Used Mercedes-Benz Vito for sale: everything you need to know

The Mercedes-Benz Vito is a high quality van that is loaded with technology and feels as posh as you’d expect from the company that also builds several of the finest luxury cars. The smaller relation to the Mercedes Sprinter, if you’re looking for a used van, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the Mercedes-Benz Vito is like to drive and to live with. We’ll also run you through the various engine and gearbox combinations that are available, and detail the standard features that each of the trim levels comes with. There is also a passenger version, the Mercedes V-Class.

Rivals to the Mercedes Vito include the high quality Volkswagen Transporter, the ever popular Ford Transit Custom and the British-built Vauxhall Vivaro.

The Mercedes Vito is a very popular van, so there are lots of used examples available. Take a look at a Mercedes Vito for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz Vito?

The Mercedes Vito is the most comfortable midsize van there is. It has a ride almost as smooth as a Mercedes-Benz car, standard cruise control takes the strain out of driving on the motorway, and many models have an automatic gearbox. All this makes the Mercedes Vito a great option if you regularly need to drive long distances. It also feels pretty nimble around town and the steering is really light, making tricky manoeuvres easier.

In standard-length L1 form, the Mercedes Vito isn’t the most spacious midsize van, but its 5.8 cubic-metre cargo volume is still pretty generous. If you need more room, there are longer L2 and L3 versions (the latter is nearly half a metre longer). There is also a six-seater Crew Van body.

Drivers of average height will have plenty of space in the cab, although anyone much more than six feet tall might find it a bit cramped. However, you get Apple Carplay and Android Auto phone connectivity on all models, the seats are super-comfy, and you can see and feel the quality of everything inside the cab. It’s a pleasure to spend a working day in.

You can choose between three well-equipped trim levels and several engines, covering a broad spectrum of power outputs. You can also choose between front- and rear-wheel drive; the latter uses an automatic gearbox as standard. The Mercedes Vito emits relatively little CO2 and it’s very fuel-efficient, so day-to-day running costs are affordable.

Rival vans you might want to consider include the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro and Volkswagen Transporter. They’re all good options, but the Mercedes Vito has more features, is comfier and holds onto more of its value.

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What's the best used Mercedes-Benz Vito model to buy?

The Mercedes-Benz Vito retains the impressive handling and performance of its predecessor, although there are a few caveats like the lack of a high-roof variant.  The L1 model is also less roomy than some rivals for load carrying.

Mercedes-Benz added a 1.6-litre diesel engine, shared with the Renault Trafic. This engine is offered with front-wheel drive only and comes in two versions – 88PS and 114PS. The other engine is the 2.1-litre diesel, available with between 136PS and 190PS, in rear-wheel drive only.

The Vito is offered in three lengths, all of which are 140mm longer than the equivalent variant of the old Vito. The maximum gross vehicle weight ranges from 2500kg to 3200kg depending on configuration, with the most capable model rated to carry a payload of up to 1350kg. Maximum cargo volumes range from 5.5m3 to 6.6m3.

The new Vito is very refined and quiet on the move thanks to quality engines and good noise insulation. The basic 1.6-litre engine in the 109 CDI can feel strained with a full load on board, but it's fine around town. The Vito also handles well with good steering weight and impressive body control. It's a very comfortable van for long motorway journeys.

Used Mercedes-Benz Vito fuel economy and performance

The Mercedes Vito only has diesel engines (not counting the electric Mercedes eVito). Unusually, you can choose between front- and rear-wheel-drive models. The latter come with an automatic gearbox as standard and the automatics produce significantly less CO2, which could be a crucial factor in your choice. Note that Mercedes doesn’t publish acceleration times for the Mercedes Vito.

• Mercedes-Benz Vito 110CDI diesel – This has a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 102PS. It’s only available with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. CO2 emissions are rated at 174g/km. 
• Mercedes-Benz Vito 114CDI FWD diesel – This has a 136PS version of the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine. In front-wheel-drive form, it has a six-speed manual gearbox and produces CO2 emissions of 174g/km.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito 114CDI RWD diesel – The rear-wheel-drive 114CDI model has the same 136PS as the front-driven version, but its engine is a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard. Official CO2 emissions are 157g/km.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito 116CDI diesel – The more powerful engines are likely to appeal to owner-drivers. This is a 163PS version of the 2.0-litre engine (also found in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class) and it’s available with front- or rear-wheel-drive. Either way, it has a nine-speed automatic gearbox and CO2 emissions are 157g/km.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito 119CDI diesel – The most powerful version of the Mercedes Vito’s 2.0-litre engine delivers 190PS. It has a nine-speed automatic gearbox and you can pick between front- and rear-wheel drive. CO2 emissions are 157g/km whatever your choice.

What used Mercedes-Benz Vito trim levels are available?

The Mercedes Vito comes in three trim levels, all of which are notably well-equipped for a mid-size van. The range has been updated several times, most recently in 2020.

• Mercedes-Benz Vito Progressive – The most basic Mercedes Vito comes better equipped than many top-of-the-range vans. It has Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, cruise control, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, a reversing camera and lots of safety features. Everything a driver needs for an easy life on the road, then.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito Premium – Premium adds to the features fitted to Progressive, with air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, electrically-folding door mirrors, body-coloured bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport – Sport is aimed at owner-drivers who also use their van as a family car – it’s only available with the Crew Van body. It has an AMG bodykit and lowered suspension, plus sat-nav, leatherette upholstery and heated front seats.

Used Mercedes-Benz Vito dimensions and load space

The Mercedes-Benz Vito’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 4,895mm (L1), 5,140mm (L2), 5,370mm (L3)
• Width: 1,928mm
• Height: 1,910mm

The Mercedes-Benz Vito’s payload capacity is 646-1,002kg, depending on which combination of body, engine and gearbox you go for.

• Maximum load length: 2568mm (L1), 2831mm (L2), 3061mm (L3)  
• Maximum load width: 1685mm (1270mm between the rear wheelarches)
• Maximum load height: 1391mm

Used Mercedes-Benz Vito road tax

All of the Mercedes-Benz Vito range of vans will pay road tax at £320 per year for 12 months' duty.

Used Mercedes-Benz Vito insurance

At the lowest end of the spectrum, the Mercedes-Benz Vito sits in Group 24 for the most basic, smallest engine version. Move to the other end of the spectrum, and insurance is based on a group 44 rating, though most models lean more towards the lower end of this scale.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz Vito review