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Medium sized vans, your recommendations?
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Hello fabsters, I'm thinking of upgrading my van to something bigger so I can crash in there at weekends away! There's a lot of choice in the medium sized category (peugeot expert, VW transporter, Vauxhall vivaro etc) I know this isn't very scientific, but can I get your experiences on which one you've found reliable and nice to drive please? Thanks x |
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From your bio I'm going to guess this is less of an issue for you but at 6'2", I have found the transporter to have a very cramped driving position. I've had a hire one twice while my van was being repaired and then later written off after being hit outside my house. I know the hire vans are the basic models but I was deeply unimpressed for a nearly brand new vehicle. I believe the higher spec models have a 6 speed gearbox but the 5 speed ones I had make an awful droning racket on the motorway, were uncomfortable and had crap cup holders.
P |
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Absolutely love our T4, always gets loads of love esp in Europe parked with the big white slab campers. 230k miles on the clock and getting a bit scruffy. Had so many trips vanilla and otherwise. Definitely a choice of the heart rather than the head but hope to keep her going forever. |
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"Hello fabsters, I'm thinking of upgrading my van to something bigger so I can crash in there at weekends away! There's a lot of choice in the medium sized category (peugeot expert, VW transporter, Vauxhall vivaro etc) I know this isn't very scientific, but can I get your experiences on which one you've found reliable and nice to drive please? Thanks x"
What do you have at the moment OP? |
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By *C44Man 11 weeks ago
Ipswich |
The choice is a bit of an illusion. Many vans are rebadges and platform shares made in the Renault/Nissan plant in Spain and a few others. I've always found with vans it's best to buy the engine. Find the engine that's reliable and economical for your needs and then shop the (many) vans that will have that engine fitted. |
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Aww thanks so far guys! Yep I'm 5'6" so cramped driving position is never going to be an issue! Lol. I currently have a Peugeot Partner, which I love. I was given an Expert recently as a courtesy van, and loved it! But yes as you say...I gather a lot of the makes are built by the same factory (stellantis)
My Partner van is great, but a little coffin like and squished to sleep in! |
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"The choice is a bit of an illusion. Many vans are rebadges and platform shares made in the Renault/Nissan plant in Spain and a few others. I've always found with vans it's best to buy the engine. Find the engine that's reliable and economical for your needs and then shop the (many) vans that will have that engine fitted. "
Do you have any steers how I figure that out? The van reviews just seem to discuss the whole vehicle rather than focusing on just the engine? |
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By *C44Man 11 weeks ago
Ipswich |
If you like how the Peugeot drives and works for you, stick with the Peugeot!
Another great option, especially if you want something a bit more flush with features or car like is have a look at Japanese import minivans. Things like the Mazda friendee bongo or Toyota estima. Very good platforms with lace curtains. |
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By *C44Man 11 weeks ago
Ipswich |
"The choice is a bit of an illusion. Many vans are rebadges and platform shares made in the Renault/Nissan plant in Spain and a few others. I've always found with vans it's best to buy the engine. Find the engine that's reliable and economical for your needs and then shop the (many) vans that will have that engine fitted.
Do you have any steers how I figure that out? The van reviews just seem to discuss the whole vehicle rather than focusing on just the engine?"
Wikipedia mainly, if you look at the van you like it's will say the engine then you can click on the engine and see what it was fitted to as well. |
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"The choice is a bit of an illusion. Many vans are rebadges and platform shares made in the Renault/Nissan plant in Spain and a few others. I've always found with vans it's best to buy the engine. Find the engine that's reliable and economical for your needs and then shop the (many) vans that will have that engine fitted.
Do you have any steers how I figure that out? The van reviews just seem to discuss the whole vehicle rather than focusing on just the engine?
Wikipedia mainly, if you look at the van you like it's will say the engine then you can click on the engine and see what it was fitted to as well. "
Thanks, will do! And thanks for the tips on actual campers. I don't need all the sink and stove bits, but it's an option! X |
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"Leave all vw transporters alone money pits, VW living on rep of 25 years plus ago "
Thanks I will keep that in mind! I think they're out of my budget if I want a low mileage van anyway! Although every second van in the southwest is a transporter! Lol |
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By *ags73Man 11 weeks ago
glasgow-ish |
"The choice is a bit of an illusion. Many vans are rebadges and platform shares made in the Renault/Nissan plant in Spain and a few others. I've always found with vans it's best to buy the engine. Find the engine that's reliable and economical for your needs and then shop the (many) vans that will have that engine fitted.
Do you have any steers how I figure that out? The van reviews just seem to discuss the whole vehicle rather than focusing on just the engine?"
Peugeot/Citroen/vauxhall all same
Renault/nissan similar |
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By *C44Man 11 weeks ago
Ipswich |
"The choice is a bit of an illusion. Many vans are rebadges and platform shares made in the Renault/Nissan plant in Spain and a few others. I've always found with vans it's best to buy the engine. Find the engine that's reliable and economical for your needs and then shop the (many) vans that will have that engine fitted.
Do you have any steers how I figure that out? The van reviews just seem to discuss the whole vehicle rather than focusing on just the engine?
Wikipedia mainly, if you look at the van you like it's will say the engine then you can click on the engine and see what it was fitted to as well.
