Van instead of a car
Discussion
So, back from a camping trip where the car (Volvo estate) is rammed to the gills, we are contemplating doing what a couple of friends have done and getting a van for family use.
Both friends have gone with Transporters (though one had a Transit Custom and took it back due to engine failure within weeks of buying).
I am warming to the idea - always enjoyed driving a van and like the idea of the space. That said I am wary of investing a lot of ££ in another diesel without knowing what way tax, emissions restrictions etc is gonna go.
I like the look of the Transits myself (also like the look of Tourneos for that matter). Obvious advantage to the Transit crew cab over the Transporter and Tourneo is that the cargo area is completely enclosed so seems much safer.
Any views on the options here and the pros/cons of running a van over a big estate?
Both friends have gone with Transporters (though one had a Transit Custom and took it back due to engine failure within weeks of buying).
I am warming to the idea - always enjoyed driving a van and like the idea of the space. That said I am wary of investing a lot of ££ in another diesel without knowing what way tax, emissions restrictions etc is gonna go.
I like the look of the Transits myself (also like the look of Tourneos for that matter). Obvious advantage to the Transit crew cab over the Transporter and Tourneo is that the cargo area is completely enclosed so seems much safer.
Any views on the options here and the pros/cons of running a van over a big estate?
Have you considered a good old fashioned roof rack and roof box? Or a towbar and trailer?
You may find running the van around as a car for the other 50 weeks of the year when you are not camping costly and sometimes inconvenient.
As you have spotted most vans are diesels, which will become outlawed in some cities, unless you buy a euro 6 compliant van.
If you go VW then theres the scene tax and all the utter nonsense that goes with it, If you buy a Transit that isnt a Tourneo then you will look like a caravan dweller.
You may find running the van around as a car for the other 50 weeks of the year when you are not camping costly and sometimes inconvenient.
As you have spotted most vans are diesels, which will become outlawed in some cities, unless you buy a euro 6 compliant van.
If you go VW then theres the scene tax and all the utter nonsense that goes with it, If you buy a Transit that isnt a Tourneo then you will look like a caravan dweller.
gooner1 said:
Saleen836 said:
JZZ30 said:
Add reduced speed limits to list of cons.
Not all of them!Mate of mine has a T5, hes a gym PT. during locdown hes been carrying squat rack around and doing mobile PT sessions, his T5 also has a bed in back that can be removed. Hes currently doing the NC500 in it.
I've often thought about it as I have 2x Large Dogs but don't you have to pay VAT on them usuually?
I've often thought about it as I have 2x Large Dogs but don't you have to pay VAT on them usuually?
Transporter all day long, up to you if you want Kombi, Caravelle or Panel Van. They all have pro’s and con’s with regards to tax, vat and speed limits.
In the back of mine currently is a Passat gearbox that I’m dropping off later, 2 deflated paddle boards, 2 mountain bikes, beach towels/buckets/spades/wind breakers/, crab lines and buckets, tools, spare wheel, 4 collapsible seats, cushions, dog bed/balls/leads/bowls and other stuff I’ve forgotten.
And with 250bhp and a set of coilovers it goes and turns pretty well too
I have other vehicles I could use daily, but the van ticks all the boxes.
In the back of mine currently is a Passat gearbox that I’m dropping off later, 2 deflated paddle boards, 2 mountain bikes, beach towels/buckets/spades/wind breakers/, crab lines and buckets, tools, spare wheel, 4 collapsible seats, cushions, dog bed/balls/leads/bowls and other stuff I’ve forgotten.
And with 250bhp and a set of coilovers it goes and turns pretty well too
I have other vehicles I could use daily, but the van ticks all the boxes.
JZZ30 said:
gooner1 said:
Saleen836 said:
JZZ30 said:
Add reduced speed limits to list of cons.
Not all of them!Saleen836 said:
I think if you go for a Transit Custom Kombi as that has same speed limits as a car
I'll admit I'm not fully up to speed on weight limits for the kombi range, but I'm sure in needs to be under 2T mgw for car limits, can't see that applying to a custom.But like I say, it gets confusing, just make sure before buying.
I *think* - If the unladen weight is over 2000kg then it’s not dual purpose, it’s the lower speed limits even if you have rear seats, glass etc.
But it’s all a bit grey and vague, get some proper advice.
I wasn’t able to claim vat back on my Kombi and I have to stick to the lower speed limits, the T32 variant with 4-Motion has rear seats, rear glass but weighs something like 2200kg’s so it’s a van, not dual purpose.
But it’s all a bit grey and vague, get some proper advice.
I wasn’t able to claim vat back on my Kombi and I have to stick to the lower speed limits, the T32 variant with 4-Motion has rear seats, rear glass but weighs something like 2200kg’s so it’s a van, not dual purpose.
Desiderata said:
AJB88 said:
don't you have to pay VAT on them usuually?
You have to pay VAT on most things, including cars. Just that van prices are often quoted without VAT included as some businesses don't have to pay it.JZZ30 said:
gooner1 said:
Saleen836 said:
JZZ30 said:
Add reduced speed limits to list of cons.
Not all of them!
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