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In reply to Post #35
No, you're right, there tend to be more car than van thieves, on bikes, quick smash and grab.
As IP said, it can be made harder, but if they want it they'll get it, simple as, even if that means going through you. At some point you have to resign yourself to having done the best you can and if it happens, it happens.
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In reply to Post #36
The deadlocks and plates literally do nothing, they just make them make more of a mess of the can doors.
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In reply to Post #35
A couple of anti drill plates soon sorts it though. Plus experienced thieves know most vehicles weak points. At least with a van it's not all on display. My van advertises the company I work for, and that demo is a big part of it means there are always expensive tools that are easily sold onboard . I went over 10 years with no problem at all, then it got done one day at barking tube station car park, we had plates fitted and it's been fine for 5 years now. Its not hard to make it not worth their effort
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In reply to Post #34
They dont drive round car parks looking to break into cars as they do with vans. Mainly oppurtunist. Vans are targeted, and ridiculously easy to get into
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In reply to Post #32
They wouldn't bother trying to get into the 5 series, theyd just smash the windows, from that perspective a deadlocked van wins hands down, but if they want it they'll get it.
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In reply to Post #25
I have had a 19 reg Berlingo for 5 years now, I didn’t choose it I got given it by work.
It goes in for a yearly service and has been faultless, haven’t had to do anything else to it.
I can get a loaded fox transporter power barrow in it with the handles pulled out and folded downwards.
A 13’ rod bag with spod and marker sleeves on the outside goes on top at the 45 degree angle, it’s tight though.
Lots of room left down the side.
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When i looked a few years back, i went with a peugeot expert, new shape. Much better spec, and lower mileage, for your money than the ford/vw equivalents.
I actually regret buying a van now, few years ago, stopped at tescos on my way to a Xmas social to get food. 11am in the morning on a Thursday. Came out after 20 minutes to a nice hole in one of the side doors. My heart sank as all my gear was in the back. Luckily, they must have been disturbed, or seen no tools and gave up. They took nothing luckily. There is a thin piece of sheet metal covering the locking mechanism. Cheapest repair was to add the metal plates on.
But now im paranoid about parking anywhere. I could have got a decent 5 series BMW touring for the same money, and wish id have done that. Much harder to break into, way more comfortable, and better for everyday use.
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| | | BRB | | Posts: 1391 |  | |
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In reply to Post #28
My porter fits with handles on and as I say rods up to 13' angled across.
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vw transporter up to a t6.1 or a Mercedes vito with the bigger engines
VW T5.1 is the sweat spot, improvements on the T5 engine etc and no adblue
avoid anything after the t6.1 its a ford transit with a wet cambelt
even better if you can pick up a t5.1 shuttle or caravelle there classed as cars with all the comforts along with bed for sleeping etc
Merc vito avoid the little engines as there french Renault engines , all others are Mercedes
again you can get the people class versions of this v class etc etc
if you can find any of those 2 vans with good serviced history low owners etc they will last you a lifetime along with german build quality
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In reply to Post #28
I looked at this and seems ideal . I could put the barrow in loaded (probably have to take the handles off) , then lay rods through the hatch , cheers.
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In reply to Post #25
I asked a lad about his Partner Van a few months back while at Shakerley Mere. In his (and I assume some Berlingos will be the same), if you fold down the passenger seat there's a small hatch in the solid bulkhead, you can open it for longer items. Worth looking for if you're looking around 
Edit, I'm out at the mo but if you search Partner bulkhead on Ebay you'll see the hatch, look for the yellow catch
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| | | BRB | | Posts: 1391 | | |
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In reply to Post #25
My 12'6" rods go in my Peugeot partner diagonally. So the Berlingo should be the same. With a solid bulkhead it keeps them out of sight.
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In reply to Post #1
I have a VW T5.1 2014 factory Kombi that now has 113000 miles on it and as the 2nd owner I have put 60000 of them on trouble free.
It is the 2.0 140bhp model remapped to 190 and is our family vehicle as well as Dog carrier and fishing bus regularly doing 1500 / 2000 mile continental fishing trips fully loaded as well as short local trips and never missed a beat.
Cambelt changed on time and serviced every year, they fetch a premium still but, are within you budget.
I have had several vans including Toyota Proace, VW Caddy Maxi another Transporter and a Berlingo all of which served their purpose and were reliable ad Ll had FSH.
Good luck with your quest as everyone will have an opinion.
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In reply to Post #24
A change in circumstances means I’m perhaps looking at a cheaper budget now of around £8000 . I’ve been looking at perhaps a Euro 5 (pre adBlue) Citroen berlingo or even a Renault kangoo , both Swb around 2015/16 with a decent service history and comparatively lower mileage . I understand that being SWB my 12’6 rods wouldn’t go in without folding down the passenger seat - which I believe these both have . Having done a bit of research I understand both of these are fairly reliable if they’ve been regularly serviced . Could anyone please give me your thoughts on these two , many thanks .
