Van info wanted

[Redmurty]

Looks like the good old rover is on it's last legs, so I am thinking of a van for the Dr

What Vans do you guys that use them recommend ?

cheers Spud

[Billy Bananahead]

Ford Transit.

[AirbusPaul]

I guess it comes down to the old question

"How much do you want to spend"

[Dutchgit]

There'll be owners of VW's telling you a VW is best, Owners of Transits arguing a Transit is better etc etc.
I have chosen a Vauxhall/Opel/Renault/Nissan as it has a lot going for it IMHO.

But: Get one with aircon.
Don't get more seats than you need. Two seats in the front is a blessing for the passenger as the bench seats are generally horrid to sit on for any length of time.
A full bulkhead between cab and cargo area is recommended as it will be warmer/cooler in the cab quicker and you'll have far less noise/petrol fumes from the bike(s).
A chain driven cam is better than a belt driven one as it generally doesn't need any maintenance.
Get the engine that sort of sits in the middle of the range. The biggest one might not be that good on fuel, the smallest one might have led a hard life.

[johnnyboxer]

Toyota Hiace

Cheap to buy

Cheaper to run than some others

Japanese reliability

[threepot]

I'm driving a 2013 Transit at present. 2.2Ltr. Good van,but..front suspension lets it down...too hard. Also steering can give problems,so check. But it is a good van. I'm a big fan of the Vivaro,Renault Traffic. Had a 2010 model for 3yrs. Covered 150k. No major issues apart from gear linkage to top of box detaches. Think it's a common fault? But a great van to drive. But check this out about them.. :huh: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/article ... nault-vans

[Richard Simpson]

Hi Ace is mechanically brilliant, but less room in the cab than some.

Mercs drive well, but look out for rust.

VWs don't go wrong often, and are expensive to buy (and fix if they do break).

Ford Transit is probably the best compromise there is...UK's best-selling van ever (and probably forever). There's one out there somewhere with your name on it.

[Stray Dog]

I drive a Hi-ace and love it.
But must be honest I do miss my old Transit.

Dog

[Stewie]

I go for the Dispatch as you can use them as a car and pick them up for next to nothing (thumbs)

[WesleyDRZ400]

I have had numerous vans/pickups over the years, my best one/current one is a 16 year old Toyota Hiace i brought cheap as cheaps

Wish i got one before as drives great and ultra-reliable (thumbs)