Company Vans

[rdocwra]

Hi Guys,

After breaking down in my new van for the SECOND time in the last four days i was wondering what you guys thought was the best van fo the average service engineer.

I am not just talking about comfort, but the whole package. Comfort, fuel MPG, reliabilaty, Dealer standards ect.


I have put a few suggestions on the poll but if anyone has any others in mind please post


Regards

Raymond

[chemi-cool]

Hi Raymond.

Although I am not sure that we get exactly the same vans.

After driving American vans ( when gas not the price of a good steak) a GMC Vandura for about 300,000 km I have changed to Citroen berlingo + trailer, drove it for 420,000 km with absolutely no problems.

Now I drive Peugeot partner ( copy of the Berlingo) already 150,000 km.
Very reliable, most comortable for the driver, bad for sex in the back seat :D

Now I am looking for a new one, It takes me ages to decide.
Hope this poll will help.

Chemi

[Karl Hofmann]

When I first started I bought a three year old VW T4 Transporter 800Special (1.9TD) She let me down a couple of years ago when the aftermarket immobiliser immobilised me, but that is all. The local dealers service I'm told is crap. The vehicle itself is very good and tough, though a little dated, and overtaking with only 68Bhp is not really an option. She's eight years old now and will be retiring at the end of the Summer in favour of a new T5 Transporter. I hope that the new one will be as good as the old 'un

Ha! I thought I knew the law pretty well, but a couple of months ago I picked up a speeding ticket for exceeding 50mph on a single carriageway road, where cars would be limited to 60mph...This applys to any commercial vehicle with a GVW exceeding 2000Kg......Rats!!! :(

[rdocwra]

Hi Karl,

You are not the first and i am sure not the last to get caught out by this. The limits on the vans are 60mph (Dual) & 50mph (Single carriageway). Two engineers in our area have been caught recently, both on the A421 going into Milton Keynes off the M1.


I have used few of these vans and was interested on everyones input. Vauxhall Vivaros Very powerfull even when fully loaded easilly reach 105mph (SO I AM TOLD !!!!) even when fully loaded and loads of room but suspect build quality.
EGR Valves, Gearboxes, Brakes struggling to make the 18000 service intervals. I am told the Renaults and Nissans are exactly the same but don't seem the hear of problems with these ?????

Peugeots, Most comftable vehicle (Car or Van) i have ever driver. Pleasure to go on long calls but underpowered and too small (Expert).

It is strange that all vans have there good and bad points, if only someone could design one will all the good points of all the vans, it would be a best seller.


regards

Raymond

[Karl Hofmann]

My main concern for many vans is that many manufacturers gain performance by making them flimsy. I guess that I am lucky in being able to select my own vehicle (I guess we all spend more time out in our vans than our own livingrooms) so I hit the options list with a vengence and selected the 174Bhp 2.5TDi so power will not be a problem any more, The 1.9 would be out accelerated by artics. The seats are the same as my old van which have been very hard wearing (No torn upholstory) and very comfortable, the arm rests are a boon on the motorway and when I had hurt my back lifting a paving slab I could support myself on them when driving.
The Old T4 did suffer from a lack of storage for the drivers bits and bobs and the temperature control knob is flimsy as they do break. Fuel consumption with a 6 inch tube, a triple extending ladder and a large set of steps on the roof rack was a commendable 30mpg

[rdocwra]

Hi Karl,

1.9 doesn't seem to be big enough on the VW,Peugeots & Citreons although it seems plenty on the Vauxhalls/Renaults.

I must aggree with you on the armrest issue these are so nice on the vans that have them. I am glad you gave gone for the 2.5 version of the VW the only fault i found with them was the l;ack of power on the 1.9. Most of the time i would run with the choke out & even then HGV's would overtake on hills (Put the a/c on & forget about acceleration completly).

Most new vans these days seem to run between 33-36mpg obviously depending on workload and driving style. I have recently been trying BP Ultimate fuel & the vans certainly feel more pokey. MPG goes up about 2-3mpg on average but i have yet to work out considering the extra cost on the fuel whether is is more economical or not.


Regards

Raymond

[Karl Hofmann]

The VW dealers are pushing the 1.9PD engine pretty hard and have an offer on, offering a free electric pack and aircon. I tested a 1.9pd against the old 2.5TDi, both produce 102 Bhp, the 1.9 was peppy enough, but lacked low down grunt, kind of like drinking decafinated coffee

Another van that might be worthy of a look is the Toyota van with the 2.5 D4D engine. Pug ugly, but worth a look for reliabillity

[Jasper]

I drive a Mercedes Vito, very fast when needed and very comfortable to drive long distance. The new vito long wheel base looks realy good but it is a bit pricey. Main draw back with the vito is the lack of stowage compartments in the cab, all my manuals have to be stored in the back.

[chemi-cool]

Hi Guys,

If you want a fast van, up to 1 ton, will overtake any BMW at the traffic light, then get the GMC VANDURA V8 5.7 160 HP.

That was my first van for some 6 years, never broke down,
very big and fast, 100mph in no time.
But.......... gas prices was gpoing up and this baby had a tank of 100 L. 5km to the litre. too expensive.

Chemi

[Karl Hofmann]

Ha! we used to have a GMC Sonoma pickup (About the size of a Ford P100) with a 4.2 V6 Great in a straight line, but come to a bend and it cornered like a jelly :eek:

[chemi-cool]

Our American friend can not appreciate their vans cause they never had a small van with only 2L engine.

They do not need stuff like Turbo to gain power, engines are just BIG. So, size matter. :D
Chemi

[rdocwra]

Hi Karl,

it isn't just aftermarket immobilisers that let you down, My van is currently off the road after being taken into the dealer in the back of a recovery truck because the chip in the key that disables the immobiliser has gone.

Needless to say i only have one key, the spare is in my company head office 500 miles away. The dealer tells me that it will take 7-10 days to order up and get a new key so at the moment i am having to slum it in a new MPV. Its a hard life :D .

Looks like from the poll Vauxhall are doing well, must admit there are a lot of Vivaro's about at the moment.


regards

Raymond

[rbartlett]

not knowing too much about vans

what's the merc like as i understand it's first choice with a lot of guy's who end up with vivaros....

cheers

richard

[chemi-cool]

Directors do not drive vans? Are they? ;)

They drive executive cars :rolleyes:

That will be the next poll, Richard. :D

I attach a picture of a good van for you

Chemi

[rbartlett]

that looks like the A team's van !!


cheers

richard

[chemi-cool]

It can be a team van, it can be a fridgy van, it can be a family mpv, it can be a 7 seater taxi etc. etc.

Its very comartabe, powerful and fast, a bit pricy on the gas but one of the best.
Well, GM are not paying me so I better stop here. :D

Chemi

[rbartlett]

no i meant this A team !!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2465&item=5910373191&rd=1


cheers
richard

[Andy]

Hi :)
I though it was just me obsessed with what van to get :D
I drive a caddy, with a German racking system inside, a bit like the tardus, open the doors and no one can belive that all that is inside. Goes on the smell of diesel, a good rapid service van but limited in carrying ability. Thats why we are buying a new mind range van, either a vito or a T5 transporter with the 108bhp engine (enough power but not a licience looser) probably a T5 as their is only one merc dealer in NI. and I don't want to be shafted if they don't perform.
176bhp would be nice, but my engineer is only 22 and sure to loose the licience in a flying machine like that.

Kind Regards,Andy.

[chemi-cool]

Sorry Richard.

Got your point, yes its like the A team van.

Chemi

[Bones]

good old tray back ute for practicality.

ie. toyota hilux, mazda bravo, ford - holden tonners etc.

[chemi-cool]

Hi Bones.

Long time no hear.

You must be board in the middle of winter :D

Those open back pick-ups are fine but if you park in the city, within 5 seconds its empty!

The closed van is much better.
You should know that you also have more space at the back....................... ;)

Chemi :)

[stan1488]

best service truck ive ever had , not a van i know, 1992 chevy silverado 4x4 extended cab (place for manuals!!) plush interior, surround sound , tinted windows, chrome bumpers, ladder racks utility bins w roll down bed, PURE CLASS THIS WAS!!!! :cool:

[chemi-cool]

Hi Stan.

Thats the way!!

What many people don't realise, is that the van in many cases is a second home and for some, THE home, so its better to invest in comfort and gadgets to make your life more comfortable especially on long drives.

Chemi

[frank]

My little Vauxhall Astra does me quite well thank you - can't see the point in POSING :D

[chemi-cool]

Hi Frank.

