Anyone got any good small van advice??

[dimspark]

I'm looking to invest in a van, criteria being:
Good mpg
Looks decent
Decent to drive
Space in the back
Prob in that order, thinking bipper/fiesta sport or astra sportive.
Not sure how professional the fiesta sport van looks but I like it. Most of my clients are commercial so image is quite important. Bipper having a side door is always useful too. Anyone got any thoughts?

 

[telectrix]

i would not entertain a van without a side door. all depends on how much you need to carry. best small van with the best room for its size IMO is the suzuki carry ( sits back and waits for the flak from the german van lovers.)

 

[dimspark]

Hi telectrix, just googled the Suzuki carry. Have to say, that's one ugly van!! I'm thinking the same with the side door, leading me to the bipper/nemo! Would be interested to know how they drive as used to own a caddy and found it to be seriously sluggish at all speeds!!

 

[telectrix]

not the ideal if you are doing distance and motorway, but for local work you can;t beat em. cheap tax, cheap insure, they ony a 1.3l petrol i think.

 

[dimspark]

1.4 diesel in the models I've seen. Think you're probably right about the motorway though, I do a fair bit of motorway driving so may not be suitable!

 

[dim_bulb]

I have a fiat doblo 50mpg which i would recommend. you might think it looks ugly tho
get a van with PAS! and try honest john

 

[dim_bulb]

dimspark - dim_bulb are we related?

 

[alanl]

I've got a Suzuki Supercarry.1 litre engine. Had it nearly 4 years now, excellent van for me. I've been all over the Country in it, it'll stick at 60mph on the motorway, that sounds slow, but it is actually quite relaxing.Top speed of 75mph, though it isnt often I get above 65.MPG isnt great at 40mpg.
The interior is a lot bigger than an Escort van, and 2 side doors make it very practical. Only trouble is getting a good one - they are quite sought after.

 

[Guest123]

used to own a caddy and found it to be seriously sluggish at all speeds!!

Must have been SDI then. The TDI's go very well IMO even with a load on.


The vauxhall combo 1.7 cdti is another decent choice.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

I regularly get 36mpg (and sometimes 38 ) from my 19TDi transporter. And I can sleep in the back

 

[RWJ]

Gloria Escort Van
Good mpg - I get 65 - 70MPG outta it and that's with me ragging it!
Looks decent - OK a FAIL there then
Decent to drive - OK Another Fail
Space in the back - Fair

You didn't state if you wanted to get wet when it rained or not.... So I assume YOU DO.... - Win on the Gloria for for that!!!

 

[dimspark]

Dim bulb, I think I may have been your creater!! Doblo sounds interesting, I'll do some research, 50mpg is
more like it although I've seen the bipper and the fiesta are stating high 60's mpg which is very tempting!! So far the Suzuki Carry and Gloria are having a fair old battle for last place. I wouldn't find 60 relaxing, I'd be tearing my hair out!!!

 

[telectrix]

i'd rather tootle along at a steady 60, watching all the lemmings in the fast lane tailgating and stamping on the brakes every 30 secs.

 

[Electricalserv]

How I would love a van. Have you tried getting insurance if you are under 25 and only been driving 6 months. Best quote ive had is £2,200 per annum on a 1.2 renault kangoo. Absolutely shocking. I'm sticking to my car which unfortunately I paid £1900 to insure for this year. Young people just get hammered on insurance its beyond a joke!

 

[malcolmsanford]

Well there is not a lot for old really either.

Theres Tel here that can't read

Theres me that cant remember ...................... and IQ is an Arsenal supporter ...................So we have to hit you young'uns with something

Now Tel what was this thread again.