Ford Transit vs Volkswagen Crafter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 66% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Transit | Crafter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 062 000 | R 895 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 18 562/m | R 15 657/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 82% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 66% |
| Value after 3 years | R 703 607 | R 593 494 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 358 393 | R 302 306 |
| Value after 5 years | R 556 543 | R 469 445 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Ford Transit →
The full-size Transit has come and gone from the local range, most recently returning in 2025 in extra long wheelbase panel van form. It fights the Sprinter and Crafter at the heavy end of the van market. Fleet buyers dominate, so most used stock carries high mileage.
Known for: heavy-duty panel van for fleets
Volkswagen Crafter →
VW's large panel van competes with the Mercedes Sprinter in SA's courier, shuttle and camper conversion markets. The range spans the Crafter 35 and the heavy-duty Crafter 50, which was refreshed in 2025 with prices from around R991,000.
Known for: heavy-duty cargo hauling
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Transit or the Volkswagen Crafter?
They are close to inseparable: 66% vs 66% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Transit loses about R 358 393 over three years and the Volkswagen Crafter loses about R 302 306. 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 runs about R 18 562 per month and the Volkswagen Crafter about R 15 657, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.