Same Old Same Old,,, What New Van?

[NozSpark]

If you hadn't have guessed I'm in the market for a new van.. seeing as my current one went bang

So given that I mainly do domestic with a little commercial and very occasionally industrial, need something that can tow (a 4m long 6 x 4 trailer with 2 x 60kg dinghies - I also occasionally tow a 5m trailer with 6 x 60kg dinghies) with ease and seat at least 3 people....

So,,, what van???

 

[pewter]

not a French one

preferable German like a VW transporter

would be my choice.

 

[steptoe]

budget?

I couldnt fault my Y reg NA scudo ,

dunno if it would be any use for towing though, its not a rocket ship as it is, but it does what it says on the tin, as they say,

VW transporter is good if the money is right, personally, I think a lot of them are waaay overpriced on the name.

 

[NozSpark]

Was thinking of something Scudo size,,

There's definitely no way I'm going to be able to afford a Merc or VW van

BTW is there much difference between a Scudo, Expert etc?

 

[betty swollocks]

BTW is there much difference between a Scudo, Expert etc?

A badge..

 

[steptoe]

its what called the  'sevel' I think Noz,

they ARE they same van, exactly, made in the same factory but with different trim apparently,

dunno how much towing or weight it is, but the 1.9 NA I have is fine, but a bit gutless if you want to hammer on , its good for me though and the MPG is near 45 for me on average.

 

[NozSpark]

Well my current (dead) van is a 1.9D Kangoo (NA) and was guttless on any incline, and I towed with that occasionally

Thankfully I'm borrowing in my dads TD Escort and while it has loads of power the load capacity is even more useless than the Kangoos

My transporter tows well and i can get 3 Kayaks or 1 Canoe and a Kayak on the roof as well

The only thing that would be going on the roof would be my ladders,,, I have the trailer for any boats

 

[steptoe]

Well my current (dead) van is a 1.9D Kangoo (NA) and was guttless on any incline, and I towed with that occasionally

Thankfully I'm borrowing in my dads TD Escort and while it has loads of power the load capacity is even more useless than the Kangoos

The only thing that would be going on the roof would be my ladders,,, I have the trailer for any boats

Noz, I remember you putting your ladders on before,

any chance of your open and closed heights on them?

Im wanting some combis that will do a normal house, but still be short when closed.

 

[NozSpark]

Noz, I remember you putting your ladders on before,

any chance of your open and closed heights on them?

Im wanting some combis that will do a normal house, but still be short when closed.

IIRC they are the first ones in this link,,, Halo (2 x 9) & (1 x 8)

Beware of the size of the stabaliser be though, its about 3' wide, but will allow you to put them on a sloped surface. You can remove it but only by un doing a single bolt

I didn't buy them from this website though

http://www.ladderstore.com/ladders/combination-3-part-universal-ladders.html

 

[m4tty]

Can't be a good old ford transit. Must be good cos the pikies love em

 

[ProDave]

Same answer as I always give:

Ask yourself WHY you want a "van"

Then when you have worked out what you actually NEED co carry, you might conclude as I did, a Subaru Forester makes a good "van", it just happens to have side windows and seats in the back (that can fold down)

All my tools and gear fits in, 3M trunking or conduit goes inside, Ladders on the roof bars.

The big one for me is it's 4 wheel drive, I would say virtually essential if, like me, you reverse boat trailers down a slimy slipway.

Quite cheap to buy and pretty reliable.

 

[NozSpark]

TBH Dave I was half thinking of a 4 x 4

However as with everything, it has to be available and within budget... might be able to push to £3k but that depends on how long I have the loan of my dad's escort so it may only top out at £1.5

What would you recommend given my budget?

 

[ProDave]

That's why I suggested my Forrester.

I bought it just over 4 years ago as a 4 year old car for £3500

Granted I think I got a bargain, as I bought when the bottom had fallen out of the used car market after the credit crunch and nothing was selling.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

That's why I suggested my Forrester.

I bought it just over 4 years ago as a 4 year old car for £3500

Granted I think I got a bargain, as I bought when the bottom had fallen out of the used car market after the credit crunch and nothing was selling.

Why are you selling yours then ?

 

[NozSpark]

Hi guys,,,, still not got a new van yet, but have been thinking about a Toyota Hiace 280 4D4, a bit more load space than a Dispatch/Scudo/Expert!

The online reviews that I've seen make them out to be really reliable 

Any thoughts???

 

[steptoe]

what are they like Noz?

any links to e.bay etc?

 

[NozSpark]

Welll,,, I've found a 2002 one had but haven't looked at it yet,, will have a 12 month ticket but no tax

Like I said the reviews are excelent,,, 280k miles and only needing a light bulb for MOT etc!!!

I was just wondering if anyone had any "Hands on" experience of one

 

[steptoe]

just had a search Noz,

I recognise them now, seem to be a pretty decent van by all accounts.

 

[NozSpark]

Not the most inspiring or sexy van in the world, but FFS its a van,, its there to do a job and do it well,,from what I've been told the can belt is every 100k miles and apparently they are VERY, VERY, VERY reliable

 

[ProDave]

Does the 4D4 mean it's 4 wheel drive (or is that just wishful thinking)

My Forrester failed the MOT last week. Phew, only a number plate light bulb. Fixed on the spot and now passed.