Small van choice (2020 edition)

[pc1966]

At some point we might want a company van. Nothing too large as most of the time it will be one guy and a handful of tools. Occasionally a motor/gearbox weighing 120kg or so, maybe the odd bit of 2m or so tube, etc.

Site has an access road which is pretty rough (one reason not to want to use our cars!) so reasonable ground clearance is something to consider. Otherwise probably not a whole lot different to what the folks here might be using/thinking of already.

So what sort of small van would you suggest?

 

[MJPD29]

only ever once rode in a transit connect. seen bigger cabs in a rickshaw. so cramped i could not believe it. you need to be anorexic .

I thought it was quite impressive. Can't part with my 12 year old bulletproof hiace personally. Never lets me down
[automerge]1595500384[/automerge]

what you on about. Big car no room in the back, adlest I can get a fridge in the back, not like a Ford made from a fridge.
I have had mine from new and never broken down or broken into most Ford vans comes with a free key for the thief's.

Ok mate didn't realise you were a volkswagon advocate and would take such offence. My sincere apologies.

 

[telectrix]

I thought it was quite impressive. Can't part with my 12 year old bulletproof hiace personally. Never lets me down
[automerge]1595500384[/automerge]

Ok mate didn't realise you were a volkswagon advocate and would take such offence. My sincere apologies.

you can't seriously consider downtrading a bomb proof Hiace for a bean can. Can you??? My Hiace is 2004 with 208,500 miles on the clock. In the 5 years I've had it all I've spent is 2 tryes and front brake pads.( apart from MOTs and oil changes).

 

[MJPD29]

you can't seriously consider downtrading a bomb proof Hiace for a bean can. Can you??? My Hiace is 2004 with 208,500 miles on the clock. In the 5 years I've had it all I've spent is 2 tryes and front brake pads.( apart from MOTs and oil changes).

I'm the same. 2008 and 222200 on her. Only issue with age is the poorly made wiper arms, but they can be easily fixed and replaced. Still runs like a new (ish) van

 

[telectrix]

I'm the same. 2008 and 222200 on her. Only issue with age is the poorly made wiper arms, but they can be easily fixed and replaced. Still runs like a new (ish) van

so stick with it. why go into debt for a load of troublesome crap with stupid electronics that cut the engine out if you fart.

 

[Dartlec]

Can't talk to the latest models, but I've been very happy with my 2010 Transit Connect LWB. Having two side doors is a great help and it's (mostly) been reliable. The cab is small, but since it's only me that's not a problem. I have the one with folding bulkhead which opens up a space into the front seat if I need to get a long ladder in.

It also fits into all the car parks (just) which is very handy if parking in underground car parks for jobs.

It even proved it's security is better than Fords reputation when some scrote tried to break in, drilled the ignition and door but couldn't get it started or open the side doors to get at any of the tools.

When it was being reparied I had a 2018 Combo and hated it - the turning circle was rubbish compared to the Transit and it felt much less 'tight' when driving - though being a hire van probably didn't help it's case.

Might be worth looking at hiring a couple of candidates for a day just to see how they work in practise? Probably better than a short test drive to get a real feel for how it will be when you're a few years down the line.

 

[Edtwozeronine]

 

[littlespark]

I think someone’s trying to put me off buying a vw transporter??

 

[Edtwozeronine]

I think someone’s trying to put me off buying a vw transporter??

The meme is so old they may have worked out the kinks by now?!? who nose...