Hunt for a Van

[Elsa TLC]

Been putting this off for to long. Ive never been so indecisive about buying a van.
The VW attached is a bit expensive for me but I may have to bite the bullet, as nothing is perfect.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202605252677038?sort=relevance&twcs=true&searchId=ee8ff408-8002-4b2c-b90d-18b872df0ed0&body-type=Combi%20Van&make=Volkswagen&model=Transporter&page=2&postcode=CM19%204EN&radius=60&seats_values=6&transmission=Automatic&advertising-location=at_vans&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=body-type%3DCombi%2520Van%26channel%3Dvans%26make%3DVolkswagen%26model%3DTransporter%26postcode%3DCM19%25204EN%26radius%3D60%26seats_values%3D6%26sort%3Drelevance%26transmission%3DAutomatic%26page%3D2%26flrfc%3D1

Whats you thoughts on this one?

 

[flameport]

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.

 

[Elsa TLC]

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.

Thank you, good advice

 

[Elsa TLC]

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.

 

[Elsa TLC]

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.

 

[pete01]

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.

So you're on the fence about this van?

 

[Elsa TLC]

So you're on the fence about this van?

It the honesty I love. I need good advice as ive not ever been this indecisive about buying a van.

 

[securespark]

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.

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.

 

[securespark]

Im not convinced by electric. Not sure it really is the future.

But it is current, if you'll forgive the pun.

We've just ordered our second.

 

[Charlie George]

Why don't you try an EV van on lease for a couple of years to see how you get on with it, 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 for 2 years driving

Best Lease Car Deals Available? (Vol 11) - Page 221 - Car Buying - PistonHeads UK

 

[Elsa TLC]

Why don't you try an EV van on lease for a couple of years to see how you get on with it,

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.

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

That just doesn't make sense. Its too cheap

 

[Mottie]

I need good advice as ive not ever been this indecisive about buying a van.

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.