Ford Transit 260 SWB Review

Overall Rating

Good fuel economy,
Good handeling,
Good loadspace,
Good access,
Good visability,
Comfort level good for long distance work.

Underpowered engine,
Needs a boost on motorway on inclines,
Not enough power for hilly areas,
Cab noisey bulk head RQD as standard to cut down noise level
Wiper blades non effective after 3000 miles,
Drivers seat has a bar at the bottom of your back rest that becomes apparant on long journeys - works away at the bottom of your spine causing you to fidgit to get a more comfortable driving position,
Rust appeared on door hinges and on inside rail of the sideloading door after only 2000 miles.

In my opinion after driving the Ford Transit 260 for 25,000 miles, I am very satisfied with the running costs, and the comfort levels to a point, compared to the older 2.5 transit that I covered 150,00 miles in. There is a great deal of improvments but I must say that because of every other manufacturers advancments on power levels, you always feel like your getting left behind on this model, so I would say leave this model for the cake deliveres, of the world and go for the 100 hp model or better still, go for the 125 dci model.

I have found out that there are some engine tuning mods that can be done without losing fuel economy, that can give you a power increase of between 20 & 30 horse power, the first is an intercooler kit which costs around £250.00 and would give you about 10 bhp more output. Then have an engine mapping device fitted for around £400.00 which would give you another 20 bhp giving you a total of approx 30 bhp for £650.00 money well spent I would say!

Good luck, my van is booked in for this treatment, so if you want to know how I get on , send me an email at DAVEMGZR160@AOL.COM.

Members' Comments onDAVE WALDRON's Review

• sk8boy1 on 4th Apr 2004

  Could'nt agree more Dave. I chose the 100psi engine and it's a flying machine. It leaves all but the big engine Sprinters way behind.
  I also choose the steel bulkhead which keeps the cab clean and makes for a very quiet ride.
  Oddly enough, I've not had the problem you refer too with the drivers seat. Maybe there could have been something bent in yours during manufacture?
  In any event, I hope you have as much enjoyment from yours as I get from mine.
  
  Regards

• silhouette on 9th Apr 2004

  I have had a new transit from 2000 on a 'Y' plate. Although as you say, the 100 BHP is a flying machine, it has not gone without it's problems. It was delivered with a four inch hole in the roof where the seams had'nt been welded, after four weeks the fuel pump collapsed on a long run in the middle of nowhere, and on a freezing cold morning. This apparently was a common fault, because the fuel pump is mounted on the bulkhead, the vibration of the engines plays havok with it. The first time the engine cut out and restarted after a few minutes, the Ford garage scratched their heads and said they could not find a fault, when the van broke down and I called the RAC, the patrolman knew straight away what the problem was.
  Also the biggest niggle is the fact that the drivers seat reclines on it's own when driving, and almost always when you get back in the seat you have to adjust it. I am now on my fourth seat frame.

• okmarkuk on 14th Nov 2004

  I've had my transit 300 lwb for over a year now. broke down after 3 days, needed a whole new set of injectors. after 3 months had a vibration through whole van, put down to faulty drive shafts. at 4 months the drive pulley for the altinator broke, new bush's had to be fitted also. at 6 months vibration returned, new drive shafts again. Dealer replaced them but still had problem. All in all, dealer had van for 3 whole weeks to try and fix problem, still has it. When returned dealer hadn't put gators on properly, so the grease from inside went all over engine. Its been losing power now, which im told is the injectors fitted only 20000 miles ago. It has been a disaster.

• 135791113 on 5th Mar 2008

  You mentioned good fuel economy. Can you put this into miles per gallon?
  I have just aquired a Transit 330 SWB BiFuel and would appear to be getting 14 mpg on LPG. 148 miles on 48 ltrs! Not too impressive. I have a feeling that the petrol option is as bad. I will check it out after a second LPG test. Anyone any similar experiences?
  
  Regards, Nick
  

• Jazid on 2nd Dec 2008

  I have a Bi-Fuel 260 (2.3L) that gives me about 14mpg - of which 17mpg is on gas and the rest o the fuel is petrol. This translates to expensive motoring. I have been told that the Nicam Coltec system is erm..rubbish..and to replace it.
  I also have a Transit 300 truck with the 2.4L 90 engine. I get a steady 27mpg out of that and no problems whatsoever except a bit of engine noise.