Commercial Vehicles - twin cab alternatives

[dave123456]

Evening

With the recent change to tax law making twin cabs less financially viable, has anyone got any suggestions for robust vehicles suitable for construction sites that would be BIK kind?

Land Rover Defender Hard Top seems to be most obvious, although I’m trying to manage economics and perspective and they seem a little pricey and flashy…

[Lefty]

Kingcab pickup?

https://www.isuzu.co.uk/vehicles/isuzu-d-max-utili...

[PoorCarCollector]

The other problem with the LR Defender HT is reliability

The Toyota Land Cruiser commercial is worth a look but also fairly pricey

[dave123456]

Lefty said:

Kingcab pickup?

https://www.isuzu.co.uk/vehicles/isuzu-d-max-utili...

Looks useful. Would need a lease.

[Lefty]

If a new Defender is too chintzy then I assume a D5 commercial probably is too but you could get a D4 commercial? Or a 2 seat Ineos Grenadier.

Most farmers I know use double cabs but a few use SWB Shogun vans. They do have a bit of a reputation for engine issues though.

[Lefty]

Like this

https://ebay.io/m/w1D0u4

[Massey135]

I think Toyota, Ford and Isuzu now have models available based on the double cab body with the rear seats permanently removed so at the BIK advantages still apply.

[Venisonpie]

Massey135 said:

I think Toyota, Ford and Isuzu now have models available based on the double cab body with the rear seats permanently removed so at the BIK advantages still apply.

Yes they do, I know someone who has a Ford and uses the rear space for her dog.

[macron]

Massey135 said:

I think Toyota, Ford and Isuzu now have models available based on the double cab body with the rear seats permanently removed so at the BIK advantages still apply.

Which models specifically?

[Massey135]

Ranger, HiLux, DMax “2 seat” models.

[dave123456]

Massey135 said:

Ranger, HiLux, DMax 2 seat models.

They seem in very short supply

[surveyor]

EV’s. Couple of pickup options and ranger next year. Or go for a van.

Hugely cheaper to run, low BIK and tax write off advantages for the business.

Its worth a look

[Phooey]

surveyor said:

EV s. Couple of pickup options and ranger next year. Or go for a van.

Hugely cheaper to run, low BIK and tax write off advantages for the business.

Its worth a look

Awful range (Hilux is circa 150miles) and not sure if VAT reclaimable (payload less than 1tonne).

Kia PV5 is worth a look. Cheap as chips on a lease and full commercial tax benefits.

[robinh73]

I have a 2019 Hilux which I have converted to a tipper. It is the extra cab version with the 2.4 engine and it is woeful. Fuel economy is terrible and the power is completely gutless low down. It has been reliable but I would not buy another unless the put the 2.8 engine and auto box in it.

[Linkin]

I have a Defender 90 Hard-Top and it's been brilliant and reliable to date.
They can be specified to look much more 'utility' and much less 'urban' !

[wolf1]

I'm sure I've seen a few firms pulling the factory beds off pickups and fitting dropside bodies to get round the new rules.

[Lefty]

Hmmm, yeah I’ve heard if they’re registered as a dropside they’re not caught by the DCOU rules.

I’m not convinced