New Van ?

[Pat Tester]

Looking at changing my Merc Vito as it is now 9 years old and has cost me a fortune of late (new prop shaft, starter) Mercs carry a premium
so looking at alternatives. What is consensus on Hyundai Iload , Vauxhal Vivaro and Renault, Citroen and Fiat clones. Short wheel base is fine
I want air-con and best economy yes I know they don't go together. It would be good if it drove in snow without resort to snow chains and a change of underwear. Comments & reviews please

 

[vernam616]

Pretty much a myth about air-con using more fuel excessivly, the most efficient way to use air con is stick the button on recirculate, its then only conditioning the air inside the car and not the unlimited air coming in from outside, also dont have the window down when using it

It actually costs more to have the window down, than use the air con

back on topic, Transit or Transporter is where its at, im not really biased either as i have a Vito myself

 

[pottymotty]

nobodys really mentioned toyota hi ace.not really super trendy but low roof and my mate claims to have done 250k miles and only ever changed a ball joint .

 

[vernam616]

"Claims" being the main word there

Im sorry but logic tells you that you dont get to 250k without changing a clutch/droplinks/cv joints/boots/brakes/wishbones

Reliable van....... However not immortal

 

[Martyc]

Use a transit quite a bit at work. Tough, reliable and just keeps going.coped well enough in the snow too, never got stuck once (unlike our connect and combo) Although my favourite van I've ever driven was a vw transporter. Went like a rocket and just drove perfectly, was bloody lovely. If I could afford it I'd have one. Probably instead of most cars too!

 

[Martyc]

"Claims" being the main word there

Im sorry but logic tells you that you dont get to 250k without changing a clutch/droplinks/cv joints/boots/brakes/wishbones

Reliable van....... However not immortal

My dad got to 190k in a Toyota Carina e from new in 9years with nowt but a radiator and discs/pads and routine servicing. Even survived me learning to drive in it! Toyotas were built to last practically forever.... Not so sure about the newer ones though.

 

[richy3333]

Get a Vito. They rust quicker than a prostitute can drop her draws. On the plus side you get a new van more frequently

 

[dan86]

Get a Vito. They rust quicker than a prostitute can drop her draws. On the plus side you get a new van more frequently

mercs are bloody hellish for rusting! my sprinter is an 07 plate and every stone chip turns to rust within a couple of weeks!

 

[Brightspark2]

mercs are bloody hellish for rusting! my sprinter is an 07 plate and every stone chip turns to rust within a couple of weeks!

As bad as the transit then....

 

[dan86]

Had an 08 Transit, and the worst place for rust on it was between the roof and the top of the windscreen for some reason... :/

 

[emacleod]

I've recently got a vw caddy maxi.best van I've ever had. Had a transit and a Vauxhall combo but the caddy is far superior has loads of room and its a great van to drive.

 

[Pat Tester]

Thanks for all the input. It appears as though all makes are both great and ****e ! I have checked other forums and review sites and every thing is liked and disliked in equal measure. I guess it's down to me to take a punt, grab the bull by the horns and take the plunge and then live with the consequences. I think I might take the time to try a few out, hyundai I load, VW T30 and the Renault-Vauxhal-Peuggeot trio.
I am seriously looking at Lease Rental, at least you don't get any surprises on servicing and repairs. Any one want a 54 vito dual liner 115 ?

Its been no trouble and runs like a dream (honest)

 

[maxfresh]

I'd go for a vw transporter ,one with 4motion would be great in the snow , the vivaros have a soft gear box

 

[Martyc]

One contractor I spoke to about vehicles said 'if you listened to every horror story on the net about every vehicle you'd never buy anything'. He's got a point. I still wouldn't want anything French though.