Ford Benimar
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for the perfect combination of home comfort and travel freedom? The Ford Benimar might be exactly what you’re searching for. This premium motorhome range transforms the reliable Ford Transit base into a sophisticated mobile living space, offering everything you need for extended adventures on the road. It’s the ideal choice for families and couples who want luxury accommodation without the hassle of booking hotels.

From the moment you see it, the Benimar stands out with its sleek European styling and thoughtful design. The exterior maintains a relatively compact footprint while maximising interior space, making it easier to navigate through towns and find parking spots compared to larger American-style RVs. But the real magic happens when you step inside. The interior feels spacious and well planned, with high quality furnishings and clever storage solutions that rival many static caravans.

Driving the Ford Benimar is surprisingly manageable for such a large vehicle. The Ford Transit base provides reliable power and decent fuel economy for its size, while the responsive steering makes it feel less intimidating than you might expect. It handles motorway cruising with confidence and remains stable in crosswinds. While it comes with a higher price tag than basic campervans, you’re investing in a complete mobile home that can transform your travel experiences and open up endless possibilities for exploration.

Ford Benimar Performance & Engine Options

The Ford Benimar is built on the proven Ford Transit chassis, typically powered by a 2.0-litre or 2.3-litre diesel engine producing between 130 and 170 horsepower. This provides adequate power for motorway cruising and hill climbing, though acceleration is naturally more leisurely than a standard car due to the increased weight and size. The six-speed manual transmission is smooth and well matched to the engine characteristics, while automatic options are available on higher specification models.

Where the Benimar really impresses is in its road manners and stability. The chassis has been specifically adapted for motorhome use with upgraded suspension and reinforced mounting points. This results in a composed and confident driving experience that feels reassuring even in challenging weather conditions. The steering is direct and well weighted, making parking and manoeuvring easier than many competitors. The braking system has been uprated to cope with the additional mass, providing strong and progressive stopping power. You get the sense of a well engineered vehicle that’s been designed for long distance touring rather than just converted from a commercial van.

Inside the Ford Benimar: Comfort & Features

Step inside any Benimar and the quality difference is immediately apparent. The layout is thoughtfully designed with distinct living areas that don’t feel cramped or compromised. The lounge area typically features comfortable seating that converts to additional sleeping space, while the kitchen comes equipped with modern appliances including a three burner hob, oven, and large fridge freezer. Everything is finished to a high standard with solid wood cabinetry and quality soft furnishings throughout.

The sleeping arrangements are genuinely comfortable, with proper mattresses rather than the thin cushions found in budget motorhomes. Most models feature a fixed rear bedroom with a full size double bed, while the dinette area converts to provide additional sleeping for children or guests. Storage is excellent throughout, with wardrobes, overhead lockers, and clever under seat compartments making the most of every available space. The bathroom facilities are compact but well designed, featuring a separate shower cubicle, cassette toilet, and vanity unit. Heating and hot water are provided by an efficient diesel system that can run independently of the engine.

The Ford Benimar represents an excellent choice for those seeking a high quality European motorhome with proven reliability. It successfully combines the dependable Ford Transit base with thoughtful interior design and quality construction that justifies the premium price point. The driving experience is confidence inspiring, while the living accommodation genuinely feels like a home away from home rather than a cramped conversion. The main drawbacks are the high initial cost and ongoing running expenses, plus the space limitations that come with choosing a more compact design. It’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to provide comfortable, reliable transportation and accommodation for extended travel, and it achieves this with distinction. If your budget allows and you’re serious about motorhome travel, the Benimar deserves strong consideration. It proves that you don’t need to compromise on quality when choosing a European built motorhome for touring adventures.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Benimar?

As a premium motorhome, the Benimar has correspondingly higher running costs than a standard car. Fuel consumption typically ranges between 25-30 MPG depending on driving conditions and load, which means budget around £120-150 for a 500 mile journey at current diesel prices. Insurance costs are reasonable for the motorhome category, though they will be significantly higher than car insurance due to the vehicle value and specialist nature.

The main financial consideration is the initial purchase price, which typically ranges from £50,000 to £80,000 for a good used example. This represents a significant investment, but Benimar motorhomes hold their value well due to their reputation for quality and reliability. Servicing costs are higher than a standard van due to the additional systems and appliances that require maintenance. However, many owners find that the savings on accommodation costs during holidays help offset the running expenses, especially for those who travel frequently. Car finance options are available through specialist motorhome lenders, making ownership more accessible through manageable monthly payments.

Ford Benimar Practicality & Boot Space

For a large motorhome, the Benimar offers impressive practicality in everyday use. The external dimensions are relatively compact for the class, making it possible to use standard height car parks and navigate through most European towns without major difficulty. The payload capacity typically ranges from 400-600kg depending on the specific model, which is sufficient for clothing, food, and equipment for extended trips, though careful weight distribution is important.

Where the Benimar really shines is in its day to day usability as a second home. The kitchen facilities are genuinely practical for cooking proper meals, while the bathroom allows for comfortable self sufficiency without relying on campsite facilities. Storage solutions are thoughtfully designed throughout, with dedicated spaces for everything from clothing to outdoor equipment. The vehicle works well for couples seeking luxury travel, though families with older children might find the space more limiting on longer trips. Its compact dimensions compared to larger American style RVs make it ideal for touring Europe, where road sizes and camping pitches tend to be smaller than other markets.

The Ford Benimar stands out in the competitive motorhome market by offering genuine luxury and practicality in a relatively compact package. It combines Ford’s proven commercial vehicle reliability with European design expertise and high quality interior construction. While it may not be the cheapest option available, it excels in the areas that matter most for regular users, namely comfort, reliability, and thoughtful design.

You choose the Benimar because you want a motorhome that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its well planned interior, quality construction, and manageable road manners make every journey more enjoyable. It’s perfectly suited for couples or small families who value comfort and reliability over absolute budget efficiency. If you’re looking for a premium motorhome that offers excellent long term value, the Benimar should be at the top of your consideration list, especially with used Ford vehicles offering proven reliability and dealer support nationwide.