Used Ford Transit Custom for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 4,000
Average Price: Around £18,000

Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) Pros and Cons

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

Quick Summary

The Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) is a versatile mid-sized commercial vehicle that sits perfectly between the smaller Transit Connect and the full-size Transit. Available in multiple configurations including standard van, Double Cab, and Kombi variants, it offers flexible body lengths (L1 and L2) and heights (H1 and H2) to suit various business needs. The 2018 facelift brought a more modern cab with improved storage, updated infotainment, and refined styling with slimmer headlights and LED daytime running lights. A 2019 Plug-In Hybrid variant offered 35 miles of electric-only range and 310 miles total range, whilst the Econetic diesel returned for improved fuel efficiency.

The Transit Custom excels as a workhorse with impressive payloads ranging from 686kg to 1,459kg depending on specification. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine dominates the line-up, available in 104bhp, 128bhp, 168bhp, or 182bhp variants, with the 128bhp mild hybrid achieving up to 55.4mpg. Earlier models featured 2.2-litre TDCi diesels meeting Euro 5 standards, upgraded to Euro 6 in late 2016. The van drives remarkably well for a commercial vehicle with direct steering, neat handling, and strong brakes. Multiple trim levels from basic Leader to sporty MS-RT variants cater to different budgets and preferences, with features ranging from DAB radio and Bluetooth to air conditioning, heated seats, and part-leather trim.

Best for: Business owners and fleet operators seeking a reliable, versatile mid-sized van with high payloads, excellent driving dynamics, and flexible configurations for various commercial needs.

Not ideal for: Those requiring a pure electric van or preferring a lighter, more economical vehicle for minimal payloads, or buyers seeking the latest technology and infotainment systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transit Custom if: You're a business owner or fleet operator seeking a reliable, versatile mid-sized van with high payloads, excellent driving dynamics, and flexible configurations for various commercial needs.

Consider alternatives if: You require a pure electric van, prefer lighter vehicles for minimal payloads, or seek the latest technology and infotainment systems.

Competitive Position: The Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) is a strong contender in the mid-sized commercial vehicle market, offering excellent versatility, impressive payloads, and superior driving dynamics compared to most rivals. Whilst the Volkswagen Transporter T6 achieves higher user ratings and the Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic offer marginally better value, the Transit Custom's combination of practicality, durability, and driving refinement makes it an outstanding choice for business operators. Its multiple configurations, trim levels, and engine options provide flexibility that few competitors can match, making it the default choice for many fleet managers and small business owners.

Read our full Ford Transit Custom Review

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