Medium Sized Van up to £5k
Discussion
Hello,
I've seen a few older posts dotted around, but nothing a bit more current. I am looking to start a new business, namely a construction company and am looking to buy a van. My two main stipulations are I don't want something covered in dents as I want it to look presentable for clients and it must be able to fit full sheets in so very small vans like Transit Connects, Caddy's and Berlingo's are out.
Obviously I'd like it to be at least relatively reliable and am looking to spend up to £5k. If the business goes well I will look to buy a brand new van in 2023 with the government tax super deduction. In the short term I want to risk a much smaller amount of money and if the business doesn't work out I can keep it as a surf van.
From what I've seen the old Transits look ropey and rusty but mechanically dependable, Renault Trafics look good value but have known issues with injectors, Merc Vito's don't rust anymore but have plenty of other expensive issues. Citroen Dispatch/Pug Expert is just about big enough in L2H1 form, not too sure on reliability and certainly not the best looking. Seems a bit of a minefield and not quite sure where the best place to look is. Huge disparity in pricing between different sites.
Any advice/recommendations would be much appreciated. Does not need to conform to any ULEZ requirements, as I'm way out in the country and this is likely to be relatively short term anyway.
Thanks
I've seen a few older posts dotted around, but nothing a bit more current. I am looking to start a new business, namely a construction company and am looking to buy a van. My two main stipulations are I don't want something covered in dents as I want it to look presentable for clients and it must be able to fit full sheets in so very small vans like Transit Connects, Caddy's and Berlingo's are out.
Obviously I'd like it to be at least relatively reliable and am looking to spend up to £5k. If the business goes well I will look to buy a brand new van in 2023 with the government tax super deduction. In the short term I want to risk a much smaller amount of money and if the business doesn't work out I can keep it as a surf van.
From what I've seen the old Transits look ropey and rusty but mechanically dependable, Renault Trafics look good value but have known issues with injectors, Merc Vito's don't rust anymore but have plenty of other expensive issues. Citroen Dispatch/Pug Expert is just about big enough in L2H1 form, not too sure on reliability and certainly not the best looking. Seems a bit of a minefield and not quite sure where the best place to look is. Huge disparity in pricing between different sites.
Any advice/recommendations would be much appreciated. Does not need to conform to any ULEZ requirements, as I'm way out in the country and this is likely to be relatively short term anyway.
Thanks
ZX10R NIN said:
Iveco Daily are good dependable vans:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111029...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111300...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111249...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111300...
Thank you, though I'm really looking for a medium and not a large van. Apologies if I should have been more specific. I want something that will fit in a regular parking space, height not an issue but don't want a massive foot print. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111029...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111300...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111249...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111300...
2.0HDI expert or dispatch. The 1.6HDi version has serious engine issues (something to do with tiny oil capacity and turbo pipes blocking with oil). Unlike other vans you should be able to get a decent one that hasn't been to the moon and back for that price.
Possibly too small for an 8ft board (if that's the size of board you mean) but the Hyundai i800 or iLoad in commercial speak is another good one.
Possibly too small for an 8ft board (if that's the size of board you mean) but the Hyundai i800 or iLoad in commercial speak is another good one.
Bumblebee7 said:
Thank you, though I'm really looking for a medium and not a large van. Apologies if I should have been more specific. I want something that will fit in a regular parking space, height not an issue but don't want a massive foot print.
MWB Fiat Ducatohttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202111259...
nunpuncher said:
2.0HDI expert or dispatch. The 1.6HDi version has serious engine issues (something to do with tiny oil capacity and turbo pipes blocking with oil). Unlike other vans you should be able to get a decent one that hasn't been to the moon and back for that price.
Possibly too small for an 8ft board (if that's the size of board you mean) but the Hyundai i800 or iLoad in commercial speak is another good one.
Thanks. It does certainly does seem like an Expert/Dispatch is the only way to go to get something half reliable comfortably within budget. My own snobbery about the looks is probably shared by others hence they've not held their price brilliantly.Possibly too small for an 8ft board (if that's the size of board you mean) but the Hyundai i800 or iLoad in commercial speak is another good one.
Thought I'd hit the jackpot yesterday, found 2 Transit Customs blue and grey on ebay for just over £5k in great condition. Quickly realised it was a scam as they were half the price they should be and both accounts were newly set up.
Bumblebee7 said:
To conclude the thread I ended up doubling the budget and bought a very nice white Renault Trafic on a 2016 plate with just 45k on the clock. It's pretty barren in terms of spec but has Bluetooth radio, rear sensors and AC.
That's pretty much all you need, glad you got sorted OP.In a twist of fate the van I'd 'bought' (thankfully only deposit paid) was a Cat S the owner chose not to declare. Unfortunately I'd already insured it so lost the admin fee but I did get my deposit back on the van.
After much more painful searching and even being on the cusp of purchasing a brand new van on finance, I actually managed to buy a van! It's a 2015 black Renault Trafic, 107k on the clock, full dealer service history and one owner from new. It's the nicer spec so has the mobile office feature and load through bulkhead. Managed to agree the purchase at £6.4k so I'm well chuffed and not too far off original budget.
My mechanic came with me and drove it the 2 hours back home so pretty confident it'll run well. The guy I bought from has a business that's doing well and had replaced the van like for like with a new one in the same colour so I think that's a good sign too. Nice bloke as well which is always a good sign.
There's a bit that needs doing to the van like removing the sign writing, needs a good clean and the sliding door needs a new lock but otherwise seems really bloody good.
Thanks again for the advice and I hope it serves me well.
After much more painful searching and even being on the cusp of purchasing a brand new van on finance, I actually managed to buy a van! It's a 2015 black Renault Trafic, 107k on the clock, full dealer service history and one owner from new. It's the nicer spec so has the mobile office feature and load through bulkhead. Managed to agree the purchase at £6.4k so I'm well chuffed and not too far off original budget.
My mechanic came with me and drove it the 2 hours back home so pretty confident it'll run well. The guy I bought from has a business that's doing well and had replaced the van like for like with a new one in the same colour so I think that's a good sign too. Nice bloke as well which is always a good sign.
There's a bit that needs doing to the van like removing the sign writing, needs a good clean and the sliding door needs a new lock but otherwise seems really bloody good.
Thanks again for the advice and I hope it serves me well.
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