Beside yourself and a lunch-box, what else can you load? ;)

Chemi

[frank]

If it wasn't for the MATTRESS in the back I'm sure I could get some tools on board! :D :D

[chemi-cool]

Had a good day Frank?

Or came early from the pub? :D

Chemi :)

[frank]

Are you spying on me Chemi?? :D

[iceman007]

I have a Nissan Primastar. Very happy with it. Six speed gearbox and on the motorway at 70mph, the engine almost idles at 2000rpm. It's got all the mod cons, cos I spend more time in it than at home. Can't really miss it, as it's all signwritten in red white and blue, and there's even room for the mattress in the back. I had a vanette cargo a while back before I started out alone, and wasn't too impressed by that, or the Transit I had afterwards, but I would recommend the Primastar to anyone out there

Best Wishes
James

[rdocwra]

Hi Guys,

Can anyone tell me the difference between a (1) Vauxhall Vivaro (2) Renault Traffic & (3) Nissan Primastar.

I have looked on the company websites and all the specs are the same, engine power, gearbox, price the lisst goes on.

I have to aggree with iceman the 6 speed box in all the above is great, brings the noise level and fuel consumption right down.

Well we've had the votes, looks like it's a fight between Vauxhall & VW. Now we all have things we like and dislike about our vans, if you could design a van what would you have ( In the real world)

To start things off i would have,

Renault Taffic, 6 speed, a/c and ARMRESTS for the driver.
the rest of the van standard, apart from RDS radio so i didn't have to keep swapping between four frequencies for Radio 2


Regards

Raymond.


P.S. before some smarta### say's the difference is the badges, i meant anything substantial. !!!!!

[rbartlett]

renault pretty much control nissan therefore there is a lot of 'parts bin' rummaging.

vauxhall went in to help with the costs so fundamentally it's badge engineering rather like the
ford galaxy
vw sharan
seat alhambra

in the case of the above 3 all travel down the same production line in spain

cheers

richard

[rdocwra]

Hi Richard,

I dont know if you know the area well, but if you are near Luton travelling between the M1 at Jn 10 & Luton Airport all you will see coming out of Vauxhalls is Transporters.

One will come out fully loaded with Renaults, The next fully loaded with vauxhalls and you've guessed it the third will be Nissans.

To be honest i cannot see the point of all three companies, getiing the same vans off the same production line. perhaps they are afraid if it get badged under one company people won't by them because they are loyal to the other.

The Vauxhall version is definatly the best sellin version by a mile, then the Renault with the Nissan lagging FAR behind.

Have any of you Renault drivers had gearbox problems, EGR Valves, ring any bells. I have heard about loads on the Vauxhalls but not many on the Renault, Maybe it's just i know more people with the Vivaro's than the Traffics.


Regards

Raymond

[iceman007]

Hi Raymond

I used to pass the Vauxhall factory all the time on the M1 because until quite recently (ish) I used to live in Hertfordshire. The difference inthe three vans, I believe is nothing substantial, although I think they put in their own in car entertainment and the instruments are possibly a slightly different design. The strangest thing of all though is that I think they have slightly different price tags.

I'm very happy with my van. I have not had a single problem with it, but then again it's almost new- I had it from new in March-it's really economical, and also quite quick.

I suppose there's always going to be things that we would all like in a van. For me it must be comfortable, and the things which I would have if I was doing my own spec would be- air con, hot and cold box (for lunches), sat nav,two side doors (one each side), six gears,but an automatic would be marvellous-saves having to struggle with having the odd drink in traffic. Also I would have all the racks etc pre installed.

That's about it really.

JAMES

[Karl Hofmann]

In a previous lif I used to transport vans round the country on my transpoter, 3 at a time, mainly LDVs :eek: and Renault Traffics and Masters from Southampton docks. We also used to collect Vauxhall Arenas, the guys at the docks quite literally removed the Renault badges and replaced them with Vauxhall badges.

I think that I have ordered my ideal van,six speed aircon, CD changer, armrests on both seats, lift up tailgate to work under when it rains, towbar to haul a cherry picker and a 174 horses to pull me along and leave Chemis Chevvy van for dead :cool: LOL

[rdocwra]

Hi Iceman,

I think the days of an auto van are a long way off for a couple of reasons.
1) Weight, Companies sell vans on their capacity and the extra weight of an auto box will reduce the payload weight.
2) size of autobox too large, especially on the vans with front wheel drive, wil be complicated getting it all in.
3) Extra fuel consumption, another minor detail that fleet manager like to look into.

Karl, care to let us in which van ou have ordered, i assume from the spec it's coming off the IBC factory in Luton but didn't know an of them come with armrests

Regards

Raymond

[Karl Hofmann]

Hi Raymond,

I have ordered a VW Transporter 2.5. The two comfort seats were £10 more than the standard seat configuration of one drivers seat with no arms and a double passenger seat. I lose the storeage locker below the passenger seat but gain room for a cool box and / or dog. My old livery of AA yellow with blue and silver lettering and ice crystals is going for a more subtle metallic wheat beige, the yellow was eye catching for automotive work, but as I fit more split systems in to homes, the yellow does seem a little "loud" when parked on the driveway of an expensive home.

[chemi-cool]

Hi Raymond.
You sound like a van manufacturer.

Automatic transmission is 10 times better, especially with all the traffic in the city's and of course lets not forget the fast M25 :D

It will consume a bit more gas but look after the motor much better.

drivers comfort is another important thing.

From some reason that beyond me, cars and vans in Europe do not come as standard with auto transmission.

Tell him Karl, whats a kick down in the Chevy you used to have. ;)

The only reason I drve the Peugeot expert as you call it (partner over here) is the driver comfort. Didnt find yet a van so comfy.

Maybe you can recomend something?

Chemi

[Karl Hofmann]

Would you believe it Chemi, but I really cant remember if that little sonoma was manual or auto, I think that it was manual with a column change and a brolly handle hand brake (No wonder that Americans cant do a hill start in a manual car) Ha the ride was always soft when unladen, but load it up and you could develop sea sickness. My own car is auto and I really wish it wasnt, but it was a lot of car for £600, great for disposing of rubbish down the tip and taking the dog out. I guess that the choice of transmission is based on what you are used to, if you have grown up with auto then manual would seem to be a lot of hassle, to my mind autos never seem to change when you want them to...Give me stick shift everytime. I noted that VW offer tiptronic transmission as a £1000 option on the 130Bhp model...Hmmm

[chemi-cool]

Hi Karl.

This would be my choice if I could only use it for work.

Some 28 years ago I have driven one of those big baby's from Germany to somewhere in the m.east. about 8000km trip.
Of course they wasn't as comfy as today but all that power at the tip of your toe. Everything was air operated, starter,clutch , brakes and gears.
Never have to pay attention for little cars, they just fly away when you pull the air horn. This is a real machine.

Chemi

[rbartlett]

for work i use a old mitsubishi chariot (space thingy) it was given to me by my father just before he died..

it' a 2.2 turbo diesel with auto.-car for free RESULT!!

however firstly the 50k service cost £550 :-0

then at 53k the g.box went.

mitsibushi quoted me £6000 for the g.box PLUS fitting!!!
they said it was the most expensive box they've ever quoted and dearer than the sports GTO auto box :-[

managed to get one reconditioned for £1900

the re-builder said 'all autos these days are ****e even volvo etc'
12 months warrenty drops to 3 months if it tows...

this combined with the 300 miles a tankful makes it an expensive car to run/own..

moral don't look a gift horse in the mouth

-check the fuel figures and DON'T buy an auto!!


cheers

richard

[rdocwra]

Hi Guys,

Just had another thought. Using an Auto box will put even more strain on the vehicles brakes. Vivaro's (So i assume Traffics & Primasters) seem to suffer on brake wear. Stuggling to make he 18,000 service interval & knocking out discs on the vans that are loaded up to capacity. Putting an autobox on will mean increased use of the brakes & increase wear.

Just to let you know, just filled up tank on my vivaro & has done an average of 42mpg using BP Ultimate diesel. I will keep an eye on it and report back if its just a one off OR will work out about right.

Regards

Raymond

[rdocwra]

STUPID BL~~~Y VAN,


Broke down AGAIN this week and was off the road for another 3 days. Thats 3 breakdowns in 3 weeks, surely that has got to be some kind of record. I lost all my gears while in the depths of norfolk because a 3 inch pin fell out of the gearbox.

Also the van only went at 30mph because it was in limp mode because a wire had come off the turbo air meter.

I sware if this thing breaks down again it's going off yarmouth pier

Regards

raymond

[chemi-cool]

Hi Raymond.

Sounds like you can start your trip to Yarmouth pier. :D

Chemi

[iceman007]

Raymond,

After the day I 've had, I'll tow you off the end if you like !!!

