The LDV V80 was relaunched in 2016 after a buyout by Chinese manufacturing giant SAIC, and it has been popular as a budget option in its class ever since. The original five-year warranty proved a hit even though it isn’t the best or most reliable van to drive.
Despite its large size, you have to compromise on the payload compared to rival vans with only 1418Kg compared to 1655Kg in a Fiat Ducato. The economical price means it doesn’t come with any frills either, but if you are looking for practicality at a reasonable price, this might be a good option providing you can cope with some common LDV V80 problems.
Is the LDV V80 reliable?
It is hard to disguise that the LDV V80 is a cheaper van, and unsurprisingly, this is reflected in the build quality. The LDV brand can be traced back to the good old days of British Leyland, a name that is synonymous with British budget vehicles. The van is now manufactured in China.
The LDV V80 range is excellent value, but the first thing you will notice is the inferior drive quality compared to other modern vans. The five-year warranty may offset some reliability issues when bought as new, but it is essential to consider repair costs when buying a secondhand model.
LDV V80 common problems
Generally, the LDV V80 gets poor reviews for reliability and problems but will often earn a four-star review for affordability and practicality.
The LDV V80 problems could be because you get what you pay for. With the budget build of the van, it is unlikely that any vehicle is trouble free. Indeed, many owners report a host of issues with the engine, gearbox, and unreliable controls.
LDV V80 engine problems
The most common engine on an LDV V80 is the 2.5 turbo VM, a pretty standard engine for a van of this size that has been used for many years. Whilst it isn’t wholly unreliable, it is a noisy engine that is one of the poorer economical options on the market.
The issue here is that, after a while, the turbo causes problems creating a lack of power over 2500 rpm. Owners try changing the air and fuel filters, but the turbo problem lingers. It is possible to solve the problem by looking for a leak in the intercooler.
LDV V80 gearbox problems
The gearbox on the V80 is often described as clunky and is the cause of many common LDV V80 problems. Unfortunately, it is known for failing before the first service at under 15,000 miles. Usually, you can expect a gearbox on a van to last up to 50,000 miles before replacing it.
In particular, there seems to be a problem with getting the van into 5th gear. The automatic gearbox is also not without problems. It comes with an unusual design that can be adapted to feel more like a manual but does not perform well.
LDV V80 starting problems
The most common starting problem on a V80 is failing to start when the temperature drops.
This fault can be caused if there is an issue with a lack of fuel pressure due to a weak fuel pump or restricted fuel filter. The fuel filter and pump need to be tested to see if either is found to be at fault and then replaced as necessary.
Alternatively, you can look at the fuel injectors to see if there are any leaks.
LDV V80 DPF problems
The DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) captures soot on diesel vehicles to reduce emissions. For good maintenance, the filters should be cleaned regularly. Unfortunately, there seems to be an issue on the LDV V80 where problems occur after cleaning.
One of the most common LDV V80 problems is the van going into limp mode after cleaning the DPF. If a fault code appears, it will need diagnosing at a registered service provider where the DPF differential pressure can be checked.
What is the best year for LDV V80 vans in terms of reliability?
Launched in 2016 after a buyout from the Chinese manufacturing giant SAIC, the LDV V80 was in production until 2020, when it was relaunched as a Maxus Deliver 9.
In terms of reliability, there were no significant changes made to the V80 between 2016 and 2020. All the vans came with a five-year warranty.
How many miles will an LDV V80 last?
When thinking about how long an LDV V80 will last, you need to consider the type of driving it has done. Knowing its history will tell you a lot about a secondhand van.
A 40,000 mile V80 doing short drop offs might be in a worse condition mechanically than a higher mileage model that has travelled chiefly on motorways. An LDV V80 that has primarily driven long distances and has been serviced under the five-year warranty could easily do in excess of 100,000 miles
