What med size van ?

[addsvrs]

So after putting it off for a few years, Im now looking at buying / leasing a van.

Spent the last few days going through Ebay / Autotrader / dealer offers etc and now more undecided than i was at the start !

Looking at 2010 onwards, max budget 10k, wont rack up mega miles maybe 10k a year, would like a few creature comforts like bluetooth cruise etc, wont be carrying heavy loads (plastics mostly)

Yet to decide on wheelbase / roof height (MWB and Hi roof is the default choice at the moment) but looking at med size vans so no Sprinters / Crafters / Movanos

Transporter - too expensive
Mercedes - as above
Trafic and Vivaro are my favourites at the moment but the Renault is generally more expensive than the Vauxhall. Thought they were the same ??
Transit - Only like the new shape, 2013 on ?
Havent researched if LDV'S, Citroen Despatch are any good

Vanarama have Vivaro's at £165 a month at the moment, is that a good price ?

Any advice / suggestions ? good vans that slip under the radar ? Engines to avoid ?

Thanks in advance

[Gareth1974]

Not often something that people consider when buying vans, but the Trafic (and presumably the Vivaro) gets a very poor NCAP rating. The Transit gets a very good score.

[steve-5snwi]

Just buy a transit, they are the original van.

[Defconluke]

You say no Sprinters, Crafters etc. but is this because you have stereotyped them as being 'big' vans?

They are available in all shapes and sizes and something like THIS SWB Crafter or THIS SWB Sprinter could be ideal. Both seem well equipped and new enough to suit your requirements.

If carrying taller loads then something like THIS SWB High roof Sprinter could be perfect - but there are fewer around in this sort of configuration.

[Patch1875]

I have the Transit Custom really good van only small criticisms are the seats are not very comfy, fuel economy could be better and the load floor is like an ice rink.

Drove Peugeot Experts before the Transit also really good vans that are available at dwcent prices.

Currently got an Vivaro as a hire van as the Transit got rear ended, engine is pretty smooth and fuel economy is decent part from that is very dull and interior is awful.

[CYMR0]

Gareth1974 said:

Not often something that people consider when buying vans, but the Trafic (and presumably the Vivaro) gets a very poor NCAP rating. The Transit gets a very good score.

A big part of that is the fact that a passenger airbag is not standard on the Trafic van, which is absolutely astonishing - but also easily fixed if ordering new, or not carrying a passenger.

[bearman68]

In my limited experience,the Renault drives nicer than most, inc the German stuff. Personally I would avoid the Transporter in particular, and while the Sprinter seems mechanically OK, they do seem to rust something shocking.
So for me it's a Transit or a Traffic.
The engines in both seem to be pretty robust, though the Traffic has had problems getting injectors out if required. I've heard the 1.6 twin turbo engine is frugal and nippy - though it does seem awfully small for such a big van.

[addsvrs]

Ended up ignoring all my sensible choices and bought a Vito Sport X LWB today. Not sure any love for vans on here lol but thought i would end the 'what....' thread for a change. Thanks for all advice above.