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In reply to Post #51
That's right belch. From advice given I need to avoid wet belts apparently, be aware of vat expensive tax and insurance. Main decision is whether I buy a van big enough to fix a bedchair inside or just a smaller version for approx 6 grand.
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In reply to Post #50
A bike 
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In reply to Post #1
So reading through this thread I'm even more confused - what is the best / most reliable fishing van for £6k?
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In reply to Post #47
3 years I owed one. Cost me one set of tyres and brake pads. Literally never went wrong.
Was a 2010 1.9 model and I’d have another tomorrow
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In reply to Post #47
The newer Partner/Berlingo/Vauxhall are all basically the same. I have a 19 plate Rifter, I'd be very wary of the petrol and certain of the diesels due to wet belt and cam chains. There are some contributory schemes available but only with full dealer service history. The 7mm chain version requires quite a bit of work to convert to the 8mm version (see kits on Ebay).
The adblue systems are a pita and I don't trust it, our latest injector has gone faulty after 14000 miles, yes it's under warranty but they still want £150 just to confirm it with a diag.
A youtube mechanic I've been watching said avoid the Vauxhall vans and buy the Pug/Cit equivalent.
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In reply to Post #2
I wouldn't touch a VW Caddy with a barge pole, I've never spoken to an owner and heard positive feedback regarding reliability.
Pug/Cit Berlingo/Partners get good feedback, the Partner has been available in an XL size for quite some time and also Renault Kangoo Maxi's get good feedback.
Don't whatever you do think/expect that Vw/ German brands = Reliability as the opposite is usually the norm in my experience.
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In reply to Post #9
I have a 19 plate combo with only 35k on the clock, had a few issues including the dreaded adblue problems, last year the water pump was leaking so had it done plus cam belt changed and its deffo not a wet belt, the mechanic said only the petrol versions have the wet belt.
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I have a Vito. 2016 crew cab comfortably transports 3 of us and all our gear for a week in France. although it only has the 1600 Renault engine but on a run on uk motorways will average 50mpg if you set the cruise control at 70mph. had it from new now covered 86000 miles with no big dramas. new battery last year a few tyres over the years and a rear ABS sensor. and 1 glow plug. the engine is chain driven so no nasty wet belts. i do change the oil every 10000 miles i think Mercedes recommend oil changes at 24000 miles but for £50 just do the oil and filter myself. it happily trundles down the French motorways at 85mph and averages 43 mpg at that speed. the only minor downside is if you show it a very steep hill it has a touch of asthma.
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I thought about getting myself a Vito but compared to other vans the technology and the cab lay out ,gadgets etc etc is far behind it’s competitors
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In reply to Post #42
Here’s a couple from me
A Vivaro driver since an 02 plate and all from brand new until company change them.
Size wise
Old shape was great new shape seat uncomfortable as it’s too narrow and not enough padding
02 only problem I had was a split steering hose 75k
55 plate clutch wore out 72k
60 plate crew cab nothing went tyres lasted years
All 1900 engines.
Then I got given new shape combo
Absolute dog doo and too small for anything other than a 2 foot square box lol
During Covid breakout I then went and bought a transit custom on a 64 plate
Couldn’t fault that plenty of room
only problem is
You do have to do a fair few miles otherwise the DPF filter clogs up and you then Have to get it cleaned.
That is the same with any diesel vehicle though.
This was Swapped weekly with a brand new transit custom crew from work.
So I used theirs on long trips and work business.
This new shape Vivaro 22 plate and 1600 engine.
I have done 71k miles already
Same rear tyres and brakes
Front pads and tyres changed at service in March.
As mentioned earlier
Seat isn’t quite wide enough so bar under seat digs in sciatic nerve.
Solved so far with pipe lagging between bar and under seat padding.
No problems so far….
Never driven a VW of any shape or form except a Passat and a bora.
Might ask boss if I can test one of those when van up for renewal…
Merc vitos are quite nice and wouldn’t mind having a longer test drive in one of those for a month or so but cost is probably prohibitive.
driven the older model and a mate of mine has quite a new one.
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In reply to Post #41
Lol framey, just grateful of a few hints of what to be aware of so it's a big yes to the forum from me, probably end up with a Nissan nv200 for size purposes but when I look I will heed the advice from here whatever I buy.
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So,
In conclusion.
Ford is better than Vw or Vauxhall
But the Vauxhall is better than the Ford or VW provided the VW is not better than the Ford or Vauxhall.
Hope that helps with your choice .
Kinda like a fox or delkim alarm thread innit..
 
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I normally replace my van every 3 yrs whilst it’s still worth a few quid and when the warranty expires don’t think I’ll be doing it this time the Vw transporter has just become the Vw transit with wet belt inc free no thanks I’ll run this one into the ground and then see what’s available like the vito but detest merc customer care so much I sold my vito at 18 months old and went back to my Vw had a few traffic still got one normally great up to 150k if well maintained
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In reply to Post #36
The Custom auto I've been looking at has considerably come down in price but that will be replacing my 2015 manual. it depends what age, spec and milage your looking for i suppose.
Buying a nearly new van is still very expensive.
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Do not even consider a wet belt. Ever.
Read up on ford ecoboost problems, the same is true for all wet belts.
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General Carp Discussion