The supremely popular Ford Transit has ruled the world of panel vans since it was first sold more than half a century ago, quite simply because it's one of the best. Versatile, reliable, durable and immensely practical, it's also great to drive – all of which makes it Ford's biggest seller after the Fiesta and Focus.
The Transit's load capacity is huge – up to 15.1 cubic metres or 2.3 tonnes, and the heftiest versions can pull a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. There's a choice of three load lengths (4.22m is the longest), two heights and a variety of body styles and seating arrangements: you can have it as a van, chassis cab, seven-seater double-cab-in-van or bus, and with front, rear or all-wheel-drive. In all, there are 450 possible variants. There's the Transit Courier, a small, agile Transit based on the Fiesta and B-Max; the larger Connect, derived from the Focus, which holds five people and their luggage with ease; and their big brother, the stylish Custom, which immediately outsold all its rivals when it was introduced in 2012 and also won the following year's International Van Of The Year award.
Access is easy thanks to the sliding side door, wide-opening rear doors and step, and tie-down points keep loads secure, while all vans have a bulkhead separating the load bay from the cabin. The driver's seat is adjustable in eight ways and the steering column adjusts for rake and reach too, so it's easy to get comfortable. All models have a radio with Bluetooth, USB and MP3 connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted controls so you can operate it easily while driving.
The Transit's popularity keeps second-hand prices competitive, and with fuel economy of up to 42.2mpg and service intervals of 36,000 miles or two years, it should be economical to run.
If you'd like to test drive one of our used Ford Transitsin Essex, just give the team at our Harlow used van dealership a call on 01279 216250. We offer a range of used van finance agreements too, so you can pay in the way that's most manageable for you.