What van to buy.

[Avocet]

2 different points of view then.

I still maintain they are vastly overpriced, at new and second hand level.

The funny thing is, the current Transporter is the Ford Custom! (But folk will be willing to pay a lot more for the badge)!

 

[carmanmemoranda]

The funny thing is, the current Transporter is the Ford Custom! (But folk will be willing to pay a lot more for the badge)!

https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/van/reviews/vw-transporter#:~:text=That's%20new%20platform%2C%20new%20powertrains,is%20build%20at%20Ford's%20factory.

But as you say, because it has a vw badge people will pay a lot more for it. Neither would be on my list, but that's my choice.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

I'm often surprised how rusty some older VW (and Merc) vans are. Worse than older Transits.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

I'm often surprised how rusty some older VW (and Merc) vans are. Worse than older Transits.

You might be surprised how good some look from above. Underneath can be a whole different story.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Thanks everyone. This is helping me to decide what to buy or rent.


Keep it coming

 

[blup]

As always, the make and model of the car or van is irrelevant - it's the specific year, engine, gearbox and specification that makes it worth buying.

Many vehicles have fundamental flaws - in engines, gearboxes and electrical systems that are well documented when a few years old - eg ford wet belts, any number of VW diesels, anything with electronic gearboxes etc. Plus the VED for some combinations can be punative.

I can't advise on Vans, but with cars I never buy newer than 5 years old - easy to identify the lemons - even if you have bad luck with what is a generally reliable model and the engine goes bang, the scrapyards will be piled high with cheap replacements.

Currently have a 15 year old VW 1.9Tdi owned for 6 years and engine runs like new - owes us nothing if it blew up tomorrow.

Other car is an Infinity - a bastardised Merc A class - which does have some minor documented faults eg heated seats fail (ours has but I don't really care), fancy led headlights on some models - cost up to £1,000 to fix (ours had £3.99 halogen bulbs - but you still need to take the wheel off to replace) etc.
The engine is a Renault 1.5 diesel as fitted to Dacia dustbins, Nissan Quashqai etc - fairly bulletproof proof for a modern diesel but £400 quid for a replacement from a scrappy if not.

There's a myth around transporters - people run them as a hobby and (fortunately) love spending money on them.

I owned two cars in 30 years on the same premise then thought sod it I’ll go new. It is a sweet experience

 

[carmanmemoranda]

I owned two cars in 30 years on the same premise then thought sod it I’ll go new. It is a sweet experience

An old second hand van that needs time and money can be way more expensive than a new or nearly new 1 that is earning its keep.

A runabout is a totally different kettle of fish.

 

[blup]

An old second hand van that needs time and money can be way more expensive than a new or nearly new 1 that is earning its keep.

A runabout is a totally different kettle of fish.

I think the OP wanted it for domestic and business. The far east vans look reliable but people have incredible brand loyalty to transit or Land Rover

 

[Elsa TLC]

I think the OP wanted it for domestic and business. The far east vans look reliable but people have incredible brand loyalty to transit or Land Rover

In an ideal world

 

[carmanmemoranda]

I think the OP wanted it for domestic and business. The far east vans look reliable but people have incredible brand loyalty to transit or Land Rover

I'm fully aware of brand loyalty. But I also know it cloud's the judgement, and therefore the choice.

i think the OP needs to identify what he actually wants from any van, in priority order and then look at the market accordingly.

Long term van and family vehicle. High or low mileage. Capacity and useage. Longevity, etc.

 

[Elsa TLC]

I'm fully aware of brand loyalty. But I also know it cloud's the judgement, and therefore the choice.

i think the OP needs to identify what he actually wants from any van, in priority order and then look at the market accordingly.

Long term van and family vehicle. High or low mileage. Capacity and useage. Longevity, etc.

Thats exactly .... with everyone helping Ill get tye best van for my needs

 

[Mottie]

I think the OP wanted it for domestic and business.

Jack of all trades, master of none then.

 

[Elsa TLC]

Jack of all trades, master of none then.

Im a good father

 

[Mottie]

Im a good father

I was talking about the vehicle. Van for work, car for family unless you want to lug all your tools around with you when you go on a trip with the family to the seaside.

 

[Mottie]

If you can get all the tools you'd need in a double cab type of vehicle, surely a small cheap van would suit your needs?