Used Ford Transit Custom for sale near Chadwell Saint Mary

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 3,700
Average Price: Around £18,000

Ford Transit Custom (2012-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Better to drive than most commercial vehicles	No all-electric model until 2023
Tough and durable mechanical parts	Bouncy ride if van isn't loaded
High payloads	Pre-2018 facelift vans have less storage space in the cab

Quick Summary

The Ford Transit Custom (2012-present) is the definitive medium-sized van, slotting between the smaller Transit Connect and the full-size Transit. It has become the go-to choice for many businesses thanks to its blend of practicality, car-like handling, and toughness. A significant 2018 facelift improved the cab with more storage, modernised infotainment, and refreshed exterior styling, bringing it in line with Ford's passenger car range. With a wide variety of body lengths, roof heights, and configurations including panel van, double-cab, and Kombi people carrier, it’s an incredibly versatile workhorse.

The engine lineup is dominated by hardworking and economical 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesels, with earlier models using a 2.2-litre TDCi unit. A Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) version also offers an electric range of up to 35 miles for low-cost local work. Regardless of the engine, the Transit Custom is better to drive than most rivals, with direct steering and tidy handling. High payloads of up to 1,469kg are a key strength, and a wide range of trim levels from the basic Leader to the sporty MS-RT means there is a Transit Custom to suit any budget or requirement.

Best for: Businesses needing a versatile and reliable workhorse, drivers who appreciate car-like driving dynamics, and operators requiring high payloads and a variety of body styles.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a pure-electric version from this generation, those sensitive to a bouncy ride when the van is unladen, or users requiring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transit Custom if: You need a highly capable and adaptable medium van that is also great to drive, offers strong payloads, and comes in a huge range of specifications.

Consider alternatives if: You need a fully electric van, a more comfortable ride when empty, or want the most premium-feeling cabin available.

Competitive Position: The Ford Transit Custom is a dominant force in the medium van market for good reason. It successfully combines the practicality and durability of a workhorse with the superior driving dynamics of a passenger car. While rivals like the Volkswagen Transporter may offer a slightly more premium feel and the Vauxhall Vivaro presents a strong value proposition, the Transit Custom’s all-round excellence, huge model choice, and driver appeal make it the benchmark in its class.

Read our full Ford Transit Custom Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from February 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.