Mercedes-Benz Vito 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 63%, worth about R 26 372 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Vito | Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 907 212 | R 827 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 15 857/m | R 14 455/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 567 419 | R 593 790 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 339 793 | R 233 210 |
| Value after 5 years | R 428 748 | R 491 164 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Strong mainstream |
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
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 Mercedes-Benz Vito or the Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 63% for the Mercedes-Benz Vito, a gap of 9 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mercedes-Benz Vito loses about R 339 793 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 Mercedes-Benz Vito runs about R 15 857 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.