Ford Transit Custom vs Mercedes-Benz Vito
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Ford Transit Custom wins on money kept: 66% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 57 270 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Transit Custom | Vito | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 770 000 | R 907 212 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 458/m | R 15 857/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 510 148 | R 567 419 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 259 852 | R 339 793 |
| Value after 5 years | R 403 520 | R 428 748 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Premium (established) |
Ford Transit Custom →
Panel van stalwart of courier and delivery fleets since 2013, now in its second local generation with a 2.0 turbodiesel. Car-like driving manners set it apart from older rivals. Work vans lead hard lives, so used buyers should weigh service history over mileage.
Known for: courier fleet panel van staple
Mercedes-Benz Vito →
A workhorse van sold here since the late 1990s in panel van and Tourer crew forms. Shuttle operators and businesses buy it as the cheaper alternative to the V-Class, a gap the newer Vito Select narrows further. Diesel Tourers hold value reasonably well thanks to commercial demand.
Known for: shuttle and fleet van workhorse
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Transit Custom or the Mercedes-Benz Vito?
The Ford Transit Custom. It keeps about 66% of its price after three years against 63% for the Mercedes-Benz Vito, a gap of 4 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Transit Custom loses about R 259 852 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz Vito loses about R 339 793. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Ford Transit Custom runs about R 13 458 per month and the Mercedes-Benz Vito about R 15 857, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.