Van Buying Transit / Vivaro or other?

[Chrismawa]

I'm looking to purchase a van in the next few weeks when my R55 sells. The vans I've been looking at are the MK8 Transit (2.2 only) or the second / third generation Vauxhall Vivaro.

Keen to see what people opinions on these are? Which would be the more reliable purchase? Are there any others to consider?

My budget will be up to £7k. Just looking for an empty van that I can insulate, carpet and add electrics to. It will be used as a daily driver and for MTB and Camping weekends.

Any info appreciated, thanks.

[Davie]

They're probably all much or a muchness though generally speaking it seems the Transit is the one that drives the best and is the biggest even in the smallest guise and like to corrode. The Trafic / Vivaro is a pretty good compromise, quite god to drive and plenty available but the 1.6D is a bit underpowered and thus frustratingly slow and the Transporter is arguably the most styling but command a premium... and also corrode.

I think you need to suss out what size of van you want, bearing in mind bikes and sleeping both accommodate quite a lot of space, especially at the same time and if it's being used as day van / camper then is height more of a factor for you too? Personally, if there's a blank sheet in front of you... I'd pick the vans that you like to look at / are within budget / have potential then go and drive a couple. Van driving is quite far removed from car driving!

Edited by Davie on Thursday 9th January 16:09

[Chrismawa]

Thanks for the input.

Sorry I wasn't clear, MTB and camping would be separate events so a standard Transit Custom or Vivaro would be ideal for what I need the van for.

I quite enjoy driving a van as used to for work and previously owned a MK7 Camper. Just not too clued up on newer vans and whats good or bad etc.

Was staying away from Transporters as for the same money as a 6 year old Vivaro I'd be looking at a 20 year old Transporter!.

Plus for extra Scene points I have this

[AlwynMike]

Chrismawa said:

Thanks for the input.

Sorry I wasn't clear, MTB and camping would be separate events so a standard Transit Custom or Vivaro would be ideal for what I need the van for.

I quite enjoy driving a van as used to for work and previously owned a MK7 Camper. Just not too clued up on newer vans and whats good or bad etc.

Was staying away from Transporters as for the same money as a 6 year old Vivaro I'd be looking at a 20 year old Transporter!.

Plus for extra Scene points I have this

You own a Brewery? Wow!

If you fancy a Vito, they are significantly lower than the rest of the normal crowd.....not as much headroom.

[Belle427]

Ive read lots of horror stories about Vivaros, im no expert on the Transits but most say they drive the best of the lot.
Transporters are just not worth the money in my opinion but a lot do love them.
The Mercs look a good shout but rust tends to get at them quickly, the Nissan Elgrands are often recommended here too but if fuel economy is critical they are probably not an option although they are interesting.