Reliable van recommendation

Yorky

I'm looking for a three-seater van whcih will last a long time. The best seems to be a Toyota Hiace - despite the poor economy - but the engine size seems to only be available in 2.5L which means €935 motor tax per annum if it's taxed as a private vehicle.

Can anyone suggest a smaller engined but as reliable van?

Regarding the tax, this will be a work vehicle with occasional private use - is it possible to tax it as a commercial vehicle?

Thanks.

Poly

low roof MK 6 transit 02-06 would be a better option IMO

Max_Damage

I'd go with the Mk5 Transit (1995 - 2000). While they maybe getting on in years, the engines in them were far more durable & reliable than there successors. Look out for rust on them though.

Kristopherus

Mercedes Sprinter all the way.

tom petty

Poly wrote: »

low roof MK 6 transit 02-06 would be a better option IMO

I've got one and had it 5 years now .It's an '01 and not a bit of rust on it anywhere and that includes underside.
FWD, simple mechanics, comfortable ( I'm 6foot 5 " ) takes a 8x4 sheet easily ,parts availability 2nd to none ( E bay , Transitparts Ireland .com and any motorfactors) replaced split fuel filter body which is common on early models and gear selector again common and easy to fix.
Front tyres last only 20K miles but rears just don't wear.
No vices and they're easily got now.
HTH's

ronaldo84

vw transporter 00-03 hard to beat the 2.5 tdi dont know too much about 1.9tdi good reliable van and comfortable. dont go near them opel viaros there a pile of ****e

acier

+1 on the mk5 Transit, not the most comfortable (noisy) but handle well and are bulletproof, mine has 260k and starts first turn every time. Just keep on top of the rust.

Yorky

Having researched this the most reliable van seems to be the Toyota Hiace but also the most uneconomical...

I want a reliable van but also an economical one - is there such a van?

I intend to keep the van for many years- 13 years old at least. It would be well
maintained and doing 10-12k miles per annum on rural roads and carrying approx.800kg.

bijapos

Yorky wrote: »

Regarding the tax, this will be a work vehicle with occasional private use - is it possible to tax it as a commercial vehicle?

Thanks.

Yes, you can tax it as a commercial, so its €288 per annum no matter what the engine size.

Yorky wrote: »

I want a reliable van but also an economical one - is there such a van?

I've an 01 Hiace, not the D4D which I hear is 25% more economical and it uses 10l/100km or about 28-30mpg on mixed city and long distance driving.

MarcinG

hi.

I just started thread like this on 4x4 etc forum.
Can someone owning transit and 2.5 tdi (or even beter 1.9 one) vw answer my qiestions:
1 what is a real average fuel consumption on them?
2 do they fit multi storey car park/parkings beside blessington reservoir?
3 Friend has a 2500cc transit '04 one and it is as bulletproof as you said, but has only like 80 HP - will it be powerfull enough to retreive 17" lake boat and tow it on motorway with propper speed?

and last:
doea any vito share 2.3 engine with pre '00 sprinter? (i have been told those engines last up to 800 kkm).