Caddy Maxi v Transit Connect L2

[TaffyDuck]

Hi guys.
Its been a while since I posted.
I`m in the market for a new van and would welcome your thoughts.
I work in an area with lots of narrow alleys and archways to drive through so a small van ( with well thought out racking) is needed. I gave up on Vivaro sized vans when I found myself parking hundreds of yards away from jobs.
So the plan is either a high spec 1.6 Transit Connect LWB 2016 with the 1.6 115hp engine or a lower spec Caddy Maxi as my budget wont stretch to a highline.
I know the Caddy is a great van ( I have a SWB startline now) but I`m torn as I need to occasionally pick both kids up and having that extra little seat would be helpfull. Also I need to do some serious miles sometimes and aircon/Dab/bluetooth etc . would be great to have.
The Caddy I have a handle on but does anyone drive the 1.6 connect 115hp? If so how do you find it?

 

[westward10]

I would always say Caddy and have a new 150ps Highline but the lower spec models are a box with four wheels. If you want the higher spec then go for the Ford.

 

[Octopus]

Are you planning to buy new? 2nd hand? Lease?

 

[westward10]

2016 so I would think second hand.

 

[TaffyDuck]

Yes. I always buy vans a couple of years old outright. I hate having to pay out every month. My accountant hates it though.

 

[Marti]

Looking in similar market IE, a smaller used van and I'd have to say I've never seen or read anything about the VW Caddy that justifies it's outrageous price tag; and what's with the glass panel rear doors! Surprisingly there very rude people who will borrow your tools without asking and not bring them back.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Octopus]

Yes. I always buy vans a couple of years old outright. I hate having to pay out every month. My accountant hates it though.

Why not wait until nearer the end of the tax year .... I assume you are SE

 

[buzzlightyear]

I would always say Caddy and have a new 150ps Highline but the lower spec models are a box with four wheels. If you want the higher spec then go for the Ford.

does it come with a free crow bar !

 

[buzzlightyear]

Looking in similar market IE, a smaller used van and I'd have to say I've never seen or read anything about the VW Caddy that justifies it's outrageous price tag; and what's with the glass panel rear doors! Surprisingly there very rude people who will borrow your tools without asking and not bring them back

now which one will hold the price ,let me think about it .mmm. caddy, got one .

 

[Marti]

Valid point. The depreciation is the most significant cost of a new vehicle.

 

[telectrix]

is a citroen dispatch/peugeot expert too big? if not, that's the one i'd go for.

 

[Marti]

is a citroen dispatch/peugeot expert too big? if not, that's the one i'd go for.

Must admit, that's where my hard -won Smarties money will go. Love the Caddy (silly glass doors apart) and the Ford BUT there loads of the little Berlingo's about for peanuts. Appalling customer service from Citroen but... I offer you this as a fine example of the ERR...whatever
Citroen Truck. Classic Pick Up Barn Find | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Truck-Classic-Pick-Up-Barn-Find/372280356225?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D51001%26meid%3Db68d5c4a72c74c19bb7db74deb96c270%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D282934196488%26itm%3D372280356225&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A73ee55f0-4979-11e8-bd8f-74dbd180f656%7Cparentrq%3A030e58af1630aa11f1fec8fffff8f532%7Ciid%3A1

 

[Marti]

OR, if you are worried about theft then this beauty took us about two hours to get up to steam (me in the grubby overall, aged about 25) Sorry... gone un-helpfully off topic.

 

[astormatt]

I have had my Connect L2 115 for 2.5 years from new.
I like it, i would probably have another. A few things niggle at me, the middle seat is a waste of time really. You wouldn't want to have 3 adults in there for more thsn 5 minutes.
More importantly, when pulling away, whether it is from standstill or rolling in 2nd, it can be really laggy.
Sometimes i have been caught out trying to pull out of a junction quickly and nothing is there.....nothing.....nothing.....nothing then the power comes.
I would try have a drive of both to conpare and see what you like.

 

[astormatt]

I have had my Connect L2 115 for 2.5 years from new.
I like it, i would probably have another. A few things niggle at me, the middle seat is a waste of time really. You wouldn't want to have 3 adults in there for more thsn 5 minutes.
More importantly, when pulling away, whether it is from standstill or rolling in 2nd, it can be really laggy.
Sometimes i have been caught out trying to pull out of a junction quickly and nothing is there.....nothing.....nothing.....nothing then the power comes.
I would try have a drive of both to conpare and see what you like.

