Automatic panel vans. 2017+ Dispatch/Expert/Vivaro maybe?
Discussion
I'm thinking of buying an automatic panel van in the new year, something big enough to carry a couple of 29" full suspension MTBs, without the faff and theft risk of roof carriers or hassle of taking wheels off to load into the car. Automatic is a must because my left knee is crap, and particularly so after a day's riding.
The 2017 onward Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert/Fiat Scudo etc vans look a good bet in 2.0 auto guise, the 'box being an Aisin torque converter rather than some dual clutch rubbish, and the 2.0HDi being a lot less troublesome than the 1.6. Have seen a couple of well kitted out 180bhp examples within budget, which on paper look like a very nice little van.
Are there any particular problems with these vans in terms of reliability? And any other recommendations without spending a fortune (say £15k max for something with 5 figure mileage)?
Merc Vitos are on the radar too. Transporters are definitely not (expensive, unreliable, I don't like or trust the DSG). I'm not sure about Transit Customs, it looks like they've got something other than the infamous Powershift/Powers
t gearbox but struggling to find much information, they also seem to be a favourite with thieves.
Essentials are: automatic, reliable, long enough load bay for 29" mountain bikes, air con, cruise control, 3 front seats. Euro 6 would be preferable as I expect non-ULEZ vans to become increasingly hard to sell as time goes on.
The 2017 onward Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert/Fiat Scudo etc vans look a good bet in 2.0 auto guise, the 'box being an Aisin torque converter rather than some dual clutch rubbish, and the 2.0HDi being a lot less troublesome than the 1.6. Have seen a couple of well kitted out 180bhp examples within budget, which on paper look like a very nice little van.
Are there any particular problems with these vans in terms of reliability? And any other recommendations without spending a fortune (say £15k max for something with 5 figure mileage)?
Merc Vitos are on the radar too. Transporters are definitely not (expensive, unreliable, I don't like or trust the DSG). I'm not sure about Transit Customs, it looks like they've got something other than the infamous Powershift/Powers
t gearbox but struggling to find much information, they also seem to be a favourite with thieves.Essentials are: automatic, reliable, long enough load bay for 29" mountain bikes, air con, cruise control, 3 front seats. Euro 6 would be preferable as I expect non-ULEZ vans to become increasingly hard to sell as time goes on.
Edited by Jonny_ on Wednesday 20th December 22:10
Thanks both.
I've unfortunately failed to find any decent Vitos within budget and sensible distance, all the ones for reasonable money seem to be ancient, mega mileage, visibly shabby, extremely basic, or have the wrong (i.e. Renault) engines.
I'm off to test drive a Dispatch tomorrow, top of the range one with the 180bhp 2.0 HDi and 6 speed auto. Looks like it should be a nice van, fingers crossed anyway.
I've unfortunately failed to find any decent Vitos within budget and sensible distance, all the ones for reasonable money seem to be ancient, mega mileage, visibly shabby, extremely basic, or have the wrong (i.e. Renault) engines.
I'm off to test drive a Dispatch tomorrow, top of the range one with the 180bhp 2.0 HDi and 6 speed auto. Looks like it should be a nice van, fingers crossed anyway.
gazza285 said:
Just make sure you are sitting comfortably, our Dispatch is the least popular van on the fleet, mainly due to the cramped driving position.
Cheers, that's very much on the checklist, I remember finding an old shape one (2013/2014 I think) quite uncomfortable. Hopefully the new shape vans are better in this regard.gazza285 said:
Ours is the new shape…
Well, I didn't go for the Dispatch in the end. Not because of it being cramped (it was a bit short on legroom, but not intolerably so) but because of a variety of niggly issues that made me a bit wary of a potential money pit.Bit of a shame as, without those problems, it would have been a really nice van and pretty much ideal for my intended use.
Oh well. Back to scouring Auto Trader, eBay et al.
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