Which Van?

[anonymous-user]

Hi, I run a small window cleaning company and my business partner and I are parting company. This means I have all the equipment but no van to put it in. The van was in an expert mk1 1.9d with 230k miles and I’m interested in other opinions as to what to get.

The Expert size is currently ok but things could be transported in something like a Berlingo size as the weight is around 550kg but I do like having a bit of room in the van for the odd day I need to move things or collect stuff.

I’ve looked at newer MK2 experts with the 1.6hdi but seen lots of people complain of reliability problems. I only have around £2500 to spend so I’m torn between an older, proven engine (another 1.9 expert/1.8 transit connect) or a newer one where people have experienced issues. Mileage will be around 4-6k per year so I’m not concerned by going higher mileage. Any ideas or experiences?

[Tyre Smoke]

Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro/Nissan Whatever it's called.

Well built, a bit bigger than your Expert and decent engine.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks mate, I knew about the linkup between Renault and Nissan but hadn’t realised it crossed over to Vauxhall. I’m assuming there’s no reliability bonus for going to the Nissan over the Vauxhall or Renault if it’s effectively the same Van?

[vrtrooper]

Have you thought of a MPV? Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra are a decent size, drop or take out the rear seats.

[Jag_NE]

vrtrooper said:

Have you thought of a MPV? Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra are a decent size, drop or take out the rear seats.

That's a good shout. Old vans seem to hold their money really well. A car with a really big load bay might get you something better value in terms of age and mileage. Nicer to drive too.

[the tribester]

Jag_NE said:

vrtrooper said:

Have you thought of a MPV? Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra are a decent size, drop or take out the rear seats.

That's a good shout. Old vans seem to hold their money really well. A car with a really big load bay might get you something better value in terms of age and mileage. Nicer to drive too.

Don't forget to check the road tax rate when looking at older ones of these.

https://www.parkers.co.uk/ford/galaxy/estate-2006/...

[Josho]

Honestly go slightly older.

Anything with the 2.0 HDI or 1.9D from the Peugeot/Citroen lot.

Vivaro good shout if it's a 1.9 but look out for signs of the gearbox going as they all do.

The 2.0 is actually a decent engine but the injectors will go at some point and if they haven't been done I wouldn't be buying it.

Something like a 1.9 or 2.0 Berlingo or Expert will go on and on.

Like wise a 1.9 TDI or even SDI Caddy.

OR a Hiace however they are not great to drive but probably the most reliable van on the road.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks folks, that’s exactly the advice I’m looking for. I think I’ll go older and see how I get on.

[TwistingMyMelon]

Can you lease it as a business expense, get something newer?

[anonymous-user]

Sorry for the delay, I didn’t check back. I looked into a lease but I was struggling to see the value in it when I can get a van fairly cheaply buying second hand. I just found leases looked expensive but I might have not looked in the right places.