Car Vs Van - what am i missing?

[Mirinjawbro]

Hello all

now looking for a second car that can be used for dump runs / trips / pets

just wondering what i'm missing by not going for a van?

mileage will be super low. probably 2-3k a year.

thanks

[Belle427]

Vans can be easy to leave with if its generally messy all the time, rubber flooring etc is more easily cleaned out.
Depends if you can live with one really.

[Actual]

Mirinjawbro said:

dump runs

Does your local household waste recycling hotel resort casino allow vans?

[this is my username]

Vans always seem very expensive compared to cars for what is often a fairly basic vehicle which is mostly empty space and has often had a very tough life. Car-derived vans are usually more expensive than their car equivalent. You would get more for your money with a van-derived car.

[Silvanus]

We bought a cheap Chrysler Grand Voyager a while back to use as a van. Had no issues using the tip, whereas a van would have been a hassle. Voyager was super comfy and surprisingly quick as we had the V6. It actually had more room than some vans on the market.

[stevemcs]

For tip runs some vans are not welcome. Personally something like an old Mondeo or Ford Galaxy

[sixor8]

Insurance can be more because they are classed as 'commercial' vehicles.

VED is often more too even if low on CO2 because they are PLG class. Vans with no windows in the rear doors are more targeted for break-ins looking for equipment and / or tools, hence the insurance costs again.

[wombleh]

Vans have slightly lower speed limits on some roads, unless they’re car derived ones.

[AlwynMike]

Vans downside:
Insurance
Seats
Speed limits
Tax
Tip access
To a certain extent performance (but try a Berlingo Enterprise...2 litre turbo diesel carrying nothing.....wheelspin everywhere!

Halfway house: a wheelchair car, so van space, no Tip permit needed, car speed limits, cheaper insurance even than a car as the conversion is seen as low risk, car tax Groups, seats removable if not needed but useable when required.
Can you tell I run one

[Lee540]

I have a van as my main car, its empty most of the time but just wanted a van.

No issues with local recycling centre. Ideal for family days out.

Vans are fun but I do have lower speed limits on A roads, higher tax, fairly basic, no frills inside, van insurance not car..

[The Gauge]

I'd happily have a van as my main vehicle, however I'd be constantly worried that the doors would get peeled back every week by thieves looking for tools.

[MDMA .]

My mate always used to buy a Shogun/Pajero when doing a house up. Cheaper than getting skips all the time and just loaded it up to the roof for tip runs. Pretty big in the back with the seats folded flat. Made a good winter/snow vehicle too.

[agent006]

The Gauge said:

I'd happily have a van as my main vehicle, however I'd be constantly worried that the doors would get peeled back every week by thieves looking for tools.

Get some cheap signwriting for a fake dog walking business. Problem solved.

[PositronicRay]

I'm amazed at how much need there is for a dedicated tip vehicle.

[DodgyGeezer]

sister's other-half recently swapped his (non-ULEZ builder's) van for a Dacia Duster. Better to drive and nearly as practical...

[charltjr]

Megane Grand Scenic or similar boxy 7 seater, cheap to buy, common as muck, enormous with the seats out.

[JimbobVFR]

I had the MPV version of a Peugeot Partner that I bought when originally looking to buy the van version to use as a sole trader electrician.

The insurance for the van version was over twice the price which made the choice an easy one.

Mine had a proper van roof rack so could take ladders for work, a roof box for holidays.. mine was the quicksilver version so nice and airy with full length sun roofs in the back really useful storage in the roof. I even used it as a campervan on a few occasions, you don't get more multi purpose vehicle than that.

[anonymous-user]

I have a t5.1 that I use as a day van / motorbike mover / camper / daily commute vehicle.

I like driving it, got all the creature comforts you need, egr/dpf sorted and remapped so it goes well for a van as well.
600+ to a tank, good mpg.
Needed nothing in 4 years other than brake pads and front discs.

I don't really NEED it anymore but I find cars really meh now.

[Jules Sunley]

agent006 said:

The Gauge said:

I'd happily have a van as my main vehicle, however I'd be constantly worried that the doors would get peeled back every week by thieves looking for tools.

Get some cheap signwriting for a fake dog walking business. Problem solved.

That's a great idea.

[Mirinjawbro]

PositronicRay said:

I'm amazed at how much need there is for a dedicated tip vehicle.

that would only be maybe 5% of its use.

its mainly for pets and trips. my last 5 cars have all been coupes and space is very limited. i also want something i don't mind smashing up a bit with no worries

have been looking at e90 3 series estates but then something said why not get a van and i started wondering.

thanks for all the replies