Small van (vw caddy style) instead of a car?

[413x]

You will get speed restrictions for some commercial vehicles (60 on dual carriageway) and I think they might be taxed differently too. Things to check. You can also get charged for going into clean air zones.

Clean air zone shouldn't be an issue. I think I've only been in one twice to date.

 

[413x]

Nice, yeah it sounds like that'd be the ideal go between then.
I've driven a fair few vans, but one did catch me out once, a Transit connect (IIRC) stumpy little hatchback van, it was surprisingly wide and awkward to reverse, which made no sense considering I was very confident with LWB stuff? Weird right But yeah, it was a **** to back into what should have been more than enough room
I don't know why I shared that, but I have so I hope it made you laugh at least

Yeah ideally would have something like a car. Haven't done too much research on this option yet. But garage have said current car has a growing list of problems that need work. So trying to get ahead of the game.

 

[sovietspybob]

A big van only would be an annoyance (and probably impossible) to get into town or go to gym etc. A small van size of a car has more boot space.

There are days I like to take my kayak/mountian bike out. I wouldn't need a big camper for this. But a van would mean I could throw my mountain bike in and my kayak and it's safe. On car it's either on back or on roof. I don't like leaving it as its a theft magnet. In back of a van it would be safe and hidden.

Yeah small van sounds perfect for you, i used to chuck my mountain bike in the back of the work NV200 and go for an hours biking after working at some of our sites in Snowdonia, was perfect not having to faff around taking wheels off or clipping into a carrier or worrying about it getting pinched. Plus gives a place to get changed yourself and doesn't matter if the bike is muddy or anything after a ride.

I used to love doing the weekly shop in it too, even though an estate car is big it was a joy to do any shopping with a van!

 

[413x]

Something I've mentioned before: you may also find some places ban "commercial vehicles" from parking i.e. some tourist attractions and recycling centres often require you to apply for a permit before using (usually free).

Obviously if classed as a light commercial vehicle it will be taxed differently as well.

On the Ford Transit from another post I made:

"depends a bit on the model but we had quite a few issues with them at work - they (4th gen) have the appearance of being narrower than they are due to the style combined with big sticking out wing mirrors - resulting in them getting hit constantly, especially the wing mirrors being clipped but also the van itself, compared to the Crafters and Sprinters which rarely had the same happening.

Also a common failure with a coolant hose rubbing and splitting, turbo issues, fuel pump failures, a subset of them had issue with regularly chewing up the aux belt - not an issue with all of them but some of them do it and there doesn't seem to be an easy fix for it." (These are used and abused by people who don't own the vans so likely exacerbates these issues).

Ah interesting will definitely have to check out any restrictions on "commercial vehicle" restrictions as didn't think about that for the smaller van.

Not fixed on a transit custom. It just seems the main alternative to the VW which carry such a cost premium.

 

[413x]

Yeah small van sounds perfect for you, i used to chuck my mountain bike in the back of the work NV200 and go for an hours biking after working at some of our sites in Snowdonia, was perfect not having to faff around taking wheels off or clipping into a carrier or worrying about it getting pinched. Plus gives a place to get changed yourself and doesn't matter if the bike is muddy or anything after a ride.

Exactly. It's a pain. Either take wheel. Off, drop the seats, try and squeeze bike in, mud everywhere. Or put it on roof/back where some little scrote could steal it.

Be good for day trip to beach too as can change in it etc vs the cold after surfing. So many uses. No need to worry about if can fit IKEA haul in either!

 

[sovietspybob]

Oh one thing i would say is i really didn't like driving the Caddy compared to the Nissan before it, the NV200 was a way better vehicle in every way. Dunno why people love caddys so much as i couldn't find a single thing to like about our work one apart from it being a van of the right size and it being free

 

[Martynt74]

Because we don't use the back seats.
If I need to transport my bike or kayak on a day trip I have to force it in the back or have it exposed to theft.

Dog has bad hips and lifting him in and out of the car is a pain.

I see no real use case for a car I suppose. The back seats are just an annoyance.

Not worth getting an estate/larger hatchback and just fold the seats down? That's generally how i use my Kia Sportage these days as we also rarely use the back seats, but it's handy to at least keep that option. Sure you might not get the optimum headroom vs a small van, but it gives a bit more flexibility.

 

[deviation]

Yeah ideally would have something like a car. Haven't done too much research on this option yet. But garage have said current car has a growing list of problems that need work. So trying to get ahead of the game.

I'm glad that made you chuckle I'm still bitter about that van as you can tell
Yep, it's good to give yourself a head start planning an alternative That'll make getting rid of the car seem less of must, and more of an upgrade to your quality of life/requirements, that way It's a great go between idea to be fair, best of both worlds!

 

[deviation]

Double post glitch in the matrix, doh!

 

[sovietspybob]

Not worth getting an estate/larger hatchback and just fold the seats down? That's generally how i use my Kia Sportage these days as we also rarely use the back seats, but it's handy to at least keep that option. Sure you might not get the optimum headroom vs a small van, but it gives a bit more flexibility.

I remember saying the same thing a few years ago but then i got access to a small van and its a real game changer compared to seats folded down in a normal car.

Being able to throw a bike in the back with ease without worrying about smashing windows or trim is a real revelation, plus vans are just way WAY easier to loads things like bikes into compared to a car. You can just roll it into the back, hook a bungee cord around it and drive off.

