Big man needs a small van

[Pizzaeatingking]

In a few month I'm going to be in the market for a cheap, small van. I need something that's reliable and reasonably cheap to run. I know I know, on a budget I'll need to take what I can get, most vehicles have their common issues, I just don't want something that's got loads and loads of common issues!

The other issue is that I'm tall and well built, some of the vans I've driven in the past at work have been very cramped in the cab. I obviously don't expect loads of room but I'd rather my knees were't wedged against the dash/steering wheel.

I'm probably looking at £1500-£2000 really. My first thoughts were Vauxhall Combo with the 1.7 Isuzu motor or a Transit Connect, only going on the basis that there's still plenty around, perhaps the cockroach of the van world.

Any suggestions?

[normalbloke]

Mk.1 Connect is far more spacious than you’d think. They do like a bit of rust in the sills, and I can’t vouch for the motor as mine has a Focus RS lump in it. Go and sit in one and see what you think.

[twing]

2nd for Mk1 Connect, Caddy is fine as well. I'm 6'4 and not anorexic and I struggle with Berlingo, Combo, etc

[DirtyHands]

Avoid the combo.. I had one for a while, was a terrible thing to drive and constantly falling apart

[ACCYSTAN]

Plenty of space in a Fiat Doblo , under rated Van. Bit of a bargain

[Pizzaeatingking]

MK1 Connect sounds like a goer then.

ACCYSTAN said:

Plenty of space in a Fiat Doblo , under rated Van. Bit of a bargain

I'd not thought about the earlier one. My brother & father in law both had a 2013 models that fell apart, mainly the engine (1.3 multijet) but the older one can be had with the 1.9 JTD engine. I'll have a look at them, thanks.

[ACCYSTAN]

The 1.3 seem to run into multiple problems when they hit 6 figures of mileage.
They must be serviced on schedule or ahead of schedule, Any missed or half hearted servicing can have a detrimental effect as clean oil is key to longevity with this engine, it doesn’t seem to have the same tolerance as the earlier 1.9 or even the later 1.6 diesels.

[105.4]

Renault Kangoo mk1. They don’t rust unless they’ve had an accident, cost pennies to run, loads of room in the cabin, and for your budget you could buy a Clio 182 converted one instead of the 1.5dci.

[Pizzaeatingking]

Delayed reply, thanks to the suggestions. Looked at a couple of Kangoo(s), nice van, decent space inside but the ones I found were either a bit too much money, too far away or the turbo was whistling it's tits off. All the Transit Connects were either very well used or sold within seconds.

In the end I bagged a cheap Combo. They might not be the most solid overall but the Isuzu motor will still be going after the doors have fallen off. Plenty of space inside, hopefully it'll serve me well.