Fiat or Ford?

[Clemmo]

As the post below says we are looking for a new Motorhome.
Both have Fiat Cabs.
All my previous Mohos have been Fiat so I guess I feel an affinity to them.
It would broaden my choice if I brought Ford into the mix..
Anyone have thoughts on Ford or Fiat?
( I have sat in one..just feels different, maybe not so airy or spacious?)
Clemmo

 

[Pausim]

the Fiat sounds like an old tractor.

Have you driven anything with the new Fiat engine? It is not remotely like an old tractor.
Edit. The new cruise control is also a big improvement.

 

[Old Gibber]

Have you driven anything with the new Fiat engine? It is not remotely like an old tractor.

I have a 2.3 with a 9 speed auto.

 

[Pausim]

I have a 2.3 with a 9 speed auto.

The 2.3 is a very different engine to the current 2.2. The 2.2 is an entirely new engine not a progression from the 2.3.

Edit. I didn’t think the 2.3 was as bad as an old tractor when I had one until this year.

 

[The Wino]

The 2.3 is a very different engine to the current 2.2. The 2.2 is an entirely new engine not a progression from the 2.3.

Fiat and ford both don't have a great history of getting new engines and gearboxes right straight away would it be safer to buy one that's had time to show any design faults?

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[Pausim]

Fiat and ford both don't have a great history of getting new engines and gearboxes right straight away would it be safer to buy one that's had time to show any design faults?

Time will tell but I did buy the 5 year warranty so not feeling particularly vulnerable. Truth is I chose the motorhome because I wanted a Carthago/Malibu and the Fiat bit was incidental. However I was very pleasantly surprised by the new engine, new instrument display and new cruise control.

 

[Miggs]

As previously posted, I also have a friend with a Ford based Benimar that is having a replacement engine fitted at 12000 miles.
Can't deny they are nice to drive, I had one too for a while, you just never know how long that fragile engine will last before it let's you down.

 

[The Wino]

As previously posted, I also have a friend with a Ford based Benimar that is having a replacement engine fitted at 12000 miles.
Can't deny they are nice to drive, I had one too for a while, you just never know how long that fragile engine will last before it let's you down.

I wonder how the cost compares to comfortmatic gearbox problems! They both have issues to be fair just different ones a lot seem to think the one they own is better I'm not sure if that's because they thought that and it's the reason they bought it or talking themselves into a sense of safety!

 

[Miggs]

I wonder how the cost compares to comfortmatic gearbox problems!

The gearbox will be approx half the cost of a Ford engine, approx 4-5k compared to 8-10k.

 

[Guigsy]

Fiat and ford both don't have a great history of getting new engines and gearboxes right straight away would it be safer to buy one that's had time to show any design faults?

I don't think the 2.2 is entirely new. And they've been using the 8 speed gearbox in Citroens for a while.

Ford's Eco engines and the 6 speed auto gearbox have been going for about a decade.

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[Braxieboy]

Previous Motor home was Fiat. Present one is Ford and the ride and fuel economy much better. The identical van was available on both Fiat and Ford chassis with a 'minor' cost difference of 10K. Guess which we went for? After 18 months have not regretting going with Ford.

 

[Jerrywh]

Mercedes.. worked well for me

 

[Bern8]

I have a Ford engine (2019). Just had 4 fuel injectors replaced on an extended 5 year warranty. It leaves me thinking will it happen again? It’s a lovely comfy drive with the auto gearbox though, plenty of umph. Can’t comment on the Fiat.

 

[sfrain145]

Not sure the wet belt is really an issue with Fords, after all Fiats need the timing belt changing too, and at the same age.
The Ford issue with injectors seems to have been solved with a software update and a change of make of injectors.
The Ford is far quieter to drive, the Fiat sounds like an old tractor.
On my Fiat, the cruise control is awful, it will allow the speed to drift by as much as 5mph.
The Ford can be uprated to 4200kg without any modifications, whereas the standard Fiat chassis can only be uprated to 3850kg unless suspension and tyres are uprated.
For some reason the Ford auto is not suitable for towing anything above 750kg.
The Ford steering wheel has a tilt function, the Fiat does not.
The theft issue was sorted years ago with a change of door locks, Fiats are just as likely to be stolen these days.

