Need a Swb 3.5t panel van, and recommendations?

[m3jappa]

Currently I have a 54 reg merc 311 mwb. It's been a great van for the 5 years I've had it but it's getting tired so I'm reluctantly looking for a newer van.


Problems I have are....
New mwb sprinters look fking massive, especially with the high roof. I plan to do my trailer test and start using a tipper trailer so a mwb van might be too big with a great trailer being towed.

Things like vito are too small and won't take the weight I need.

I'd like some half decent power, my 311 is okay unloaded but even half loaded the weight is noticible in terms of capability.

Ideally I'd like a sprinter 316 Swb but these seem very rare, there's a lovely black one on eBay but the miles put me off (114k) I know sprinters are capable but mine has become less and less reliable after 120k ish (nothing major) and besides I want to start with low ish miles and good condition as in my line of work it will get wrecked.

So any ideas? Transit Swb seem massively underpowered as well as crafters, or they seem to have power but are only 2.8t gvw.

Thanks

[Super Slo Mo]

Can't you get the 313 version still? I'm sure you used to be able to.

Personally I wouldn't touch a Transit, the Mercs are in a different league in terms of build quality and toughness, and have a reputation for being able to do 3-400,000 miles without much problem.

The Crafter is a Sprinter with different badges and engines. They may or may not make something that fits your requirements, but I'm sure you've figured that out already.

[m3jappa]

Yes there are 313 available but they are thin on the ground or have higher miles unfortunately.

I would even go back with the 311 if I found a tidy lowish miler but it seem these are rare then popular come selling time. again a couple of nice ones on eBay but are autos and I'm not sure if they are a wise move, though I love auto on anything other than a 'toy'

I may have to wait it out......

I also wondered if the coloured sprinters rust as bad as the white ones, I have seen quite new ones with rust but none on the coloured ones.
Rust is the only downside with sprinters it seems.

[ruff'n'smov]

Go for a 319cdi sprinter. depending on your budget might be able to help. PM me if ya need to.

[COMMERCIALDIRECT]

Have you considered IVECO DAILY 35S15 /17 /or even /21 thats 150hp 170hp or 210hp! available in 3000L w/base with 1900mm internal height,

ETA

Please do not conduct business on the forums.

Edited by Big Al. on Thursday 11th October 17:28

[R60EST]

I have a 2010 (new shape ) Renault Master MM33dci it replaced the 2004 previous generation I had from new.

They have come on a fair bit on the inside and the reliability has been fine for me on both models

My latest one is coming up to 70k miles, no knocks or rattles , does comfortably over 30 mpg and is £135 year to tax (Euro 5 Emissions ) It has built in TomTom , A/C E/W E/M C/L and Bluetooth connectivity for my phone , which also plays any music stored on my phone ,rear parking sensors and several other clever options / storage etc. It's very car like and sure footed to drive . It cost me less than £10k when it was 18 months old @ 35k.

I know Sprinters have a good reputation mechanically , but they do seem to rust rather quickly , my 04 Master was immaculate when I sold it and my current one looks like brand new once washed . For the money I can't think of anything else that would better it , I've driven plenty of similar vans in it's class and I think it really is the best of the bunch without spending sprinter money.

Also does 25k between services and although I check them weekly none of the essential fluids ever need topping up

Edited by R60EST on Thursday 11th October 18:10

[m3jappa]

That master is a nice looking van, I'll look into them.

[R60EST]

m3jappa said:

That master is a nice looking van, I'll look into them.

When I went to collect it the dealer had a very pale blue / almost silver metallic one in with colour coded bumpers and alloy wheels , really gave the front a much more complete look

Courtesy of Google , to give you an idea

Edited by R60EST on Thursday 11th October 18:26

[Flyin Banana]

m3jappa said:

Currently I have a 54 reg merc 311 mwb. It's been a great van for the 5 years I've had it but it's getting tired so I'm reluctantly looking for a newer van.


Problems I have are....
New mwb sprinters look fking massive, especially with the high roof. I plan to do my trailer test and start using a tipper trailer so a mwb van might be too big with a great trailer being towed.

Things like vito are too small and won't take the weight I need.

I'd like some half decent power, my 311 is okay unloaded but even half loaded the weight is noticible in terms of capability.

Ideally I'd like a sprinter 316 Swb but these seem very rare, there's a lovely black one on eBay but the miles put me off (114k) I know sprinters are capable but mine has become less and less reliable after 120k ish (nothing major) and besides I want to start with low ish miles and good condition as in my line of work it will get wrecked.

So any ideas? Transit Swb seem massively underpowered as well as crafters, or they seem to have power but are only 2.8t gvw.

Thanks

YHM

Cheers Rob