Used Ford Transit Custom for sale near South Shields

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 68.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 3,900
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, medium-sized commercial van that sits between the smaller Transit Connect and the full-size Transit. Available in multiple configurations with two body lengths (L1 and L2) and two heights (H1 and H2), it offers exceptional flexibility for businesses and operators. The 2018 facelift brought a more modern cab with improved storage, updated infotainment, and a refreshed exterior featuring slimmer headlights and LED daytime running lights. A 2019 Plug-In Hybrid variant offered an electric-only range of 35 miles with a total range of 310 miles, though conventional diesel engines remained the mainstay.

The Transit Custom excels as a workhorse with impressive payloads ranging from 686kg to 1,459kg depending on specification. Available in single-cab, Double Cab (six seats), and Kombi (nine seats) configurations, it caters to diverse business needs. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine dominated later production, offering 104bhp to 182bhp with fuel economy between 43.5-47.9mpg. A 128bhp mild hybrid variant achieved superior efficiency at 47.9-55.4mpg. The Transit Custom drives better than most commercial vehicles, with direct steering, neat handling, and strong brakes, though the ride can feel bouncy when unladen. Multiple trim levels from spartan Leader to premium MS-RT variants ensure options for every budget.

Best for: Business owners and operators seeking a flexible, reliable medium-sized van with high payloads, multiple configurations, and a car-like driving experience.

Not ideal for: Those requiring an electric van or preferring a lighter, more responsive ride when unladen.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Transit Custom if: You're a business owner or operator seeking a flexible, reliable medium-sized van with high payloads, multiple configurations, and a car-like driving experience.

Consider alternatives if: You require an electric van or prefer a lighter, more responsive ride when unladen.

Competitive Position: The Ford Transit Custom (2012-2022) is a strong contender in the medium-sized commercial van market, offering excellent value with the highest percentage of good and great deals available. Its superior driving dynamics, tough mechanical components, and exceptional payload capacity make it a compelling choice for operators. Whilst the Vauxhall Vivaro edges ahead with user ratings and the Volkswagen Transporter offers premium appeal, the Transit Custom's practicality, versatility, and affordability position it as the default choice for businesses seeking a dependable, all-purpose workhorse.

Read our full Ford Transit Custom Review

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