Which Van is best for an electrical contractor?

[rocker]

ive got a pug bipper, i know its a samll van but its great to have to dash around the city in

I'm in no position to comment (Rockin' a '94 Clio), but I could never drive anything called a 'Bipper'. What were they thinking? It sounds like a cartoon chihuahua!

 

[Tin]

I'm in no position to comment (Rockin' a '94 Clio), but I could never drive anything called a 'Bipper'. What were they thinking? It sounds like a cartoon chihuahua!

it was the pug bipper or the fiat nemo, both are the same.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I run a Transit Connect. Not too bad on fuel, i get about 35 to the gallon fully loaded and mixed driving. Its got plenty of load space. Nice to drive and cheap on the maintenance.

 

[c.p.c]

I drive a vauxhall version of the traffic.Love it to bits and would have another, just make sure you get a good one (well serviced, self employed old boy one owner type ) otherwise you will be replacing that weak gearbox they can go 40K onwards- depending on how abused- overwiating(towing)-Young boy racers etc.If the service history is incomplete the turbo can blow early due to dirty oil.Mine has nearly done 160K and stills give good mpg and the drive is great!The turbo has started to whissle abit when cold and iam getting alittle oil in the intercooler pipes so that will need to be replaced over the next 10K miles or so ,£300 for a new one and not 100% impossable to change yourself not bad for an 8 year old van.Worth every penny as it is so reilable.

Something to be aware of though if you are a tinker: Don`t buy the Renult version.Alot of the parts in renult viechiles are coded to match the ecu wich makes it a garage job every time.The ecu needs to be reprogrammed/reset when changing simple senors or pumps etc to make them work.

 

[Amp David]

I drive a vauxhall version of the traffic.Love it to bits and would have another, just make sure you get a good one (well serviced, self employed old boy one owner type ) otherwise you will be replacing that weak gearbox they can go 40K onwards- depending on how abused- overwiating(towing)-Young boy racers etc.If the service history is incomplete the turbo can blow early due to dirty oil.Mine has nearly done 160K and stills give good mpg and the drive is great!The turbo has started to whissle abit when cold and iam getting alittle oil in the intercooler pipes so that will need to be replaced over the next 10K miles or so ,£300 for a new one and not 100% impossable to change yourself not bad for an 8 year old van.Worth every penny as it is so reilable.

Something to be aware of though if you are a tinker: Don`t buy the Renult version.Alot of the parts in renult viechiles are coded to match the ecu wich makes it a garage job every time.The ecu needs to be reprogrammed/reset when changing simple senors or pumps etc to make them work.

I take it thats the Vivaro then

 

[c.p.c]

I take it thats the Vivaro then

Yep thats it, Thanks. I can never pronounce it properly or will spell it with too many i`s like i`ve left me scroll lock on

 

[bugsy]

After this post it'll proberbly go **** up

Silver vavaro cdti , 150,00 from new (4 years old ) serviced three times never broken down - sorry I lie clutch went 10,000 miles ago apart from pads (lots) and disc's ( nearly lots ) its been as good as gold
air con leccy windows elc mirrors led lighting . no complaints what so ever

 

[Johno]

citroen dispatch, i love it

 

[jase]

No-one has mentioned the VW Caddy, i had the 1.9 sdi version of these before going overseas for a while, great little van and it had sliding doors on both sides, bit slow on the uptake but cruises well, would go for a TDI if i got another one, plenty of room in back and the storage in cab is great

 

[SirKit Breaker]

No-one has mentioned the VW Caddy, i had the 1.9 sdi version of these before going overseas for a while, great little van and it had sliding doors on both sides, bit slow on the uptake but cruises well, would go for a TDI if i got another one, plenty of room in back and the storage in cab is great

Great vans the VW's all models, but they hold their prices well, and cost a fortune even used and fairly old, but i suppose thats for a reason, as they say "you get what you pay for".

 

[c.p.c]

They are, but the new T5 transporters had a lot of problems with their drive shafts. They strip due to the extra hp of the higher engine models.

if you want something that will see your kids out buy a Toyota hi- ace ,completely bullet proof in every way but not the best vans to drive long distances, if you get the nylon seats model your bum crack sweats like a Japanese water feature after about 30 miles.

 

[f1ngerz]

Looking for everyones opinions on buying / hiring a van ?
Buy cheap? Unknown problems
Buy new ? Depreciation , big outlay or finance.
Buy mid range ? Large outlay.
Hire lease? Another overhead.
Or other?
Also what is the best way when it comes to tax? And when all costs are considered (maintenance, road tax , etc) what is truly the most economical way to have one of our most important tools!
Ive got a 54 plate combo at the min it cost me two grand two years ago and is now in the garage because the timing chain broke so mega bill coming my way , I suppose its done me proud up till now but when do you call it quits ? Do not want another rescue from the side of the motorway!

 

[Octopus]

How long do you intend to keep it for? how many miles do you do per year? What is your budget?

 

[jeremy]

Lease hire/ purchase is the safest as it's not your vehicle, the breakdown risk is with the other party. You pay a premium for this, they're a business not a charity and will have covered their risk in your monthly payments, but if you want risk free motoring ( breakdown wise, can't account for the stupidity of other drivers!), Lease hire/purchase is the way to go. Also, though I'm no accountant, a rental payment is a business expense, 100% deductible, I think, so a good way of knowing where you are, how much you need to pay etc

 

[jaysmart]

may be more tac efficient to buy out right and claim the milage, well it will be im sure, if you do enough miles