Ford has dominated the UK commercial vehicle market for decades, with the Ford Transit and Transit Custom leading the charge. Whether you're a tradesperson, delivery business owner, or fleet manager, choosing between these two popular models can significantly impact your bottom line. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine which van holds its value better in 2025, backed by real market data and expert analysis.

Before we dive deep into the comparison, you can check your van's current value here using our free valuation tool.

Why Ford Transit Still Rules the Roads

The Ford Transit has been the backbone of British commerce since 1965, earning its reputation through decades of reliable service. Its enduring popularity stems from several key factors that continue to make it the go-to choice for businesses requiring maximum payload and versatility.

Unmatched Payload Capacity

With payload capacities reaching up to 2,300kg, the Transit significantly outperforms the Transit Custom's maximum of 1,400kg. This 900kg difference can be the deciding factor for businesses handling heavy goods, construction materials, or bulk deliveries.

Extensive Range of Body Styles

From compact L1H1 configurations to massive L4H3 variants, the Transit offers unparalleled flexibility. This extensive range means there's a Transit for virtually every commercial application, contributing to its strong resale value and market demand.

Explore our current Ford Transit listings to see the variety available in today's market.

The Rise of the Transit Custom

Introduced in 2012, the Ford Transit Custom was designed to fill the gap between small vans and the full-size Transit. Its urban-friendly dimensions and car-like driving experience have made it increasingly popular among small businesses and city-based operations.

Perfect for Urban Operations

The Transit Custom's compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating narrow city streets and tight parking spaces. With dimensions ranging from L1H1 to L2H2, it offers the perfect balance of cargo space and manoeuvrability for urban logistics.

Superior Fuel Economy

Achieving 38-45 MPG compared to the Transit's 35-40 MPG, the Transit Custom offers significant fuel savings for high-mileage operations. Over a year, this difference can amount to substantial cost savings for businesses.

Browse our selection of Ford Transit Custom vans to find your perfect urban workhorse.

Depreciation & Resale Value Analysis (2020-2025)

Understanding depreciation patterns is crucial when choosing a commercial vehicle. Our analysis of market data from 2020-2025 reveals interesting trends in how both models retain their value over time.

Ford Transit Value Retention

The Ford Transit consistently demonstrates strong value retention, typically holding 55-60% of its original value after 5 years. This performance is driven by:

High demand: Consistent market demand from businesses of all sizes
Versatility: Wide range of applications maintains broad appeal
Parts availability: Extensive dealer network and parts supply
Reliability reputation: Proven track record reduces buyer concerns

Transit Custom Market Performance

The Transit Custom shows similar depreciation patterns but with slightly different market dynamics:

Urban premium: Higher demand in city areas maintains values
Fuel efficiency appeal: Rising fuel costs increase desirability
Passenger variants: Dual-purpose models hold value well
Lower entry cost: More accessible to small businesses

Which Should You Buy in 2025?

The choice between Ford Transit and Transit Custom ultimately depends on your specific business needs, operating environment, and budget considerations. Here's our expert guidance:

Choose Ford Transit if:

You regularly carry loads exceeding 1,400kg
Long-distance hauling is a primary requirement
You need maximum cargo volume (up to 15.1m³)
Resale value is a key consideration
You require specialized body conversions
Your business operates primarily on motorways and A-roads

Choose Transit Custom if:

Urban deliveries make up most of your work
Fuel economy is a priority concern
You need easier parking and manoeuvrability
Lower purchase price is important
You occasionally need passenger transport capability
Your loads typically stay under 1,400kg

Explore our complete range of Ford commercial vehicles to compare current market offerings and prices.

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Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Both the Ford Transit and Transit Custom offer excellent value propositions, but for different use cases. The Transit excels in heavy-duty applications where payload and volume are paramount, while the Transit Custom shines in urban environments where fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability matter most.

From a value retention perspective, both models perform similarly, with the Transit holding a slight edge due to its broader market appeal and higher absolute values. However, the Transit Custom's lower entry cost and superior fuel economy can offset this advantage for the right applications.

Whether you choose the mighty Transit or the nimble Transit Custom, you're investing in proven Ford reliability and strong market support that will serve your business well for years to come.

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Ford Transit vs Transit Custom: Which Holds Value Better in 2025?