James

[Karl Hofmann]

I would say that the days of the slushmatic gearbox are numbered. Automatics similar to the units used on Smart cars will be the way to go. Similar systems are an option on HGVs and are proving to be popular with the drivers, especially those doing a lot of town work.

Raymond, what van do you drive / push?

[rdocwra]

Hi Karl,
03 Plate, Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9dti SWB.

Strange thing is that i had exactly the same model with the company i used to work for and never had any problems (apart from the usual service things, Brakes ect).

I guess this one must have been the Friday afternoon model



Regards

Raymond

[Karl Hofmann]

Hmmmm. I'm not sure I would believe the theory of a Friday afternoon van. The prospect of a Friday night out in Luton wouldn't make me want to rush out of work. ;) The issue with the brakes would bother me if I was a prospective van buyer. My old R reg T4 still has meat on the same pads that I put in over 40000 miles ago, but to be fair I try to avoid braking, as it takes forever to get back up to speed

[rdocwra]

Hi Karl,

I think the problem with the brakes is more to do with this industry than the van itself.

Most people buy a van to suit the size of cargo, where in this game you tend to have loads of space in a van this size but you are VERY near MGW due to the equipment we carry.
R404/R22/R134/R408/R409/R407/Oxy/Acl/Nitro Think about how much they all weigh even if you only carry one of each.

Then add tools and spares + Driver weight (This probably only affects me :eek: )

Then the service interval 18,000 miles, is isnt too difficult to knock out a set of pads and as soon as they go bang go the disks as well.

I know what you mean about Luton though, i have spent far too much time there myself, perhaps that's why they built the airport there :)

regards

Raymond

[Karl Hofmann]

I'm pretty lucky that I usually have a good idea as to what I'll be doing each day, so I only carry core equipment and the refrigerants that I expect to use. Most of my automotive spares are bought in as needed, though I do carry condensers for Mondeos, pipes for Pug 306's and a crucifix for Ford Galaxies.

It is sad that the most memorable thing about Luton is a song about its airport :D

[Gwyn]

Peugeot Expert every time! Fast, ( in excess of 119 mph) Reliable, (150,000 no break downs and only three sets of tyres) comfortable, and a good size parking etc, WR seem to use a lot of them so can’t be that bad? :)

[Karl Hofmann]

Sorry Gwyn, I dont believe you could ever do that sort of speed in North Wales. Go one mile per hour over the limit on the A55 and the Talivan men will photograph you from every angle :(

[Blueboy]

I think the Toyota Hiace is pretty good. They'll do big miles carry big weight they don't go wrong no matter how you abuse them and the new ones are a 2.8 dti fairly fast even 3 with three tonnes of service equipement in them and is 20-30 to the gallon ok for fuel consumtion, I think so.

However the best van I've ever had was a 325 touring BMW , but | guess that might be considered a car by some :D

[chemi-cool]

Hi blueboy.

BMW as a van? not bad if you only have to carry manuals.

Try Porche, only one manual but the driving..............

Chemi :)

[Coolie]

I used to drive a vauxhall astra van 1.7 TDI.
It was a nice drive, but a tad on the small side.
I now drive a Toyota Avensis estate car.
Nice drive, not much storage and the tax is killing me, but hey look on the bright side, I can use the shortcuts through the parks and past Buck pallace.

[rdocwra]

MESSAGE TO ALL FLEET MANAGERS :D

Any chance of buying vans that ARE NOT white.
Just washed my van for the second time this week, white always show the dirt off !!!!

Regards

Fatboy

[Karl Hofmann]

LOL Thats how they calculate your bonus, the more dirt on your van, the more miles you have done and thus the harder you have worked :D

My new van should be rolling off the production line in Poland this afternoon, three weeks late. I have suggested that a nice set of alloys would be suitable compensation, but I fear that it fell on deaf ears :mad:

[chemi-cool]

Hi Karl.

What sort of vans are made in Poland?

Chemi

[Karl Hofmann]

VW Transporters, Chemi

I understand that the Polish plant will be the main factory for the Transporter model. I'll be glad to get it too, the old van has gone and I'm working out of my old BMW estate, which may seem like the ideal works van, but it is too small for all of my stuff and stabs me in the wallet every time I fuel her up :eek:

[chemi-cool]

Hi Karl.

I saw the new models, they got a new front that looks like the GMC.

They are very expensive over here.
Just make sure yours was not made on a Monday morning. :D

Chemi :)

[Karl Hofmann]

Hi Chemi,

Ha! Tell me about the price! but my old one was reliable in the extreme, and comfortable too but at seven years old was starting to show her age and with only 68Bhp on tap was pretty slow, especially when loaded and two ladders strapped to the roof.

I'll admit that it is not as stylish as the Renault Traffic, but I'll be keeping her for a long time, so the VWs plain styling shouldn't date as quickly and second hand transporters are always in demand.

[frank]

with only 68Bhp on tap was pretty slow, especially when loaded and two ladders strapped to the roof.


Do you use ladders for all your car A/C repairs Karl - you below 4ft in height? :D :D

[Karl Hofmann]

LOL Frank,

I also do work for some large body shops, I can be working on the AC before the tow truck can drag them out of the tree they just hit :D

I also install and repair mini splits and domestic gas fitting, nothing heavy....AND NO FRIDGES!!!

[frank]

Hi Karl

Taken as intended :D

Good on you mate

[botrous]

The Citroen and Peaugot and Reaunolt vans are vidly used here , as well as growing use of Fiat and Fols Vaken vans . . .
But the french vans still dominates the Lebanese market

[tonto]

I myself drive a ford falcon 2004 ba ute with canopy on the back, drives very well, plenty of power, comfortable, and comes from the factory on lpg, so you cant complain about the price of fuel... Maybe we can post pictures of everyones work vehicles, because I wouldnt have a clue about some of the cars you guys are talking about....

[Temprite]

I myself drive a ford falcon 2004 ba ute with canopy on the back, drives very well, plenty of power, comfortable, and comes from the factory on lpg, so you cant complain about the price of fuel... Maybe we can post pictures of everyones work vehicles, because I wouldnt have a clue about some of the cars you guys are talking about....

I know what you mean tonto. I dont know much about the vehicles being mentioned.
I drive a Nissan Navara 4wd ute with cabinets on the back on diesel.

[Karl Hofmann]

Here you go Tonto, I'll start the ball rolling though I suspect that the Transporter is a pretty common sight in OZ

http://www.autoacforum.com/forumimages/Van%20Front.jpg

The young lady with the collar makes sure that all my tools stay put :D

[botrous]

Hey Karl , that's nice , your van color go great with the young lady color . . . that's what i call a good taste of colors.

And I like the logo (ice flake) , is it vinyl or paint ?

[frank]

Hi Karl

We've just ordered 2 VW Transporters in silver as the Vito's are due to go back. Been given a delivery time of 8 weeks from the factory :eek:

[tonto]

Karl, very nice german shepard you got, ill try and post a pic as soon as I take one

[Karl Hofmann]

Thanks Botrous, my previous van was bright yellow but I had to sell it because I couldn't find a dog to match :D

The ice crystal and the lettering on the sides and rear are in vinyl, I have a buddy who does sign writing, so he whizzed off the lettering and stuck it on one Saturday morning.

The Transporter is a really nice van and I love it but my dealer here in Crewe is manned by muppets and the price of the long life oil for the PD engine is astronomical (£10 per litre)

Would you believe that we found Sadie in a home for unwanted dogs?

[botrous]

Yes sure Karl finding a dog that goes with bright yellow seems to be mission impossible :):):):):)

I have a friend who does vinyl designs to , as i saw the ice on your van , i'm considering aving one on mine . . . : )

10 pounds per liter , why is it mixed with gold , platine or diamond???

I really don't beleive that such a dog was unwanted , man dogs are very friendly , last weekend my dog (a dog for hunting in the mountains ) had an operation near his eye , poor him :mad: but he is getting well . . . see i really appreciate the relation between a man and a dog , i even say he , him not it :):):)

[iain]

the best van i have had is the merc vito. i morn the lost of this van very much as my company changed it for a ****ron dispatch which i would put forward as one of the most uncomfortable vans i have ever driven also the handling of the dispatch is shockingly bad


it brings a tear to my eye when i think about the vito and all the happy miles i traveled in it

[botrous]

it brings a tear to my eye when i think about the vito and all the happy miles i traveled in it


Hard to change from good to bad . . . . but memories remains

[frank]

My little Astra van took an almighty kick up the backside this morning as my neck can verify. :mad:
Don't know what type of replacement is coming tommorrow but I hope it's comfortable.

