What van?

Author
Discussion

Rickyy

Original Poster:

6,618 posts

221 months

Sunday 22nd September 2013
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I need a bigger van, working out of a VW Caddy is getting frustrating now!

I've got £5k to spend and preferably I want something the size of a SWB semi-hi roof Transit. I've been to look at a few Transits and my biggest concern is rust, that and the completely gutless 85ps engine they all seem to come with.

Vivaro/Trafic/Primistar are out, due to the horror stories of seized injectors etc.

Sprinters seem to rust for fun and I don't find them comfortable.

Hi-Ace hold their value too well and aren't great to drive.

Transporters are out, due to cost!

Pretty much leaves me with the Citroen Relay/Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducato. Which seem to be good value for money, but I've no experience of them. I drove a 2.0 HDI Berlingo from 140k-170k and it was faultless and went on to do 200k+, so I have faith in the engines.

Anyone have experience with them or can tempt me into any of the above?

Rickyy

Original Poster:

6,618 posts

221 months

Sunday 22nd September 2013
quotequote all
Every modern van seems to be flawed in some way! The Crafters are nice, my Locksmith friend has a nice MWB version racked out like a mobile workshop. But they are out of my budget.

I've found what seems to be a decent Hiace locally. Going to look at it tomorrow. Going to compromise on load space and desirability for reliability instead.

Its a 2.5 D4D 88bhp model. Are these turbocharged or NA?

Rickyy

Original Poster:

6,618 posts

221 months

Monday 23rd September 2013
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I've bought the Hiace! The back looks like its never been used, interior is spotless and drives faultlessly.

06 Model, with just short of 100k, Paid 3999+vat, they are MOT'ing it, servicing and replacing the cambelt. Has two solid rear doors instead of the tailgate, which I prefer. Also has a nice big roof rack, so all I have to do is get it sign written and its good to go, collecting it Friday smile

Rickyy

Original Poster:

6,618 posts

221 months

Tuesday 24th September 2013
quotequote all
Thanks. I think this one is turbocharged, that what the description said and it sounded and drove like a turbo diesel. I was very pleased with the way it drove, I drove an R-Reg 2.4 years ago and it was quite agricultural, but the D4D engine is a lot smoother.

I agree with what someone said as them not being considered "cool", this works in my favour as it will be purely a work horse! Far too many plumbers round my way in VW T5s with 20" wheels!

Rickyy

Original Poster:

6,618 posts

221 months

Wednesday 25th September 2013
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scubadude said:
Rickyy said:
Its a 2.5 D4D 88bhp model. Are these turbocharged or NA?
I have older 2.4 which is NA, quick check under the bonnet will answer your Q though :-)
It did indeed!



There it is!!


De-badged by previous owner?




SPACE!! Will be ordering some decent racking to go in here...


Drab interior, but fairly comfy.

Overall I'm very pleased, time will tell what the MPG is like, it took £90 to fill it up!

Thanks for all of the advice smile

Rickyy

Original Poster:

6,618 posts

221 months

Thursday 26th September 2013
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I had an NV200 when I worked for a company, would make a great intercity van, but it struggled on open roads.

Too small for me as well.

Just filled it up again, 116 miles and it took 15.52 litres to brim it, the app on my phone makes that out to be just shy of 34mpg. I'll be very pleased if that continues!