I quite fancy a van. Which one though?
Discussion
I've decided to sell my fifties American truck and replace it with something more modern, comfortable and usable.
Criteria for the new vehicle are: must be able to carry 3 mountain bikes without removing wheels, must be able to carry 8x4 foot sheets of plywood/plasterboard etc, must have 3 or more seats, must have a minimum of air con, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Ideally would like an automatic gearbox, but that seems overly optimistic on my budget.
Considered a big MPV (Kia Sedona or Chrysler Voyager type thing), but their load area is still a bit too short and I have nowhere to store the 2 rows of seats that I'd have to remove when carrying bikes etc. So I'm thinking more along the lines of a smallish panel van.
On a budget of around £9000 (including VAT as this will be a private purchase), what should I be looking at?
Transit Custom in Limited trim looks good, with 2014 and 2015 examples falling into budget. What are they like for reliability? Or perhaps a slightly older Transporter, although it's harder to find one with a decent spec within budget as they're apparently a fashion accessory. Is a 2012/13/14 Merc Vito likely to rot away before my eyes? Is a Hyundai i800 a good leftfield option, or a nightmare waiting to happen?
So far the only definite is that I do not want a Citroen Dispatch, or any badge engineered variant thereof, as they're horribly cramped in the cabin and the 1.6 HDi is truly dismal.
PH Hive Mind, over to you...
Criteria for the new vehicle are: must be able to carry 3 mountain bikes without removing wheels, must be able to carry 8x4 foot sheets of plywood/plasterboard etc, must have 3 or more seats, must have a minimum of air con, cruise control and rear parking sensors. Ideally would like an automatic gearbox, but that seems overly optimistic on my budget.
Considered a big MPV (Kia Sedona or Chrysler Voyager type thing), but their load area is still a bit too short and I have nowhere to store the 2 rows of seats that I'd have to remove when carrying bikes etc. So I'm thinking more along the lines of a smallish panel van.
On a budget of around £9000 (including VAT as this will be a private purchase), what should I be looking at?
Transit Custom in Limited trim looks good, with 2014 and 2015 examples falling into budget. What are they like for reliability? Or perhaps a slightly older Transporter, although it's harder to find one with a decent spec within budget as they're apparently a fashion accessory. Is a 2012/13/14 Merc Vito likely to rot away before my eyes? Is a Hyundai i800 a good leftfield option, or a nightmare waiting to happen?
So far the only definite is that I do not want a Citroen Dispatch, or any badge engineered variant thereof, as they're horribly cramped in the cabin and the 1.6 HDi is truly dismal.
PH Hive Mind, over to you...
I've had a couple of vans for social duties, and motorbike transportation..never work related.
VW Transporter Sportline is the one "everyone" wants. I'd have another if they weren't so expensive compared to the competition and if someone hadn't broke in and stole it.
Merc Vito Sport X - More power and generally more van for your money. Also, rear wheel drive. V6, sloppy auto and about as quick as you'll ever need to go in a van. Would have another. Get a 2014 onwards for lower rust risk.
Never had an issue parking either of the above that I can recall.
Transit custom. Not had one, wouldn't be against as looks even better value for money.
VW Transporter Sportline is the one "everyone" wants. I'd have another if they weren't so expensive compared to the competition and if someone hadn't broke in and stole it.
Merc Vito Sport X - More power and generally more van for your money. Also, rear wheel drive. V6, sloppy auto and about as quick as you'll ever need to go in a van. Would have another. Get a 2014 onwards for lower rust risk.
Never had an issue parking either of the above that I can recall.
Transit custom. Not had one, wouldn't be against as looks even better value for money.
I've got the sport x as mentioned above. 2012 and no rust. Lwb and fits in car park spaces, most car parks with height restrictions are 2.1m and fits under fine. Lows 20's around town and mid to high 30's on run. No bulkhead and removable rear triple seats. All the toys, heated leather / nav / parking sensors / cruise / electric sliding doors / bi xenon headlights etc etc. And its damn quick.
I got myself a van after driving pick-ups and 4x4’s for many years, I wouldn’t have any kind of vehicle again as my daily drive because the van does it all.
If you get a Trannie I’d recommend you upgrade the locks or leave it open because they are a magnet for thieves due to being so easy to open up with a pair of grips.
Personally I’d avoid the Vivaro, we run a couple at work and they’ve cost a fortune when the glow plugs need replacing.
Rob a bank and get a VW
If you get a Trannie I’d recommend you upgrade the locks or leave it open because they are a magnet for thieves due to being so easy to open up with a pair of grips.
Personally I’d avoid the Vivaro, we run a couple at work and they’ve cost a fortune when the glow plugs need replacing.
Rob a bank and get a VW
Thanks all, some good info there.
I'll give the Vito range a second look if they've improved the corrosion resistance. Don't really need a big V6 diesel, but if one cropped up at the right price I'd be interested, especially if it's automatic as well.
Good shout on the height restrictions, fortunately I don't need anything more than the lowest roof height. It's quite rare I have to visit anywhere with a height restriction, and in those cases we can use one of the cars.
Hadn't considered the Vivaro, as I'd incorrectly assumed it was a step up in size from the Custom/Vito/Transporter, more like a full size Transit and thus too big to park at home. A quick look on Parker's has proven me wrong on this! Will investigate further as they do seem good value. Presumably there's minimal difference between the Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan versions of the same van?
I'll give the Vito range a second look if they've improved the corrosion resistance. Don't really need a big V6 diesel, but if one cropped up at the right price I'd be interested, especially if it's automatic as well.
Good shout on the height restrictions, fortunately I don't need anything more than the lowest roof height. It's quite rare I have to visit anywhere with a height restriction, and in those cases we can use one of the cars.
Hadn't considered the Vivaro, as I'd incorrectly assumed it was a step up in size from the Custom/Vito/Transporter, more like a full size Transit and thus too big to park at home. A quick look on Parker's has proven me wrong on this! Will investigate further as they do seem good value. Presumably there's minimal difference between the Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan versions of the same van?
Jonny_ said:
Thanks all, some good info there.
I'll give the Vito range a second look if they've improved the corrosion resistance. Don't really need a big V6 diesel, but if one cropped up at the right price I'd be interested, especially if it's automatic as well.
Good shout on the height restrictions, fortunately I don't need anything more than the lowest roof height. It's quite rare I have to visit anywhere with a height restriction, and in those cases we can use one of the cars.
Hadn't considered the Vivaro, as I'd incorrectly assumed it was a step up in size from the Custom/Vito/Transporter, more like a full size Transit and thus too big to park at home. A quick look on Parker's has proven me wrong on this! Will investigate further as they do seem good value. Presumably there's minimal difference between the Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan versions of the same van?
none at all, although i think youd find the AA ran the Renault version for a good whileI'll give the Vito range a second look if they've improved the corrosion resistance. Don't really need a big V6 diesel, but if one cropped up at the right price I'd be interested, especially if it's automatic as well.
Good shout on the height restrictions, fortunately I don't need anything more than the lowest roof height. It's quite rare I have to visit anywhere with a height restriction, and in those cases we can use one of the cars.
Hadn't considered the Vivaro, as I'd incorrectly assumed it was a step up in size from the Custom/Vito/Transporter, more like a full size Transit and thus too big to park at home. A quick look on Parker's has proven me wrong on this! Will investigate further as they do seem good value. Presumably there's minimal difference between the Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan versions of the same van?
Jonny_ said:
Thanks all, some good info there.
I'll give the Vito range a second look if they've improved the corrosion resistance. Don't really need a big V6 diesel, but if one cropped up at the right price I'd be interested, especially if it's automatic as well.
Good shout on the height restrictions, fortunately I don't need anything more than the lowest roof height. It's quite rare I have to visit anywhere with a height restriction, and in those cases we can use one of the cars.
Hadn't considered the Vivaro, as I'd incorrectly assumed it was a step up in size from the Custom/Vito/Transporter, more like a full size Transit and thus too big to park at home. A quick look on Parker's has proven me wrong on this! Will investigate further as they do seem good value. Presumably there's minimal difference between the Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan versions of the same van?
I got rid of a v6 vito earlier this year, rust is one thing I didn't have a problem with. They're all autos and the glo plugs is a nightmare job as made of chocolate and prone to dropping in and you can't remove the cylinder head with the engine in the van...I'll give the Vito range a second look if they've improved the corrosion resistance. Don't really need a big V6 diesel, but if one cropped up at the right price I'd be interested, especially if it's automatic as well.
Good shout on the height restrictions, fortunately I don't need anything more than the lowest roof height. It's quite rare I have to visit anywhere with a height restriction, and in those cases we can use one of the cars.
Hadn't considered the Vivaro, as I'd incorrectly assumed it was a step up in size from the Custom/Vito/Transporter, more like a full size Transit and thus too big to park at home. A quick look on Parker's has proven me wrong on this! Will investigate further as they do seem good value. Presumably there's minimal difference between the Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan versions of the same van?
Was a brilliant van to drive though, and comically quick, the transit custom I have now that's supposedly one of the best in class feels like piece of farming equipment after the merc, with an engine that sounds like something the Soviets would reject.
I've had a LWB Trafic for the last 8 years. Never had any problems with it and very nice to drive. Mines a 6 speed manual, but there's an auto available.
I have windows in the twin sliding doors, which makes it easy for checking over the shoulder and windows at the back.
I have windows in the twin sliding doors, which makes it easy for checking over the shoulder and windows at the back.
Edited by CLX on Wednesday 25th December 12:48
I don't do a lot of miles and wanted something that never rusts so Vivaro was the answer. It's the polar opposite to the Mk1 Vito I had which aside from normal maintenance needed nothing doing to anything mechanical, yet had to be scrapped due to corrosion.
With £9k you should be able to get a low mileage one and nurture it from there.
With £9k you should be able to get a low mileage one and nurture it from there.
A500leroy said:
Have a look at the vivaros.
bit over by the time you add vat on top but a lot of van for teh cash https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
and i'd imagine it might still have the sink and water heater fitted if its ex AA
not exactly going to have led a hard life either
theres a few ex rac and AA for sale on ebay as well, worth a look
Brads67 said:
VW looked pretty poor VFM compared to the Transit and looked bog awful plain inside the cab.
One other thing to think about. Almost all the others were 1.5 or 1.6 Ltr engines.
The Transit is a 2ltr and has a much higher towing capacity.
They look poor value until you sell them and look at overall costs. One other thing to think about. Almost all the others were 1.5 or 1.6 Ltr engines.
The Transit is a 2ltr and has a much higher towing capacity.
Granted you will certainly get more for your money with the Transit.
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