[phil]

i have joined a new company who shall remain nameless and have an astra van usless to put anthing in but turbo diesal like sh*T of a shoval sod the rest of the vans drove a berlingo for two years great for putiing things like french buns but slower than brian the snail

any verdicts out there on a transit connect

[shanes696]

if you guys want the perfect van stick to the transit , the low top short wheelbase fits in to even london multi story carparks ( even the masked magician would have trouble pullling that one off ) they fit everything you would want in them and they will run for EVER , thats some advert from someone who who thinks fords are sh**e in general

[almichieuk]

i have a T5 being deleivered on thursday, its the T30 130bhp with tiptronic, aircon, elec pack arm rests and some other things but i forget, i'll give you a review when i get it. Thought the demo i test drove was fantastic... cant wait! :cool:

[Karl Hofmann]

The T5 is a cracking machine, only had a couple of issues with it. First was the sticking electric window that my local stealer took five attempts to repair, breaking something new each time and the second is a common fault that VW are yet to resolve, this is a slight click or knock in the steering when going from lock to lock, it is not a safety issue, but very anoying on a premium product. I'm sure that they will figure it out eventually.

Whatever you do use the correct oil for the PD engine as cheaper oils will wreck the engine, eight litres cost me £74 dear but important to use the right stuff.

Enjoy your new beast :)

[eskimo2]

100series Toyota Landcruiser for me!
doubles as my off roader when i need to go hunting

[saud khan]

hi
used to drive a mb vito but at the moment driving a kango its not bad good on fuel, the only thing i can say is if you are inthe van you are not making money
saud

[RSFN1974]

Funny poll. I think that most people have a favourite van. Currently I'm driving a Nissan Primastar. Very nice car. I've been driving in Fiat Ducato, VW transporter, Toyota HiAce and Citroën Jumper. I hate the Ducato and the Jumper:eek: . The enginepower is ok. But the driving is to lorrylike. The HiAce was very reliable but underpowered with it's 2,4L diesel. The Transporter was better then the HiAce but still a bit underpowered very reliable though. Now I'm driving the Nissan Primastar. Nice car almost like driving a normal familycar. It can easily run 100 mpH:D . Got the first ticket within a week - oops. I especially like the 6 speed gearbox.

[rdocwra]

Hi Guys,

Renault Master/Vauxhall Vivaro/Nissan Primestart all come off the same UK production at IBC (Vauxhall) Luton. In theory all should be about the same.

Personally i loved my Vivaro apart from the local Dealer who seem to think that as it was a company vehicle they could #### me about.

Anyone else have dealer problems or is it a local problem

Regards

Fatboy

[Karl Hofmann]

Oh Boy have you caught me on a bad evening!

Had the Transporter for 12 months now and it is still a superb machine but it does have a couple of issues, one is a clonk on the steering which although not dangerous is annoying, VW still haven't come up with a permanent fix even though it does affect every T5 van, the second is my Local VW dealer who are total W#####s, to cut a long story short it took five trips to my dealer for them to get the van right again from a simple fix of a sticky passenger side window, each time it went in they broke something on the door or discovered that the parts that they had ordered were wrong and so the time that I had booked off was wasted. a few weeks ago they made the daft mistake of phoning me to remind me that the van was due a service (Just how they knew this with variable service intervals is beyond me) I now feel a little sorry for the poor girl who telephoned as I was not as polite as I could have been but it does vex me when people who make sales calls automatically assume that we have nothing better to do than listen to them read a sales spiel that they don't understand and I dont care about.

I think that I shall have a large Bacardi now, rant over:mad:

[rbartlett]

I use a Opal Zafira which is an import obviously and my local Vauxhall dealer here in Newbury is quite fantastic. great service and always helpful

As an example I phoned to book in recently as the little mechanic light kept coming on and the service guy said "biggest cause of this is the oil level -have you checked it?"

I had but it shows that they aren't just out to gouge money. I dropped it down and they had a quick look -found it was the mass sensor

"how much?"
"£ xx "
"can you do it now?"
"umm err yer sure won't take long -want a coffee whilst you wait?"

brilliant..

http://www.inchcaperetail.co.uk/DealerLocator/DealerLocatorDetail.aspx?DealerID=92

Good guy's


I recommend every one of you sell your vehicle but an imported opal and get it serviced in Newbury -you know it makes sense!!

cheers

richard

[chillin out]

I had but it shows that they aren't just out to gouge money. I dropped it down and they had a quick look -found it was the mass sensor


How much did they charge you for fitting it?

Its only 2 jubilies and a connector!!!!!

Same went on my car and they wanted £65 for fitting it!!!!

Chillin

[alpha]

I use Mb cdi vito, have driven it since new and covered 160,000miles with very few problems at all. Comfy, quick and handles pretty well.

I have two gripes with it though, 1~It's too small for all the gear I carry 2~It eats brakes, pads and disks like no bodys business, every main service it requires new disks and pads, every other service, pads.

If I didn't carry so much weight (I blame this for the brake wear fault) I would have another, next van will be 316 sprinter if I sweet talk the man with the money :D

[frank]

I have two gripes with it though, 1~It's too small for all the gear I carry 2~It eats brakes, pads and disks like no bodys business, every main service it requires new disks and pads, every other service, pads.
Same problem here. Can't count the times we've had the vans into Merc for new brakes. Anyway, thats all in the past as we took delivery of 2 new VW T30's this week :) :)

[Karl Hofmann]

My Transporter has just had its first service at around 15000miles (Variable service) with around 1000 miles on the countdown before the service was due. The discs were good, but it looks like the front pads will be due at around 22000 miles.

Most Transporter owners will be surprised at the price of the oil, £74 for eight litres of long life oil specifically for the PD. The pressures in the engine, where the cam drives the injectors are especially harsh on oil, and so I would not be tempted to use a lesser oil though the Transporter can be put on to a standard 10000 mile service interval using non long life oil.

Frank, I'd be interested to see if your new vans still develop a clonk in the steering after a few miles

[frank]

Hi Karl

I'll let you know how things develop. Good feedback so far from the lads though :)

We've got the vans on a maintained lease so costs for servicing, oils, tyres, tax etc is all included. I know exactly how much my monthly outlay is for transport.

The only thing I can't cover though is DAMAGE :(
P.S. memo to self - must try and get the lads to drive SLOWER :D

[Karl Hofmann]

LOL if you got the 85 or the 104 horse motors they'll be fine, 130 and its brown trousers time, 174 and they'll all be riding bicycles by the end of the month :D I'm told that the police take a dim view to being overtaken at close to 120mph by a van with two sets of ladders on the roof and a geezer munching a cheese butty behind the wheel :eek:

[alpha]

Same problem here. Can't count the times we've had the vans into Merc for new brakes. Anyway, thats all in the past as we took delivery of 2 new VW T30's this week :) :)

Hi, we run all of three vito and it seems that within the company it's only me that has brake issue, but reading your posts you had the same annoying fault with yours.
It's deffo rather annoying for sure.

I would be very interestead in knowing how you guys get on with the VW after xxxx miles. Mpg, service costs and the like, although I do think size would be an issue for us.. VW's look minty though :)

[Simple]

Hi, we run all of three vito and it seems that within the company it's only me that has brake issue
I had a Vito and got through 3 sets of discs and countless pads, at one stage they had to import discs from Germany because they had run out! (not just because of me):D But they never admitted a problem. I have a Vivaro now and its the dogs b******* Although 18000 miles between services is pushing it as the pads wear out half way between 1st and 2nd service.

[frank]

Although 18000 miles between services is pushing it as the pads wear out half way between 1st and 2nd service.
Sounds like another engineer that speeds up and then applies hard braking :D :D

[Karl Hofmann]

Generaly speaking I am pretty light on brakes, my old T4 would need new pads every 40000 miles. The problem I think seems to be that the new van is very highly geared (2000 rpm equates to about 70 MPH) and so the effect of engine braking is reduced

[Simple]

Sounds like another engineer that speeds up and then applies hard braking :D :D

I never speed ;)

[rdocwra]

. I have a Vivaro now and its the dogs b******* Although 18000 miles between services is pushing it as the pads wear out half way between 1st and 2nd service.

Don't worry about pads, get to about 50k in a vivaro and the gearbox goes :eek:

Regards

Ray

[clownblade]

Wrong, wrong, wrong. you all could not be more wrong. many moons ago i ran a vauxhall combo 17d which could be stood on three wheels navigating roundabouts after having done the jackie stewart "last of the late brakers" manouver on approach. since then its been all estate cars. todays btcc special is a 2 litre 16v vectra est. plenty of room for service tackle and a cd player to scare aerosmith. now i know your all going to say there is no room for fridgefreezers and all the other clart you carry around, which is why i fitted a towbar and hey presto three times the room. in short... diesel vans-never again.

