what van?

[michael c]

Hi guys i currently have a transit 2.0tdi 2001 51 plate. Always been owned by plumbers so has partial racking could do with replacing though. The engine and box are brilliant but i have had a few issues with locking mechanism seems to stick on passenger door, some times got to pull drivers handle a couple of times to open aswell. The sliding door has a snapped handle/cable. I went to a garage a few weeks back about getting new sills welded and a general tidy of arches he estimated 3-400 quid but wouldnt garauntee the work as the back arches would come straight back. He said he would call me and i have never heard back (he put number in his phone). Saw another guy today who said he wouldnt touch it unless i got new arches aswell which would cost 4 figures and recommended a newer van.

Problem is now i dont know if i should do mine up (looking at 2000) or buy newer, and if i buy newer what to get? I have no room to store tools at home and only went self employed this week.

Any advice welcome

thanks

 

[lame plumber]

hard but good money after bad £2k is almost another van, so why not buy a small one, earn some money then trade up

 

[michael c]

Problem is the tools mate makes me nervous about getting a smaller one. I would prefer it for running costs but like the flexability of larger vans. Think smallest i could go would be a vito or citreon dispatch sort of size.

 

[Mike Jackson]

I'd stick with what you've got until you can afford a land rover.

 

[gasmanrob]

If your on a budget but like a the larger van look at Citroen the newer ones are good motors but lack in build quality I'd say.

 

[michael c]

I do like the newer citreon/peugeot vans but havent really heard much about them. I really like the partner/belingo but they arent quite big enough.

I have considered 4x4s mike but i wasn't a massive fan of the defender when using them in the military. Think i will still have a look though may be better if can get one with a few creature comforts.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

Citreon relay or a newer transit

I have a 57 swb medium roof transit myself

 

[Ray Stafford]

We have loads of Citroen Relays, and they seem pretty good. Not as good as the Merc Sprinters that we use when we need something a bit larger, but for the price, you wouldn't expect them to be.

 

[Howsie]

Relay our choice to.

 

[Leo21]

Is your budget 2k ? Or is that what it's going to cost to do your old van. Anyway if you want something mega reliable but ugly and slow, get a Toyota hiace. You still see 15 20 year old examples running round. You won't see a ford or a French van that age.

 

[lame plumber]

if you have just started se, the last thing you need is a large monthly payment dragging out your costs, its great having a nice big new ish van but so many times Ive seen them come and then months later go! this isnt the best climate to be buying esp if your kicking off on your own. but god luck with your choice and work

 

[michael c]

2k is what it could cost to put my van back right. I dont really want to spend more than about 5k with racking im considering options just terrified i will get something that needs work in 6 months. Citreon garage near me though has a relay in for 5k with low mileage on a 58 plate. Also looking at a 57 plate transit 2.0 swb near me with 90k on clock and a 57 vivaro with 68k on clock.

 

[Leo21]

Out of those I'd have the transit. You will get some sort of warranty.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

first choice would be the transit, then relay, wouldnt touch the vivaro

 

[michael c]

Thanks everyone i love the transits but had heard a lot of engine stories and obviously the rust issues. Relay just havent heard much except the speedo fault on older models. Everything seems to have issues now, hence why i didnt really want to have to change im guttered tbh.
Anyone got any knowlege over which engine is more reliable on the transit and what they are like when get into higher mileage i.e around 100k and beyond as most transits are coming in at that but i need something that will last atleast long enough to get established.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

I have a swb meduim roof transit 110 bhp 260t 57 plate, done about 60,000 still going strong, just passed mot last week with no issues, have a test drive of the vans you have seen and see what you think. Got a tamed mechanic you can get an opinion from?

 

[gasmanrob]

09 transit 97k on the clock putting it in for full service shortly as don't want to take any chances but so far so good

 

[michael c]

Just gave up my work van which was brilliant a transit 300. I dont really have any mechanic mates just a wanna be mechanic but he believes you should only buy vauxhall or mercedes. Just looking on van trader now

 

[Leo21]

Vauxhall vans are renaults with different badges.

 

[plumber0808]

Citroen relay 07 reg. love it I've had it for 2 years its done about 80k nice and big in the back ,much bigger than a transit. In 2 years I have changed 2 bulbs and a fuse, brake pads, tyres.
I will get another when I'm done with this one.

 

[Leo21]

Toyota hiace 07, tyres and brake pads. Never failed an mot, serviced annually.

 

[Guest123]

I've always had Transits. Mines is a LWB medium roof and it's been rock solid. For sheer space and reliability I can't fault it. There are plenty of online companies offering hire lease or other cheap but attractive monthly payments for a brand new one. One I know of is Crusader vans.

Wouldn't touch a newer van with high mileage. Most are ex rental and have been used and abused. Ford also seem to think that every business will be renewing their vans every 3 years and the build quality on some of the foreign imports reflects that.

 

[michael c]

Citroen relay 07 reg. love it I've had it for 2 years its done about 80k nice and big in the back ,much bigger than a transit. In 2 years I have changed 2 bulbs and a fuse, brake pads, tyres.
I will get another when I'm done with this one.

what size have you got mate? Most of the transits im finding seem to be around the 100k mark seen a few relays at 45k. I would love to buy my works transit as it will go to auction in a couple of weeks.
I have messaged to ask if i can buy it but doubt they will allow it.

 

[Guest123]

Here's the link to Crusader with their deal on a new Relay.

[DLMURL="http://www.crusadervans.co.uk/citroen_relay-leasing.htm"]Citroën Relay Van Leasing, Citroën Relay Contract Hire - Crusader Vans[/DLMURL]

 

[michael c]

Thanks system looking at 2nd hand at min as dont want to commit to anything then find i dont have the work maybe once the work starts coming in