Best cheap light van please?

hethmar

Son has just passed his test, wants a small van (Bank of Mum and Dad) to use for an odd job building business. Up to now, his girlfriend has had to take him to jobs in her car.

Ive looked at local paper/ebay til my eyes ache. What sort of diesel van would be best for a youngster who has learnt to drive in a petrol car?? Im looking Berlingos, Partners and I did look at Ford Escorts, but Im told they are very sluggish? Also astravans - are they any good.

Im talking probably 8-10 years old here So do I worry about the mileage or is that irrelevant if the van has been maintained please?

hethmar

Yes, Im just slightly concerned that as he is not an experienced driver and has only driven a petrol car that it may be a problem for him at first - re safety when pulling out and so on.

bigjl

With vans go for as new as you can, and if it comes from a company with hostory then even better.

I have heard good things about the Transit Connect, but that may be too new.

I have also know some courier companies had LPG converted small vans, congestion charge exempt, as they are petrol they are bit nippier.

I think the one's that were used were Kangoos and Berlingos.

Be wary of ex Post Office vans, if they were used around a large city they will be hammered, even though they may have less miles than some.

One mate had an ex PO van, for parcel work, he went through a clutch and gearbox in the first six weeks, though the engine lasted for 2 years before going bang, but he drove it like he stole it and did 60k a year. It was an Escort van. His was non turbo, but a turbo was available, but that went through more fuel.

I had an Escort TD that had the same engine, wasn't too bad, actually quite nippy, as far as the non turbop Escort vans gop they aren't that bad, no powerfull but they don't have any turbo lag either, which is a common criticism with small diesel vans with a turbo.

Inactive

A Berlingo size van isn't much use as a Builders van, not big enough.

A Transit size would be better.

Buy an ex BT Van if you can find one, they are usually light grey, they have never been overworked.

hethmar

Still looking. Now checking the insurance on each one :eek:

Flying-High_2

Dispatch or an Expert or the Fiat equivalent I forget the model.. Scudo?....

Bigger than a Berlingo etc.. Most have triple seats up front and a lot of 2 Side loading doors.. Car like to drive and planty of room in the back.

hethmar

I cant believe the mileage on these vans. Nothing under 100k and some 155k and so on.

Quinny_2

I used a Berlingo when I had my courier business, and I slipped up when I bought it, as it was the 1.9 non turbo model. If I were to buy one again, it would definitely be a turbo model.

I have to say though, it was as comfy as hell, and the driving position was brilliant.

gilbert_and_sullivan

I agree with Flying High, the Expert/Scudo/Dispatch is an excellent vehicle, non turbo will be a bit slower but has less to go wrong, if smaller will do then Berlingo is good as are the few remaining Escort Vans.

Van insurance might be a bit of an eye opener.

Kilty_2

Rather than buying privately I'd probably look to buy an ex-fleet one at auction if I were you, providing you know or know someone that knows what to look for.

eamon

A Berlingo size is fine for an odd job builder. Builders merchants will deliver to site if needed.