Discussion
Bit of an odd what car!
Currently drive an 03 Mitsubishi Colt which constantly has the rear seats down being used transporting bulky stuff. (paragliders mainly which are in massive rucksacks) However its now quite broken down and rubbishy!
Thinking of replacing it with a focus sized estate but actually a small van would be better.
However this will be used for commuting and I really want some where nice to sit that doesnt feel like a van! Ocassionally a long drive too.
Anything out there?
Currently drive an 03 Mitsubishi Colt which constantly has the rear seats down being used transporting bulky stuff. (paragliders mainly which are in massive rucksacks) However its now quite broken down and rubbishy!
Thinking of replacing it with a focus sized estate but actually a small van would be better.
However this will be used for commuting and I really want some where nice to sit that doesnt feel like a van! Ocassionally a long drive too.
Anything out there?
Not sure of budget but Volkswagen do a Caddy Sportline which has leather seats, alloys, climate control etc. Very car like to drive and comes with a 2.0tdi engine so has some pace too.
Vauxhall have done a runout model of the Astra van as they not longer make them which has heated seats, good stereo, alloys etc. Obviously they are based on a car anyway so would be nearer to the mark.
Vauxhall have done a runout model of the Astra van as they not longer make them which has heated seats, good stereo, alloys etc. Obviously they are based on a car anyway so would be nearer to the mark.
6K will get you a decent Renault Grand Espace. Take the seats out (they come out completely as well as folding) and it's huge.
Much more stylish than a van (arguably the best looking MPV ever made, both inside and out). Very comfy over long distances. The Privilege and Initiale versions have most of the toys you could ever want. The 3.0 V6 diesel version has a whiff of PHness about it too.
There are still lemons out there so history and condition are key. And a warranty
Much more stylish than a van (arguably the best looking MPV ever made, both inside and out). Very comfy over long distances. The Privilege and Initiale versions have most of the toys you could ever want. The 3.0 V6 diesel version has a whiff of PHness about it too.
There are still lemons out there so history and condition are key. And a warranty
Used a mitsubishi delica L400 as a van for a few years, doesn't get much more comfy with the more upright driving position plus auto/ac etc etc, if 4x4 not your thing the japs make plenty of other interesting mpv's that find their way over here on grey import. clever seats can mean up to 8 or 5+ loadspace or 2+ more loadspace etc.
BTW I'd say the 1 ton class van (eg transit) is one of the best "places to be sat" going for commuting!
BTW I'd say the 1 ton class van (eg transit) is one of the best "places to be sat" going for commuting!
Edited by hairyben on Thursday 18th April 15:21
AmitG said:
6K will get you a decent Renault Grand Espace. Take the seats out (they come out completely as well as folding) and it's huge.
Much more stylish than a van (arguably the best looking MPV ever made, both inside and out). Very comfy over long distances. The Privilege and Initiale versions have most of the toys you could ever want. The 3.0 V6 diesel version has a whiff of PHness about it too.
There are still lemons out there so history and condition are key. And a warranty
Rightly or wrongly I'd be scared of any 2nd hand Renault. And that's coming from someone who recently bought a Toyota Corolla Verso that needed a new clutch last week and a new gearbox today! And petrol manuals are supposed to be bulletproof reliable.Much more stylish than a van (arguably the best looking MPV ever made, both inside and out). Very comfy over long distances. The Privilege and Initiale versions have most of the toys you could ever want. The 3.0 V6 diesel version has a whiff of PHness about it too.
There are still lemons out there so history and condition are key. And a warranty
I do have a soft spot for the massively spec'd Espaces though, if you need a big family car they "look" great.
My missus has a honda FRV where the seats fold flat and van like. It's sort of nice for what it is. I'd suggest much nicer than a focus sized van thing like a berlingo. I think it's nicer than most of the other MPV type things in that size range (shorter than a focus estate but a bit wider).
If you really want a van of that size I'd go for the Astra Sportive, you'll get a nice one for your budget and obviously they're based on the Astra estates and will drive as such.
In your position though, I'd be going for an estate or MPV. Vans for private use tend to cost more to insure than their estate counterparts. You'll also have difficulty taking them to your local tip, and places like the dartford tunnel cost more.
In your position though, I'd be going for an estate or MPV. Vans for private use tend to cost more to insure than their estate counterparts. You'll also have difficulty taking them to your local tip, and places like the dartford tunnel cost more.
sjj84 said:
If you really want a van of that size I'd go for the Astra Sportive, you'll get a nice one for your budget and obviously they're based on the Astra estates and will drive as such.
Mk5 Astravan Sportive's with a good spec are rare as rocking horse s
t. I know as I've had a fair few of them over the years. The 2 main optional packs they had were Winter Pack and Intelligence Pack (there is another minor one as well which involved a power point in the back somewhere iirc). Winter Pack = front fogs, headlight washers and heated seats 
(the Sportive SEs come with front fogs as standard but NOT the headlight washers or heated seats). Intelligence Pack = OBC, auto lights, auto wipers, auto dip rear view mirror. There was also an option for rear parking sensors and cruise control as well, but good luck finding any for sale with either of these are they are rarer than rocking horse. You can actually buy the cruise control stalk on the 2nd hand market for not much money and then get friendly with someone with Tech 2 to wire it up for you - expect to have change from £50 including parts and fitting.They are a very good steer. They handle better than most of the cars I've owned and go round corners like they're on rails - very sure-footed. The seats are very marmite - some say they're too hard. They are firm but very supportive, I like them.
The 1.9 CDTI 120PS 8v engine is the one to go for if you want the best compromise of poke and reliability. Avoid the 1.9 150PS 16v models - they are plagued with problems. If you buy a 150 expect to replace the following stuff on a rotating weekly basis : swirl flaps, gearbox, water pump, alternator, DMF, EGR, swirl flaps... The 1.7 CDTI 100PS is also worth a look as they respond very well to a nice remap taking them to around 130PS.
Be aware that if you're not VAT registered buying vans when you don't really need them is not a good idea as you'll be paying VAT on top of the price when you buy but won't be able to recoup that when you come to sell. Obviously there are of course some for sale without VAT but the vast majority of them will have VAT to pay on top which, with your budget of £6k, is another £1200 to find.
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