Brakes, failed, clutch failed followed one week later by clutch fork.
Indicator fell out.
Seat belts don't retract.
Water leaks into drivers footwell.
Rear Drums seized.
Doors and wheel arches rotting badly.
Injector pump keeps sucking in air causing misfires.
Fuel filter and housing has been changed twice because the fuel filter just unscrews itself and falls off.
In comparison with other vans I have driven in the US and UK such as Merc/ dodge sprinters, Ivecos etc the Transit is a primative, noisy and unreliable vehicle that is not up to the riguers on long distance work.
Sorry, can't agree. fuel filter change requires the proper technique; once clipped into position correctly, it won't fall off. Bad mechanics change the filter using the wrong technique. An easy mistake to make when you don't know how, and they fall off. Dumb mechanic, not dumb van.
Mine has starship mileage under stressful conditions and it just ploughs on. If you remove and blank off the EGR and associated linkages, and adjust up the fuel delivery on the pump, you transform the engine; more power and fantastic economy. Keep a close eye on the rear axle oil level and top up as necessary, same with the gearbox and engine. Use the correct, slightly thicker grade of oil in the engine, attend to scrapes as they happen to prevent body rust, and you have a tough workhorse capable of massive mileages.
Oh, and don't buy one later than yr2000 as the newer models are inferior - they eat gearboxes, wheel bearings and brakes.
Transits are unrefined, don't contain the best steel or top quality components, but you can fix them easily, cheaply and parts are available from your local newsagent (almost!) They are great load carriers, comfortable to sit in for long journeys (I'm 6'4") and very economical when tuned correctly. Mine is a workhorse expected to earn its keep day in and day out, and it does, easily.
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