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What small van?

Posted by ben ranyard on August 10, 2009 at 12:00pm
Hello. I'm looking to buy myself a second hand small van. My business is expanding slowly and I'm ready to buy a bigger vehicle. Yes I'm one of those blokes who works out of a car. I presently have an audi estate, but it doesn't match up with the professional service that I aim to provide.I wonder if anyone can recommend a van. I have heard that the vauxhal combo is a reliable work horse...any ideas?Thanks in advance.Ben
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  • Jackson's Landscape Design August 10, 2009 at 6:47pm
    Mercedes Vito ?

    Not too tatty, signed for constant advertising.
  • PRO
    SGS August 10, 2009 at 7:12pm
    Hi Ben
    I went through this 12 months ago. I decided on a Ford Transit Connect Short wheel base, low roof. Used to work out of an Astra Estate. I work at regular jobs so I dont have to cart green waste away, so size is perfect for me.

    Paul
  • Graeme @ BGS August 10, 2009 at 7:18pm
    Seonaid Lafferty said:
    Hi Ben,

    I used a Proton Jumbuck - the best of both worlds; a van (lockable) that can also be removed for shifting waste etc.

    Very Australian!! Nice rough and tough 2WD with no frills and real no trouble other than getting decent tyres on it.
  • Marc Cole August 10, 2009 at 8:03pm
    Hi Ben, I use a Fiat Scudo ideal for me, though it is very limited when it comes to waste removal. Currently contemplating buying something a little bigger, transit, transporter or the like.

    Marc
  • Graeme @ BGS August 10, 2009 at 9:07pm
    Shame as I just brought a Nissan but out of interest how much?
  • Lawncare-4u.co.uk August 11, 2009 at 11:29pm
    good advice colin ,i once worked for a flower company which had 2 vitos and both had pedal sensor failure

    colin said:
    my combo does fine just using the trailer when theres waste away, if going for the old shape go for the non turbo model as they just go forever when serviced regular. bad points are as with most vans ie rust on the combos its usually the bulbous bit over the seats but can buy new ones and its only a few bolts to swap the other area that rusts is the bottom of the back doors
    vauxhalls are also prone to the doorstays breaking off just have to be carefull of the wind tho, mine are currently lengths of old ratchet strap bolted in
    transit connects have a few issues but are quite nippy
    transits rust
    mercs + transits have pedal sensor failure quite a bit plus the mercs if a back bulb goes it can cause the revs to limit due to the way the wiring is worked
  • Tim Haywood August 12, 2009 at 8:39am
    Ford Transit Connect SWB for me. One has to be disciplined when you have a small van and everything needs to be in it's place but I like the 40mpg the van returns around town. It'll swallow 50 rolls of Rolawn turf just fine. Look around for ex British Gas models as they shift them on when the 3 year lease expires, they've been well serviced and not thrashed in the way a delivery van would be. They also have aircon which is a nice touch after a long day sweating in the sun (when it is sunny!).
  • Donny Bryan August 12, 2009 at 10:06am
    Don't get me started on Vauxhalls Ben - mine was condemned at only 5 years old with only 102k on the clock - and after having cost me a fortune in repairs...

    I've bought a Toyota Hiace & am very pleased with it. Great size, good drive, good deal. RAC man recommended it - apparently only van they never get called out to. Having spent way too many hours on roadside waiting for RAC thanks to Vauxhall it was a bit of a no brainer...
  • ben ranyard August 12, 2009 at 4:34pm
    I too have heard good things about the hiace...mind you i've heard good things about the vauxhall too!!!
    Thanks

    Donny Bryan said:
    Don't get me started on Vauxhalls Ben - mine was condemned at only 5 years old with only 102k on the clock - and after having cost me a fortune in repairs...

    I've bought a Toyota Hiace & am very pleased with it. Great size, good drive, good deal. RAC man recommended it - apparently only van they never get called out to. Having spent way too many hours on roadside waiting for RAC thanks to Vauxhall it was a bit of a no brainer...
  • Lawncare-4u.co.uk August 12, 2009 at 7:02pm
    peugeot 206 and took waste away in it as well I had taken all of the seats out except for drivers i looked like a mobile hedge sometimes.

    fantastic - intuition........u can get a lot in those peugeot hatchbacks !!
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