My 2.2 9 speed fiat has a tilt steering and some fiats have a chain 2.3 and 2.0 and even some older 2.3 depending on the day it was made the fiat Citroen and Peugeot are all very weak on engine quality just keep them well maintained. Service costs at the dealer is a joke and the new SGW locked eco means you need dealer software to clear or fix any issues. Don’t think of trying to bypass it as it will cause further issues later. My van was up plated to 4000kg no issues not upgrades needed but mine is a LWB

 

[Clive Beeza]

As the post below says we are looking for a new Motorhome.
Both have Fiat Cabs.
All my previous Mohos have been Fiat so I guess I feel an affinity to them.
It would broaden my choice if I brought Ford into the mix..
Anyone have thoughts on Ford or Fiat?
( I have sat in one..just feels different, maybe not so airy or spacious?)
Clemmo

From what I have read on the current Ford range
they have gone from the "must have" van for the white van man to
"must not have one"
there have been huge issues with injectors and the cam belt now runs in oul
that is a cam belt not a cam chain
think very carefully before deciding
I do not know whether Ford have or are addressing the above issues

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[Jonno1103]

If you intend on fitting a tow bar, take a close look at the Fords, as the newer ones have tiny tow capacities (750kg max, which rules out anything bigger than a motorbike )

That's not quite accurate. Yes the likes of Swift, Bailey & Benimar only have a 750kg max but Auto Trail has 1000kg & Roller Team 1500kg. Chausson do too but they're bit murky on the figure so I assume it's pretty low.

One of the main differences is that both AT & RT build on a longer moho specific chassis & add fully homologated extensions.

 

[Jonno1103]

Have you driven anything with the new Fiat engine? It is not remotely like an old tractor.
Edit. The new cruise control is also a big improvement.

Stellantis love it so much they're replacing it & the gearbox in 2025.

 

[Jonno1103]

From what I have read on the current Ford range
they have gone from the "must have" van for the white van man to
"must not have one"
there have been huge issues with injectors and the cam belt now runs in oul
that is a cam belt not a cam chain
think very carefully before deciding
I do not know whether Ford have or are addressing the above issues

It's still the best selling light commercial (LCV) in the UK. None of the Sevel platforms feature in the top 10.
This is from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT)

1	Ford Transit Custom	40,865	Ford Transit Custom review
2	Ford Transit	28,280	Ford Transit review
3	Vauxhall Vivaro	20,477	Vauxhall Vivaro review
4	Ford Ranger	18,679	Ford Ranger review
5	VW Transporter	17,487	VW Transporter review
6	Renault Trafic	16,041	Renault Trafic review
7	Mercedes Sprinter	15,799	Mercedes Sprinter review
8	Citroen Berlingo	14,065	Citroen Berlingo review
9	Toyota Hilux	10,888	Toyota Hilux review
10	Ford Transit Connect	10,856	Ford Transit Connect review

The last time a Sevel platform featured in the top 10 was 2018 - the Peugeot Boxer was ranked 10th.

The one which is suffering is Mercedes with the Sprinter which has fell from 2nd in 2020 to 7th today.

As VAG will be using both the Custom & the Ecoblue engine from 2025 for the T7 & the engine for the Crafter it must be very disappointing for white van man.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

A few of years ago my friend bought a 2016 2.2 Transit Custom off one of his builder mates because his mate was upgrading to the newer 2.0ltr version.
My friend had no trouble at all with his 2.2 and even made money on it when he sold it last year, whilst the 2.0ltr was off the road repeatedly and cost the owner thousands in repairs and lost days work. He’d got it from a Ford main dealership and had the injection issues and the wet belt issues with virtually no interest from Ford.

 

[Pausim]

Stellantis love it so much they're replacing it & the gearbox in 2025.

They are replacing the 9 speed gearbox which they introduced in 2019/20 but as far as I can make out they are doing this for commercial reasons (cost) not because they don’t love it. The new engine is already in the series 9. The press release for the Series 10 Ducato talks about a new 8 speed gearbox and the latest generation of diesel engines, nothing about another new engine.

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[seasideBill]

Latest Fiat seems to have more than its fair share of faulty sensor problems and wiring loom corrosion. I’m having my own issues with a van supplied in March this year.

 

[Don Campbell]

Both of ours were fords but the next one could be fiat or ford. It probably won't be a mercedes as I can't see the advantage for the price difference

I know this is Ford v Fiat but since you introduce Merc my opinion is don't touch them. We had a V6 Merc and although it's a nice engine the price of servicing and parts is astronomical.

 

[CazPaul]

I know this is Ford v Fiat but since you introduce Merc my opinion is don't touch them. We had a V6 Merc and although it's a nice engine the price of servicing and parts is astronomical.

Not if you use a good independent garage thoug.

 

[Tony50]

Is the not a chassis recall on Fords due to faulty welds?
https://car-recalls.eu/ford-transit-defective-weld-seams-frame-kba/

Yes there is a recall, had mine checked ( no problem found) I suspect as the chassis could be cracked somewhere or welds broke it could be certain motorhome builders may not be fitting the bodies correctly, in the Rigid truck world you have to fit a body to a chassis in a particular way, some bodies were fitted fixed to the chassis at the front and sprung loaded bolts and towards the rear to allow chassis flexing, When I look how some Motorhome bodies are fixed they have any old fixing ,and looks like that will do.
I've had Fiat 9 speed auto's and think the drive ( not the gearbox is a more positive drive ,where Ford on acceleration tends to pull to left or right slightly if you are not going in a straight line , I prefer the Ford Auto gearbox .