 

[TaffyDuck]

Thanks for your replies. Firstly residual values are not a big deal for me as I keep my vans for 5 years anyway.

As far as Citroen/Peugeot and all their offspring I`m afraid I`ve had nothing but trouble from them when I`ve owned them in the past. I wont buy any French van.

My last French based van was the Renault engined Vivaro. A complete nightmare. Injectors kept going but only after they had chemically welded themselves to the head. A grand every time. Never again. Before that a berlingo which blew a turbo and had collapsible suspension. Not to mention the internal trim that kept falling off.

I`ve decided to give the Transit connect L2 Limited a go. Always a gamble but I appreciate all your advice. Thanks

 

[TaffyDuck]

Thanks for your replies. Firstly residual values are not a big deal for me as I keep my vans for 5 years anyway.

As far as Citroen/Peugeot and all their offspring I`m afraid I`ve had nothing but trouble from them when I`ve owned them in the past. I wont buy any French van.

My last French based van was the Renault engined Vivaro. A complete nightmare. Injectors kept going but only after they had chemically welded themselves to the head. A grand every time. Never again. Before that a berlingo which blew a turbo and had collapsible suspension. Not to mention the internal trim that kept falling off.

I`ve decided to give the Transit connect L2 Limited a go. Always a gamble but I appreciate all your advice. Thanks

 

[Marti]

My last French based van was the Renault engined Vivaro. A complete nightmare.

Appreciate your input. It does appear that the Traffic / Vivaro engine and gearbox issues are to be avoided.
Looks like I'm back on the bicycle.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Appreciate your input. It does appear that the Traffic / Vivaro engine and gearbox issues are to be avoided.
Looks like I'm back on the bicycle

and don't buy a merc van .that's a small one .you will get confuse by the indicator .and speed lim .crap.

 

[Marti]

Oh but three pointed stars have "special brakes" for "special people. You know, the ones who can stop from 70 mile per hour in about six feet from your back lights!

 

[MJPD29]

Connect every day of the week, oh get far more for your money and mine hasn't missed a beat, although its only 3 and a half

 

[Marti]

A late and left-field update. Bought myself a used Nissan NV200. Used 'em years ago for a company I work for found a FSH, air-con and reversing camera model for peanuts.

Little wheels and little 1.5 turbo diesel make them a bit frantic on the motorway but otherwise pretty good and fitting bigger wheels solves that one. Takes a six step Youngman ladder inside. Twin SLD's mean more deadlocks or better access depending on how you feel. Loads of tie-downs (ooh err). OK so it's not the much rated Caddy but what I paid would have got me a Caddy....badge. I'll let you know if it works.

 

[pirate]

The roof rails make adding a ladder-rack easy too...
a bit pricey, to be fair...

 

[Marti]

Nah, I like the "body odour and kebab"smell in my lil' Nissan. All the Bentley leather would make me feel like a burglar in a stately home

 

[telectrix]

The roof rails make adding a ladder-rack easy too...
a bit pricey, to be fair...

that's a bloody boat FFS. should make a pirate happy though.

 

[pirate]

Happy Pirate here!
never robbed a stately home yet, but I see it as the way forward...

 

[Deleted member 105166]

Yes. I always buy vans a couple of years old outright. I hate having to pay out every month. My accountant hates it though.

Good call. Let the original owner take the hefty first couple of years' depreciation charge.

 

[telectrix]

i let previous owner/s take the first 11 years depreciation. i've had it 3 years now. spent nowt apart from oil changes. 2 tyres, and MOTs' . then again, it's a toyota.

 

[pirate]

With you there Tel! I have always owned the oldest car on our street, and I don't care...my current car is 13 years old, cost me £8k 7 years ago...ok, Ive spent £10k in repairs, MOTs etc and it's good as new , so cheap motoring!
My last one I bought at 11 months old, for £11k, the previous owner having paid £23k for it. I ran it for years, only put fuel and oil in it, traded it in after 5 years for £3200...the garage I bought it from called it in as the 5 year warranty was due to expire and replaced a back spring and a gear lever indent switch, free of charge.
Of course, it would be nice always to drive the latest models, but that's for the young ones with their lease agreements. As I have no job, I don't qualify! Lol!