What van? £6k and black
Discussion
A friend who runs a gardening business has asked me to help him find a new van. Trouble is, I know nothing about vans, so I'm hoping the wisdom of PH will help me to help him.
His budget is up to £6k
It has to be black - for branding purposes.
He wants something Transit / Vito sized. Not a LWB and not a hi-top. Just an ordinary van. No need for back seats or windows.
Most importantly, it needs to be strong and resilient to having tools and garden waste chucked in the back, and muddy gardeners climbing all over it. It isn't going to lead an easy life and it won't be looked after very well. He has been using an old Merc Vito which has cost him a fair bit and hasn't been all that reliable, so he doesn't want another one of those.
So... what should I be recommending?
Thanks in advance!
His budget is up to £6k
It has to be black - for branding purposes.
He wants something Transit / Vito sized. Not a LWB and not a hi-top. Just an ordinary van. No need for back seats or windows.
Most importantly, it needs to be strong and resilient to having tools and garden waste chucked in the back, and muddy gardeners climbing all over it. It isn't going to lead an easy life and it won't be looked after very well. He has been using an old Merc Vito which has cost him a fair bit and hasn't been all that reliable, so he doesn't want another one of those.
So... what should I be recommending?
Thanks in advance!
HellDiver said:
Vivaro.
yep, or the renault traffic and Nissan Primestar are the same vehicle. Saw loads of Ex British Gas vans being auctioned off at very good prices. A mate picked up a 56plate Berlingo with 60k an FSH for £4k but similar age Vivaros and traffic masters werent going for a lot more!
dave
Overall a Transit always sets the bench marks. I have run a few, also vivaros, two different kind of vans - both have their plus points, overall the transit wins it for me.
Lower Mileage & Newer the better. Wouldnt worry about the black colour (this will be your main issue, restricts choice hugely) to much, just wrap it in black when the vans in for the livery change!
Lower Mileage & Newer the better. Wouldnt worry about the black colour (this will be your main issue, restricts choice hugely) to much, just wrap it in black when the vans in for the livery change!
Thanks all - some useful stuff there...
To those who've suggested the Vivaro, what is it that makes these so good in you view?
TC - you say the Transit and the Vivaro are "two different kinds of vans" - in what way?
I'm sorry to be asking numpty questions, but I'm a van novice.
I should have added that the van will be used predominantly for short journeys - a couple of miles or so - so long distance comfort isn't a key concern. Reliability and ruggedness are the key crtieria.
Loving the A-team van. Completely inappropriate, yet brilliant.
Any other views / suggestions?
To those who've suggested the Vivaro, what is it that makes these so good in you view?
TC - you say the Transit and the Vivaro are "two different kinds of vans" - in what way?
I'm sorry to be asking numpty questions, but I'm a van novice.
I should have added that the van will be used predominantly for short journeys - a couple of miles or so - so long distance comfort isn't a key concern. Reliability and ruggedness are the key crtieria.
Loving the A-team van. Completely inappropriate, yet brilliant.
Any other views / suggestions?
Edited by Gruber on Tuesday 19th October 12:36
I found the Vivaro more car like thats a given, its certainly more comfortable for long journeys etc. However, the Transit just feels more "built for purpose", I am in the construction/grounds maintenance sector my self and I just feel the Transit is a more robust piece of kit. Spares are easily available for the Transit as theres alot more of them about - I am forever replacing wing mirrors & bits of trim etc.
If the two vans were parked side by side in the yard and I wanted to go on a 300 mile round trip, I would probably take the Vivaro, if I was going to carry out the local contracts we have, I would load the Transit and get on with it.
Its hard to define the running costs as nothing went wrong with either, fuel wise, well the Transit was driven by someone who prided him self on MPG and therefore that wasnt a fair comparrison either. I imagine simular spec'd engines will be simular mpg.
As I said, both are very good vans, but I would take the Transit everytime
This is from someone who run a few of these vans side by side for a year or two. You may feel different.
If the two vans were parked side by side in the yard and I wanted to go on a 300 mile round trip, I would probably take the Vivaro, if I was going to carry out the local contracts we have, I would load the Transit and get on with it.
Its hard to define the running costs as nothing went wrong with either, fuel wise, well the Transit was driven by someone who prided him self on MPG and therefore that wasnt a fair comparrison either. I imagine simular spec'd engines will be simular mpg.
As I said, both are very good vans, but I would take the Transit everytime
This is from someone who run a few of these vans side by side for a year or two. You may feel different. Chaps - thank you.
I'm very grateful for the feedback. Transit and Vivaro seem to be the two main / only contenders.
Given what you say, and given the use of the van will be almost solely for short journeys, the Transit seems to be the leading choice.
Are there any models / specs / engines to avoid?
Oh... and does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to "wrap" a van?
I'm very grateful for the feedback. Transit and Vivaro seem to be the two main / only contenders.
Given what you say, and given the use of the van will be almost solely for short journeys, the Transit seems to be the leading choice.
Are there any models / specs / engines to avoid?
Oh... and does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to "wrap" a van?
Edited by Gruber on Thursday 21st October 11:30
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff