Advice on used vans
Discussion
We are buying a van to turn in to a campervan. We are looking at a mwb transit or similar. We'll probably only do 1-2000 miles in it per year. What's the highest mileage roughly that would still run ok?
I understand how many variables there are and that it would be impossible to guarantee reliability. But for example, would 120k miles still run ok provided it has been maintained properly?
Thanks
I understand how many variables there are and that it would be impossible to guarantee reliability. But for example, would 120k miles still run ok provided it has been maintained properly?
Thanks
Transits are generally rot boxes although they are cheap.
Loads of conversions done on the sevel platform (Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay and whatever the Peugeot is called) and they are as reliable more or less as anything else van shaped.
Vw Transporter command a big premium although they are a very handy size and sell on easily for good money at any age or mileage
Loads of conversions done on the sevel platform (Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay and whatever the Peugeot is called) and they are as reliable more or less as anything else van shaped.
Vw Transporter command a big premium although they are a very handy size and sell on easily for good money at any age or mileage
Well over 80% of motorhome conversions are on the Ducato/Boxer/Jumper chassis. There are various reasons for that, mainly because the way it uses its space is the best in the biz, maximum interior space for th footprint (especially width). They also seem to be reliable and have an extensive service network.
The earlier 3.0 diesel engines were fairly nice. I believe the Citroen Jumper models are a bit cheaper, but are basically identical with the Ducato.
The earlier 3.0 diesel engines were fairly nice. I believe the Citroen Jumper models are a bit cheaper, but are basically identical with the Ducato.
For many years we ran a fleet of 40ish Transits, commonly fitted with a ‘banana’ engine.
These engines used to run to 100k plus quite easily, if an engine popped we’d buy a used one for £175 and pay £150 for fitting, much the same with gearboxes too.
I think these banana engines were fitted up until the Mk5, seem to remember the Mk6 having ecu’s, turbo’s, high pressure fuel pumps, injectors and huge repair bills.
The Mk5’s and below will be mostly piles of rust now, Mk6’s and onwards expensive to repair.
French stuff is surprisingly reliable and cheap.
These engines used to run to 100k plus quite easily, if an engine popped we’d buy a used one for £175 and pay £150 for fitting, much the same with gearboxes too.
I think these banana engines were fitted up until the Mk5, seem to remember the Mk6 having ecu’s, turbo’s, high pressure fuel pumps, injectors and huge repair bills.
The Mk5’s and below will be mostly piles of rust now, Mk6’s and onwards expensive to repair.
French stuff is surprisingly reliable and cheap.
I have a 2008 Nissan Primastar (Renault Trafic, Vivaro) converted to a camper.
Less prone to rot as I believe they are galvanised. Mine has 140k on it with no major issues.
Currently using lockdown to re-insulate the thing properly after being less than impresssed by the "professional" conversions standards.
Less prone to rot as I believe they are galvanised. Mine has 140k on it with no major issues.
Currently using lockdown to re-insulate the thing properly after being less than impresssed by the "professional" conversions standards.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
As somebody else mentioned, the condition of the van is likely a bigger concern. Things like that I can ascertain and make a judgement though. I only ask about the mileage because obviously, I can't see inside the engine.
Interesting to hear that Italian and French alternatives are getting such a good write-up, I never would have considered them better options than a Transit
As somebody else mentioned, the condition of the van is likely a bigger concern. Things like that I can ascertain and make a judgement though. I only ask about the mileage because obviously, I can't see inside the engine.
Interesting to hear that Italian and French alternatives are getting such a good write-up, I never would have considered them better options than a Transit
My brother bought a 3 year old Boxer earlier this year to convert to a camper (L3 H2), only 25k on it for about 13 grand from a dealer in Aberdeen, is a lot of van for the money, well equipped as well (A\C, cruise, satnav etc). They seem to be most popular chassis to use these days (doesn't matter if the Fiat\Pug\Citroen version). As said they are the most space for the size, you can get a bed width wise in them, they are galvanised so tend not to rust as much as Sprinters etc and are good value 2nd hand, drives well and they seem to be pretty reliable.
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