 

[Pocket Rocket]

Expanding the options beyond just Fiat or Ford, Parker’s uses extensive data to review which are the most reliable mechanically (breakdowns / warranty). The top 10 is in the list in the link below, but the Top 3 are:

1. Mercedes Sprinter
2. VW Transporter
3. Ford Transit

Fiat Ducato doesn’t make it into the top 10

UK’s best van? These are the most reliable vans to buy right now

Which is the most reliable van? Whether buying new or used, find out from the FN50 fleet reliability survey on Parkers Vans and Pickups

www.parkers.co.uk

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[KiltedCamper]

As the post below says we are looking for a new Motorhome.
Both have Fiat Cabs.
All my previous Mohos have been Fiat so I guess I feel an affinity to them.
It would broaden my choice if I brought Ford into the mix..
Anyone have thoughts on Ford or Fiat?
( I have sat in one..just feels different, maybe not so airy or spacious?)
Clemmo

We nearly bought a Ford after our Autocruise (Fiat) was destroyed by druggies in a crash I was ready to sign on the line when I suddenly thought to check that I could see out of the windscreen in the rain. I have a relatively long body and we had had to have the driver sear lowered in the Autocruise. I found that I would not be able to see out of the Ford in the rain because the windscreen wipers didn't cover the part of the screen through which I would be looking, so regrettably we had to pass on that one. We subsequently found a Fiat (Globecar Campscout) where I had no problem at all with height. The message is to just make sure that you actually drive the vehicle in all circumstances before you buy. I learned to drive in a minivan where I had no difficulties with being able to see out of the screen. When my wife and I married we were taken from the church to the ceremony in a beautiful Rolls-Royce - I couldn't sit up in the back due to lack of headroom, so it was an excruciating journey.

 

[Bramidan]

This is not anecdotal, my next door neighbour had to write off his food focus, eco engine shot.
Whilst we were driving to Turkey, in convey, my friends Chauson with a Ford engine broke down in Serbia, 2 injectors had to be repaired. Finally back in the UK they did finally replace the engine, not sure how much they replaced.
Initially I wanted a Ford, trusted manufacturer, worldwide.
I’m glad I’ve got a Fiat,hearing about the two incidents above but who knows?
Lovely to drive, 9 speed auto brilliant.
I think nowadays there is not much between modern vehicles, very much a lottery!

 

[KASPAR]

I know this is Ford v Fiat but since you introduce Merc my opinion is don't touch them. We had a V6 Merc and although it's a nice engine the price of servicing and parts is astronomical.

My daily is a 3lt V6 diseasel Merc approaching 60k miles, 1 set of pads at 48K; as the previous S Klasse and lesser cylinder E Klasse x2, and our MH over the last 21 years and over 500k miles have been MB diseasel. Learn the game with the MB Service Plan ie don't buy till B service then you get the ATF change included; and they are cheaper than Nissan Qasquai for servicing. Build a relationship with your main dealer principal and you win.

The only parts have been pads; and the occasional discs if kept to over 80k miles, only 1 E Klasse had discs in 110K miles, the S Klasse at 84k for discs including towing a large caravan for 7 years. You obviously have to challenge the oft up selling 'Service Advisors' who tell you at every service it needs discs and pads, wiper blades (regularly wipe with vinegar and they last longer than the car ownership, in our case average 8 years).

The MH on a Sprinter chassis, 2lt diseasel and 9g gearbox does not have a Service Plan option, but MB offer reduced rates of servicing and parts as they recognise the low mileages common as opposed to a delivery van. Service every 2 years.

You also get the Mobilo breakdown cover if you use MB for servicing every 2 years.

After 4 years old you get cheaper servicing labour rates and parts, if required.

Main dealers have to pay for those shiny showrooms and coffee and biscuits and have realised fair servicing gets owners through the door. Who may buy another new car.

 

[Mad dog]

Idlf you're going PVC route rather than coach built, the Fiat is the widest I understand. I'm a good 6ft & sleep sideways in the van ok.

 

[Blofeld]

As the post below says we are looking for a new Motorhome.
Both have Fiat Cabs.
All my previous Mohos have been Fiat so I guess I feel an affinity to them.
It would broaden my choice if I brought Ford into the mix..
Anyone have thoughts on Ford or Fiat?
( I have sat in one..just feels different, maybe not so airy or spacious?)
Clemmo

We have a Ford Transit Custom LWB for work and a Ducato for play. It’s the wrong way round. The Ford is far better to drive.

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[Pausim]

We have a Ford Transit Custom LWB for work and a Ducato for play. It’s the wrong way round. The Ford is far better to drive.

Are they both the same age? All models progress and I sometimes wonder if we are comparing like products. My last Transit was 20 years ago and it was no fun to drive but I haven’t brought it into this conversation before because things will have moved on a lot. I can comment on Ducato, my 2019 one was nicer to drive than my 2015 Sprinter and my 2024 Ducato is vastly nicer to drive than either of the older ones.