XLWB

I'm considering buying an xlwb van, any recommendations or horror stories please?

Avoid Sprinters

Iveco probably best despite what some may say, Had absolutely no problems with the one I had for 18 months.

We have an Iveco 4.5m 2.3 litre

No problems at all

Iveco will take a lot of abuse if you can cope with the 950kg payload

Post 2011 build VW Crafter with 2 litre motor worth a look especially if you are going to drive it yourself - avoid the 109hp variant though

If your much over 6' tall the Iveco cabin is too cramped. Poor electrics, flimsy panels, SLD that feels like it will fall to bits if slammed too hard. Decent on fuel if driven carefully, not too bad if driven harder but the 60L fuel tank gets a bit tedious with high mileage.

M & P Express said:

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If your much over 6' tall the Iveco cabin is too cramped. Poor electrics, flimsy panels, SLD that feels like it will fall to bits if slammed too hard. Decent on fuel if driven carefully, not too bad if driven harder but the 60L fuel tank gets a bit tedious with high mileage.

60l tank, my ar is 65l

Funny you say that about the Iveco we have a finisher deliver to us & hes got one & hes welded the side door shut as one time it fell off & caught his ear! painful! I looked at the vw put was told it was nearly a grand to have the timing belt changed & i dont think the payload was to special either.

M & P Express said:

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If your much over 6' tall the Iveco cabin is too cramped. Poor electrics, flimsy panels, SLD that feels like it will fall to bits if slammed too hard. Decent on fuel if driven carefully, not too bad if driven harder but the 60L fuel tank gets a bit tedious with high mileage.

I'm 6.2" 17st. I've had 3 Ivecos and each one had done over 80k per year. On my 3rd now its just over a year old an done 94k. 3 yrs unlimited warranty, inc Iveco assist. no issues, payload 1200kgs. 65lt tank and 35-38 to the gall, 4.5mts or 5mts corner to corner.

I have subbies who drive Merc's both old and nnew. When you hear the cost of repairs once out of 12mth warranty its scary. I know which I'd rather be driving and paying for.

Seems Mercs have changed their approach to become more competitive then - the new Sprinter, which certainly looks the part, has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. I'm looking at this as a new comer to the commercial vehicle market, but that shows me they're confident in their vans. Payloads aren't up there with other vans, but then will other vans (the Movano/Master for eg.) still be going strong after 3 years with 250k on the clock? Yes, the Mercedes cost more, but you usually (though not always) get what you pay for. Also this new Sprinter apparently has corrosion protection for the whole body now - so the body may actually last as long as the rest of the van!

CPL Transport and Sameday Couriers said:

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M & P Express said:

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If your much over 6' tall the Iveco cabin is too cramped. Poor electrics, flimsy panels, SLD that feels like it will fall to bits if slammed too hard. Decent on fuel if driven carefully, not too bad if driven harder but the 60L fuel tank gets a bit tedious with high mileage.

I'm 6.2" 17st. I've had 3 Ivecos and each one had done over 80k per year. On my 3rd now its just over a year old an done 94k. 3 yrs unlimited warranty, inc Iveco assist. no issues, payload 1200kgs. 65lt tank and 35-38 to the gall, 4.5mts or 5mts corner to corner.

I have subbies who drive Merc's both old and nnew. When you hear the cost of repairs once out of 12mth warranty its scary. I know which I'd rather be driving and paying for.

35 - 38 what ort of speed are we talking, I once hired a renault master for a few days drove it steady averaged 29 to the gallon not too impressed

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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CPL Transport and Sameday Couriers said:

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M & P Express said:

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If your much over 6' tall the Iveco cabin is too cramped. Poor electrics, flimsy panels, SLD that feels like it will fall to bits if slammed too hard. Decent on fuel if driven carefully, not too bad if driven harder but the 60L fuel tank gets a bit tedious with high mileage.

I'm 6.2" 17st. I've had 3 Ivecos and each one had done over 80k per year. On my 3rd now its just over a year old an done 94k. 3 yrs unlimited warranty, inc Iveco assist. no issues, payload 1200kgs. 65lt tank and 35-38 to the gall, 4.5mts or 5mts corner to corner.

I have subbies who drive Merc's both old and nnew. When you hear the cost of repairs once out of 12mth warranty its scary. I know which I'd rather be driving and paying for.

35 - 38 what ort of speed are we talking, I once hired a renault master for a few days drove it steady averaged 29 to the gallon not too impressed

Its generally motorway mileage 65 avg. Depends on what your doing thats why these replies can vary/contradict each other... Its what works for you and is best suited to your business.

CPL Transport and Sameday Couriers said:

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I'm 6.2" 17st. I've had 3 Ivecos and each one had done over 80k per year. On my 3rd now its just over a year old an done 94k. 3 yrs unlimited warranty, inc Iveco assist. no issues, payload 1200kgs. 65lt tank and 35-38 to the gall, 4.5mts or 5mts corner to corner.

THE PAYLOAD OF AN IVECO 4.5M IS LESS THAN 1000KG do not trust manufactures figures go do it properly - fuel up and take it to a weighbridge with all your usual gear onboard (straps etc) and get a ticket with the driver on board

Jamie G said:

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Seems Mercs have changed their approach to become more competitive then - the new Sprinter, which certainly looks the part, has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. I'm looking at this as a new comer to the commercial vehicle market, but that shows me they're confident in their vans. Payloads aren't up there with other vans, but then will other vans (the Movano/Master for eg.) still be going strong after 3 years with 250k on the clock? Yes, the Mercedes cost more, but you usually (though not always) get what you pay for. Also this new Sprinter apparently has corrosion protection for the whole body now - so the body may actually last as long as the rest of the van!

It's about time Mercedes did something to protect the bodywork more, in my opinion they must be one of the worst vans on the market for rust patches. Back doors in particular seem to start disintegrating after a couple of years!

Horses for courses...

If you need to be able to carry maximum loads and no more than 5 euro pallets weighing circa 1500 kg then go for the Master / Movano.

If maximum length is your priority, with a restricted payload, then look at the Daily / Sprinter ranges.

Or for the best of both get yourself an International "O" licence and use a tachographed vehicle.

Jamie G said:

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Seems Mercs have changed their approach to become more competitive then - the new Sprinter, which certainly looks the part, has a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. I'm looking at this as a new comer to the commercial vehicle market, but that shows me they're confident in their vans. Payloads aren't up there with other vans, but then will other vans (the Movano/Master for eg.) still be going strong after 3 years with 250k on the clock? Yes, the Mercedes cost more, but you usually (though not always) get what you pay for. Also this new Sprinter apparently has corrosion protection for the whole body now - so the body may actually last as long as the rest of the van!

Mercedes was one of the first manufacturers to give a 3yr unlimited mileage bumper to bumper warranty, ive had sprinters for the last 13 years and theyve always come with this as standard

This is what I have noticed about sprinters, if they are owned by one person/owner driver they tend to be well cared for, if they are owned by a largish company they tend to have lot's of drivers who don't give a hoot because they don't have to repair them, you can't expect vehicles to thousans of miles a week in all weather's, polish and wax them a couple of times per year then no problems, if your bone idol then they are going to rot.