Advice on which van/4x4 to buy for £4-6k

[rdb85]

So I am starting a new job, I am working as an Electricians on a number of sites around the country. So I am looking to trade in my IS250. Which is a shame as its been absolutely fantastic, but it would be no good trying to transport tools and ladders. I did think about an estate, but realistically I would just want either a van or possibly a 4X4.

So if anyone has any suggestions as to what to get that would be most helpful, as I don't have a clue with either vehicle.

[scott_gt]

I would say a van is the better choice, but if you really want a 4x4 I bought an 2nd gen xtrail t31 a year ago and it’s brilliant. Very capable off roader despite soft roader credentials ive rescued a few of the big boys green laning and in the snow. 35-40mpg boot space is decent it huge with seats down. I bought it with 88000 miles it’s now on 111000 and only needed wear and tear items.

[rdb85]

scott_gt said:

I would say a van is the better choice, but if you really want a 4x4 I bought an 2nd gen xtrail t31 a year ago and it’s brilliant. Very capable off roader despite soft roader credentials ive rescued a few of the big boys green laning and in the snow. 35-40mpg boot space is decent it huge with seats down. I bought it with 88000 miles it’s now on 111000 and only needed wear and tear items.

I am not sure about them. I think a van would be a better choice really. Just not sure which van to go for?

[Vincecj]

rdb85 said:

scott_gt said:

I would say a van is the better choice, but if you really want a 4x4 I bought an 2nd gen xtrail t31 a year ago and it’s brilliant. Very capable off roader despite soft roader credentials ive rescued a few of the big boys green laning and in the snow. 35-40mpg boot space is decent it huge with seats down. I bought it with 88000 miles it’s now on 111000 and only needed wear and tear items.

I am not sure about them. I think a van would be a better choice really. Just not sure which van to go for?

How much stuff will you be carrying? Ladders on the roof or in the van?

[rdb85]

Vincecj said:

How much stuff will you be carrying? Ladders on the roof or in the van?

They are fibreglass ones, 3 and 5 rung Youngman Ladders. But I was thinking if I got a van they I could get a pipe tube for the roof also. if they could fit in the back, for now, that would be great. I then could look at a ladder rack when I have more money. I also have a couple if large Dewalt Toughstack boxes, and a Toughstack Trolley System. Also power tools etc.

[Vincecj]

rdb85 said:

Vincecj said:

How much stuff will you be carrying? Ladders on the roof or in the van?

They are fibreglass ones, 3 and 5 rung Youngman Ladders. But I was thinking if I got a van they I could get a pipe tube for the roof also. if they could fit in the back, for now, that would be great. I then could look at a ladder rack when I have more money.

Would it all fit in a VW Caddy?

[rdb85]

Vincecj said:

Would it all fit in a VW Caddy?

I would assume so, I do like those VW Caddy vans. This is the longest one I have: https://www.youngmanaccess.com/uk/en/view/52744618

[Vincecj]

rdb85 said:

Vincecj said:

Would it all fit in a VW Caddy?

I would assume so, I do like those VW Caddy vans. This is the longest one I have: https://www.youngmanaccess.com/uk/en/view/52744618

That might fit diagonally in a swb Caddy.

[rdb85]

I think so, but I know a lot of people who buy ladder racks. But I would need to save for one as they are expensive.

[rdb85]

Any other suggestions? VW Caddy seems a sensible choice, but I’m open to suggestions, also what engine would be best?

[FoxtrotOscar1]

Nissan NV200 is the intermediate between things like Caddy / Connect / Berlingo and the Transit sized vans. Probably a perfect size.

[rdb85]

FoxtrotOscar1 said:

Nissan NV200 is the intermediate between things like Caddy / Connect / Berlingo and the Transit sized vans. Probably a perfect size.

I will have a look and see whats available. I did also think of a Fiat Scudo and Citroen Relay.

[lawrencec]

For a work horse the isuzu dmax on 162k only had to do service work

Can carry a ton in the back

[rdb85]

I will have a look.

[V8RX7]

LWB Caddy is a good call if you can manage in a smaller van.

I bought a Vito so I can use it at weekends with kids, dogs, bikes etc and because I need to get 8x4 sheets in occasionally

Auto makes life more comfortable, dualiner makes it better for kids

Roof racks etc are very cheap on Ebay

[Teddy Lop]

Whatever you get budget for extra security such as lock guards deadbolts or padlocks, most vans have weaknesses that are criminal incompetence by their manufacturers and a van with roof tubes is an advert to every scumbag crackhead waster in the neighbourhood.

[V8RX7]

Teddy Lop said:

Whatever you get budget for extra security such as lock guards deadbolts or padlocks, most vans have weaknesses that are criminal incompetence by their manufacturers and a van with roof tubes is an advert to every scumbag crackhead waster in the neighbourhood.

And google to see how your van gets broken into.

A mate's van was repeatedly broken into and no damage was done - after shouting at the Dealer they finally admitted that there's an issue where if you flex the side door outwards - in unlocks all the doors !

If they'd told him earlier he wouldn't have lost so many tools.

Vitos still suffer from a pry around the handles - which was an issue in the 80's !

[Teddy Lop]

V8RX7 said:

And google to see how your van gets broken into.

A mate's van was repeatedly broken into and no damage was done - after shouting at the Dealer they finally admitted that there's an issue where if you flex the side door outwards - in unlocks all the doors !

If they'd told him earlier he wouldn't have lost so many tools.

Vitos still suffer from a pry around the handles - which was an issue in the 80's !

there isn't many without fundamental flaws. Someone told me ford have solved the custom issue of ramming a screwdriver into the drivers door lock and unlocking all the doors via central locking, so I wouldn't need a hykee lock - but I still need one as the scumbags will ruin the lock and try anyway, they still force the locks on the vito just to see if I've used the deadlocks.

Mind, when the police are more interested in mass operations to nick kids with pot at festivals and let scum driving stolen cars with a boot full of that-day stolen tools walk free...

Edited by Teddy Lop on Saturday 9th March 11:17

[V8RX7]

Teddy Lop said:

they still force the locks on the vito just to see if I've used the deadlocks.

They aren't bright either - I left my Sprinter unlocked as it was full of crap for a tip run

They damaged the door, handle and lock but didn't manage to get in - to an UNLOCKED van !

[TwistingMyMelon]

V8RX7 said:

Teddy Lop said:

they still force the locks on the vito just to see if I've used the deadlocks.

They aren't bright either - I left my Sprinter unlocked as it was full of crap for a tip run

They damaged the door, handle and lock but didn't manage to get in - to an UNLOCKED van !

That is pitiful!

I remember parking in rough estates years ago, id leave the car fully empty, glove box open and doors unlocked, that way if anyone wanted a crack they could do so without damage!!