Spec me a 20k is van for potential conversion (conversion price excluded from 20k) - vw, ford or other?

413x

413x

413x

Caporegime
Joined
13 Jan 2010
Posts
32,972
Location
Llaneirwg
This month I reach the 20k mark in my van saving plan. So it's time to look at models.

I think I want a vw transporter type of van. Anything bigger and taller seems to be a hassle.

Mainly I'm wondering if the bad rep ford gets is justified as money goes a loooot further (newer and less miles) with a transit custom than a transporter.


Initially I just want a base van. One I can throw a bed in, my kayak, my mtb etc.

But yeah.. First question is.. Which manufacturer to get?
 
Last edited:
Mercedes Sprinter.

Medium wheelbase Transit with high top worth considering. My impression of Transits is they are quite reliable, cheap to repair, but maybe a little prone to rust.

Peugeot do long wheelbase vans.

I wouldn't get a VW T4 as they are too small, but maybe a VW Crafter if in budget, although this is quite large.
 
How about a MANN TGE (Standard high roof) can get them around £16.5K 2019 plate with 66k on the clock.
Leaves a few bob to put towards the conversion.

a lot of people recommend sprinters or transits but they're both rust bucket's.
 
I wouldn't advocate a transit, the engines are chocolate,

The sprinter is a good van, but rust can be an issue, they're built very un Merc like.

The VW transporter is far overpriced due to sheep.

The MAN van or the VW equivalent LT is an excellent choice.

I'm not sure about the newer ones, but at some point the sprinter and VW Lt were a shared platform
 
As I've said in previous threads, this is what I do for work, so...

Transporter, Euro 6 vans are obviously newer (2017 on) but have common issues which can cost a bit to repair, £1000 is our average bill.

Transit Customs, I've actually lost track on how many engines I've done this year. Do not bother

Renault trafic based vans, again got two sat outside for engines, although not as bad as a transit. These do cost a bit more to convert as parts choice is not the same as transit or VW

The other suggestions in this thread are bigger vans, by which you won't be driving around daily realistically, so if your considering that size, just buy a motorhome. That's what I done.
 
Decide what your really going to want to do long term and check the net and gross weights.
I was watching a vid some months ago and the guy said many conversions are illegal in effect because they are ok until you wack a few people in them and all the gear people like to carry.
I mean its legal to sell them but you cant (legally) use them as people expect to.

There was talking of clamping down on self conversions, probably due to above.
 
naefeart said:
What’s the issues with these; is it engine or running gear?
Click to expand...

Engine.

The transits have issues with the timing chains on the earlier ones where the tensioners were failing left right and centre.

Now the newer ones have wet belts and fail left right and centre. And also have issues with the emissions and injection systems.

The VW's are more to do with the emissions system I believe, EGR are common

But any diesel engine has the potential to costs thousands in repair as they operate within such tight tolerances and everything on them is just a lot of money.
 
Do you need a van?

Remember now the legislation to convert it to a camper is very hard so you would be stuck with the commercial speed limits unless you buy a previously converted van or one with the extended roof.

Best bet would be if doing fresh build, a Nissan elgrand, Toyota alphas/vellfire, Honda stepwagon or Mitsubishi delicia as they have the car speed limit, already have all the windows and aren’t over priced like most vans are.


If you definitely want a van, I’d avoid the transit and vws as they are far too expensive for what they are and reliability is poor.

The Mercedes is nice but it comes with the cost of being a Mercedes so parts are expensive as hell.

Avoid the fiat ducrapo, most unreliable vehicle I had in the fleet I managed.

Toyota, Vauxhall, citreon and Peugeot share a common car and rebadge it, they are pretty good all round and parts are relatively cheap to buy. Only issue is find one with a tail gate rather than normal doors
 
Abraxaz1 said:
Do you need a van?

Remember now the legislation to convert it to a camper is very hard so you would be stuck with the commercial speed limits unless you buy a previously converted van or one with the extended roof.

Best bet would be if doing fresh build, a Nissan elgrand, Toyota alphas/vellfire, Honda stepwagon or Mitsubishi delicia as they have the car speed limit, already have all the windows and aren’t over priced like most vans are.


If you definitely want a van, I’d avoid the transit and vws as they are far too expensive for what they are and reliability is poor.

The Mercedes is nice but it comes with the cost of being a Mercedes so parts are expensive as hell.

Avoid the fiat ducrapo, most unreliable vehicle I had in the fleet I managed.

Toyota, Vauxhall, citreon and Peugeot share a common car and rebadge it, they are pretty good all round and parts are relatively cheap to buy. Only issue is find one with a tail gate rather than normal doors
Click to expand...

You know the Ducato is the same as Peugeot, Citroen, and more recently vauxhall and Toyota pro-ace right?
 
sx_turbo said:
You know the Ducato is the same as Peugeot, Citroen, and more recently vauxhall and Toyota pro-ace right?
Click to expand...
Different engine and transmission, plus I doubt he’ll get a low mileage one for £20k.
The previous generation has a load of issues with engine, transmission, air con and general weight capacity causing the front driven wheels to lift off the ground.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom