Which Van is best for an electrical contractor?

[jp1976]

Hi all (at what point are you not a newbie ?)

I got a fiat doblo van few months back for £1850, 57 plate full service history brand new tires and 6 months tax and 112,500 on the clock ad its probably the best van I have ever driven, comfy, nippy and loads of leg room. I've read it only need's servicing every 21'000 miles it has been done every 6000 up to now. what ya all think ?

 

[Alarm_Monkey]

Hi all (at what point are you not a newbie ?)

I got a fiat doblo van.........what ya all think ?

Fugly, ateast if your driving it you don't have to look at it

 

[davesparks]

I think anyone who believes these extended service intervals are a good idea is a fool.

 

[james the spark]

I have the vauxhall combo basically the same as the doblo 21k service or 2 years had it 9 month from new and had to put it in at 18k as I had a problem due to the oil being so dirty cost 460 to get sorted, I personally hate the van looking to change back to a transit as I loved that van.

 

[jp1976]

I think anyone who believes these extended service intervals are a good idea is a fool.

I is no fool just tight as

 

[jp1976]

I have the vauxhall combo basically the same as the doblo 21k service or 2 years had it 9 month from new and had to put it in at 18k as I had a problem due to the oil being so dirty cost 460 to get sorted, I personally hate the van looking to change back to a transit as I loved that van.

Its the perfect size for me, transits can be had to park down little streets did look at a few tho

 

[pennychew]

My Vivaro has a unique self cleaning oil system where it leaks out of the bottom and i top it up once a week. Works out at a complete oil change every couple of months. I'll probably need to do the filter soon though

 

[nickblake]

Had transits all my life just changed to a VW transporter reason just got fed up of the rust even from brand new my old one started to rust but the VW looks the part, lovely quick not to big you nice little van

 

[dansk]

I've run VW transporters for the last 8 years and loved the 140ps, this time around I went for the 180 Bi-Tdi but feel a bit let down, drinks fuel and it's not that much quicker than the 140. Pulls up hills like it's on the flat but you soon get bored of that.

 

[richy3333]

I've run VW transporters for the last 8 years and loved the 140ps, this time around I went for the 180 Bi-Tdi but feel a bit let down, drinks fuel and it's not that much quicker than the 140. Pulls up hills like it's on the flat but you soon get bored of that.

Good to know, my 140 is soon to be changed. Had thought about the next size up.

 

[rapparee]

I recommended a fiat doblo on this forum about a month ago. They're extremely good value, but if the purse strings aren't that tight, the transporter is hard to beat, but it's hard to justify the price cpmpared to a trafic or a transit

 

[jp1976]

I recommended a fiat doblo on this forum about a month ago. They're extremely good value, but if the purse strings aren't that tight, the transporter is hard to beat, but it's hard to justify the price cpmpared to a trafic or a transit

Mine does about 60mpg which is tuff to beat

 

[PEG]

...Been eyeing up a nice late seventies Dodge 50,Ex-TV detector van,good Perkins engine,leather rear door restraints and a fold down heated hand wash basin...:icon12:

 

[test electrical]

Ive had every van under the sun and a new one every three years for the last 20 and one less than 3 at any one time had 2 VWs but have bad luck with them.For the money and I have had 4 of these even one I sold on to a mate it was 12 years old 230K on it and only broke down once.These or on the dear side but if your doing big miles and I have don't think I have seen one at the side of the road, as well as holding there money, I give you the TOYOTA HIACE

 

[davesparks]

I is no fool just tight as

Extended service intervals is one way that manufacturers ensure they continue to sell lots, if their vehicles were serviced at more sensible intervals they would last a lot longer and the companies would sell less units.

 

[jp1976]

Extended service intervals is one way that manufacturers ensure they continue to sell lots, if their vehicles were serviced at more sensible intervals they would last a lot longer and the companies would sell less units.

will probably keep to the 6000 and do it myself

 

[Simon-0116]

Toyota hi ace proper work horse just keep going

 

[RexT]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone help in suggesting which van would be best or an electrician working on his own and carrying steps and the normal tools?

Any help on what van should not be bought from your experience would be helpful

Best wishes,

Rex

 

[richy3333]

There's loads of threads about vans. Save yourself any trouble and by a transporter. I'd avoid Renault/Nissan/Vauxhall (think that's the right 3). They all had problems with (I think) gear boxes.

 

[shanky887614]

depends what you are going to carry. do you carry a lot of conduit/trunking etc?

some vans cant take 3m lengths very easily even on the angle so need to be tied on the roof

 

[jackhammerJIM]

Gear boxes and injectors

 

[Resu]

There's loads of threads about vans. Save yourself any trouble and by a transporter. I'd avoid Renault/Nissan/Vauxhall (think that's the right 3). They all had problems with (I think) gear boxes.

That's a bit of a sweeping generalisation! Not interested in starting an arguement but we have never had a major issue with any of the 4 of our Vivaros (one is 8 years old). Whereas my uncle has just traded his transporter in as he's had no end of trouble with it (it's 4 years old).


It's the same as anything, if you do your homework - work out common issues with particular models/engines, etc. Keep an eye out for service history, recalls, etc. Provided it's been looked after you'll be fine with any van!

 

[amlu]

i have ex post office ldv convoy, big truck, cheap and ultra reliable. everything fits in and does for campervan when on holidays

 

[TJ Anderson]

Vivaro / Transporter size definitely makes life easier than Caddy's, Berlingo's etc. I have never had one, but the Toyota Hiace is about the best van money can buy according to those who have had them, they just don't go wrong!!

 

[ImpededLoop]

I've got an Astravan which is great but only has the rear tailgate so reaching things at the front of the load area is difficult.

 

[geordie]

Got a nissan nv200 had it from new great starter van

 

[telectrix]

toyota hiace, the best ever. trouble is they hold their price so you'll pay good money for one.

 

[Adam W]

That's a bit of a sweeping generalisation! Not interested in starting an arguement but we have never had a major issue with any of the 4 of our Vivaros (one is 8 years old). Whereas my uncle has just traded his transporter in as he's had no end of trouble with it (it's 4 years old).


It's the same as anything, if you do your homework - work out common issues with particular models/engines, etc. Keep an eye out for service history, recalls, etc. Provided it's been looked after you'll be fine with any van!

It's not often someone's opinion of a vehicle is anything other than a sweeping generalisation; I've never had any major problems with my Peugeot, despite the amount of times people tell me "all French cars are rubbish".

 

[emacleod]

I've got a vw caddy maxi great van but slightly to small for conduit

 

[rapparee]

depends what you are going to carry. do you carry a lot of conduit/trunking etc?

some vans cant take 3m lengths very easily even on the angle so need to be tied on the roof

A mercedes sprinter will