Ford Transit Custom vs Volkswagen Transporter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Transporter wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 66%, worth about R 83 642 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Transit Custom | Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 770 000 | R 827 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 458/m | R 14 455/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 510 148 | R 593 790 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 259 852 | R 233 210 |
| Value after 5 years | R 403 520 | R 491 164 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
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
Volkswagen Transporter →
VW's workhorse van line stretches back decades in SA, and the current generation has been built alongside the Ford Transit Custom since 2025. Panel vans dominate fleet and courier sales, and the badge holds value well in the commercial market.
Known for: workhorse van with strong resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Transit Custom or the Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 66% for the Ford Transit Custom, a gap of 6 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 Volkswagen Transporter loses about R 233 210. 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 Volkswagen Transporter about R 14 455, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.