Thanks, will do! And thanks for the tips on actual campers. I don't need all the sink and stove bits, but it's an option! X"
No problem. The ones I mentioned are not campers, they are like mpvs/minivans but really clever with seats that fold flat to make beds, fridges and automatic privacy blinds. They are very cool vehicles and probably cheaper than a van |
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By *C44Man 11 weeks ago
Ipswich |
"Get a discovery 3 and some tools lol maybe be biased though 🤣 "
A level 3 city and guilds in car mechanics and disco ownership are equivalent qualifications (biased Toyota truck enjoyer here) |
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I had a Citroen dispatch and it spent more time in the garage than on the road. If you go for one of those makes sure you’re going for one of the 2l diesels.
I now have a Mercedes Vito. And I love love love it. Nice to drive, small enough to park in most (but not all!) car parks and drive around town but more than enough space to fill it up with sports kit and have room to camp in it for a weekend with comfort 
Avoid the smaller engines (up to 111), they’re Renault engines and not so good but the 113 and up are Merc engines and should do 500k miles. |
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By *lakeyMan 11 weeks ago
Teesside |
I’m torn between what to get van wise I want a small van but big enough to fit a few bikes in as I work away a lot I take my bikes with me so would like a big enough van to fit them in easily without taking wheels off etc.
Nearly bought a custom DCIV before covid wish I did now as prices went up stupidly and still not really recovered |
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"I’m torn between what to get van wise I want a small van but big enough to fit a few bikes in as I work away a lot I take my bikes with me so would like a big enough van to fit them in easily without taking wheels off etc.
Nearly bought a custom DCIV before covid wish I did now as prices went up stupidly and still not really recovered "
I’ve fitted 3 bikes (road bikes as in bicycles) plus camping kit for 2 in mine comfortably. The previous owner had dirt track bikes (as in motorbikes) and I believe took 2 at a time. |
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"I had a Citroen dispatch and it spent more time in the garage than on the road. If you go for one of those makes sure you’re going for one of the 2l diesels.
I now have a Mercedes Vito. And I love love love it. Nice to drive, small enough to park in most (but not all!) car parks and drive around town but more than enough space to fill it up with sports kit and have room to camp in it for a weekend with comfort
Avoid the smaller engines (up to 111), they’re Renault engines and not so good but the 113 and up are Merc engines and should do 500k miles."
Ahh thankyou, really great advice x
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"What's your budget? A MWB Merc Sprinter is a great van, but new ones start at over £55k now alarmingly"
Not sure, it depends if I'm being realistic for the age and low mileage. A sprinter would be too big for what I need. Plus very tall. As was mentioned above, a van that fits into most carparks would be useful! |
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By *ripfillMan 11 weeks ago
Paris, New York, Hong Kong and Havant |
I bought a new merc Vito 119CDI extra long wheel base in 2020 it’s excellent goes like an intercity 125 loads of power , drives like a car , automatic
Nod it has elevating roof can sleep upstairs and have my Harley down stairs for holidays and yet I can still do a trip tip in it it’s a great van
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"Hello fabsters, I'm thinking of upgrading my van to something bigger so I can crash in there at weekends away! There's a lot of choice in the medium sized category (peugeot expert, VW transporter, Vauxhall vivaro etc) I know this isn't very scientific, but can I get your experiences on which one you've found reliable and nice to drive please? Thanks x"
Go with the Renault Traffic. Park it anywhere, good space, economical, plenty around and cheap spares. Smooth drive. I converted one to van life and spent weeks in the Peak district hill walking. Boxy, and that helps. I insulated and wood panelled it. Worked out well. Bring a jackery leasure battery for all your power needs, charge it at home, or a savvy mechanic can hook it up to the alternator.
Transporter is quite a good all rounder.
Avoid the vivaro, ford transit custom, both horrible to drive, and awkward as fck to get in and out of. Can't stand the cabs.
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By *iJandJCouple 11 weeks ago
liverpool |
Do you need a van?
Some great Japanese MPV’s around that have loads of room and the Nissan Elgrand has seats that can lie flat and make a bed
The Toyota estima and Alphard have options with reclining seats and curtains
Comfy reliable good to drive and cheaper than VW |
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I’ve got a Merc Vito Dualiner W639 2013 model, it drives great but can be a little thirsty on fuel for short trips, I’ve had it since almost new and it is now just over 100k miles.
I have used it to go away for long weekends off grid, race weekends and general trips away staying in a home made bed set-up in the rear but keeping all 5 seats in place and usable when bed was folded away.
If I was buying another Van I would look at the Ford Custom for mid-size van as the aftermarket parts you can get are much better priced.
There isn’t much for Vito’s out there and although most places cater for VW’s they also have the price tag on them. If your wanting a DIY project go Ford if you want it all there then go VW but pay for the extras to make your life more comfortable.
It is a very individual thing however, is it going to be a casual ops I didn’t make it home I’ll crash in the van type thing or are you wanting to take multiple trips away and stay off grid.
The whole thing is a minefield but you can make any mid-sized van work with a bit of work.
I would however suggest going stealth camper over massively shouting the van is a camper as they do get taken and the campers go before the general vans, but nothing will stop a scummy thief trying their luck or breaking in to see if they can steal something for their next fix in my experience. |
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"Hello fabsters, I'm thinking of upgrading my van to something bigger so I can crash in there at weekends away! There's a lot of choice in the medium sized category (peugeot expert, VW transporter, Vauxhall vivaro etc) I know this isn't very scientific, but can I get your experiences on which one you've found reliable and nice to drive please? Thanks x"
nissan probably have the best deal out there at the moment, well over here anyway
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Ahh thanks everyone for posting, I do like the idea of a stealth camper, but thanks for the tips on cheaper models, they sound worth looking at.
I'm really just wanting a van that I can throw a bed into, rather than a full set up with kitchette etc. It's just going to be for crashing. |
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