mercedes vito. Good for towing?

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Wed 4 Aug 2004 22:17
mercedes vito. Good for towing? - matstro
I'm thinking of getting a 4 year old Vito to tow a 1300 kg caravan. Theres three diesel engines available as far as I can see; 108/ 110/ 112 (or the 115 on the new one)

Given these engines are common rail and turbo, I'm assuming theres more than enough power for the job with the 110 and 112.

Anyone got any experience with towing with one of these or indeed experiences of Vito ownership generally? I know the weight ratio is ok, its just whether its quick enough with the van on the back!

Any advice gratefully received............
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Thu 5 Aug 2004 17:20
mercedes vito. Good for towing? - mark999
I had the equivalent of the 112CDi vito from the v class range. Towing ability was excellent and you can easily have it chipped to 150bhp.

Please beware the reliability is absolutely terrible I would suggest a VW T4 Transporter or caravelle.
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Thu 5 Aug 2004 20:50
mercedes vito. Good for towing? - matstro
mark999, thanks for the reply. I'm glad I asked now as am on the point of buying one! What sort of reliability issues are we talking about? I guess the Vito, although Merc. in name, dosen't have the build quality that usually comes with mercedes.I know the early ones wern't very good.
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Thu 5 Aug 2004 21:44
mercedes vito. Good for towing? - mark999
Hi mastro,
its a long list of problems. We bought a V220cdi new in March 2000 We sold it last year with only 18k miles on the clock during that time it was back in to the dealer at least 30 times for:-

Faulty brakes, clutch, steering vibration (front wheels faulty), oil level sensor, central locking, suspension links, air suspension pump (x2), water leaks, rust.

I have been in contact with many other V/Vito owners who have had
similar horror stories. The Merc dealers only seem to fix problems on the 3rd or 4th attempt.

We've had a Caravelle tdi for over a year now, it really is a much better vehicle although it had to have a new battery and alternator.

Hope this is of help.

Mark
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Thu 5 Aug 2004 22:15
mercedes vito. Good for towing? - matstro
Mark, thanks again! Doesn't make nice reading!! Final question; which is the nicer drive, the Vito or the VW in terms of speed and comfort???
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Thu 5 Aug 2004 22:34
mercedes vito. Good for towing? - mark999
Hi,
not much in it really, the VW does have a touch more body roll
but the vw tdi engine doesent have as narrow torque band.
Most importantly the VW brakes actually stop the vehicle Ive had serveral hairy moments with the Merc.
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