Reliability is a crucial factor when selecting a commercial van for your business. The Ram Promaster and Ford Transit are two popular choices, but how do they compare in terms of their reliability? This article will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Spaciousness: The Promaster boasts a more spacious interior, allowing for a full mattress to be installed side-by-side. Additionally, it features a taller ceiling than the medium-height roofed Transit, making it ideal for individuals over 6’3″ tall.
Practicality: The Promaster’s higher ground clearance provides better off-road capabilities, while its lower overall height compared to the Transit’s high roof makes it more maneuverable, offering a balance of spaciousness and accessibility.
Comfort and Handling
Comfort: The Promaster’s higher seating position offers improved visibility and overall comfort for the driver. This elevated vantage point can greatly enhance the driving experience.
Handling: Despite its larger size, the Promaster exhibits impressive agility in emergency maneuvers. In a documented incident involving a mountain curve, the driver was able to swiftly avoid a potential collision, demonstrating the vehicle’s responsive handling capabilities.
Weaknesses and Reliability Concerns
Weaknesses:
Compression Fittings on Ford Transit: The Ford Transit has been criticized for its use of compression fittings on its brake lines, which are not recommended by safety standards. This issue raises concerns about the potential for brake failure.
Overall Durability: While both the Promaster and Transit have their strengths, neither has a stellar reputation for overall durability compared to some competitors.
Choosing the right commercial van for your business requires careful consideration of various factors, including reliability. The Ram Promaster offers advantages in terms of spaciousness and comfort, while the Ford Transit may be a better choice for those seeking a more maneuverable vehicle with a higher roof option. However, potential reliability concerns, such as compression fittings on the Transit’s brake lines, should be taken into account. By weighing these factors against your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that will best serve your business.
FAQ: Ram ProMaster vs. Ford Transit Reliability
Which van has better reliability ratings?
Answer: Neither the Ram ProMaster nor the Ford Transit has consistently outperformed the other in terms of reliability ratings. Both vehicles have had their share of recalls and reported issues.
What are some common problems with the Ram ProMaster?
Answer: Some common problems reported with the Ram ProMaster include:
Transmission issues
Electrical problems
Brake problems
Engine problems
What are some common problems with the Ford Transit?
Answer: Some common problems reported with the Ford Transit include:
Fuel system problems
Brake problems
Electrical problems
Transmission problems
Which van is more likely to require major repairs?
Answer: This is difficult to determine, as both the Ram ProMaster and the Ford Transit have had their share of major repairs reported by owners. However, some owners have reported that the Ram ProMaster may be more likely to require major repairs, particularly related to the transmission.
Which van has a lower cost of ownership?
Answer: This depends on several factors, such as the specific trim level, mileage, and maintenance history of the vehicle. However, in general, the Ram ProMaster has a slightly lower cost of ownership than the Ford Transit.