[rbartlett]

JS was never a late braker. he was known to be exceptionally smooth and kind on the car.

the vectra est is a poor car and known for it's unreliability -which is why they fetch piss all money at the auctions..

a clown and his money are soon parted....

cheers

richard

[Karl Hofmann]

In between selling my old van and delivery of the new one I worked for a few weeks out of the back of my 5 series touring. Never could find anything, constantly lifting kit with a bent back and sod all protection from flying refrigerant bottles and kit in the event of an accident

Didn't work for me

[clownblade]

JS was never a late braker. he was known to be exceptionally smooth and kind on the car.

the vectra est is a poor car and known for it's unreliability -which is why they fetch piss all money at the auctions..

a clown and his money are soon parted....

cheers

richard


There are reasons why your opinions on this matter are both incorrect and imbecillic. firstly JS as you say was a very smooth driver, however this was due to the correct setup and balance of the cars he drove. the aim of any single seat racing car is A:- to approach braking zones and not lock any wheels as this would reduce braking efficeincy and speed reduction. if the wheels are to lock then all four should do so at the same time, i.e braking capicity reached. B:- the car should niether oversteer or understeer, a combination of both is more desired as this results in higher cornering speed and corner exit speed.
The result of this ability to set cars up in this manner allowed JS to both, brake later and travel faster than other drivers who appeared more aggressive and seemingly faster but were in fact slower.

your claim as to the vauxhall vectra being unreliable is in my case total nonsense as mine now has just short of 150,000 miles and has never so much as missfired. your comments about the auction values being "piss all" is possibly true, however in this case the car was purchased as a six month old ex lease vechicle with less than 5000 miles for less then 8 grand (just under 15 grand new) and was vat qualified. that in my book is sound financial sense.
Lastly the saying is "A fool and his money are easily parted"

kind regards
Clownblade.

[rbartlett]

There are reasons why your opinions on this matter are both incorrect and imbecillic. firstly JS as you say was a very smooth driver, however this was due to the correct setup and balance of the cars he drove. the aim of any single seat racing car is A:- to approach braking zones and not lock any wheels as this would reduce braking efficeincy and speed reduction. if the wheels are to lock then all four should do so at the same time, i.e braking capicity reached. B:- the car should niether oversteer or understeer, a combination of both is more desired as this results in higher cornering speed and corner exit speed.
The result of this ability to set cars up in this manner allowed JS to both, brake later and travel faster than other drivers who appeared more aggressive and seemingly faster but were in fact slower.

your claim as to the vauxhall vectra being unreliable is in my case total nonsense as mine now has just short of 150,000 miles and has never so much as missfired. your comments about the auction values being "piss all" is possibly true, however in this case the car was purchased as a six month old ex lease vechicle with less than 5000 miles for less then 8 grand (just under 15 grand new) and was vat qualified. that in my book is sound financial sense.
Lastly the saying is "A fool and his money are easily parted"

kind regards
Clownblade.



JS broke earlier and gentler than most which enabled him to be off the brakes earlier and far smoother than the rest. he did not late brake anyone as he didn't need to.

FYI Alan prost often used to brake through the corner in order to keep the car balanced.he too was also known as being kind on his brakes/car. as is jense

car set up is a personal thing some drivers like understeer some like mild oversteer some want it to be as neutral as possible -again it's a matter of choice.

take Ferrari for example the whole car is designed with MS in mind therefore unless the no/2 appreciates exactly the same kind of car then he will instantly be at a disadvantage..

different

the vectra is known in the industry as an unreliable car which is why they are worth jack ****e at the auctions.

google vectra unreliability.

oh and another thing

the saying is

"a fool and his money are SOON parted"

clown is just about right..

cheers

richard

[frank]

Maybe you guys ought to take a little light reading instead of trying to profess who drives the better http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/0113408587.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[clownblade]

Matbe you guys ought to take a little light reading instead of trying to profess who drives the better http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/0113408587.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg


LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLL.

[chillin out]

Transportation method is getting a little overloaded, don`t you think????

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/6299/asstoosmall0ha.jpg

Needs a bigger a$$

Chillin:)

[shanes696]

I've been running a Merc Vito 111CDI for the last 18 months from new, got 52,000 miles on it now. They drive great & it's got just enough go (110 bhp) but that's all the good points. The van didn't come with a spare wheel or jack (some P.D.I. that was then), I've given up having the A/C fixed, the side doors keep coming loose on their hinges, the driver's armrest ratchet keeps breaking (I don't even put any weight on it), 2nd gear synchro is on it'ds way out, it eats brake pads at an alarming rate, the passenger door has dropped on it's hinges & is eating it's way into the (plastic) front wing even though it rarely gets used, the rear wiper has packed up, there's a huge hole in the floor covering where my heel pivots, the traction control has never worked from new (given up getting it fixed), the mirrors are crap, the plastic hub caps keep falling off, the dealers are expensive & not very helpful & don't even offer a courtesy van...I could go on. VW Transporter for me next time.

[frank]

I've been running a Merc Vito 111CDI for the last 18 months from new, got 52,000 miles on it now. They drive great & it's got just enough go (110 bhp) but that's all the good points. The van didn't come with a spare wheel or jack (some P.D.I. that was then), I've given up having the A/C fixed, the side doors keep coming loose on their hinges, the driver's armrest ratchet keeps breaking (I don't even put any weight on it), 2nd gear synchro is on it'ds way out, it eats brake pads at an alarming rate, the passenger door has dropped on it's hinges & is eating it's way into the (plastic) front wing even though it rarely gets used, the rear wiper has packed up, there's a huge hole in the floor covering where my heel pivots, the traction control has never worked from new (given up getting it fixed), the mirrors are crap, the plastic hub caps keep falling off, the dealers are expensive & not very helpful & don't even offer a courtesy van...I could go on. VW Transporter for me next time.

You don't like it then ? :D

[shanes696]

You don't like it then ? :D
LOL For a van that's got the the 3-pointed star on the bonnet it's crap. Apparently they're made in Spain. During their siesta.:D

[mr cool]

I had a vauxhall astra sportive and it was well smart 1.8 ltr and car derived meaning 70 on mtrway and dual carrage v comfy and the lap rest was nice. cd player alloys and steering wheel radio controls. currently driving a transit connect. not too bad but a bit cramped up front. fairly reliable, but a bit sluggish up hill etc

[almichieuk]

I've been running a Merc Vito 111CDI for the last 18 months from new, got 52,000 miles on it now. They drive great & it's got just enough go (110 bhp) but that's all the good points. The van didn't come with a spare wheel or jack (some P.D.I. that was then), I've given up having the A/C fixed, the side doors keep coming loose on their hinges, the driver's armrest ratchet keeps breaking (I don't even put any weight on it), 2nd gear synchro is on it'ds way out, it eats brake pads at an alarming rate, the passenger door has dropped on it's hinges & is eating it's way into the (plastic) front wing even though it rarely gets used, the rear wiper has packed up, there's a huge hole in the floor covering where my heel pivots, the traction control has never worked from new (given up getting it fixed), the mirrors are crap, the plastic hub caps keep falling off, the dealers are expensive & not very helpful & don't even offer a courtesy van...I could go on. VW Transporter for me next time.

I have the T5 130 Auto. it does between 28-38 mpg depending on how i drive it, sometimes <20 if im having a bash on the motorways!! The van is very good, drives fantasticly, changes almost invisibly, is pretty good on fuel seeing i have it loaded to the brim...

Aftersales is f*&*ing awful, and i mean terrible. I still, after 14 months havn't had some of the warrentee work done. It eats the nearside rear tyre in about 20k miles, goes bald on the outside, ive had 2 now and am needing another. what do VW say "you'll have to have a new one put on before we can look at it" and "its not covered under wanrantee" WTF its got 100'000 mile wurantee and its not covered... great. The external panels are like paper. i have dents and dings all over the place. the best one is on the rear tailgate where i push it shut - its pushed in. look at the transporters with the tailgates, nearly all of them have a dent on one side or the other!! the servicing is soooo expensive! a friend runs around in a Rangerover sport, his last service was £140, my oil and filter service (with heppa filter) was £300, and i need 2 of these a year, plus what ever else the computer flags up. Vauxhall are doing 3 years free servicing at the moment with their new vans... ive booked an appointment

[Andy]

I. It eats the nearside rear tyre in about 20k miles, goes bald on the outside, ive had 2 now and am needing another. what do VW say "you'll have to have a new one put on before we can look at it" and "its not covered under wanrantee"

We have a fleet of T5 vans,some of ours were hard on tyres. The tyres that come on them are mitchelin 51's for 510kg a corner, we changed to 81's to bring us up to the correct tyre for the weight.

Also we have one van off line in the rear, we had this corrected in the tyre place on a computer linning rig they had. Van service centers won't have this, they are putting you off as they have to send the van out for alignment.

Best take the van to on of the high street tyre chains and have it linned:)

Kind Regards Andy:)

[almichieuk]

We have a fleet of T5 vans,some of ours were hard on tyres. The tyres that come on them are mitchelin 51's for 510kg a corner, we changed to 81's to bring us up to the correct tyre for the weight.

Also we have one van off line in the rear, we had this corrected in the tyre place on a computer linning rig they had. Van service centers won't have this, they are putting you off as they have to send the van out for alignment.

Best take the van to on of the high street tyre chains and have it linned:)

Kind Regards Andy:)



thanks very much, interesting. I have changed to Goodyears, they have the same rating as the michelins that were on it, and lasted a lot longer for some reason. which type of vans do you have? mine is the T30 130, has the 215 profile tyres. i'll have to have a look at the weights, i know that i can carry 1.45 tonne payload though

Alistair

[Karl Hofmann]

Now that is interesting, Just had a couple of rears on today (30000 miles), 81s to replace the 51s tha the van came with, the N/S rear tyre had worn on the outside shoulder, which I assumed was the result of going round roundabouts too fast whilst loaded but I shall ask the guys at QR Sport their opinion. Also today had the output upped a little from 174Bhp to around 200. The extra power is not immediately noticable, but they have made the power delivery a lot smoother and given the engine a lot more grunt low down, so I can now pull away in a gear higher than I used to which has reduced the number of gear changes that I have to do. A far nicer drive altogether. Not too sure just how long the front tyres will last though as it wheelspins when I floor it in third :rolleyes:

[almichieuk]

Now that is interesting, Just had a couple of rears on today (30000 miles), 81s to replace the 51s tha the van came with, the N/S rear tyre had worn on the outside shoulder, which I assumed was the result of going round roundabouts too fast whilst loaded but I shall ask the guys at QR Sport their opinion. Also today had the output upped a little from 174Bhp to around 200. The extra power is not immediately noticable, but they have made the power delivery a lot smoother and given the engine a lot more grunt low down, so I can now pull away in a gear higher than I used to which has reduced the number of gear changes that I have to do. A far nicer drive altogether. Not too sure just how long the front tyres will last though as it wheelspins when I floor it in third :rolleyes:

exactly the same place that my tyre went, they told me that they didn't know of any problems there! seems there is...

I too have had the power up'd as it were. iveg gone from 130 - 165, its much better to drive now and the MPG has gone up by about 6-8 in general. get more like 400-450 miles on a tank now :p

[old gas bottle]

i too favour the VW vans and have just sold my three year old 174 transporter,only the one problem,turbo hose came adrift and needed a new clip,15-20,000 mile service intervalls and not to expensive either on that front,be beware ,second hand vehicles now loose a fortune so budget for that, i now run a new TD4 freelander that doubles up as a car/van, pile of poo !should have stuck to a VW.

[Andy]

thanks very much, interesting. I have changed to Goodyears, they have the same rating as the michelins that were on it, and lasted a lot longer for some reason. which type of vans do you have? mine is the T30 130, has the 215 profile tyres. i'll have to have a look at the weights, i know that i can carry 1.45 tonne payload though

Alistair

Hi Alistair:)

my van is a T30 130 combi (one with the extra seats). My gross weight is 3 ton with the four 51's fitted I could have only carried 2.4 ton. With four 81's the tyres could handle 3.24 ton. As most vans carry near or over the weight they are supposed to a can not see why they are sent out with tyres onlt fit for 2.4 ton.

The rest of our fleet is the 106 or 110 bhp models (can't remember exactly) they are 2.8 ton vans, which again come with 2.4 ton's worth of tyres:(

Kind Regards Andy:)

[p_p]

:) Theres only 2 vans to consider, vito or transporter.
I've had a new vito for 2 years, exellent to drive, fast and perfect for my dodgy back, they hold there resale value really well too.:)

[Lippygit]

Do all us guys seem to have dodgy backs .......... But we love our jobs ..... lol

[LRAC]

Hi all
We run vivaro vans for installation and 2.0HDI berlingo's for service, no problems with either models. vivaro's have 80K on 2004 and berlingo's are very gas efficient.

We get the extra's as well A/C etc makes life easy when we get hot weather.
Lrac

[Dr._Fleck]

I drive an air conditioned Vauxhall Combo.

Nice, can be a bit slow though, and the back looks like a bomb's gone off in it ha ha

[fatboydim]

mines a toyota hiace 280gs, the most reliable van i have ever had, and i've driven some dogs in my time.... fiat ducato 19d.... wot a pile of s###, blew 2 engines before 80,000 mls....

[momo]

IVECO 35/11 factory re-conditioned lease vehicle... I was fed up with insufficient space (and bad experiences with late 1980s series transporters) and needed a high roof, power steering is lovely, large cabin (try to keep uncluttered!) ... BUT turned up with noisy gearbox, worn brake linings, no Statutory road test, slow delivery of paperwork :mad: ...

The local distribution company service was initially bad but is improving - I make a point of telling them what is wrong :cool: - they do keep usual spares in stock or at a days notice (give them due - they got my IVECO lorry's clutch cylinder overnight :))

Definitely a case of PROFIT MAXIMIZATION with a fleet of vehicles outside for sale and visible to catch one.

Hyundai vans seem popular, Nissan too, VW expensive, Mercs. forget it - the sales/service company is too big and fat to bother about dealing properly with people, spares, needs and problems - especially on imports which some friends have; Citroen/Peugeot/Renault: expensive parts (except older models with substitutes... Diesel C15 wonder machines but out of production - pity) SEAT Inca (petrol: only a pain to start because of damp electrics -discontinued) local Opel has a bad reputation for not servicing anything they don't sell you, to point of leaving a friends battery "dry" and being expensive... Fords ? Toyota ? Mitsubishi ?

[marc5180]

Iv had Citroen berlingo, Mercedes Sprinter, Vauxhall Vivaro, and even a Peugeot Partner but just got a new Ford Transit and i love it, its fab.....wouldnt mind a Mercedes Vito though:D

[airconadam]

ihave got a citroen parnter got to be the worst van going to small to put tools in etc specially when doing an installation as you can imagine units in etc got to to 3 runs iahve had a bigger van b4 a sprinter and loved it fast and big thanks adam

[absrbrtek]

Ford E250 Econoline with Triton V-8 engine. Plenty of room for tools, parts, etc.

[airconadam]

v8 in a work van i wish:eek: must be american lol thanks alot adam

[thebigcheese]

we just got the new experts 2.0 hdi 120 bhp full elecric pack etc very nice vans with just the right amount of space in the back

[Karl Hofmann]

Well my Transporter has now hit 38000 miles and has been unroadworthy for six weeks because the rear wheelbearings are grumbling like mad and VW cannot supply new bearings.Oddly enough the worst bearing is the one on the wheel that was scrubbing off the outside shoulder of the tyre.. Any other T5 owners with bearing problems?

Next time its Toyota all the way, the new Hiace does look really nice

[Gwyn]

some of my engineers say the seats in the Vito's are c?*p (saying getting a bad back ????).... anybody got the same problem?...lets see some results on this question please!

[Lowrider]

VW T5 Rules! No problems, ever! Just got a new one 4 months ago, the previous one had 280000km on it without a poblem!

Vito's, no way! Broke off the gearknob & doorhandles after two months! And no, i'm not that strong!

Seats on a vito are bad, especially if your big. Get a good custommade seat and problem solved!

[Karl Hofmann]

VW T5 Rules! No problems, ever! Just got a new one 4 months ago, the previous one had 280000km on it without a poblem!



Ha! You'll learn. At four months old my window fell out. Had a new turbo, water pump, steering column, rear door lock control unit, heater blower resistor and now those bearings, I can't turn the radio up any louder and I cant hear what people are saying on my handsfree.... The bearings, the bearings, 'twass the bearings that made me mad!!!!!!!!!

My old T4 1.9Td was a superb van, couldn't fault it

[Lowrider]

I also own a '61 Karmann Ghia, '63 Beetle and a '70 Squareback! VW does Rule!!!

The company I work for has 16 VW's and 10 Vito's. The vito's are always in the garage and we make the money to pay for them!! No just joking! But we had little to no problem with the VW's

[Karl Hofmann]

I also own a '61 Karmann Ghia, '63 Beetle and a '70 Squareback! VW does Rule!!!