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Pay your money and take your chances, it’s the same for any make/model they all have their issues! Depends on what size you need too-do you just want something for your gear or do you want to kip in it? Do you need rear seating?
I had a 2005 transporter kombi for 10 years, kitted it out in back for sleeping and really liked it -had a few issues but it was the 2.5 engine- the 1.9 are generally less hassle, such was the power of the transporter resale value that I got more back when o sold than I paid for it 10 years earlier!
I had a trafic after that-a work mate was selling it and it was mint and very good spec- had that 3 years and it was good for me-then sold it to my mate and he’s had a lot of issues with it! Typical
Ive currently got a 2009 caddy maxi as a day to day and a 2019 crafter as a camper-I drive lots of different vans for work and from a drive point of view the man/crafter is the best of the lot, problem is like most things there’s too much crap on them to go wrong!
I love my caddy maxi, size wise it’s perfect for fishing, I’ve rear seats in mine which fold and I can kip in it if needed too! I went for the 1.9 tdi rather than the newer 1.6 just due to reliability and parts availability, that era of vw/audi 1.9 engines really are very good and there’s no adblue or dpf to worry about! Mildly annoying thing is the tax is fairly hefty
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I have a FWD Vito with the Renault R9 engine 1.6 . had it from new and the past year it has developed a mystery coolant leak. been in to Mercedes 3 times for diagnosis. who on the last visit freely admitted that as it has a Renault engine they don't know anything about them. and they suggested a new engine at 7.5 k plus labour and vat so somewhere in the region of 10k. so said it probably wasn't worth doing. currently at a local independent garage who removed the head sent it away to be tested and came back as no fault found.
So my advice 1.6 vito drives nice a bit asthmatic on hills.
so in summary an alright van dealer service rubbish
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In reply to Post #20
i have a rear wheel drive vito, and it is absolutely horrendous when off tarmac with a bit of wet about an a incline.
Great at getting to venues ... not so once actually there lol
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I’m lucky that I now get new vans from work. I got my 24 plate custom with 300 miles on it and my 2025 vivaro with 150 miles on it. Both box fresh. From a purely driving perspective, comfort, driving position, infotainment system, overall cab build quality, silly stuff like cup holders etc etc. The transit custom beats the vivaro hands down in every department imho.
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In reply to Post #19
TBF, a Vito with a reliable Renault 1.6 diesel engine is a good shout and as it's fwd it's got less to go wrong.
It makes me laugh when the 'real' Merc engine is implied to be better as it's more expensive but Merc's are less reliable than Renaults.... 
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In reply to Post #13
The Vito uses the 1.6 Renault engine in one model which is fwd, all the other models use use the 2.1 Merc engine which is rwd.
The wet belt on the T6.1 and earlier has never been an issue unlike the Ford, as for the new Transporter which is a rebadged Transit, I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole because of the wet belt, and I'd avoid the twin turbo T6/T6.1. Apart from that Vitos and Transporters are known for doing megga miles and I'd rather one of those than French, had a Vito, currently have a T6.1.
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In reply to Post #17
I'm running the Peugeot Rifter, 19 plate, 55000 miles, we've had it since 17000 miles. only issue so far is the adblue and a warning every now and then that the drivers door is open, when it's not. Even Peugeot can't find the cause! I think the present incarnations of these vans have had a lot of the issues ironed out. IIRC there's a fleet manager on the forum who's commented on reliability and issues in a previous thread.
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Just bought a Citroen Berlingo for fishing. I don’t take silly amounts of gear and this seems plenty big enough for me and the dog. So far seems ok. I did a fair bit of research and went to a reputable garage so hoping it will be ok.
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In reply to Post #15
Oh it wasn't as long ago as the 80s.. not even close. Warranty companies only get part of the information...
Agreed about the German overpriced stuff though
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In reply to Post #14
Back in the 80's some German brands made decent cars and Renault made rubbish, in the 2020's it's Renault that make the decent cars and now the German brands making the overpriced rubbish - warranty companies are happy to share this data, just google it.
Things have changed, that's why Mercedes and Nissan rebadge Renault vans now as Merc's and Nissan's. Toyota also rebadge Stellantis vans.
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In reply to Post #12
When I worked at a Renault garage we called them tragics. They were really bad
It was a very long time ago, but they ain't much better now
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In reply to Post #11
If you do some research on VW vans you'll see so many horror stories from owners. Yep, I'm sure your one will is the best one ever made and be 100% reliable but for many going the VW way just leads to a money pit, I have yet to speak to a VW van owner and hear good feedback, most are in the never again opinion..
Mercedes are rebadging Renault Kangoo's as Citans and using Renault engines in Vito's as well. This is no doubt a positive move for Mercedes and will improve their reliability record because as a brand Renault have a very good reliability record whereas Mercedes have a poorer record (don't blame me for this statement, look at reliability feedback from warranty companies, Merc is a mid range performer at best whereas Renault are much higher rated), VW are mid range as well and Audi are bottom 10% - trying to be kind but it's just fact.
I see VW have now fully engaged with Wet belts with new models... I think we all know where this is going....
