came out and said it was a flat battery. I was astounded; I had just bought the car. But nevertheless I paid them over a thousand rand to recharge the battery. They did this by jump starting.

Anyways, a few months after the battery incident, the real problems began. The injectors were blowing all the time. My last repair in February this year cost me a staggering R22 000.00. This was done at another dealership. When my driver picked up the vehicle, he got stuck a mere 5 km from the dealership. He called them and told them. They told him to bring vehicle back to dealership. He did so, and upon arriving there, he learnt that they forgot to put the fan belt on.

Today 2 months later my Vito refuses to start. It only starts when we push start it. I have done less than 2000km from my last repair. I am frightened to take it in to the dealership for fear of being presented with an absurd bill.

I wish to bring to your attention that the Mercedes Benz Vito is not an economical commercial vehicle. In all over the last 3 years it has cost me over R50 000 to maintain. I am at a loss for words to express my rage in believing your reviews on this vehicle.

This is what one motor car review site wrote on 21 Feb 2002. "Mercedes-Benz has launched a new compact delivery van in South Africa. Smaller than the hugely successful Sprinter, the Vito 1-ton panel van is aimed at the small business and delivery market."

I will never believe a reviews promote again. It seems they get nice kickbacks to sweet mouth crap products.

This vehicle has been a true liability and huge expense that was negative to my business and not positive.

General Comments:

Do not buy this car. My blood boils when I look at it.

If you wish to buy it. I will sell it 15% below the trade book value. Just take it from me.