Tilers Van Options and Recommendations

[DevonR]

I have an N Reg Astra 1.8 TDI Van - in white. Cost me £600 two years ago.
Very reliable and PAID FOR - NO FINANCE.
Don't see the point in spending much on a van for work. Image has never been a problem. Have never lost a job because my van wasn't new enough.

Agreed i picked up my VW Caddy 3 weeks ago now and other than spending £200 on getting her through her MOT she's good. Clean and clear too no debt.

 

[epoxy pete]

dont buy a renault traffic/vivaro/primastar....absolute crap!!!!...gearbox not up to job,engine mangement problems,alternator melted,the list goes on....in 8 months has cost me 2500.00 in repair bills... just bought a new mercedes-benz vito 111 cdi, german quality and reliability...

 

[tanner2906]

dont screw em then in it they last then

 

[Concept PHT]

Ford Transit Connect with tow bar - The only thing I have bought for it is a offside headlamp bulb.n

Proper work horse 🙂

 

[epoxy pete]

dont screw em then in it they last then

what makes you think i screw them in???...its a common problem with these vehicles,there were 2 in at the gearbox specilaists when i was there!!!!!!, if you want to save your money dont buy one ...they are a problem waiting to happen....!

 

[epoxy pete]

just cost another 130 pounds for a air flow meter for the bloody thing...new van next week too.....dam:sad_smile:

 

[kins73]

I thought that I would stick my two penny worth in on the van front. I am currently using my citroen c2!! And yes it is a squeeze but you have to start somewhere- any thing like sheets of ply i get jewsons to deliver to customer's address on my account. I was looking at p/x my c2 in for a berlingo-O.k not the biggest van in the world but Christ how much kit do you really need to take to each job?
Now the thing is if you are likely to use toll bridges and the like the toll will be more for a van than a car...but if you buy a berlingo multispace-a van with seats that fold up-you get to go through at a car rate. Also you could get away with a few trips to the local tip with waste-something that normally requires a permit if you are trade. Plus looking at prices its cheaper to buy the multispace-with the same room than buying the van version.

Perhaps if a large van isn't big enough with a trailer perhaps the next sensible move would be an artic with a showroom in the back as well?? Just kiddin'

Neil

 

[anne0411]

Hi

My tuppence worth - even tho' I've not done any large jobs Astra car is good - cheaper insurance than Astra van. And customers buy their tiles etc - keeps the VAT man away!

Happy driving!

 

[wivers]

My damn van wouldn't start this morning. I tried bumping it, jumping it and hitting it with a large tool ( easy Varley not that tool! ). I had to phone the customer to inform them of my delay, and phone my old man who is good with mechanics. After 2 hours of him banging around under the lid it was evedent that he knew nothing!! He did say that it looked like the starter motor and the battery was knackerd and i had an oil leak and the head gasket was on the brink of blowing........ apart from that though its fine! I have managed to borrow my sisters car to help me out tomorrow, but my question to u guy's s this.

I bought my van, a L reg Astra van for £500 around a year ago just to get me started.
Apart from this i have had no real problems with it. Now i seem to have a large prolem.
So do i ....... a: Pay to fix the van and carry on. b: Buy another £500 odd van to tide me over for a while or c: Get strapped up on finance and buy a new van??

Advice please

 

[DevonR]

Get another cheap van.
If you can't afford a new one and it means loads of finance get another cheapo. In another year things may be very different and a new van an option.
May I suggest a VW Caddy (if you can find a cheap one) I got one and they are pretty damn decent mate.

Good luck with whatever way you go though.