Hunt for a Van

Elsa TLC

Elsa TLC

Joined
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It's an 8 year old clapped out diesel banger which someone mistakenly believes is worth 28 grand.

It has an automatic transmission-o-failure, and most of the miles on it were done in it's first few years of existence.

In the last 3 years it's done 3600 miles total.
It's either been trundled around the town for a mile or two a week, which is the worst possible thing to to with a diesel.
Or it was parked up somewhere for months at a time which isn't much better.

In terms of it being a van - it has an extra row of seats to minimise space, there is no bulkhead, and it's inexplicably lined with carpet and some other materials that look like it was done by DIY Dave with a roll of duct tape.

The fact there is no VAT means the dealer is just brokering the deal on behalf of someone who isn't VAT registered, so don't expect any warranty or assistance when it all goes wrong.
 
flameport said:
It's an 8 year old clapped out diesel banger which someone mistakenly believes is worth 28 grand.

It has an automatic transmission-o-failure, and most of the miles on it were done in it's first few years of existence.

In the last 3 years it's done 3600 miles total.
It's either been trundled around the town for a mile or two a week, which is the worst possible thing to to with a diesel.
Or it was parked up somewhere for months at a time which isn't much better.

In terms of it being a van - it has an extra row of seats to minimise space, there is no bulkhead, and it's inexplicably lined with carpet and some other materials that look like it was done by DIY Dave with a roll of duct tape.

The fact there is no VAT means the dealer is just brokering the deal on behalf of someone who isn't VAT registered, so don't expect any warranty or assistance when it all goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Thank you, good advice
 
I like these. 5 year warranty, and a nice van for the family.

My main concern is thst its a Diesel.
I think i can adapt to a smaller van.

Grey Nissan Primastar for sale for £27,750 +VAT in WAKEFIELD, WEST YORKSHIRE https://share.google/BNyDyJV5uT9JIKHwm

The way Im thinking is that my work has changed and I dont need such a big van.

I wont drive anything but Auto now.
 
I think this may be a grey import from Japan.
The price does appear to be a bit cheep.

2025 Blue Ford E-Transit Custom for sale for £28,495 +VAT in HERTFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE https://share.google/cx8feYdnGL64S7D6C

Im not convinced by electric. Not sure it really is the future.
 
flameport said:
It's an 8 year old clapped out diesel banger which someone mistakenly believes is worth 28 grand.

It has an automatic transmission-o-failure, and most of the miles on it were done in it's first few years of existence.

In the last 3 years it's done 3600 miles total.
It's either been trundled around the town for a mile or two a week, which is the worst possible thing to to with a diesel.
Or it was parked up somewhere for months at a time which isn't much better.

In terms of it being a van - it has an extra row of seats to minimise space, there is no bulkhead, and it's inexplicably lined with carpet and some other materials that look like it was done by DIY Dave with a roll of duct tape.

The fact there is no VAT means the dealer is just brokering the deal on behalf of someone who isn't VAT registered, so don't expect any warranty or assistance when it all goes wrong.
Click to expand...
So you're on the fence about this van?
 
flameport said:
It's an 8 year old clapped out diesel banger which someone mistakenly believes is worth 28 grand.

It has an automatic transmission-o-failure, and most of the miles on it were done in it's first few years of existence.

In the last 3 years it's done 3600 miles total.
It's either been trundled around the town for a mile or two a week, which is the worst possible thing to to with a diesel.
Or it was parked up somewhere for months at a time which isn't much better.

In terms of it being a van - it has an extra row of seats to minimise space, there is no bulkhead, and it's inexplicably lined with carpet and some other materials that look like it was done by DIY Dave with a roll of duct tape.

The fact there is no VAT means the dealer is just brokering the deal on behalf of someone who isn't VAT registered, so don't expect any warranty or assistance when it all goes wrong.
Click to expand...
The things I spotted are the wheels are non standard and look too big for the arches, the suspension could have been messed with and the gearshift and steering wheel look very shiny for the mileage.

And yes, the DSG can be a nightmare to fix.
 
Charlie George said:
Why don't you try an EV van on lease for a couple of years to see how you get on with it,
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I dont have a drive. Id have to charge at Sainsbury's most of the time.

I like the idea of some of these electric vans.
Im not sure the way forward for them, and if they are practically right for me.

Charlie George said:
some bargains to be had, ie yesterday a new Mercedes Citan EV van was available for only 59 + vat per month, with 1150 up front, a total of 3000 pounds
Click to expand...
That just doesn't make sense. Its too cheap
 
Elsa TLC said:
I need good advice as ive not ever been this indecisive about buying a van.
Click to expand...
Is that because you don’t really need a van to do a part time job at best? You said you have a full time job in a school now and farm plumbing work out to somebody else, so how many miles a year do you actually expect to travel to do the jobs you don’t farm out? Surely for the little use you will be able to do, keeping the van you have will cost less than buying a replacement.
 
Elsa TLC said:
I dont have a drive. Id have to charge at Sainsbury's most of the time.

I like the idea of some of these electric vans.
Im not sure the way forward for them, and if they are practically right for me.


That just doesn't make sense. Its too cheap
Click to expand...
An EVs not for you then if you don't have a drive, the cost to charge will be a lot higher, EV vans are not selling, many just filling vast car parks, hence the daft deals available, that Mercedes would have more than covered it's cost in fuel savings alone(charging at home) it would have been a free van(y)
 
Charlie George said:
An EVs not for you then if you don't have a drive, the cost to charge will be a lot higher, EV vans are not selling, many just filling vast car parks, hence the daft deals available, that Mercedes would have more than covered it's cost in fuel savings alone(charging at home) it would have been a free van(y)
Click to expand...
Charging that van at motorway service station would still be a win win. I just cant believe its really that cheap.
 
Mottie said:
Is that because you don’t really need a van to do a part time job at best? You said you have a full time job in a school now and farm plumbing work out to somebody else, so how many miles a year do you actually expect to travel to do the jobs you don’t farm out? Surely for the little use you will be able to do, keeping the van you have will cost less than buying a replacement.
Click to expand...
I always hope you reply to my questions , as I trust you give good ballanced advice.

Thst said i dont know what the next 10 year hold for me.

I love the school work and its an additional income. The plan is it that its not my main income.

Im trying to build up more emergency quick reaction work. I need to be set up and organised for thst.

If it does come in more often then I may pack the school in. I also love my plumbing work.

My mate, as loyal as he is and a good worker who I trust will do a good job, lacks oomph.

His van is knackered, Ill need to spoon feed him.

My Honda is old as is my Van. They both still have life. However id like to cut down to one vehicle if possible. It will have to be a compromise. Ive been sitting on this for two long, I cant for much longer.
 
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