Question about vans
 

I am sure you all seen our dogs in my other thread, I am soon to be completing my driving license, and am curious myself and my girlfriend are thinking about spending a few hundred quid on a tidy van, something of a workhorse to move us and the dogs to the beach and parks and back and do shopping.

I am not after streetcred or anything but what legally am I permitted to drive, and also is insurance evil on something like a SWB Transit van? or perhaps a Fiesta Combi? or Escort Van, Hijet?

Thanks

Andrew

Re: Question about vans
 

anything up to and including this size
apart from a mini bus carrying more than 7 passengers

Re: Question about vans
 

How big are your dogs Andrew (can't remember)?

Wouldn't you be better of with an estate of some description? Don't forget that a lot of vans have reduced visibility so, as a new driver, it may make it a little trickier (particularly with parking).

Having said that, I can't see any reason why something like a Combi wouldn't do you - they're easy to drive and a fairly decent size :tu:

Re: Question about vans
 

Thanks Nugget as for the dogs you can see them in this thread

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=32602

post #14 is latest pictures.

I have been eyeing up ex workhorse high milage Ford Escort vans I only plan on spending about £500 on one, just depends on insurance really.

Re: Question about vans
 

Something like the Citroen Dispatch is lovely.
Used to drive one, lots of oomph, loads of space, sliding doors on both sides too, and very comfortable cab.
Economical as well (well a heck of a lot more economical than the SWB transit we were hiring until the dispatch arrived)

Re: Question about vans
 

This site seems to deal with everything you are asking for including insurance.

I would have thought one of the small vans would be sufficient (they are often easier to handle than estate cars).

Re: Question about vans
 

I once drove a friends transit off public roads and was amazed how easy it was compared to my fathers 406 saloon.
__________________

:tu:

Re: Question about vans
 

I don't think the van idea is very good - unless you're looking at something like a Kangoo etc...

I appreciate you need space for your dogs etc, but a van IMO offers too much space....decent sized estate car would be much more safe and comfortable for your dogs. Can you imagine them trying to steady themselves when you drive round corners in a van?

Re: Question about vans
 

Very good point OB.

I agree that an estate would probably be better, or even a hatchback - for space purposes, my hatchback has a decent sized boot but, if you fold the back seats down, there'll be more than enough space.

Re: Question about vans
 

Get an estate car, in a van your dogs are going to be all over the place unless you crate them :)

Re: Question about vans
 

We was looking at a Peugeot 309 1.6 Automatic H reg for £400 but the owner is pushing more then we like, and I am sure now they are hiding something about it.

We are planning on a top end of £500, I would prefer a diesel engine, as they drive more how I am used to driving.

Re: Question about vans
 

309 hatchback? I wouldn't consider that nearly big enough for four dogs... :erm:

Re: Question about vans
 

How about a 405 estate then?
I'd say a Citroen BX, but then you have the hydrolics to think about if they go wrong or need servicing soon, although if carrying a load, or people who can't bend easily, it's very handy.
There's also the Citroen Xantia, again with hydrolics.

Re: Question about vans
 

a 405 estate would be perfect but finding one which can deliver, and for a top end cost of £500 with MOT tax is hard work.

Mainly because I am after a diesel.

Re: Question about vans
 

I bought an isuzu trooper lwb 2.8 td (non import)for £500 with 6mnths tax and mot its good on diesel 38mpg down to 25mpg local and the insurance is very low i havnt got any no claims and mine was £344:)



http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...&stc=1&thumb=1

Re: Question about vans
 

That was a bargain Mark!

Re: Question about vans
 

they are cheap and they run great we bought ours for camping

and theres one in the manchester loot now :D
here http://www.loot.com/rs6/cl.asp?actio...07&ss=-1&sms=0

Re: Question about vans
 

Try BX's then

Re: Question about vans
 

Ya know never thought of them old bangers.

Re: Question about vans
 

If the Oleopnumatic green balls look in good nick then the suspension is highly unlikely to go wrong.

Re: Question about vans
 

Well whatever you get please make sure they are restrained in some way - either in a crate or with a harness secured by a 2 or 3 point seat belt. I've actually seen a dog (Alsatian, on the M11) who survived a crash, in spite of being thrown through the windscreen, but killed as it ran out into the road in panic. :(
Mine has one of these and she won't go in the car without it now.

Re: Question about vans
 

It neads servicing every 90,000 miles or so if memory serves which can be a bit pricey, and you can have the balls re-gassed, but that won't last as long as replacement.
Advantages are:
Stability if you have a blow out
Low chance of engine fire; it's diesel and the LHM doesn't burn
Excellent if you have people with reduced mobility as you can raise the car up to help them in and out.
Great in floods as you can raise the car up (tho don't go fast into deep puddles as the air intake is down behind the front passenger fog light on the Xantia and you can flood your engine literally, although mine survived this)
Very handy if your auto matic garage door gets stuck halfway up as you can lower the suspension and get under (as demonstrated in an old citroen advert) :D

Re: Question about vans
 

I've got a Xantia and just had the hydraulics sorted (new spheres all round, now fluid), cost me £254.62 inc VAT.

Re: Question about vans
 

I personally think you are going to find it hard getting a decent van for that price and if you do get a cheap one you are bound to run into problems later on as it will be old. This will add tonnes of money in repairs.
Ideally a second hand kangoo would be good as Orange mentioned, from a garage that has it fully serviced and where it is in perfect road condition. Or go for a car instead. Spending a bit more will ensure you dont have any problems later on.

Re: Question about vans
 

True, would love a 1997 styled Rover 400 TD, driving one on lessons and is a lovely engine to learn in and bobble about town.

May have to go finance on a newer one ( about 1999 to 2002 ) just for reliability, everyone call's Rover but they are used for cabs near me, and are hammered and nothing breaks?

Re: Question about vans
 

When are you taking your driving test Saxo?

Re: Question about vans
 

Very true, I've been in a CX that had a blow out at 70+ on the M2, tyre was shredded by the time we stopped, but stability was intact. Wouldn't have wanted to be in a traditionally suspended car when that happened.

Re: Question about vans
 

Sounds like a good idea. Check out several different garages and also on the internet.

Re: Question about vans
 

to be honest i wouldnt have a citreon if it was free

they are good cars until something goes wrong then its time to break out the gold card:Yikes:

Re: Question about vans
 

Not any more, they are as un gold card like as a Peugeot.