[Ian101]

Starting search for a bigger cheap van  and have noticed a few of these on my travels ........ also noticed a fair few on ebay for spares or repairs .... perhaps not a good sign ?

I know the engines are Italian VM units which used to be in Rover 800's.

Not bothered it they drive crap or the radio is rubbish just want to know if any common problems.

Thanks 

[George P]

weve had a few of the older ldv's (around 02/03 reg) and they were good work horses, don't know about the maxus though, but presumable good work horses again, there not as good as the transit but they are a lot cheaper,

[bobplum]

when i worked for Homeserve the brand new transit broke down after 10,000 miles and i always remember the RAC guy saying "WE NEVER SEEM TO GO OUT TO LDVS"

So yes they are basic but as said good work horses

[EandM]

The old VM units in the SD1 were dreadful. The later version in the Granada and Jeep Cherokee were slightly better but still ghastly. Modular Inline engines originally designed for boats. Four heads and head gaskets per engine - Gaskets fail and heads crack and are extremely expensive. Customer had one in a Cherokee that died after 56,000 carefully driven and properly serviced miles. Jeep thought this was quite acceptable ! Quoted £2,600 for parts to fix + Labour or £3,000 for a new crated engine. They went the new engine route then sold it. Avoid.

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

we have two 08 reg and a 09 both with under 70k on the clock , there good on fuel , and good to drive , however now ldv as gone getting parts cheap isn't good , the bodys are soft and dent easy ,

we are renewing ours this year , all in all they have been great but we have had them from new and treat them well , but I wouldn't buy one if  I was in your shoes as when they gone wrong its costs to much to put them right

[Smudger]

Got a 56 came with 55k full service history, now got over 80k

It's a bit quirky, and the body panels are a bit thin compared to other marks, but pulls like a train, starts everyday, carries 1000 ltrs, pressure washer, generator, gutter vac no problems at all

Did need a new clutch, my fault which came in at under £250 fitted - none of these dual mass fly wheel things.

You will get a really good example for half the price of a transit equivalent or spend the same but have a van 3 to 4 years newer.


Common faults...

Central locking is usually fritzy - either doesn't work or locks on it's own 😝

Heaters may not work,  badly sited connector, easy to re wire if needed

Don't buy ANY that won't start first time or needs easy start, sure sign that an injector or 2 are going, however they are the type you can refurb for £80 each.

Basically it's a more more old fashioned than other vans but mechanically all pretty cheap to  buy.

Body wise, some parts are a little harder to find, but theirs a good network online with new and used parts.

Best regards

Darran

[Ian101]

thanks for the input