Discussion
dave_s13 said:
Budget??
You can get fully leathered up Ford S-Max's that are van like in proportion but still a nice place to be.
Similarly things like the Mazda 5, Ford Galaxt and other such 7 seat MPV's can be nice enough inside, and with the seats folded flat have a huge load area.
Fabulous idea - the S Max is not a bad shout at all - getting the rear windows done in privacy/tinted glass will help the appearence and help keep your goodies out of the eye sight of anyone youd rather didn't see your stuff in the back.You can get fully leathered up Ford S-Max's that are van like in proportion but still a nice place to be.
Similarly things like the Mazda 5, Ford Galaxt and other such 7 seat MPV's can be nice enough inside, and with the seats folded flat have a huge load area.
On the Mazda 5 - it is to be noted that the 2.0 common rail Mazda diesel engines have a bad reputation in terms of giving a lot of trouble. I don't know if they did the 2.2s in the 5 but those aren't perfect either.
In saying that mind - does the Colt actually physically take all the kit you need - albeit with the seats down - because if so - then an estate will do the job. Thing to note in terms of Estates is that stuff like Citroen C5 estates, V70s and Gen 7 Honda Accord tourers etc - will have a lot of boot space.
And they will probably have more owner/driver appeal when you don't need 7 seats - then an MPV - imo.
Sir Fergie
Just to wrap this thread up I have end up buying . ......
A Mondeo Estate
Not something I was thinging about but my company decided to sell off one of its pool cars and I couldnt argue with the price or its serice record!
I have to say its ideal! 2ltr TDCI is smooth and powerful. The boot is enormous and wih the seats down I could live in the back.
Its a fairly comfy place to sit and a set of leather seats of ebay will make it even better!
Totally not what I expected but ideal non the less!
A Mondeo Estate
Not something I was thinging about but my company decided to sell off one of its pool cars and I couldnt argue with the price or its serice record!
I have to say its ideal! 2ltr TDCI is smooth and powerful. The boot is enormous and wih the seats down I could live in the back.
Its a fairly comfy place to sit and a set of leather seats of ebay will make it even better!
Totally not what I expected but ideal non the less!
Edit: I'm an idiot and didn't read the last post properly! Mondeo TDCI = right choice in my book though!
I've been in a similar position for work. Lower budget, but similar space requirements.
We were put off vans by the lower speed limit (50 on A roads) and the higher resale prices for tired vans, versus tidy estates. MPG was much lower too, for a decent sized van.
Estates, a bit less space, but more comfort and speed (unless you go for a quick van, or particularly slow car), ditto on handling, but not much in it - in daily use I would have traded some performance for utility though. Lack of bulkhead isn't as safe in a crash. But you can pick up a decent one for peanuts, or a good one for a good budget.
The Astra van gets around a few downsides (MPG, speed limit), but lacking rear doors I felt it may be less useful than an estate. YMMV depending on the type of load. Fiesta / Corsa vans are good (car speed limit & mpg) but a bit lacking in space.
We got an estate.
A crew cab or estate 4x4 may be worth a look, but the MPG and comfort may be lacking.
I've been in a similar position for work. Lower budget, but similar space requirements.
We were put off vans by the lower speed limit (50 on A roads) and the higher resale prices for tired vans, versus tidy estates. MPG was much lower too, for a decent sized van.
Estates, a bit less space, but more comfort and speed (unless you go for a quick van, or particularly slow car), ditto on handling, but not much in it - in daily use I would have traded some performance for utility though. Lack of bulkhead isn't as safe in a crash. But you can pick up a decent one for peanuts, or a good one for a good budget.
The Astra van gets around a few downsides (MPG, speed limit), but lacking rear doors I felt it may be less useful than an estate. YMMV depending on the type of load. Fiesta / Corsa vans are good (car speed limit & mpg) but a bit lacking in space.
We got an estate.
A crew cab or estate 4x4 may be worth a look, but the MPG and comfort may be lacking.
Edited by clunkbox on Tuesday 30th July 10:59
Edited by clunkbox on Tuesday 30th July 11:00
Nope cant beat it.
I paid £1,100 for a 56 plate 130hp 2.0 tdci - its done 130k but full service history, i know its only really be used for motorways and is in perfect condition really and its doing 54mpg too whcih is nice
Sadly its an LX so base model but im looking at the option of getting the leather seats of a crashed one on ebay to try to make it a little nicer!
I paid £1,100 for a 56 plate 130hp 2.0 tdci - its done 130k but full service history, i know its only really be used for motorways and is in perfect condition really and its doing 54mpg too whcih is nice
Sadly its an LX so base model but im looking at the option of getting the leather seats of a crashed one on ebay to try to make it a little nicer!
It was a similar set of criteria that led me to the Amarok. Going to the South of France towing a boat and camping on the way with the kids. Loads of room, relatively comfortable, good for towing and we will see how I feel on reaching destination accommodation having done a thousand miles....
quick tip - if it is a euro3 engine blank off the EGR valve and keep an eye on the boost pipe from the intercooler to EGR - this has a habit of splitting
Cheap enough from ford or you can get a full silicon pipe kit that replaces all the boost pipes from rubber to silicone for not a huge amount of money
Cheap enough from ford or you can get a full silicon pipe kit that replaces all the boost pipes from rubber to silicone for not a huge amount of money
northwest monkey said:
Tuvra said:
How about a Galaxy?
Because he's bought a Mondeo?For a big family car they seem bloody good for what they are.
All that jazz said:
DrDeAtH said:
Just remember.... All vans will need to be insured on a commercial policy. To try and do it on social,domestic and pleasure costs fortunes.
Utter tosh.Without any NCB on a commercial policy insurance can be costly.
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