VW Models
T6 (pre-T6.1): These primarily use a dry timing belt for the camshaft and some models have a separate wet belt for the oil pump.
T6.1: These models feature a dry timing belt for the camshaft and a wet oil pump belt.
The New Transporter
This is a separate model, a joint venture with Ford, and it does have a wet camshaft timing belt.
I'm using a renault Kangoo maxi 1.5dci and it's been great, if I do replace it any time soon I'll be looking at a newer Kangoo maxi or one of the smaller Renault Trafic's, no wet belt fears and good reliability records.
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In reply to Post #9
The Vauxhall Vivaro 1, based on the second generation Renault Trafic, was produced between 2001 and 2014
The Vauxhall Vivaro 2, based on the third generation Renault Trafic, was produced between 2014 and 2018
The Vauxhall Vivaro 3, which is based on the third generation Peugeot Expert, is currently produced from 2019
So, your vivaro is in fact a renault trafic.
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In reply to Post #1
Mercedes Vito or a VW Transporter, the Vito has twin sliding side doors as standard which is handy, and get one with a tailgate as it makes a great shelter.
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In reply to Post #8
they all have their issues unfortunately. IMO the sweet spot is roughly 2013-2015 plate vans, that gets you a chain driven engine in either Transit Custom or Trafic/Vivaro/Primastar, a reasonably modern van but no ad blue issues to worry about.
You'll get a decent relatively low mileage van for your budget quite easily. Then just service regularly and fingers crossed!
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In reply to Post #8
Or reduce your budget then you have contingency money, I paid under 5 grand for a 64 plate vivaro and fitted it out to a good basic stan,could not be happier, 39 per gallon as well.
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Thanks for the replies and suggestions . Because many makes share the same engine / body any inherent problems appear across more than one make . Don’t fancy shelling out then inheriting loads of expensive problems . I thought it would be easy !!!
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Vw t5, owned it 10 years now, full service every year and it hasn’t missed a beat, most reliable van I’ve ever own, I will be looking at a second hand t6 next time around, had a combo and a Kangoo in the past, the Kangoo was a great little van, got my gear in no problem
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I've got a 65 plate custom, one of the last of the chains! It's done 150k miles now and only wear and tear stuff gone so far. You could get a lovely example with that budget. I'd stay away from the wetbelt if you value peace of mind 😬 if it's just for fishing a swb would be fine I think but a lwb for fishing and other things is ideal for me.
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Have got a Toyota Proace and have one previous so around 8yrs in total. Honestly a great van, minor issues but simple fixes and overall very impressed with them. Same shell as the Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhalls. Could probably pick one up second hand for the budget you have in good nick and not too old either.
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In reply to Post #3
Driving vans for a living I'd go with a custom to.
Look for a van auction Swansea used to have a big one but sure some other places do. Most of the vans for sale are ex lease vehicles and 3yrs old. So no fake service history. You will get a lot of commercial vehicle sales guys attending but worth a go.
I got a mint 3yr old Vauxhall combo a number of yrs ago 28k on the clock cost 5k.
Vauxhall dealers same van 50k on the clock 8.5K.
You can see most of the vehicles on the Web site if still going.
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I've got a 2015 Ford Custom crew cab (Cam Chain) , its absolutely perfect for what i need with the barrow and sons motocross hobby.
In my eyes the transits are one of the most comfiest vans to drive, ill take mine from the east coat to Aberdeen every month doing 550 mile trip with no ache or pains.
I am looking at upgrading to a newer auto transit panel van (for tax purposes through my company) I know its a wet belt but as long as its maintained before any schedule and regularly serviced (I currently service mine every 8000 miles) they will run forever.
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In reply to Post #1
I’ve been toying with one too, have put it off for a year due to having a littlun and cars are just safer while they’re tiny.
Transits from 2017 to present have a wet belt. It’s a 1200 quid thing every 60k. They do seem a good option other than that, bloke that invented it deserves a slap.
Stelantis vans, so expert, dispatch, new vivaro and the fiat one are the same. Weird driving position apparently but can’t confirm. Many ad blue and egr problems. Good toys though on normal models. The 1.5s are cheap and have a 7mm chain between cams, avoid this one. 1.6s ok but 2 litre is better.
Vito come in two varieties, 1.5s are Renault engines and are cheap, 2.1s are merc engines so are expensive.
Transporters are overrated but that could be said for all vws.
All in all I’m no closer to making a decision on what I want. I too am looking at around 13k, I think a Peugeot expert but I don’t know. Obviously the security on vans is a joke across the board.
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Just toying with the idea of getting a van for fishing . I’d be the first to admit I know very little about what is and isn’t a reliable option . Having done a little research myself I’m finding it difficult to find a make that doesn’t have a history of cambelt / chain , AdBlue issues etc . I’m looking for something with a budget of something in the region of £12000-£15000 but a little flexible. Something reliable where I haven’t got to worry about something major going wrong if such a van exists . Could someone more knowledgeable point me in the right direction please .
Thanks
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