The company I work for has 16 VW's and 10 Vito's. The vito's are always in the garage and we make the money to pay for them!! No just joking! But we had little to no problem with the VW's

Got a 92 Golf Diesel to drive the dog around in and the car just keeps going, my 96 T4 was bomb proof, just couldn't kill it But my T5 is very fragile, I fear that VW have slipped badly. I dont think that I would ever buy any European vehicle again.

My uncle who works for BMW laughed at my Japanese car and told me that it was inferior to his 3 series untill I told him just how many times it had been to the dealer for warranty work......Never

[Andy W]

So what is a good van to buy then as my Renault Trafic is going in September, I was going to pay the extra and buy a VW Transporter, dont think I will bother now.

The new Fiat Scudo looks good and is now bigger than the previous model.

[old gas bottle]

ive been a VW man since 1982 with a new top of the range every two years and only had a couple of small problems, but alas have decided there to damn expensive and the used van market has slumped due to cheap fiats and others,which i now own one and there good value for money, my lad run one to destruction asswell with no problems and we lost very little,there much better on fuel but dont ride aswell,not as fast but half the money, i can live with that.;)

[Karl Hofmann]

So what is a good van to buy then as my Renault Trafic is going in September, I was going to pay the extra and buy a VW Transporter, dont think I will bother now.

The new Fiat Scudo looks good and is now bigger than the previous model.


Next time, I'll put my money on a Toyota.

[Andy W]

Next time, I'll put my money on a Toyota.Fine vans, but the Hi ace has got to be due for a facelift or new model now. I did have a new Toyota lite ace in 1993, it was a little under powered but a fantastic reliable van, I did 98,500 miles in it, in that time it had to have a diff rebuild and an exhaust, thats it! Another engineer had it after me and put a further 40,000 miles on it, that was a workhorse of a van.

[LRAC]

Fine vans, but the Hi ace has got to be due for a facelift or new model now.

Hi Andy W
The toyota hiace had a face lift in March.
www.toyota.co.uk (http://www.toyota.co.uk)

heard that the van has a few teathing problems, i now drive a Hilux Invincible fantastic bit of kit.

Regards
Lrac

[S_Line]

Yep agree with the under powered Hiace,
We had one in 98 and had a turbo fitted to it, didnt make much difference though.
Robust and reliable van, far better than the Mercs/ Renaults we have been running.

If people are thinking of buying a Renault van, go for the 2.5 DCI and not the smaller engine one.

We run both versions, the 2.5 is a massive improvement, specially when you have all your tools on board.
the 110 DCI has been back many times with engine faults, its only done 30K :(

[Andy W]

I test drove a new Fiat Scudo yesterday, very impressed with performance compared to my 100 DCI Renault, I intend to test drive the latest Renault DCI 115just to see if they have improved any before making a decision.

[theboss]

my fathers company uses Nissan Urvan diesels. Inline 6 3.0liter engine. Lot of torque for carrying loads and excellent A/C.

[SteveCass]

Was chatting to an engineer who had the new Scudo ( I have the older shape 2.0 turbo, 1.9 would not pull you out of bed and pants economy). He has the 1.9 JTD ( or was it 1.6? can't remember! :-O )
and says it is underpowered. Plus he has sent his back for loads of little problems, same for a couple of others on his firm. Maybe wait a while until they can iron ouut the kinks?

S

[Andy W]

Apart from an Hi Ace, does a reliable trouble free van exist, why dont Honda do vans, they would be pretty good.

[monkey spanners]

I quite like the iveco daily after reading they do 3L diesel with 180hp and 400nm of torque from about 1250rpm upto 3000rpm.
Was talking to a mechanic who said i need an old mechanical injection engined van if i want something reliable (and slow) this common rail stuff insn't ready yet.
As to the fiat scudo i think they now use ford engines which have a reputation for the dual mass flywheels failing.

Jon

[paul_h]

I'm buying a vehicle soon and I'm getting a dual cab ute with canopy.
I hate vans, noisy, built to a budget, servicing more expensive.
A dual cab ute means better drivetrain, easier servicing, dual cab seats for my manuals and shopping, canopy over the tray for gas bottles and oxy.
Pictured is the fourwheel drive version, but I'll probably end up getting a rear wheel drive one that's slightly smaller.

http://www.refrigeration-engineer.com/forums/%5Burl=http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=8137380932553071ky2.jpg%5D%5Bimg=http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8334/8137380932553071ky2.th.jpg%5D%5B/url%5D

[old gas bottle]

just took delivery of a new fiat ducato motorhome,not realy a comparison but the base van is exellent,comfy,quite,and they have a iveco 16v engine in,mines only a 120 bhp but they do a 160 that apparenly flies,fuel consumption is supposed to be up 20 odd%, the warrenty package is i think unbeatable and the finish on theese vans is good,so is the price,all this from a man who has had VW,s from 1992 and we still run one [130 T5],its thirsty and has had a couple of problems,but not big ones,one my third fiat now and never had a problem.:D

[Andy W]

Good to hear about Fiats, my last Scudo saw me through 4 years of trouble free motoring apart from front pads twice and tyres, thats it, I think Fiat is the way to go this time, other vans I have seen seem to be expensive and still troublesome.

[old gas bottle]

i like em ! bought a new freelander TDI ,run it for a month and gave it the wife,bought a little fiat wobblo to run around in and its great,1300TDI 50 mpg, nice to drive and £6,500 brand new with a 3 year warrenty, can park it anywhere and not be bothered and after three years it can go with the wifes tins out on the street for recycling.;)

[Gwyn]

:confused:Any comments on the 'Vito' against the vivario ?:confused:

[rdocwra]

I am surprised that Vito's are getting such bad reports considering they are a merc, i havnt had one but i am also hearing bad things from engineers down this way. My (Well the companies) Vivaro is now 12 months old and done 52,000 miles with no problems at all. Vauxhall seem to have ironed out all the problems as they said they had. well done vauxhall

watch this space, i will probably break down tommorow. For me its Vivaros every time now

Regards

Raymond

[chubbs]

best van on the road is a transit tryed and tested, keep away from merc very unreliable,i have had experianceHi Guys,

After breaking down in my new van for the SECOND time in the last four days i was wondering what you guys thought was the best van fo the average service engineer.

I am not just talking about comfort, but the whole package. Comfort, fuel MPG, reliabilaty, Dealer standards ect.


I have put a few suggestions on the poll but if anyone has any others in mind please post


Regards

Raymond

[stuartwking]

Hi Chubbs, The company i work for have about 25 merc sprinters which almost never break down.Im on my 3rd sprinter myself and have never had any problems with break downs.I do like the transits though but cant fault the mercs.,,

[Ashley]

Andy, who do you work for in NI? or is that a banned question?

[Grizzly]

Karl.
Why a crucifix for a Ford Galaxy?
Grizzly

[Mistral]

The transit is a great work-horse. Might not be he best lookin' van, but is always reliable and cheap to maintain.

[Andy AC]

Anybody use Iveco vans? Over the weekend some nipper (probably pissed) felt the need to try and forcibly remove the rear axle and suspension from my trusty old transit which has kind of buggered me up for work. I test drove one of the newer shape transits and found it to be gutless but the best van I drove today was an 04 plate Iveco Daily swb.In fact I've almost fell in love with it! I would be grateful for anybodys views on these vans, - reliability, mpg etc.

Andy

[monkey spanners]

They (iveco) do a 180hp and 400Nm (from 1250 rpm!) 3.0L one, which i want to test drive when its time for a new van. Timing chain good for 250k miles so no cam belt changes.

Had a new style 130hp transit on loan when the primastar broke again and found it quick, great for power slides with the rearwheel drive, but was only getting about 18-20mpg. What put me off was the fact that it had visible rust on the chassis and was only a few months old...oh and the mpg.

[absolute-zero]

I used to drive a ford f-450 high cube with navistar turbo diesel, that service truck would screw.

I had everything on this truck air compressor generator, welder, recovery, recycler machine, all the common day to day parts.

I miss that truck..:(

Regards A-Z

[DanM]

Hi All,
I'm sorry to say that I'm not a Refrigeration Engineer but I've just found this thread via Google and thought it so full of info I'd post a question.

Basically I've just been offered a 2004 VW T5 (T30) panel van in Blue with a tailgate and 101,000miles in the clock for £7,500. Cosmetically it's in great shape but is it worth it cos it seems a little pricey to me!

