Which Van?

[OlberJ]

Right, this'll stump you lot

I've got a 306 diesel i use for hauling crap about and it's doing fine but i'd rather have a van i can shift stuff around in easier.

So what i'm looking for is a diesel van, as small as possible but also able to carry a good few sheets of 1200 by 2400 plasterboard/plywood etc.

It'll be 2nd hand, max of about £3k.


Any suggestions that fit the bill? Am i looking at a car based van or will i have to go up to a transit or similar?


Cheers,

[Six Fiend]

Going out on a limb here but if you need 2400mm length then you need a long van

Check out the load sizes on Transits, Vivaros etc.

[OlberJ]

So it needs to be a biggy? Fair enough.

Recommendations on a big van then?

[Petrolhead95]

OlberJ said:

So it needs to be a biggy? Fair enough.

Recommendations on a big van then?

Got to be a Transit!

[saladdodger]

transit without fail, all others cost to much to run or they are french.

[Six Fiend]

Choice of Transits is enormous, parts are plentiful, but get some accurate figues for the load space! Do you want side loading doors etc? (I would, they make life much easier)

Have a trip around google for facts and figures. Work out which engine is best for use (many miles or local lugging).

Take your time to buy the right one, there are plenty of duffers out there!

[OlberJ]

Just what i'm after.

Cheers folks.

[bmwdrivernigel]

Have a look at BCA Glasgow van sales, I've just picked up a white 03 Transit ex BT 50000 miles for £2350 plus the VAT. Lots of choice for your money there.

[DJC]

If you're buying, Transit. However, I'm quite fond of the Vivaro.

Both are good to drive, the Vivaro a bit more car-like.

[Fabric 2.2]

Cosworth engined transit for less than £2k? What could go wrong.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2740891.htm

[mgroadster]

Being the owner of a 5 year old Transit, My vote is def in the Transit camp.
DO NOT GET AN IVECO!! Major Pigdogs!

[AndyHSPL]

Would an Astra Van (or similar) not fit the bill?? Don't get me wrong, I'm a big time fan on the Transit, but it sounds like something like this would suit your needs better?

[scumspawn]

if you dont need to carry passengers at the same time as the sheets a mk2 berlingo or partner will carry those with front passenger seats folded down. older despatch/expert should do as well.

[powwerr]

And dont bother with a 85bhp transit. As much as you say, ach but its just a van.... no. just no.

it will last forever but ts a hateful engine. get the 100bhp one and its like night and day.

[OlberJ]

I do like the Berlingos, was just under the impression they were too small.

[vit4]

Fabric 2.2 said:

Cosworth engined transit for less than £2k? What could go wrong.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2740891.htm

I'm sure that was up for sale when I first joined PH over a year ago

[Lets Torque]

Depends.

Vauxhall Vivaro.

This is the van I would go for, best to look at IMHO and they are good to drive (for a van). Some reliability issues though.

http://vans.autotrader.co.uk/makemodel/make/vauxha...

Mercedes Vito.

Looks OK IMO and is a Mercedes but again some reliability issues.

http://vans.autotrader.co.uk/makemodel/make/merced...

Ford Transit.

What everyone is suggesting. For me though, looks very dated and they are known to rust. Don't know about reliability.

http://vans.autotrader.co.uk/price/min/2999/makemo...

It really is up to you on which you prefer, All have thier Pro's and Con's it is just what you prefer.

All IMO of course

[OlberJ]

I quite like that Vivaro.

Guess the good thing with something that size is i can tow with it as well. Which will be a major plus when the CRv is gone.

[amccan10]

OlberJ said:

I quite like that Vivaro.

Guess the good thing with something that size is i can tow with it as well. Which will be a major plus when the CRv is gone.

Man up! get the cosworth!!! I'll even buy you a shandy at the next meet and ban paul from slagging you off :P