LWB

How do folks, some of you know me, some of you don't, but that's irrelevant right now!

I'm sorry, this question has probably been asked loads of times but I'm going to ask it again...

I've been an OD in a small van for just over 2 year now and have decided to go for a LWB van after Crimbo. The question is, which do I go for? The obvious applies, reliability, parts (cost), common faults in certain vans etc, you get the gist.

Oh and the budget isn't huge, approx £3.5k.

Thanks in advance

Phil

For rhe budget id go renault master youll find much newer examples at your price range

Avoid Sprinters

I'd agree with the above, Renault is probably the best of the front wheel drive LWB at that budget - try and budget for cambelt and water pump change as soon as you get it unless proven already fitted recently.

I've seen Renaults at a decent price but not had feedback from anybody who's had one. Are the old Sprinters supposed to be better than the new shape? New ones seem to be nowt but trouble.

You won't get much of an old style Sprinter / VW LT35 anymore - good ones are kept by present owners because they were the best 4 metre vans for reliability and payload.

Early new style Merc and VW were considerably less reliable and more thirsty. Merc resolved most issues from 2009 and VW resolved most of their problems from 2011.

I run a 120 mwb so far its been relable

The last Master we killed had done 380k miles from new with us and can legally carry about 20% more weight than a Sprinter. Running 3 at the moment + a Vivaro for lighter loads (will carry same weight as a sprinter)

If you need volume then Sprinter or Iveco Daily may have to be your choice.

I had a Fiat Ducato on rent when the Transit got arse ended in London & i thought it was awful to drive in respect you knew it was front wheel drive a lot of steering 'tug' and the interior felt really cheap, i surpose you get what you pay for! ps i did go quite well think it was 130 hp?

BCN EXPRESS ESSEX said:

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I had a Fiat Ducato on rent when the Transit got arse ended in London & i thought it was awful to drive in respect you knew it was front wheel drive a lot of steering 'tug' and the interior felt really cheap, i surpose you get what you pay for! ps i did go quite well think it was 130 hp?

Better than a Sprinter in ALL respects

Wont argue with you there the Sprinter i had in Canada was forever breaking down!

I had a few sprinters over the years, and every single one has done a great job, like any vehicle, if you look after them they look after you! I drove one all over Europe for 3yrs and never had a problem, I wud recommend a sprinter to anyone!

Thanks for the input, I've a few weeks to ponder and keep my eye out for something. No mention of Ford Transits, some say they go forever, some not so keen. It was the van of choice at the firm I used to work at and they took a right battering, which they seemed to handle fairly well (apart from a side door that dropped off my van on a job, the gaffer weren't too pleased when i returned it with the door in the back) :)

K.C. S. Which year plate were they out of interest?

Don't forget to look at fuel economy, payload, as well as comfort. Try to get one with the highest spec you cam find for the money.

Comfort first!
The amount of time you will soend in it.

Fuel economy less important if the jobs are priced correctly!

Sorry dont agree fuel economy and payload first. As many companies are paying between 70 to £1 a mile load as a subbie and working off exchanges ad many do rates for return loads can even lower. As nearly every company wants it moves at under 90ppm on exchanges

Legrys Express Ltd said:

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Sorry dont agree fuel economy and payload first. As many companies are paying between 70 to £1 a mile load as a subbie and working off exchanges ad many do rates for return loads can even lower. As nearly every company wants it moves at under 90ppm on exchanges

I am afraid if I do not get what I want to do a job I do not do it, full stop! Wouldn't run a small van for the rates you stated.

Back on subject however, as I said Price correctly and fuel consumption is not an issue. Load space is determined on customer base and what you are carrying, but comfort is a prime concern.

You wouldn't sit at a desk all day on a box or deckchair, I think it VERY important considering the amount of time spent behind the wheel to have a comfortable workspace!

Shame BMW didn't make vans

Back on subject however, as I said Price correctly and fuel consumption is not an issue. Load space is determined on customer base and what you are carrying, but comfort is a prime concern.

You wouldn't sit at a desk all day on a box or deckchair, I think it VERY important considering the amount of time spent behind the wheel to have a comfortable workspace!

Thats how i feel, only thing i would say about the Transit "cabin" is its a little on the small side especially when theres two of you.

BCN EXPRESS ESSEX said:

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Back on subject however, as I said Price correctly and fuel consumption is not an issue. Load space is determined on customer base and what you are carrying, but comfort is a prime concern.

You wouldn't sit at a desk all day on a box or deckchair, I think it VERY important considering the amount of time spent behind the wheel to have a comfortable workspace!

Thats how i feel, only thing i would say about the Transit "cabin" is its a little on the small side especially when theres two of you.

If you are going to run "2 man" jobs on a regular basis it is worth considering a dedicated "drivers style" seat with rake adjustment for the 2nd person instead of the standard bench.

moray couriers said:

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Shame BMW didn't make vans

Can you imagine what the outside lane would look like, what with Splinters no body else would get a look in