Works vehicle

[stranded]

4x4 could work, but i think you are looking for a "crew van". Van that as some van space, but extra seats. Transit connect has a version with 4 or 5 seats i think, if you want a small van, space could be limited though with seats, so the transit has a version too, heres an example, looks nice actually!

http://www.4crossescommercials.co.uk/details.php?id=131

 

[Andy78]

I've got the same dilemma at the minute. I'm running a fledgling business and carting round a family of four in a picasso (less than ideal). I'm currently looking at the crew cab option instead of running two vehicles. I have seen a couple and you do sacrifice space obviously, but with a decent roof rack and a couple of roof tubes they look to give the same space of a small to mid sized van.

 

[Jimsparky]

I have just got an L200 forth is reason. Have debated it for yearsbut so far so good. Had a ally tray made up and it slide I and out of the plastic load liner in the back which is perfect. Getting 34 to the gallon so not far off a crew van

 

[amo]

Estate?? Audi a4 1.9 tdi. Big boot space, high mpg, bolt on a roof rack and you ready to go.

 

[Paulgwat]

Oh I've already decided against any pickup type thing as I don't think they will do what I want. Thanks

Interested by the comment on the pickup truck, I recently bought an L200 double cab and with the canopy on the back I get the 5 seats and space for all of the tools etc, to me these type of vehicles were made for the requirements you have.

also depending on how you are setting yourself up pickups are very good from a tax perspective. An L200 is officially a commercial vehicle so road tax £215 a year and if you run it through a company and officially allow mileage and personal use tax bill very small.

If you run a standard discovery through a company and want to use it for personal use tax bill is calculated on the original list price and not current value which could hurt! There is a commercial disco version that doesn't get hit by tax man but only has two seats as someone else mentioned.

the pickup was my accountants recommendation - I had also initially discounted the idea and was looking at small vans like the caddy and accepting I would need to hire something when I needed 4 seats

just my 2pence worth

paul

 

[Amp David]

Estate?? Audi a4 1.9 tdi. Big boot space, high mpg, bolt on a roof rack and you ready to go.

Don't forget the trailer too.

Tried this when i firs set up. As the majority of my work is domestic it only took a rewire to make me think, time to get a van.

The amount of stuff needed was far too much to squeeze into my robin reliant.

 

[richy3333]

If you need 4 wheel drive then the Transporter comes in a 4 wheel variant. Crew cab can work OK - a chippy friend does this, but the cab part still ends up like a works van. I used to use an L200 for work but got fed up loading and unloading all the time. As either has rear seats then HMRC will not accept you writing all costs off to business use

Personally, if you're running a professional business you are better off with a dedicated vehicle?

 

[Farmelectrics]

was thinking of getting a vw transporter myself anyone had one what are they like juice wise etc

 

[ben2012]

Thanks for the replies guys, How do people go on with pickups? When I looked I couldn't see how you could fit steps in it, trunking etc? Thanks

 

[comptonspark]

roofrack for long stuff, 5 rung steps and telescopic ladder in the back, as for trunking I get it delivered direct to site.

 

[Paulgwat]

I purchased the following truckman hardtop (Mitsubishi L200 (2010 on) Truckman S-Series Double Doors Hardtop Double Cab, Long Bed) the version i have has solid external doors all round for additional security and a glass bulkhead window that lines up with the rear window of the cab so you can put long items through into the cab.

One thing to be aware of on most of the pickups is that the tailgate doesn't lock as standard - on the L200 it's a £50 optional extra that is a doddle to fit - otherwise the tailgate is secured by the hardtops rear door and if that is forced or smashed then the tailgate will obviously open.

On the double cab i have the load bed is 1.5m x 1.5m give or take and can take a set of the grp folding platform/steps (about 1m when folded) with ease.

To make the load bed more useable I am having something similar to the following - Hardtops UK :: Mitsubishi L200 Tray Bins - I am having it made by a carpenter out of 18mm structural ply and it is coming in at substantially less than the almost 1K they charge for the full setup with the side bins - helps he is also my brother in law.

This kind of setup will also make it much harder for anything of value to be stolen from the truck bed because even if they get the GRP doors open they will then need to get the tailgate open and then manage to get the drawer open as well - by which time the additional alarm that is protecting the truck bed will be singing merrily.

In the unlikely event I need to transport anything bigger than this combination can carry I will have it delivered to site or use a trailer.

Cheers

Paul