Used Ford Transit Custom Van Finance

The Ford Transit Custom for trades that live out of their van

The Transit Custom sits in the middle of the market, bigger than a small van and easier to live with than a full-size Transit. That balance is why electricians, plumbers, heating engineers and mobile fitters pick it so often. You can load a day’s stock, carry a ladder and still park outside a customer’s house without a fuss.

There are two quite different generations on the used market. The first ran from 2012 and moved from the 2.2 TDCi to the 2.0 EcoBlue diesel along the way. The second arrived in late 2023, is now appearing on the used market in growing numbers, and is built by Ford alongside the latest Volkswagen Transporter, which is based on it. A tidy ex-lease van of either generation and an older, high-mileage one are very different propositions to a lender.

Tell us which generation, wheelbase and roof height you are looking at, and whether it is a panel van or a double cab. That is usually enough for us to say which lenders look suitable before a full application. Finance is subject to status.

Transit Custom sizes, payload and things to check

• Body sizes: short and long wheelbase versions in standard and high roof, with a load volume of roughly six to nine cubic metres depending on wheelbase, roof and generation.
• Payload: up to roughly 1,400 kg on the stronger versions. Check the plate, because heavy tools and stock use it up quicker than most people expect.
• Engines: early vans use a 2.2 TDCi diesel, with the 2.0 EcoBlue arriving later in the first generation. If you must meet London’s emissions rules, check the exact van rather than relying on the generation.
• Variants: panel vans dominate, but double-cab-in-van versions with a second row of seats can be treated differently for tax, so check with your accountant. Plug-in hybrid and electric versions also exist.
• What to check: service history, clutch and gearbox feel, wear on the sliding door runners, and any damage from racking being bolted in and out.

Typical Transit Custom prices and monthly cost

Most used Transit Customs sell for about £9,000 to £26,000. Mileage and age move the price most, with trim, wheelbase and fitted racking accounting for the rest. Because the minimum lend is £10,000 before VAT and after deposit, a van priced around £12,000 or more is the realistic starting point, which excludes some of the older first-generation vans.

For a van advertised at about £15,500 with a £2,000 deposit, you would be financing £13,500. Representative example: £13,500 borrowed over 48 months at 9.9% APR representative means 48 monthly payments of £339.02 and a total payable of £16,272.96, excluding any deposit and fees. Illustrative only and subject to status. To see how a different deposit or term changes a Transit Custom deal, open the calculator.

VAT on a used Transit Custom

Three or four years into a lease or fleet cycle, many Customs are sold on, usually by VAT-registered owners, so the invoice may carry VAT you can reclaim if you are VAT-registered and use the van for business. A margin-scheme van carries none. Put the status in writing before you commit, and ask your accountant about double-cab versions. Our VAT guide explains the difference.

Choosing the right agreement for a Custom

For a firm that replaces its vans every three to four years, a finance lease or leasing can keep the monthly cost down and make the next swap simple. For owner-drivers who keep a van until it is worn out, hire purchase builds towards ownership. If you are adding a second or third Custom, a small fleet can be arranged together through our multi-van finance route. Leasing is only available on some used vans, so ask about the one you choose.