How hard is it to buy a decent van ?

[mhall]

Right, I need to buy a van. I don't want an estate car as it's the height I need as much as anything. It doesn't need to be a big long van, but it needs to be comfortable !

Surely, somewhere there has to be a van that has a decent level of trim and seating? Why does every van manufacturer seem to think that the "cockpit" of a van needs to be as rough and basic as possible? The closest I have got is the mini van, but it is actually just an estate mini.

Could someone please point me in the direction of a van suitable for actually being driven? - one with a "cockpit" comparable to a decent car - I can't believe there isn't one out there somewhere.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

I've always liked the Mercedes Vito SWB vans.

Comfy and they do the job... if that's too big though, why not go for the Ford Transit-connect.

 

[Lease4Less]

Most manaufactures offer various levels of trims theses days. Some vans have higher and better specs than cars.

I'd suggest something like a Renault Trafic SWB Sport - it has A/C, Alloy Wheels and Sat Nav - worth having a look at if your after something with a bit of kit.

 

[mhall]

why not go for the Ford Transit-connect.

Looked, too much plastic trim and seats that would be better suited for a navvy - not knocking them, I am sure they are perfect for the beer swilling sausage and butty brigade (and I'm not knocking them either - honest) - but I want a nice, comfortable trim and seat - perhaps I am just being too girly and it's too much to ask. It can't be hard for Ford to put a Ghia trim in a van surely (and I am sure that is showing my age and ignorance, I don't even know if they still do the Ghia trims)

 

[mhall]

Most manaufactures offer various levels of trims theses days. Some vans have higher and better specs than cars.

I'd suggest something like a Renault Trafic SWB Sport - it has A/C, Alloy Wheels and Sat Nav - worth having a look at if your after something with a bit of kit.

Have my own Sat Nav, have never understood the desire for alloy wheels. A/C is a must. Its interior trim I want and that is where I am falling down.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

Whats wrong with buying something at a reasonable price, then spending a lil bit extra on the interior?

If Edd China can stick Ford Ghia seats into a VW transporter, I'm sure it's possible to "pimp" up the interior of a standard connect.

 

[Lease4Less]

The point I am trying to make is that the van I suggested is designed to feel more comfy. You said you wanted something that wasn't basic and had a "cockpit" similar to a car.

As I said its worth having a look.

 

[spreadtrader]

What about current Vauxhall Astra or Corsa vans?

They will have car specced' interiors as they are car derived.

 

Interesting that the OP does not seem bothered about how well a van drives.

My number 1 priority in chosing any vehicle.

 

[bigeasy]

What sort of height/length are you looking for? As a laminate fitter I used a lwb pajero, loads of room in the back once the seats are out and really comfy too!

 

[Mattlock]

Merc if you want to pay £400 for a set of tyres, id say go with a vaux. vivaro

 

[willitbe]

Ford Transit Trend. 125bhp, elec mirrors, windows, decent hands free, cruise control, steering column audio controls. 6 speed All in all a decent van with decent level of trim and comfort.

 

[mhall]

Interesting that the OP does not seem bothered about how well a van drives.

My number 1 priority in chosing any vehicle.

In this day and edge I would expect any van to drive "well" and be reliable etc, I will look at the Ford Transit Trend - on the face of it , it looks quite good - although whyt he Ford salesman didn't tell me about it is anyones guess

 

[cts1975]

Merc if you want to pay £400 for a set of tyres, id say go with a vaux. vivaro

We have vito XLWB and Vivaros. Both mega reliable. I love the Vitos but the most comfortable seat I ever sat in is the Vivaro. I drove from Cheshire to Greenwich on Friday and back it took 12.5 hours and my back still felt fine when I got home. I drove back to Greenwich yesterday and back, this time it took 9 hours without any issues.

They both have aircon. The Vivaro return 37/38 mpg on the motorway and the Vitos about 31/31 mpg.

If you get a vito they have a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. If you get them serviced at Merc all of their lives then Merc will make a contribution to labour outside of the warranty. We had a steering rack go on a vito and they contributed £400 towards the labour outside of warranty.
The golden rule if its a used van don't buy an ex demo and don't by white.

 

[cts1975]

Merc if you want to pay £400 for a set of tyres, id say go with a vaux. vivaro

We have vito XLWB and Vivaros. Both mega reliable. I love the Vitos but the most comfortable seat I ever sat in is the Vivaro. I drove from Cheshire to Greenwich and back on Friday it took 12.5 hours and my back still felt fine when I got home. I drove back to Greenwich yesterday and back, this time it took 9 hours without any issues.

They both have aircon. The Vivaro return 37/38 mpg on the motorway and the Vitos about 31/31 mpg.

If you get a vito they have a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. If you get them serviced at Merc all of their lives then Merc will make a contribution to labour outside of the warranty. We had a steering rack go on a vito and they contributed £400 towards the labour outside of warranty.
The golden rule if its a used van don't buy an ex demo and don't by white.

 

[HFE Signs]

How about the Nissan Navara?

 

[crphillips]

I've got a VW Caddy Maxi Sportline and it's cockpit is great. It's just like a VW golf. I've got embroidered, bucket leather seats, climate control, leather steering wheel.

I've also got a VW transporter and the cockpit on that is great too.

The caddy was 26k or so and the same for the transporter, so it depends on your budget.

I had a Merc Vito and never again, they're rust buckets, even the police stopped using them due to the rust problems.

 

[WHARTY]

I have a Vivaro (61 plate) that i will be selling in November/December, 10k on the clock at the moment. Very, very comfy and I prefer driving it than the car!

 

[janetang]

I am not professional in van. you can search it in google for your information.

if it is me, I will check more similar forums for my answer.