Used Ford Transit Custom for sale: everything you need to know
The Ford Transit Custom is a hugely popular choice in the UK and one of the best second hand vans you can buy. That’s partly because it’s available in a vast range of guises that cover just about every van-based need.
It’s also because, more than any other van, the Ford Transit Custom makes life as easy as possible for the driver, no matter who they are or what they require of their van. If this sounds like the kind of vehicle you’d be interested to buy or leasing, we’ll explain what you need to know.
In this guide, we’ll lay out what the Ford Transit Custom is like to drive and work with. We’ll also tell you what comes with each of the various trim levels and which engine options are available to you.
Rivals to the Ford Transit Custom include the Citroen Dispatch, the British-built Vauxhall Vivaro, the ever popular Volkswagen Transporter.
Should you buy a Ford Transit Custom?
Load capacity is what matters most in a van, so let’s start in the back of the Ford Transit Custom. In standard L1, low-roof format, it’s not quite the biggest van you can get, but the load openings are huge and there’s only a small amount of wheelarch intrusion. You can get longer (L2) and taller (H2) bodies if you need more space. You can also select from gross vehicle weight ratings that stretch from 2,600kg to 3,400kg. Along with the van, there are six-seater double cab and nine-seater Kombi bodies available, too.
Moving into the cabin, the dashboard is very clearly laid out, so anyone who’s never driven a Ford Transit before can climb in and feel at home pretty much instantly. There are lots of clever stowage spaces dotted around the cab, designed to hold everything a driver could need while working. The interior is really spacious as well.
Set off and you’ll find the Ford Transit Custom feels nimble, alert and precise – a bit like a big Ford Focus. It’s easy to thread into a tight loading bay, smooth and relaxed on motorways, and even quite good fun on a country road. It’s genuinely enjoyable to spend a day driving, which really matters if that is your job.
There are many engines to choose from when buying or leasing new, with options to suit every need and budget. Most are diesel, but you can have plug-in hybrid power if you want to minimise running costs on shorter, urban journeys. There’s also a broad spread of trim levels. Factor in the various bodies and gross vehicle weight ratings, and there are thousands, even millions, of variations available.
If you’re in the market for a midsize van, it’s hard to make an argument against the Ford Transit Custom. It’s just so versatile, feels great to drive and it makes working life on the road as enjoyable as it can be.
It’s very cost-effective, too. List prices are relatively low and retained values are strong, so it stacks up financially whether you want to buy or lease. Running costs are very reasonable and the Ford is generally very reliable, so you’re unlikely to incur extra costs in unexpected repairs and downtime.
Other midsize vans you might want to consider include the Mercedes-Benz Vito, Volkswagen Transporter and Renault Trafic. They are all good options, but none quite matches the Ford Transit Custom’s all-round ability and value.
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What’s the best used Ford Transit Custom model to buy?
The model that makes the most sense in the Ford Transit Custom line up is the Trend, which sits one up from the basic Leader model. Leader isn’t the sparsely equipped working vehicle of old, with DAB radio and USB inputs, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and the load-through hatch, but Trend adds kit that will potentially save money as well as enhance comfort.
The front and rear parking sensors will help cut down expensive bumps, cruise control can help reduce potential speeding fines while the lockable glovebox keeps items in the cabin out of sight and secure.
The Quickclear windscreen will be a bonus in winter while the Sync3 touchscreen infotainment system is a real boost too. Trend models do also add manual air conditioning, which will greatly improve comfort, but really that should be standard on the base model these days.
Stepping up to Limited trim adds a few more luxuries, but we're not convinced they'll be a priority for most van operators. What may be useful is the Trail variant, which brings rugged body cladding and intelligent all-wheel drive - great for jobs located in muddy or rough terrain.
The diesel engines are all strong but it is the 130PS version that makes the most all round sense. While the plug-in hybrid is the nicest Transit to drive, its cost may rule it out for many business users.
Ford Transit Custom fuel economy and performance
Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi Duratorq 100PS diesel: Sold new between 2012 and 2017, this earlier diesel engine was available in three states of tune. This entry-level model has enough oomph for light work, but will feel slow if you have larger loads. The 100PS model promises 172g/km of CO2 according to official figures, although those were measured under outdated testing methods.
Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi Duratorq 125PS diesel: Suitable for most loads, the 125PS diesel engine has extra pulling power and claims 186g/km of CO2.
Ford Transit Custom 2.2 TDCi Duratorq 155PS diesel: For the heaviest loads, this 155PS engine is the one to go for, with extra power and torque and claimed CO2 emissions of 197g/km.
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue 105PS diesel: The entry-point engine from 2017 is a 105PS version of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel. Only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, it emits CO2 at a rate of 204g/km.
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue 130PS diesel: The most popular engine available in the Ford Transit Custom is a 130PS diesel. It’s available with a manual or automatic gearbox; the former produces CO2 emissions of 207g/km, while the latter emits 234g/km.
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue Hybrid 130PS diesel: This is a mild-hybrid version of 130PS EcoBlue diesel. The mild-hybrid system takes some load off the engine to produce lower CO2 emissions of 203g/km. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue 170PS diesel: The more powerful engines available in the Ford Transit Custom are likely to appeal to owner-drivers. The 170PS version is available with a manual or automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions are 209g/km and 234g/km respectively.
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue Hybrid 170PS diesel: The mild-hybrid version of the 170ps diesel engine is a bit more efficient, with CO2 emissions of 204g/km. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue 185PS diesel: The most powerful engine available in the Ford Transit Custom is a 185PS version of the EcoBlue diesel. Available with manual or automatic gearboxes, it produces 209g/km of CO2 (manual) or 234g/km (automatic).
Ford Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue Hybrid 185PS diesel: Adding mild-hybrid tech to the 185PS means CO2 emissions of 204g/km. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox only.
Ford Transit Custom 1.0 Plug-in Hybrid: Plug-in hybrid power is still a rare option in a midsize van. In the Ford Transit Custom, the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is backed up by an electric motor. Together, they produce 126PS. CO2 emissions are just 69g/km and it can travel up to 35 miles on battery power alone. A six-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.
What used Ford Transit Custom trim levels are available?
The range of trim levels available on the Ford Transit Custom has expanded significantly over the years. There are now six to choose from, offering something for everyone from cost-conscious fleet operators to private buyers looking for an ultra-practical family vehicle.
Ford Transit Custom Leader – The entry-point Leader is aimed at businesses looking for a highly effective tool to do a job. It’s a bit basic, but has the features a van driver needs to get their deliveries done. Early models were known as Base.
Ford Transit Custom Trend – The Trend is still very much a working van, but has extra features that make long distances easier, including cruise control and a more comfortable driver’s seat.
Ford Transit Custom Limited – One for the owner-driver who uses their van for work during the week, then for getting around at weekends. The Limited adds air conditioning and heated front seats, along with body-coloured exterior trim.
Ford Transit Custom Trail – A similar idea to Limited, this is aimed at owner-drivers who want a van with a bit more comfort and style for outside working hours. It has the same standard features as Limited, but adds leather seats and SUV-like styling details.
Ford Transit Custom Active – Also with SUV-inspired styling, the Active is better equipped than the Trail, including an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat. It’s still an eminently capable working vehicle, but could suit families who lead active, outdoorsy lives.
Ford Transit Custom Sport – Finally the Sport comes with bigger wheels and a bodykit consisting of deeper bumpers, side skirts, wheelarch extensions and a rear spoiler. Extra features include lane-keeping assist and a reversing camera.
Used Ford Transit Custom dimensions and load size
The Ford Transit Custom’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4,973mm (L1), 5,340mm (L2)
Width: 1,983mm
Height: 2,000mm (H1), 2,343mm (H2)
The Ford Transit Custom’s payload capacity is 686-1,459kg, depending on which combination of body configuration, gross vehicle weight, engine and gearbox configuration you go for.
Maximum load length: 2,554mm (L1), 2,921mm (L2)
Maximum load width: 1,775mm (1,351mm between the rear wheelarches)
Maximum load height: 1,406mm (H1), 1,778mm (H2)
Read our full Ford Transit Custom review
