still searching for an Auto-Sleeper Duetto

Sue

In answer to your question on Turbo or non-Turbo (direct injection) having owned both I can tell you you will get slightly higher mpg from the direct injection than the Turbo. Don't think of the Turbo 2.5 diesel in terms of power performance of a turbo engined car either because it's hardly 'shattering'!

Manual or Automatic box is a matter of personal choice but most Transit Duetto's are manual so that's what you are more likely to end up with.

As for buying Private or Dealer. Prices will be lower if it's a Private seller and you have the advantage of buying from the owner who will at least have some history....a Dealer rarely has that and isn't bothered about it either. Don't be put off from buying Private just because you are 'not mechanically minded'. Take someone along with you who is familiar with the Transit (a local Ford mechanic would oblige if you don't know anyone personally). Better still if that person is knowledgeable with the Duetto.

Points/areas to look at on all Transits are wheel arches....bubbling of paint or visible signs of rusting. Same also on the bottom edges of both rear doors. Another noted Transit rust spot is on the doors just between the window and quarter light. Whilst 'cosmetic', if allowed to go too far this rusting can mean replacement. Fortunately Ford parts/panels are relatively cheap and a good body shop would be more than capable of bringing it back to 'like new' if wheel arches are in need of replacing.

The front cross member, chassis outriggers and coil springs are notable points on older models but that's where it's well worth taking along someone who knows Transits will come in.

At £9k tops you are at the bottom end of the Duetto market but it's not impossible. Though the Duetto is an extremely popular and sought after campervan and you will see many wild prices! It's just a matter of sorting the silly prices from the sensible and being prepared to travel to view. I live near Stoke-on-Trent and when I was searching I looked at one in Brighton, made a fair offer but the owner was sticking out for the asking price....his biggest mistake because I walked away, had time to think about it and decided it wasn't for me. Then found another in Liverpool (not nearly as good as described). Next went down to view one in Folkestone (no good!). Came back home only to find what was to be the right one......down in Reading!