1998 Mercedes-Benz Vito 108D review from Singapore
"Mega handsome MPV bully boy - Fast too!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch Cylinder leaks - no spares! $500
Expansion tank repaired - no spares!$200
Brake discs all replaced $200
Side Door fell off (Just a bolt)
Rear view mirror fell off ($6 glue repair)
General comments?
Incredibly cheap 2nd car @ $11K for 3 years COE. Road tax is $500.
Very fast for van
Low consumption - on cheap diesel!!
Maroon Vito Van - registered in my sole proprietorship. Very easy for PRs and citizens.
Removed partition - Legally!
Just fitted on my Vito van some tasteful 16 inch alloy original Mercedes sports rims - formerly sitting on a Mercedes CLK - that has upgraded to 18" rims. Second hand rims with second hand sports tyres $700 for 4 pieces, including balancing etc etc.
Fitted rear external mirror. $35.
Fitted two 8" eletrical oscillating fans - quite ugly - but important in the back. 2x$25.
Now working on the 19" LCD TV with surround sound and DVD. $1200
Cars have wimpy 8" screens - on a Van - we can go the whole hog!!
Have to find 15-19"computer screen LCD with a 12V external transformer. This is cheaper than by an LCD TV with unnecessary sound and tuner.
Alternatively Shinco has a 15" TV with built in DVD player for $1200 - still with a 12V transformer.
In the back I have a plain black vinyl two seat sofa - Brand new from Turf City - $299 -- nicely wedged between the rear wheel arches - so perfectly legal since not bolted to the floor.
I have a nice carpet - from India on the floor.
Privacy window film for $45 was DIY fitted last evening.
I also pasted on my new 70kph sticker $2.50 and my "8 pax" sticker.
To be legal I paid NTUC $50 to insure any 5 workers in the back of my van.
... So now we are again, despite single impoverished income, a two Mercedes Family.
Recommended reviews
| 1999 - Vito 108 CDI 2.2L Common Rail turbo diesel Not quite up to the standard one would expect from Mercedes |
| A good engine with lots of go |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 125000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Land Rover Series 3 |
| Date of Entry | 5th April, 2005 |