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Vans.... any experts?

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JDX:
I am in the market for a van. It is the first I will have ever purchased & therefore my experience is zero! ::)
Leaving shortly to go & look at a Mercedes Sprinter 314 & 313.
I'm not buying today but need a hands on experience!
I need as big an interior space as possible & good fuel economy.
I have shortlisted it down to 3: Mercedes Sprinter XLWB High roof; Ford Transit same size; Iveco which is bigger still.
Anyone got a view on these?: good, bad, avoid completely, tips etc etc

I will be online again this salvo!  :y

Doctor Gollum:
Check your license first. Post 97 and you're restricted to 3.5t. Both Mercedes and Iveco are available as upto around 6 tons. Chassis plate and V5 should confirm actual gvw (gross vehicle weight). Over 3.5t and you need an Operators license if you are even vaguely thinking about using it for ANY income.

The largest Sprinters and Dailys run from 3.5t up but don't look any different at a glance. Only one recent Transit exceeds 3.5t, and that's the XLWB High Roof twin rear wheel, but these are rocking horse shit rare.

If it has a tow bar fitted then expect to see a tachograph fitted. Again check your license, and expect to use it if fitted, even more so if operating over 3.5t gtw (gross train weight).

johnnydog:
Having bought several vans for different people, the size is down to your intended use for it. LWB for the extra length, high roof if you want to stand up straight in it, or carry tall furniture etc.
My son has a LWB Renault Trafic (same as the Vivaro, or Primastar just different badging) which he uses for his carpet fitting work - this was the only van in that size range that could accommodate a 4m roll of carpet, without going to the LWB Crafter / Sprinter size, albeit the 'bolt in' bulkhead panel and front passenger seat had to be removed with a gizmo to make the van think the seatbelt warning was still wired in! Nothing else had the length capacity.
My daughter has a LWB high roof VW Crafter, which is a great van; exceptional length and height - I am always borrowing it! Nice to drive, although can be a little gutless with a full load - the identically bodied Mercedes Sprinter has a more powerful engine, but tends to command more money.
Another friend has another VW LWB Crafter high roof for his work, and likes it.
There are some good purchases to had at auction in van sales, if you are prepared to hunt out the good from the bad. Don't forget the majority of sales at both auctions and dealers have VAT added on to the sale / displayed sale price, which on a seemingly good deal, results in it looking costly.
I have found ex Enterprise Rental vans very well maintained, and generally in good order overall, unlike builders vans, or maintenance vans which seem to be worked hard for their money.
Most vans tend to suffer on the drivers seat if the van has been used for deliveries - the continuous in and out of the driver knackers the sides of the seat base and upright. If the drivers seat is ok in any van you look at, then it's a reasonable indication that it has been used on longer runs rather than stop start deliveries etc.
Usual pointers apply as with any vehicle you buy as to its bodily condition / mechanical condition etc - and if in doubt take someone who wouldn't look at it through 'rose tinted' glasses and would give a honest opinion.

zirk:
Just about very Van I've ever had has been broken into at least once, so only thing I would say is look into door and window security.

Doctor Gollum:
Generally, most people who rent vans cannot drive them...

If it looks clean and tidy, chances are that it's full of filler. Buy direct from auction fleet disposals... BCA is a good place to start, as that way you can see what you're buying...

Alternatively, approach your local independent rental place and have a chat about buying one of their older fleet.

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