I've own an old Vauhall Astra for 3 years, and although I don't have much previous mechanical experience, with the help of a Hayes manual I've managed to fix all the things that have gone wrong so far, and pick up second hand spares cheaply.
I need a van now, and have been offered a Ford Transit 80 Popular 1600 petrol van. My question is, will this be as easy to maintain? I have the feeling the Astra is a particularly easy car to work and want to know what I might be getting myself into!
Thanks
Easier. If you managed the astra the tranny should be a piece of cake. Just a couple of things (hopefully) before you buy it.
The parts will be more expensive than for a car esp when it comes to brakes etc because they are bigger and heavier.
You will need bigger tools for pretty much the same reason. Is your puny jack up to the job? And you may find you need a BIG socket to do the rear brakes. 55-60mm IIRC, according to model etc.
Steve
My advice... don't do it.
A Tranny 1600 is going to be the slowest thing out there - and you'll shudder at the fuel consumption.
At least find a nice-ish TD example.
Better still - look for an older Mercedes. Excellent vans, IMHO.
Easy to work on but the flat performance and 20-25MPG might be a bit hard to swallow.
All true, but the 1600 transit is painfully sloooooow AND thirsty, worst of both worlds and best of none.
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