Transit van choice?

[virgil]

Ladies and gents, I am just about to step into the exciting world of Transit van ownership as I have a huge house project ahead of me, but have never been so confused when it comes to buying a vehicle...!

1990's are rear wheel drive, SWB, LWB, 80/100/120/150 load weights, 3 roof heights...

2000's are SWB/MWB/LWB, 260/280/300/330/350, Front wheel drve, rear wheel drive...etc, etc

So all in all more options than a transformer...

Think I just need a SWB, normal or semi high roof, 80 (0.8 ton cargo limit)

My question is, what are the differenecs between the heavier cargo limits? Is it just beafier springs or are they lower geared/stronger chassis etc etc? And is there a good reason (other than to carry heavier stuff) to go for a SWB 100 or 120 over an 80 for general use?

Thanks,

Virgil...

[JimNotJon]

I don't really know alot about vans, so I doubt this will help you at all but I have driven the newer transits and much prefer my 09 Plate Sprinter (311CDi MWB Panel Van).

[Ricky_M]

I drive a new shape SWB normal roof 85ps 260 or 280, can't remember. The 85 is a slug and really struggles. We have a 110PS medium roof and it is worlds apart.

I think all the heavy duty Transits are RWD so the suspension set up is likely to be much different, they all seem to have much chunkier tyres also.

I use mine to lug about all my tools, materials and have had an AGA in the back of it. It never seems to struggles, its a slug regardless of how much weight is in there!

What sort of work will you be doing out of it?

[Ferg]

Be aware that if you need to tow anything the FWD Trannys have a woeful GTW...

[rottie102]

Get a MK4 LPG converted 2.3 petrol. Much quieter, better performance with similar cost to diesel. And all the petrol ones are RWD.

[Ricky_M]

Unless you need to carry anything exceptionally tall. I'd stick with a low roof and put a roof rack on it. The 110 model I mentioned is a medium roof and its too tall to have a roof rack unless you fit steps to the rear doors.

[agent006]

If you're spending any time on motorways go for a 115PS or above. You'll spend the whole time flat out in an 85 or 90 and mpg will be into teens as a result.

Fairly sure the RWD have higher ride height, so this may affect ease of loading.

[virgil]

Thanks guys...

I'm looking for one mainly to take stuff to the dump rather than have loads of skips and pick up building materials...spoken to the council and they are OK as long as I can show it's for private use (and the van's not sign written!) most of the rubbish will be garden stuff (loads of tree cuttings etc) which isn't heavy, but bulky and quickly ruins a car interior no matter how careful you are.

And most trips will be short and around town (5 miles or so) so not too worried about speed :-)

Only looking to spend a grand or two on something but just seems to be so many variables...

I guess I only need a smallish one (so normal roof is fine really) but just trying to work out if a 1200kg payload one is better or worse than an 800kg one if they are both priced about the same.

Are the 2000yr onward models MUCH different (like for like) than the 90's style ones? Is it worth paying 500quid more for the newer shape?

[agent006]

virgil said:

TIs it worth paying 500quid more for the newer shape?

Yes.

[v8will]

agent006 said:

If you're spending any time on motorways go for a 115PS or above. You'll spend the whole time flat out in an 85 or 90 and mpg will be into teens as a result.

Fairly sure the RWD have higher ride height, so this may affect ease of loading.

True but remember vans are restricted to 60mph on the motorway. My old 411cdi Sprinter would happily sit well above that when fully laden and was much easier on fuel than the new 316cdi I had in 2004. If memory serves me it had a massive 88BHP and returned 26mpg. A local furniture company owns it now and it still looks pretty fit. I got rid at 180,000 miles 6 years ago, every mile of which I can assure was hard driven. The 316 was a wee bit bigger inside and had a better towing weight and of course was miles quicker with 100% more power. It wasn't nearly as stable on the road though with the single rear wheels. It was rather good fun with the traction control switched off!

OP, what you should look at depends entirely on your budget and what you need the van to do. Personally i'd go for the biggest you can find within your budget, you'll never be stuck for extra space and at some point you'll need it. Really though a Sprinter is a much better van IMHO, better built and much better to drive but you will pay a bit more for a good one. Of course you'll need to buy on condition as most vans live a very very hard life.

[P_J_R]

v8will said:

agent006 said:

If you're spending any time on motorways go for a 115PS or above. You'll spend the whole time flat out in an 85 or 90 and mpg will be into teens as a result.

Fairly sure the RWD have higher ride height, so this may affect ease of loading.

True but remember vans are restricted to 60mph on the motorway.

Since when?

[k22wes]

vans are not restricted to 60mph on a motorway, its 70mph on a motorway and 60 on a dual carriageway.

[Zip106]

70 mph on a motorway, 60mph on an NSL dual carriageway, 50mph on an NSL single carriageway.

