30 replies to this topic

[Darcini]

Need a small van for work, minimal mileage involved but need a flat, easy loading area because my back is not what it was, so rules out hatchback based vans like the Corsa/Fiesta options. Anyone had one, any other ideas? Looking to buy used, budget around the 4k mark.

[Claws]

Don't buy a Bipper/Nemo/Fiorino if you have a bad back!! I had one when I had a good back and neck up until I had one. The worst thought out vehicle ever. I am only 5'7" and the cabin is far too small for me. I hated every one of the 75k miles. Shite.

[Darcini]

So the driving position is the problem?

[Claws]

Basically, yes. Pedals are quite high the end of the seat is firm and high, digs into the back of your knees The steering wheel is quite far away and at a funny angle. The gearstick is miles away. That is all I can think of just now, but there is probably more. Terrible, the only thing I liked about it was that it was black

Edited by Claws, 23 November 2013 - 08:42 PM.

[Darcini]

Fair enough, but have you ever considered your back problem may have been caused by going up and down in faulty lifts too often?

[Claws]

Nope, My Peugeot Partner and 2x VW Caddys resulted in no issues. Currently using Caddy #2, brilliant van but a little large for your needs!

[Darcini]

I've looked at the economics of just hiring a van for the probable bi-weekly need for the carrying capacity, but really need the flexibility of having something available there and then. Anything else out there I should look at?

[GeorgeBC]

Transit connect.

 

I've only driven a caddy or a old corsa combo in that size of van but the connect would be the one i would have. French sh*t falls apart.

[Darcini]

Thought about the Connect, but for my budget we're talking a 5/6 year old high mileage at least, do they last? Are they still classed as a car derived van or pukka macho work tool? Plus those arches would bring back bad memories every time I looked at them!

[jonnyboy]

I have a Nemo its shite. Very hard to get comfortable in, no room in the back for anything.

[Claws]

I have a Nemo its shite. Very hard to get comfortable in, no room in the back for anything.

My Dad had a 55 plate Connect from new till a few years ago, ran flawlessly and had a hard life running around it's MGW for the most of it. Only came to a sticky end when someone pulled out of a junction at point-blank range while he was passing at 40mph... his company still use it's "sister" van Connect is not car derived, my dad got done for speeding by a scam-van as he was doing 70odd on a NSL dual carriageway which is a 60mph limit for a panel van

Edited by Claws, 23 November 2013 - 10:21 PM.

[GeorgeBC]

Missed the car derived bit. I had an astra van which was very good and economical. Problem with vans like this is that loading them and packing it so stuff doesn't smash about is a PITA, you cant stand up in the back which makes the loading a real pain. Why not buy an estate and leave the seats down? Saves paying commercial van insurance as well.

 

Really would buy a connect, ours was bullet proof despite being rarely serviced and thrashed for every mile of its life. You can get a pallet in there as well which you may not need at the moment but its nice to have that option.

[Mangham54]

Connect is a proper van, they will take abuse but you have to treat them mean as the engine doesn't take well to polite use. Brother loved his connect, had a few issues with his intially a 55 plate (I think it was), before the council gave him a brand new one in 2009. Racked up plenty of miles in them both.

[slindborg]

Get a 100+bhp connect. You can then play M&M roulette

[jonnyboy]

The speed limit difference was a shock to me we got a note from the md earlier this year I had no idea it was a different limit for vans.

[Kieran McC]

I had a Vauxhall combo 1.7 tdi it did 130000 before it died, My last van was a Transit connect 1.8 tdi ex gas board , they were both reliable cheap vans to run.

Edited by kieranmcc, 24 November 2013 - 11:31 AM.

[Mangham54]

Get a 100+bhp connect. You can then play M&M roulette

M&M roullette?

[FLD]

I can build you a trailer if that's any good?

[darronwall]

caddy or connect,you pay a premium for the caddy tho

[Kieran McC]

I can build you a trailer if that's any good?

car transporter drop me a pm