Best Commercial Car Van

ncc98071

Hi

I currently have a Golf Car van , 07 - 90,000 miles on it

I am registered for vat so looking for commercial vehicle only

I am looking to change up to newer model or even a new model

Can anyone tell me if can get a Golf Van brand new now from Volkswagen now, as there seems to be very few 09 or younger models about

Only other options I see are the Auris and Focus


Any advise on another model I could go for

I will be doing around 50000miles a year,so looking for something fairly comfortable

Anyone any costs on what Ford Kuga or Hyundai i35 would cost extra on diesel ?

Thanks

highdef

Ford Focus Have had one new since 2009. The only issue I have had is the temperature selection knob mechanism going faulty, apparantly some sort of design fault. Fixed under warrantly all 4 times, 2 times within a few days. The only other issue is that it goes through dipped headlight bulbs rather quickly. If I get 6 months out of one, I am amazed. I've always used dipped headlights at all times in any car I've had and before the Focus, have rarely had to change a dipped headlight bulb.

Performance wise, the 1.8 tdci engine develops 115 BHP and there is plenty of torque available. At very low revs in 1st or 2nd gear, putting the pedal to the metal does nothing for a few seconds which gave me a few frights entering roundabouts during my initial driving in it. The engine sounds a bit agricultural as it dates back to the 80's but in terms of reliability, it has been faultless. My collegues all drive Focus's, some vans, some 5 door hatchbacks and some estates and all are very happy with them. In my department, there has only been one major fault with one of the cars, an estate. The injectors failed. A one off though, I'm sure. I just passed the 100k mark last week and am not looking forward to when the van is replaced with a 1.4tdi Auris next year.

If possible, try get a 2010 or 2011 model as the 1.8 engine was ditched in 2010 and replaced with the much more pleasant and modern 1.6 tdci. It's a good bit quieter, smoother and also more pleasing at the pumps. Performance is very similar to the outgoing 1.8. The end of line Focus cars of this model were equipped with nice standard extras such as air con and alloys and front fogs....although front fogs are rarely needed really. I'm not sure if any of the vans were treated to these goodies as well but you could investigate that too.

L1011

Focus vans are not available new.

In fact, the selection available new is BRUTAL. Astra Estate is about the only one I'd go for for a car-adapted van. Which is why I'm now in a "proper" micro-van (Connect) instead.

You should be able to get a 10 or even very early 11 reg Focus van, though.

-Corkie-

I am nearly sure ROR said the Golf van was available to buy new..

Drummerboy08

Golf van is available now, as a 1.6TDi Trendline.

Other options are Ford Fiesta Van, Opel Astra Van 5dr...........and that's pretty much it.

Kuga probably won't cost you that much extra in diesel, and would be much nicer to drive.

ncc98071

Cheers folks

Could be few months before I go to change , but just trying to see what is out there, very limited really so it is.Must take a Kuga for a test drive

With regards the 1.6 engine in the Golf/Focus, would it be lacking power compared to older 1.9/1.8 engines, or is the newer engines pretty much the same to drive

sasta le

Seems to be little choice in Ireland any good Uk Commerical sites?

Ilik Urgee

Auris too small?

highdef

Focus 5 door van is out now, as is the Astra 5 door van. Astra is available with a fairly pokey 125ps 1.7cdti engine with excellent economy. Standard is 110ps. The base Astra seems to be better equipped than the very much stripped down base Focus, which also has much lower powered engine, with only 95ps as standard. I currently have a 1.8tdci (115ps) Focus and it's grand but sounds a bit like a tractor at times with its ancient engine. Getting a SC model astra van with the 125ps engine in the next few weeks so that will be quite an improvement with fancy things such as air con, 17" alloys, cruise control and all that jazz.....very nice for a commercial vehicle.

colm_mcm

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