Ducato JTD 2.8 w/ 120k miles (from 2004)

[mpescador]

Hi,

Just joined, hoping to learn from people with experience, as I am in the process of finding a motorhome and most of them seem to be resting on Ducatos.

Looked at one with 60k miles on the clock yesterday (chip tuned, sounds great, looks excellent under the bonnet for a 2001), but the layout is not quite what the family wants.

They prefer a 2004 with 120k on the clock, which my instinct tells me is less desirable than the 60k.

All of which leads me to this question:


In an ideal case scenario, is 120k miles not a lot for a JTD 2.8 from 2004?

I know no one really knows how long a piece of string is, but any comments are welcome!

cheers!

 

[Anthony489]

Hi mpescador

Vans like the Ducato are designed to cover large mileages (e.g. 300,000 miles plus) over maybe 7 to 10 years. So the mechanicals are robust, the bodywork/trim/paint etc maybe rather less so.

This is a paradox for motorhome manufacturers, as their vehicles are expected to last maybe even 20 years, but mileages are often much lower. Rather the opposite of van duty.


Provided a van hasn't been abused, and has been properly serviced, 120,000 miles doesn't really count as high mileage. Miles covered on the open road with a fully warm engine cause little wear and tear.

What may be more of an issue is the age versus spares avaliability, both now and in the furure. Ducatos underwent a model revision with the introduction of the X250 type in 2006, and although there have been progressive updates to engines (driven by emission standards) the X290 type ones on sale today aren't vastly different to the 2006 ones. For that reason I'd suggest looking for something based on the X250 type rather than something earlier.

I'm sure this will result in a counterblast from loyal owners of older vans !

 

[mpescador]

Thanks for your response. It is a good argument.

Of course some "loyal owners of older vans" often speak of electronics and "modern stuff" that breaks. And then there is the price parameter..

Food for thought, I will reflect,

cheers

 

[umanemo]

I have had no critical issues, touch wood, my 2000 Ducato 2.8lt v230 IdTD has 330,000km on the clock with three timing belts, three clutch kits, I just replaced the left and right trans-axles and only one starter. All else being equal, she's in good shape and I expect at least 500K !

 

[IceVovo]

I have the 2006 2.8 JTD x244.

Parts are readily available in Europe.

The x244 is 20 cm longer than the x250?

I like the useable space of the x244. (2002-2006)

The main service intervals are 100k, 200k, etc.
Most cars/van will require periodocal maintenance and replacement of parts.
eg. timing belt ...
Note. The vehicle with 120k is just broken in! lol

You must inspect all.
Then decide which form factor you prefer the most.