5+ year old LWB vans that don't rust?

[Gasket999]

Thought I'd ask here as there's some knowledgable folk on the forum.

I'm looking to buy a used LWB high-top van - up to about an £7k budget, so depending on model its likely to be around 5-8 years old.

It's for private use for regular furniture collecting over to Europe and two house renovations before ultimately being converted to a camper as a long term vehicle.

I restore cars on a reasonable scale, so the intent will be to put it on the lift on day 1, strip the interior, drop the rear beam and exhaust before cleaning, prepping and raptor coating the whole of the underside and the rear floor, painting all the bracketery and Dinitrolling every cavity along with some other service work (bushes, timing belt, etc) as well as any specific work the vehicle needs.

Basically I hate rust with a passion. I can weld and fabricate, but I'd rather not have to for this project and would prefer a vehicle that is simply not prone to rusting.

I'm aware that Transits and Sprinters are prone to rust, but what about the other contenders? (VW Crafters, Iveco Daileys, Renault Masters, Citroen Relay/Peugeot Boxer/Fiat Ducatos/Vauxhall Movano).

I see some comments around bout some vans having galvanised panels or shells - but I don't have a list of which models/years this covers. Plus I suspect their definition of galvanising is different to the one I'm used to (hot dip in the fabrication industry) so not sure how much faith to have in their processes.

Its an unusual one as most van buyers guides are based on new vehicles or intended for those that only plan to keep the vehicle for 3-years. I'd be looking to keep it in the long term - so rust concerns first, followed by mechanical reliability and spares availability.

Appreciate any advice.

Edited by Gasket999 on Thursday 23 February 22:52

[Ilovejapcrap]

Sprinters did have a reputation for rust. But Mercedes realised that people thought it was a joke so up'd the game and galvanised them from a certain point I think. Might be worth Google to see if I'm right.

I would say my last 2 work vans have been vivaros, and to be honest I've been impressed for what they are so may be worth a look at the big brother the movano

[stevemcs]

Nothing wrong with a sprinter or Transit of that age.

[reddiesel]

Ignore the Transit because at that age and mileage it’s simply game over . It’s also complete rubbish about Sprinter corrosion as this was largely confined to two Models . The Model you are considering at seven years of age is completely unaffected . Unlike any other van in Production it also has a 500000 mileage capability , I saw one for sale some weeks back at 450,000 miles . There is no Transit in existence with that capability . LWB Sprinters are on account of the idiots that drive them very prone to Body Damage . This damage can be poorly repaired so watch out for that . I run a fleet of them and have done since the Models introduction in 1998 . Take my advice it’s the best tool for your needs

[DavePanda]

Sprinters are fine if they've been looked after, the vast majority once they've past through a couple of hands aren't however.

[MrGTI6]

I'm a big fan of the Master/Movano/NV400. Good to drive, and I've always found French stuff to be the best when it comes to rust resistance.

[gazza285]

reddiesel said:

Ignore the Transit because at that age and mileage it’s simply game over . It’s also complete rubbish about Sprinter corrosion as this was largely confined to two Models . The Model you are considering at seven years of age is completely unaffected . Unlike any other van in Production it also has a 500000 mileage capability , I saw one for sale some weeks back at 450,000 miles . There is no Transit in existence with that capability . LWB Sprinters are on account of the idiots that drive them very prone to Body Damage . This damage can be poorly repaired so watch out for that . I run a fleet of them and have done since the Models introduction in 1998 . Take my advice it’s the best tool for your needs

They might be a bit more agricultural than a Sprinter, but the Iveco Daily is capable of that mileage. Bloody thirsty mind.

[Teddy Lop]

reddiesel said:

Ignore the Transit because at that age and mileage it’s simply game over . It’s also complete rubbish about Sprinter corrosion as this was largely confined to two Models . The Model you are considering at seven years of age is completely unaffected . Unlike any other van in Production it also has a 500000 mileage capability , I saw one for sale some weeks back at 450,000 miles . There is no Transit in existence with that capability . LWB Sprinters are on account of the idiots that drive them very prone to Body Damage . This damage can be poorly repaired so watch out for that . I run a fleet of them and have done since the Models introduction in 1998 . Take my advice it’s the best tool for your needs

Do you know where I can buy a toto Wolfe duvet set?

[poo at Paul's]

Get a coloured ie non white ducato. I had a 2006 model for 10 years til 2017 and it was rust free, replaced with a 2012 silver lwb x250 and it’s the same.
Nice to drive too, I rare them. For the money, nothing comes close imho