Which large Van? Sprinter/Crafter/Relay Etc

[scorcher]

Currently got a LWB T6 Transporter but need some extra space so looking at LWB large vans (L3H2) with the view to converting into a race transporter/ weekend camper etc. Looking to spend about 21K give or take. It'll probably do 10-12000 miles a year and just have to haul around a motorbike or two and associated gear in a 'garage' at the back and whatever I need to get in there to convert to a camper.Planning on keeping for 10 years or so.

Options...
Find a lowish mileage Sprinter (previous Generation) Seems to be van of choice for lots of companies and I can get service and parts for it at a very good discount.

New shape Crafter just about falls into budget . Need a Trendline to get cruise etc as std. Same (ish) engine as the T6. Would be a 17/18 plate.Better cabin area than Sprinter which is a bit dated to say the least.

Citroen Relay or Peugeot Boxer. Can get a new one of these for less than 17K + VAT. Engines presumably OK as Ford buy them for the new Trannies. See lots of older ones that appear to be rust free. See quite a few couriers using them too. Interiors look to be a fairly nice place to be and modern. Not the best looking van from outside but good shape/space in the rear. Nearly all (or loads of)campers seem to use the French stuff as a base van to build on.Anything to worry about with them as always avoided french stuff all my life.

Disounted Iveco, Ford Tranny.

Thoughts on above please especially from anyone who runs one on a fleet etc.

[geeks]

I went for a L3H2 Relay for a race van. Thread is here; https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... , feel free to pic my brains as there is alot not on the thread, I also have all the pics separate to Photobucket that I can send over if they are of any help.

Van has been pretty reliable with only usual maintenance required (it's now on 240,000 odd miles) not a spec of rust on it anywhere. Next job for me is to get the heater fitted and also replace the front seats so we can have captains chairs.

[anonymous-user]

I'm a VW fan, the new Crafter is great and won't rust into a pile of junk within 3 years like the old Sprinters.

Having said that I've got 3 Sprinters on my fleet and they've done starship mileage with very few issues.

One thing that struck me was how well the new gen Crafter drives, the Sprinters drive like big heavy vans with clunky gearboxes and heavy clutches.

Merc spares cheap as chips on Ebay, Crafter bits still pricey.

Not much experience on the French stuff, I've got a 10 year old Relay that flies through the MOT every year and has never had much more than consumables spent on it, but it's French and ugly.

[tin duck dave]

Have you looked at Renault Master, drives well and decent cabin and seen some big mileages. Work van did 350k in just over 5 years.

[LukeDM]

Just make sure you don’t buy an ex courier/multi drop van, it will be thrashed within an inch of its life and full of filler even if it’s nearly new.

[scorcher]

Good info. Think I’ll be torn between a low mileage new shape crafter and a new/ pre reg relay if I scan move the T6 on for what I want.

[RazerSauber]

Toyota Proace? Quick check on AT and there's 2018 models with air con and cruise at 13k+VAT. They go up to £40k says the price limiter so you can go as mad as you like. Should come with some remaining warranty and Toyota's legendary reliability.

[anonymous-user]

It's a Toyota in name only, it's some kind of PSA tie up, not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not a real Toyota.

A bit like Nissan vans are made by Renault etc.

[scorcher]

Pro Ace is smaller than the T6 isn’t it?

[scorcher]

Well the Transporter went last Saturday. Today I took the plunge and put a deposit on a new Citroen Relay Enterprise 2.2BHDI Euro6.2 L3H2. Managed to get one for 15995 + VAT + RFL.(19509 inc) First French vehicle I have ever purchased so keeping my fingers crossed I’ve done the right thing . Time will tell..........