Van thread

[marsaday]

I have read a few threads on the best vans out there and thought i would ask what people rate.

I am after a SWB van which will take some 6x3 sheets of plasterboard in the back ideally. It also needs to be able to carry a std bath.

I will get a roof rack to carry my ladders.

I do property maintenance and so cover lots of stuff. Fit carpets as well.

I was thinking a Frod connect, but they seeem to get bad reviews on here.

Price wise i would like to spend under £4k inc VAT.

Any pointers ?

 

[ace]

Can't really advise you what van to get but I can tell you about my Renault Trafic.

The biggest pile of **** I ever had the misfortune to own.

Nothing but trouble, not minor faults but major (very expensive) problems.

So glad it's gone................

 

[burntwire]

vw caddys are great vans and are coming down in price an 09 reg near me was 4495 inc vat and 115K on the clock

steer clear of vivaro's as well, the reliability is terrible

 

[Burnerman]

I'd have to recommend a SWB low roof Transit......a superb vehicle with the poorest paintwork and rust prevention I have ever encountered
Sort that and it will serve you well!
John

 

[seco services]

On my second renault trafic now and both have been faultless.

 

[linkyplumb]

Vivaro/trafic/primastar for me

 

[marsaday]

Off to auction place tomorrow to see what everything goes for.

£400 buyers fee approx on most stuff !!!

Wont be buying just yet.

what is the Citroen Berlingo like ? Small, but cheap ?

 

[Burnerman]

I have a 56 plate Berlingo - its the 1.9 non turbo one.
Its been faultless and its still in perfect order paint wise and mechanically. I'd recommend them anywhere but they won't take 6' sheets with the doors shut.
I've had mine from new - but there sure are some dogs out there!
Vans usually have a very difficult life - little care and always driven flat out everywhere....buy with great caution.
John

 

[hazetimesfive]

I've got a connect.

I like it but its not that good on fuel, and it has clutch thrash, which is a problem they haven't developed out of it yet. it doesn't affect anything but its a bit embarrassing.

 

[sparkiedave]

the next one up from the Berlingo will take 6'sheets I think, the Peugeot version is supposed to be good too, I run relays, on my second and lovin it!

 

[marsaday]

I will look at the citroen and peugeots as they seem much cheaper than a connect.

 

[marsaday]

Still looking and thinking about a peugeot partner. They will just take a 6ft sheet of plasterboard too (if put front seat forward).

 

[handyman77]

Ive got a peugeot with a divider. The boards fit in at an angle. Just about about. Just have toclose the door quick before they slip out.

 

[Boilerman2]

57 plate and onwards Trafic/Vivaro/Primastar are fitted with a G.M 6speed gearbox rather than the terrible Renault unit fitted to the earlier models
most problems with these vans were gearbox related

best of the bunch 27SL 115PS will do in excess of 35MPG

we have had 4 of these and had no trouble with any of them we had an earlier one (54) plate which was a Dog! so get a 57+ and you should be fine
The body is fully galvanized so you shoulsn't find a Rusty one (unlike Transits which still seem to suffer from the old tin worm!

 

[xfr]

I will look at the citroen and peugeots as they seem much cheaper than a connect.

Google them they get horrendous reviews for reliability