Transit sized van

[dean4442]

Firstly sorry I know this isn't strictly bushy related but I know who I trust and I'm afraid you guys are it!
I need a new van for my work (Sparky) with three seats in the front to carry my two boys on the school run and want to get one which will be big enough to string a hammock on the diagonal in the back for the occasional two day job. I've been looking at a few and am now more confused due to the number of different reviews so can any of you guys help?
Colin

 

[santaman2000]

Personally I'd rather have a full sized van, but I don't know of anyone who makes them anymore other than Nissan.

 

[SCOMAN]

Stay away from vauxhall vivaro or any van that uses the same engine (there are about four other users) it's a piece of junk. VW van may suit or indeed a transit.

 

[Alreetmiowdmuka]

Stay away from vauxhall vivaro or any van that uses the same engine (there are about four other users) it's a piece of junk. VW van may suit or indeed a transit.

Plus 1 to this I had the renault traffic basically same van.you wanna be getting a transit mate.

 

[tiger stacker]

VW Vs Ford, comes down to comfort cost and what you find. New transit means all those 12/13 plates should be less price now.

 

[widu13]

I have a Renault Trafic crew van. Great engine (it's not the same as the Vauxhall) but don't get the semi auto gearbox that I have- it's pantaloons!

The new Transit custom is a very nice all rounder.

 

[fredster]

LWB T4. Get the 2.5 tdi if you can. What you pay over a transit for the badge on the front you'll save in longevity and no rusting. I've driven a fair few vans over the years and none of them feel as solid as a T4. Avoid T5's though; gearbox issues common.

 

[dave89]

It would be helpfull if you had budget to work to

 

[MertzMan]

I'd second the avoidance on the semi auto Renault's. I know a chap who's been thru 3 in 5 years :/

 

[widu13]

LWB T4. Get the 2.5 tdi if you can. What you pay over a transit for the badge on the front you'll save in longevity and no rusting. I've driven a fair few vans over the years and none of them feel as solid as a T4. Avoid T5's though; gearbox issues common.

Has a T5 in the 2006 130 variant; sweet as a nut. It's the 174 that are known for trashing DMFs.

 

[dean4442]

Thank you all, it looks like Transit might be the way to go then. Budget will depend as I'd rather spend a bit more to get a decent van which will last than a cheap one which looks tatty and needs replacing in four years.
Colin

 

[Bluebs4]

Iv been doing some research , from lwb connects to t5 vw and as someone's already said a vw t4 works and works but you need to buy the van not the reg ,oh and there rocking horse poo to get hold of I'm on the hunt for a t4 lwb crew bus and if it's AA type maintained then I can live with the yellow.

 

[Pete K]

I've got a Transit. 2007 ex RAC SWB. It's my second van conversion. Taken the shell, insulated and ply lined. Then added cooking unit and double bunk. Spend about 1 week a month living in her. Rest of the time it's a changing room and kit store for my outdoor activity business.
Transits are great. Simple and generally quite reliable. Keep it waxoiled and clean to stove off the inevitable Ford rot.
Got my last 2 from MVS - junction 31 on M1. Top dealer and sells all the ex RAC vans.

 

[colly]

are you talking about new or second hand?
Transits do seem to be about the best but don't count on back up from Ford or their official repairers they will duck out of supporting the warrantees any way they can.

 

[dean4442]

Second hand definitely.
Colin