 

[413x]

Not worth getting an estate/larger hatchback and just fold the seats down? That's generally how i use my Kia Sportage these days as we also rarely use the back seats, but it's handy to at least keep that option. Sure you might not get the optimum headroom vs a small van, but it gives a bit more flexibility.

I don't think so. I actually can't see any reason to get a car. Because the only time the seats aren't down is for the dog. And like Soviet says, hauling a. Big heavy ebike up into a car is a hassle. It's dirty and often wet.

The only hesitation is if there are. Any restrictions in parking as mentioned earlier in thread.

 

[Begbie]

I had a Fiat doblo for a while cheap as chips and drove absolutely fine.

 

[sovietspybob]

I don't think so. I actually can't see any reason to get a car. Because the only time the seats aren't down is for the dog. And like Soviet says, hauling a. Big heavy ebike up into a car is a hassle. It's dirty and often wet.

The only hesitation is if there are. Any restrictions in parking as mentioned earlier in thread.

I only found restrictions on going to the council tip, you can usually do it in a personal van as long as its not sign written and you get a permit to that effect as they'll probably turn you away at the gate otherwise. I never found anywhere else i couldn't go in the work van, car parks, shopping centres etc

The tax and insurance is usually more which is the only real downside

 

[mattyg]

Something I've mentioned before: you may also find some places ban "commercial vehicles" from parking i.e. some tourist attractions and recycling centres often require you to apply for a permit before using (usually free).

Obviously if classed as a light commercial vehicle it will be taxed differently as well.

On the Ford Transit from another post I made:

"depends a bit on the model but we had quite a few issues with them at work - they (4th gen) have the appearance of being narrower than they are due to the style combined with big sticking out wing mirrors - resulting in them getting hit constantly, especially the wing mirrors being clipped but also the van itself, compared to the Crafters and Sprinters which rarely had the same happening.

Also a common failure with a coolant hose rubbing and splitting, turbo issues, fuel pump failures, a subset of them had issue with regularly chewing up the aux belt - not an issue with all of them but some of them do it and there doesn't seem to be an easy fix for it." (These are used and abused by people who don't own the vans so likely exacerbates these issues).

I have a fleet of 7 transit couriers and they've been the most reliable vans we've had for that dept in the last 15 years, Some issues creeping in now at 130K+ miles. But things like Alternators, and one guy seems to wear his keys out...

 

[Martynt74]

I remember saying the same thing a few years ago but then i got access to a small van and its a real game changer compared to seats folded down in a normal car.

Being able to throw a bike in the back with ease without worrying about smashing windows or trim is a real revelation, plus vans are just way WAY easier to loads things like bikes into compared to a car. You can just roll it into the back, hook a bungee cord around it and drive off.

I guess, my bikes are generally lightish and i can fit an XL bike with wheels in the back of my Sportage fairly easy, although it's on it's side vs upright.

The more i read this thread i do wonder if something like the Peogeot E-Rifter might actually be a good option for me!

 

[Manbatius]

Exactly. It's a pain. Either take wheel. Off, drop the seats, try and squeeze bike in, mud everywhere. Or put it on roof/back where some little scrote could steal it.

Be good for day trip to beach too as can change in it etc vs the cold after surfing. So many uses. No need to worry about if can fit IKEA haul in either!

Not seen anyone mention it, but a relative is on his second Citroen Berlingo across the last 12 years, he uses it for transporting motorbikes. Did not see anyone mention it, it may be too small is all.

Not sure if it would be big enough is all, he did have a corsa style van before all this but found it too much hassle.

 

[Uther]

I'd love a van for the 3-4 times a year I need one!
Don't get a Transit, aren't they still the most nicked / nickable vans...

 

[Rroff]

I have a fleet of 7 transit couriers and they've been the most reliable vans we've had for that dept in the last 15 years, Some issues creeping in now at 130K+ miles. But things like Alternators, and one guy seems to wear his keys out...

Ours are mostly on 200-300K miles heh (and they aren't even that old - I think the oldest is 21 plate now), but problems started creeping in much lower especially the issue with coolant hoses rubbing and splitting which has happened on about 1/3rd of the ones we've had/have. Don't know if the roads make much odds but around here a lot of rural roads in not the best condition. But in comparison the Mercs and VWs haven't had consistent types of failures and generally more reliable.

 

[mattyg]

Ours are mostly on 200-300K miles heh (and they aren't even that old - I think the oldest is 21 plate now), but problems started creeping in much lower especially the issue with coolant hoses rubbing and splitting which has happened on about 1/3rd of the ones we've had/have. Don't know if the roads make much odds but around here a lot of rural roads in not the best condition. But in comparison the Mercs and VWs haven't had consistent types of failures and generally more reliable.

We've a mix. From Yorkshire to the midlands to Norfolk and Devon/ Cornwall.

We tried Peugeot Bippers a few years back when we could get brand new ones for £7k but they barely lasted 2 years. We only need fiesta sized but at the time fiestas were only available in 3 cylinder petrol.

I'll get the guys to check the coolant hoses and see if we can pre-empt any breakdowns around that.

I've over 50 drivers out every night, but most are owner drivers

 

[Rroff]

I'll get the guys to check the coolant hoses and see if we can pre-empt any breakdowns around that.

Unfortunately I don't know the exact issue as I just log the issue and someone else deals with it, Googling it shows 2 different manifestations of where it is rubbing against the AC or a bracket.