I've had an old VW Golf for the last 5 years and it's been great and I'm only getting rid of to buy the van so I can transporter my motorbike to trackdays and do a little camping in it in Scotland. I wanted a van that looked good because other than the bike it will be my main source of transport.

Questions:
- Is the above deal worth it? (Due to pick it up this Friday)
- What's the fuel economy like?
- How many miles is the T5 (T30) good for?
- What's the resale value on a 150,000mile T5?

Many thanks everybody, you've got some great advice on this site!

[get the gauges]

How come merc sprinter never made it into the poll, there are more 10 yr old sprinters running around than any other van in the uk,NEVER EVER BUY A VW van the engine is flawed, the engines ancillary parts wear out at 100,000 miles such as pulley's. I had a crank pulley wear out, expensive, its got a rubber cushion inside it to dampen it and it's knackered by 100k,i also had a water pump pulley bearing collapse unfortunately the cam belt goes round that pulley causing the belt to go slack ,jump a tooth and wreck all the valves same thing happens with the cambelt tensioner that breaks and does the same, another load of valves ,there plagued with electrical problems. I took one of mine to 3 VW dealers and no one could find my power problem i was given 5 diesel injectors ,3 mass airflow meters, 1 turbo £1100 , and they still never solved it they'll take no responsibility for fixing it,it's your vehicle and they have no connection to vw other than the franchise package they buy from vw ,overalls and signs etc, the responsibility lies solely with you. A phone call from the dealers will go something like this
Dealer: Our technician(read diagnostic machine)has located an problem with the turbo,that could be contributing to the loss of power.
Me: How much is that going to cost?
Dealer: £1100
Me: Will it cure the problem?
Dealer: We have to change it so we can discount it,if it's not solved we'll move on the next thing the machine reckons it could be until we run out of options or space in the workshop whichever comes first,and then well call you to collect your heap of **** and ask you not to darken our door again unless you have a loud knocking coming from the engine that we can identify from the reception as needing a new engine.

Dealers can't lose,you have to pay or you don't get your van back. I called VW uk and told them i had spent 2.5k with vw dealers and i wanted to bring it to there work shop for inspection,but they haven't got such a thing,you just have to take it to a franchised dealer.Never again. Just hope my merc don't breakdown now.:eek:

[rdocwra]

How come merc sprinter never made it into the poll:

Probably because i didnt even think about them when i set the poll up but i am hearing bad things about them so possibly a good thing.

My (Well the companies) 16 month old Vivaro is now on 61k and apart from needing its original front tyres changing it is still working fine. I am surprised i have got 61k out of a set of tyres but i guess i do a lot of motorway driving. Still not had brakes done either. if only the Vauxhall dealers were better in the area it would be perfect

Regards

Fatboy

[old gas bottle]

think you were on about the old T4 vw van,i had a few of those and had no trouble at all but in all fairness did not do monster miles, yes every thing you said about them was true apart from our dealership was exellent but has now gone out of bussiness,

the new T5 van does not have timing belts,its on chain and the engine should be good for 200,000k,well on the 130/174 for sure and is used in several cars not all vw,not sure about the 102bhp,too slow anyway.

i like sprinters and had a motorhome made on one, it was the 2.9 motor,exellent engine and ride,very good on fuel,the later 2.2 are known for engine blow ups or so i,am told due to the size of the van in relation to the small engine,but i guess its how you drive it,they do a V6 TDI, gimmi gimmi.

[jjthefridge]

Hi
Used to have a transit connect, biggest piece of junk going, no room in the back on call trying to get a big bottle of gas in, first empty van, put in gas bootle, lastly chuck van contents back in van. repeat when on site. fun at three in the morning.

Now have 110hp new transit, loads of cubby holes in cab, cumphy to drive, but has mondeo steering wheel. bit strange to start with. Loads of room in the back, loads of crap in there now. much better than last transit. Had turbo hose come off(no jubilee clip fitted) apparently They have a dual mass fly wheel ,
so i'm told,when you change clutch you change the flywhheel.And it just fit into multistorey car park.

As a company van its cracking would i buy one, not sure have to try the rest first.

Does anyone want a tow bar for a swb connect. got one in garage. interesed send pm.

j.j.:confused:

[paul_h]

Got mine ;)
sick of noisy van interiors and road noise. This has got a lot more interior storage space in the passenger compartment for manuals and electronic test gear too.
Last vans I had to drive were death traps and couldn't go up hills. Now I'm not part of the crumple zone anymore and can go anywhere :)

[richardb14]

the Renault Trafic dci 100 is the best van I've ever owned, its a great cruiser and good on the juice. I had a new transit before and as much asd i liked that van the Renault is better. I had a VW caddy before that (new shape) and it was a good little van, bit noisy but had a cracking stereo :)

[Muggsy]

I drive a 2lt Vauxhall vivaro sportive 115bhp, CD player, 6 speed box, A/C (obvioulsy), E/W, wheel trims (wish they were alloys though!) etc...

I've tried to load a pic, so fingers crossed its worked.

Lovely work van and cant fault it at all. Ideal service van and even for small split installs.

One of the other boys in the company has the 2.5ltr sportive engine and its silly how quick that thing shifts. I was in it with him not long back and we were doing 115mph easily! What a van!!!

[patbriandar]

Hi Ray,

I have the '07 Mercedes Vito Van 120 KAK. Good Looker, reliable and lots of space in the rear. Look it up on the Merc site. This is the second set I have had on the fleet, and no breakdowns to report with approx. 60,000Km/year.
Hope this helps.

Darren.

[Chunk]

I have a vw transporter swb.
now dont get me wrong it does like to drive at speeds up to 120 mph and it is quite comfortable to drive,but that is where the good stuff ends.

it has done 18000 miles since november of last year and has been in the garage 4 times equating to 16 working days off the road.

it broke down on monday just gone(the engine oil and coolant swapped places)for the second time.i explained to the mechanic that the oil cooler was F@@ked again only to be told that"i`m the mechanic not you"and he proceeded to do an oil change and send me on my merry way.

now this morning my engine seizes because it dont run on water and upon getting it recovered vw tells me that i shouldnt have driven it knowing the problem wasnt fixed and that my company is liable for repairs.
the garage have also denied working on it on monday.

keep away from any vw that hasnt had an oil cooler upgrade and dont leave the garage without paperwork from the mechanic who looked at it.

[Grizzly]

I have a vw transporter swb.
now dont get me wrong it does like to drive at speeds up to 120 mph and it is quite comfortable to drive,but that is where the good stuff ends.

it has done 18000 miles since november of last year and has been in the garage 4 times equating to 16 working days off the road.

it broke down on monday just gone(the engine oil and coolant swapped places)for the second time.i explained to the mechanic that the oil cooler was F@@ked again only to be told that"i`m the mechanic not you"and he proceeded to do an oil change and send me on my merry way.

now this morning my engine seizes because it dont run on water and upon getting it recovered vw tells me that i shouldnt have driven it knowing the problem wasnt fixed and that my company is liable for repairs.
the garage have also denied working on it on monday.

keep away from any vw that hasnt had an oil cooler upgrade and dont leave the garage without paperwork from the mechanic who looked at it.

Now that is a real bitch.
I guess my Companies policy of leasing is beginning to make sense.
I am sorry to read about your troubles Chunk.
Hopefully the boss is not blaming you?
Grizzly

[Karl Hofmann]

I have a vw transporter swb.
now dont get me wrong it does like to drive at speeds up to 120 mph and it is quite comfortable to drive,but that is where the good stuff ends.

it has done 18000 miles since november of last year and has been in the garage 4 times equating to 16 working days off the road.

it broke down on monday just gone(the engine oil and coolant swapped places)for the second time.i explained to the mechanic that the oil cooler was F@@ked again only to be told that"i`m the mechanic not you"and he proceeded to do an oil change and send me on my merry way.

now this morning my engine seizes because it dont run on water and upon getting it recovered vw tells me that i shouldnt have driven it knowing the problem wasnt fixed and that my company is liable for repairs.
the garage have also denied working on it on monday.

keep away from any vw that hasnt had an oil cooler upgrade and dont leave the garage without paperwork from the mechanic who looked at it.


The most common reason for water in the oil on the 2.5 T5 is the water pump... Very common fault. The list of very common faults on mine are well documented.. VW service is pants!!!

Get you company to contact VW customer service at Milton Keynes and give them grief

[Chunk]

Its mostly been sorted out now.I`ve just got to get it into a garage now for a grinding noise from the power steering and a gas detection alarm from the exhaust.When they have been fixed i might treat myself to some new tyres and a windscreen:).

The funniest thing i was told was:the RAC mechanics who have VW vans,are always having to be rescued by their counterparts who drive Fords.

At least my A/C still works though.