Buying a van?

applepicker

My 2002 Citroen Xsara seems to be jolting when I was driving in it. There's something wrong for sure. I have been looking for a van- Citroen Dispatch (SWB) or Peugeot Expert so I can park it in my limitd parking space near my flat. Where's the best place to look- Gumtree, ebay? Is it a case of checking service history etc. I wanted a newer one. Is it cheaper to buy up North, I live on the South Coast.

AdrianC

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/vans/used-vans
...and play with the postcode, to see the effect of location on value.

Bear in mind that vans keep their value much better than cars.

applepicker

AdrianC wrote: »

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/vans/used-vans
...and play with the postcode, to see the effect of location on value.

Bear in mind that vans keep their value much better than cars.

Do you have to just accept that a diesel vehicle will cost more in the future to run because all vans are diesel?


Private seller or van dealership, how do they compare?


If they say- 'no service history' is that ok or problem?

AdrianC

Given that it sounds like you're coming from a position of absolute zero, you might like to start with insurance quotes. Vans can be expensive and difficult to insure for private use. You may find a similar size sprogbus generally easier.

The step from a Xsara (even a Xsara Picasso) to a van is a big one. Do you NEED all that extra space?

applepicker

AdrianC wrote: »

Given that it sounds like you're coming from a position of absolute zero, you might like to start with insurance quotes. Vans can be expensive and difficult to insure for private use. You may find a similar size sprogbus generally easier.

The step from a Xsara (even a Xsara Picasso) to a van is a big one. Do you NEED all that extra space?

I am going to work as handyman/window cleaner. Put a tank in for window cleaning.


If the vehicle says - no service history, is that a problem?


For example this one says no service history-


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703253676344?advertising-location=at_vans&radius=1500&model=EXPERT&sort=datedesc&make=PEUGEOT&supplied-price-from=500&postcode=bh122dz&page=1

rich13348

applepicker wrote: »

I am going to work as handyman/window cleaner. Put a tank in for window cleaning.


If the vehicle says - no service history, is that a problem?


For example this one says no service history-


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703253676344?advertising-location=at_vans&radius=1500&model=EXPERT&sort=datedesc&make=PEUGEOT&supplied-price-from=500&postcode=bh122dz&page=1

It means it either not been serviced or they lost the service book. It will make it cheaper but also you can't be sure it has been serviced at regular intervals. You will pay extra for one that has been serviced but its worth it for peace of mind that the engine should be in good condition.

AdrianC

1.6HDi with no history = avoid like the plague.

applepicker

What about this-


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703113166682?radius=1500&advertising-location=at_vans&model=EXPERT&sort=datedesc&postcode=bh122dz&make=PEUGEOT&supplied-price-from=500&page=2&advert-type=featured-listing

AdrianC

You seem to have a shotgun approach to what you're willing to spend.

£3,500 to £8,400 in just two vans...

Bear in mind, too, that the van you're looking at is available with Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch, Fiat Scudo and Toyota ProAce badges. Badges apart, they are all identical, age-for-age. Avoid the 1.6.

forgotmyname

Your not going to fit much water into one of those. How big is this watertank your going to fit? How much water do you intend on carrying?

AdrianC

Weight is going to be the limiting factor, not space. A 1,000 litre IBC is only 1m x 1m x 1m - and would easily fit in a Berlingo or even a Xsara Picasso - but holds a ton.