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General => The Shed => Topic started by: Biscombe on July 05, 2008, 06:36:23

Title: Van Advice
Post by: Biscombe on July 05, 2008, 06:36:23
I need a new car my clio is about to die!

I thought a van would be good choice,  useful for gardening and building materials!

I quite like Citron Berlingo's or similar, any advice out there for a car dumbo!
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: jjt on July 05, 2008, 23:33:35
I've got a ford escort van, it's standing up to plenty of abuse so far. Used to have berlingos at work and they were ok also. I am a dumbo myself, but I would say:
                roof rack is needed, it's very annoying when you find something to scavenge that won't fit inside (don't use bungees use proper straps);
                if you use it for work some sort of tool racking saves a lot of time sorting through a jumbled heap some idiot (me) just chucked in when they were in a rush;
                depending on your competence/confidence as a driver think about if you can see through the back or not. I can't, and you do get used to it, but anything behind me looks after itself;
                vans are great because when it comes to a tight squeeze the posh shiny new car always backs down. Or is that just lady drivers?
               
        Sorry no technical advice but if it doesn't compromise other parts of your life I would definitely get a van.
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: saddad on July 05, 2008, 23:41:35
You only know you made the wrong choice after you've driven it away from the garage and left your income behind!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: Emagggie on July 05, 2008, 23:43:00
I had a similar dilema last year Rosie, I test drove them all! I ended up with a Honda CRV which I love. It's a very good work horse and comfortable as well. Worth a look.
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: northener on July 06, 2008, 09:50:14
Hiya Rosie. I've a peugot patrner which is virtually the same as the citroen never let me down in 2 years mate had a citroen and did over 200,000 miles in it.Bargain in chronicle this wek but i bet its gone now, 01226 270223 they want £3000 for it.
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: ACE on July 06, 2008, 13:59:15
Having seen two with collapsed suspension, on one the whole lot fell out of one side. I would stear clear of them.
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: betula on July 06, 2008, 14:07:26
We have the Honda CRV and love it.Lots of space in the back with rear seats down :)
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: isbister on July 06, 2008, 16:12:20
I've got a Daihatsu HiJet (pickup version). It's vvery small, very reliable, very economical - it's more like a giant Tonka toy than a real motor.  Once I was motoring past a line of traffic queuing in the opposite direction and a guy stuck his head out his window and yelled " F**k**g  Hairdrier !" at me. And if you think about it that's exactly what it looks like.
Title: Re: Van Advice
Post by: northener on July 07, 2008, 18:03:47
Funny you say that Ace i had mine called into a Peugot dealer for free mods to the suspension. Pleased i took it in by the sound of it.