OP - have you thought about a pick-up considering what you'll use it for?
Much easier to chuck building materials in and for going to the tip in.

[v8will]

P_J_R said:

v8will said:

agent006 said:

If you're spending any time on motorways go for a 115PS or above. You'll spend the whole time flat out in an 85 or 90 and mpg will be into teens as a result.

Fairly sure the RWD have higher ride height, so this may affect ease of loading.

True but remember vans are restricted to 60mph on the motorway.

Since when?

Go and read the highway code. Car derived vans or below 2000KG total weight are the only exceptions. You are fine to do 70mph in a Berlingo but not a T5 VW.

Edit, Sorry I meant dual carriageway, not motorway.

Edited by v8will on Wednesday 4th August 20:30

[virgil]

v8will said:

agent006 said:

If you're spending any time on motorways go for a 115PS or above. You'll spend the whole time flat out in an 85 or 90 and mpg will be into teens as a result.

Fairly sure the RWD have higher ride height, so this may affect ease of loading.

True but remember vans are restricted to 60mph on the motorway. My old 411cdi Sprinter would happily sit well above that when fully laden and was much easier on fuel than the new 316cdi I had in 2004. If memory serves me it had a massive 88BHP and returned 26mpg. A local furniture company owns it now and it still looks pretty fit. I got rid at 180,000 miles 6 years ago, every mile of which I can assure was hard driven. The 316 was a wee bit bigger inside and had a better towing weight and of course was miles quicker with 100% more power. It wasn't nearly as stable on the road though with the single rear wheels. It was rather good fun with the traction control switched off!

OP, what you should look at depends entirely on your budget and what you need the van to do. Personally i'd go for the biggest you can find within your budget, you'll never be stuck for extra space and at some point you'll need it. Really though a Sprinter is a much better van IMHO, better built and much better to drive but you will pay a bit more for a good one. Of course you'll need to buy on condition as most vans live a very very hard life.

MAX budget is 2k, which just gets a newer 2001 shape model...ideally though about grand though...want to sell it after the 3-4 year house project and not lose too much...

also 90's vans seem a lot cheaper to insure (£250-£350) than 2001 year onward (£450)

Restrictions to 60 are only for certain size of commercial vehicles aren't they?

[P_J_R]

@v8will, your apology accepted

[v8will]

virgil said:

v8will said:

agent006 said:

If you're spending any time on motorways go for a 115PS or above. You'll spend the whole time flat out in an 85 or 90 and mpg will be into teens as a result.

Fairly sure the RWD have higher ride height, so this may affect ease of loading.

True but remember vans are restricted to 60mph on the motorway. My old 411cdi Sprinter would happily sit well above that when fully laden and was much easier on fuel than the new 316cdi I had in 2004. If memory serves me it had a massive 88BHP and returned 26mpg. A local furniture company owns it now and it still looks pretty fit. I got rid at 180,000 miles 6 years ago, every mile of which I can assure was hard driven. The 316 was a wee bit bigger inside and had a better towing weight and of course was miles quicker with 100% more power. It wasn't nearly as stable on the road though with the single rear wheels. It was rather good fun with the traction control switched off!

OP, what you should look at depends entirely on your budget and what you need the van to do. Personally i'd go for the biggest you can find within your budget, you'll never be stuck for extra space and at some point you'll need it. Really though a Sprinter is a much better van IMHO, better built and much better to drive but you will pay a bit more for a good one. Of course you'll need to buy on condition as most vans live a very very hard life.

MAX budget is 2k, which just gets a newer 2001 shape model...ideally though about grand though...want to sell it after the 3-4 year house project and not lose too much...

also 90's vans seem a lot cheaper to insure (£250-£350) than 2001 year onward (£450)

Restrictions to 60 are only for certain size of commercial vehicles aren't they?

Yeah I should double check before typing. Truth is most people don't realise the vans do have a lower speed limit on single carriageway and dual carriageway roads so I was 50% right. Buy on condition and buy the biggest you can, all the old transits are gutless so just try and get a reasonably rust free one.

[v8will]

P_J_R said:

@v8will, your apology accepted

Humble pie currently being enjoyed. I almost made a proper dick of myself didn't I poor show for someone with a C+E in ones back pocket!

[virgil]

agent006 said:

virgil said:

TIs it worth paying 500quid more for the newer shape?

Yes.

Thanks 006...any specific area?...not going to be a dialy driver, just a weekend shot distance work horse...

[P_J_R]

v8will said:

P_J_R said:

@v8will, your apology accepted

Humble pie currently being enjoyed. I almost made a proper dick of myself didn't I poor show for someone with a C+E in ones back pocket!

Don't worry, I've had more than my share of humble pie over the years