LWB Van

[rufmeister]

Looking to add a LWB high roof van to the fleet, unsure whether to contract hire something or buy outright yet.

If buying, I'm looking at around £5000, and for that all I can see is mega milers.

Looking at Crafter, Sprinter and Transit if used, but concerned over miles.

We won't do massive mileage a year, say 10k, but I don't want big bills.

What can anyone recommend on the used side, and if new, any decent deals?

[Willy Nilly]

We inherited a 2000 316 LWB Sprinter. When the firm we inherited it off bought it it was about 4 or 5 years old with 250,000 miles and it was worn out. It had a head, fuel system, gear linkage twice then a reconditioned engine. With over 400,000 now it's about to be scrapped and should have been scrapped years ago.

The breakdowns and repairs are one thing, but you need to decide how much the time off the road would potentially cost you.

[theshrew]

Really just depends how they have been looked after.

I'd say they all bring bills on high mileage stuff. Tranny's will probably bring you smaller bills from my experience and the Ford dealers certainly give you better service than Merc. Some dealings I've had with Merc dealers has been truly shocking.

[rufmeister]

Still on the hunt!

Any thoughts on the Fiat/Citroen/Peugeot big vans?

Still thinking it will end up being a Sprinter or Crafter, as they seem really strong and capable vans.

[bzh1p9]

Do you max out out on volume or payload? Have you considered a fwd platform with a low floor Luton ??

[sunbeam alpine]

rufmeister said:

Still on the hunt!

Any thoughts on the Fiat/Citroen/Peugeot big vans?

Still thinking it will end up being a Sprinter or Crafter, as they seem really strong and capable vans.

If you're looking to move weight rather than volume, then the Fiat Ducato is worth a look. I've got 2 of the 2.3 JTD version, and I'm very happy with them.

[rufmeister]

It's a bit of both, volume and load.

Will occasionally be up to 1300kg, but carry a load of gear as well. A Luton type would be a bit much.

Will keep on the hint and see what I see.

[evilmunkey]

if you get a merc sprinter just make sure its not restricted to 60 mph... they are a pain in the arse. i drive one at work regular and i hate it. as soon as it hits 60 on a motorway it starts to feel lethargic and struggles to overtake or do any decent speed for overtaking. uncomfy on the arse too.

[rufmeister]

2008 Sprinter MWB High Roof bought.

Really wanted a strong van, and the Mercs seem to be. This one isn't like most of them out there, it's presentable, which is good! So far so good, pulls well and plenty of room for what we need.