[Closed] Should I buy a van.... or am I kidding myself?

Following with interest ... especially as my car is a saloon ...
I'm looking more at day/weekend than week long and happy to take a tent as well... but it would make getting the bikes out a lot simpler each weekend.. and potentially allow more bikes to be carried ..

do it, i've owned nothing but vans for the last 10 years, once you've had a van you realize just how impractical cars are even if your not a biker.

As stevexc above...

It's a panel van no air con..
I'd take the bulkhead out and stick in a second row of seats...
I'd use it for sleeping in MYSELF, maybe not the wife and kids..

BUT.... do I really get away enough MYSELF to justify it..will I get away more if I had it..??

Whe going away with teh family..would I use a noisy van over the posh Skoda yeti (1st car).....

Basically, I WANT a van, but not sure if it's sensible..

I'd have to get rid of the octavia. Which leaves me with a project on my drive if I get the van!

DrP

BUT.... do I really get away enough MYSELF to justify it..will I get away more if I had it..??

only one way to find out. Sell it on if it's not for you. You don't find out by pondering on the internet 🙂

It's a panel van no air con.

As a van owner especially for your rear passengers air conditioning is a must have .

I only bought one as we both changed jobs, and went from needing one vehicle to 2, didn't really see the point of another car when I could have a van instead.

I too went for the idea of converting and taking the family away, but tbh I soon realised this was a pipe dream and none of us really fancied it, so quickly sold the T5 and bought a van that is far more suited to my needs, a wee caddy.

It suits me perfectly as it's only ever me, or me and our only child in there, anytime 3 of us are going anywhere we'll take the car.

It's big enough for what I need - slept in there at ard rock, with the bike in there too, and all my food and kit for the weekend. I'm 6'2" and with seats fwd a single mattress is comfy as hell in there - and I never heard those bells all you campers were moaning about!...

Similar situation here. Got family of 5 and a dog and our s-max is regularly overflowing. But, I also do relatively long journeys once a month and the s-max is great for eating up the miles. It's also the case that for 90% of the time the s-max is a perfect vehicle for our needs

I'd check the taxation class/construction and use regs/passenger limits/insurance implications for having a vehicle registered as a van being used with rear seats.

Before you buy - count the number of times in the past few years you'd have been able to go away and sleep in it (with our without the family). I don;t think you're currently a 'camping family' for your hols so it might get limited use in that respect?

If it's basically going to end up ferry you and a bike to various locations in a sussex to ride once every few weeks it might be a significant expense v just stickign with the car?

If you think the estate car is useful, wait til you've got a van.

Personally I'd spend more on the van if looking to add expensive modifications.

If for family day trips or bike trips where you would sleep, the RnR bed makes a lot of sense. I'd forget about the captain seats though.

Personally I don't sleep in my van and a standard issue crew cab Vivaro is great for bike trips and family use. Takes six people for days out with the kids too.

Family + bikes = van. It's just basic maths 🙂

I've been looking at vans - I'll admit it's a 'lifestyle thing' rather than an 'I need a van'.
I like the idea of having a bigger vehicle to sit in for biking event - changing, etc etc.
Can stick bikes in and they're safer than the roof.

Having had average vans, and nice, new vans these at the biggest selling points.

The downside is, they are literally sh*t to drive, even compared to a 12 year old VW Passat, the levels of spec are horrendous & generally arn't a nice place to be.

The only van i've been in recently where I was impressed was a brand spanking new T6 with all the bells & whistles on it. Trouble is, it was £50k.

And it still drove as badly as a £10k T5. Which compared to a £10k F10 5 series estate, well, you can't.

A T5 is a nice drive compared to nearly every other van i've been in.

Every time I think it's a great idea when it rains and i'm riding, or at an event. Then I remember I actually have to drive it there too.

Been there, done that....

Back in a large estate car.
Vans are not as nice to drive. There not as economical or comfortable as cars
It soon became a pain having a van (T5, then a Caddy)
Pros and cons I'm afraid.
Basically, it wasn't worth driving around everyday in a van, in order to have something to sleep in twice a year!

Had a caravan too, that was a pain.

Four of us went to Winterberg in Germany in a povvo spec LWB converted T5 last summer. No A/C. It was a hot day but when we arrived all four of us had t-shirts literally drenched with sweat and the rest wasn't much better. He loves it but admits the running costs are horrendous. No way would I have a van without A/C, it was miserable.

I spent years talking myself out of buying a van. In the end I reminded myself that I could always sell it on if I wasn't happy with it. It's a second-hand van not a marriage.

As it happens I have fallen in love with it. we have started converting it to our specification and it has been brilliant.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/yet-another-van-conversion-thread

If anyone is interested.

Well for 3 years I had a BMW 135i and a Renault Trafic van. I no longer have a BMW 135i but still have a trafic van.

I find it quite comfy and low stress on long drives. I do have a panel van though so its not as noisy as it has a bulk head.

It has aircon, DAB radio. TomTom Satnav, auto lights, auto wipers as well as reversing camera/sensors.

Its no more stress than driving a car. However its brilliant for the bikes and also good when I do trackdays with my motorbike.

I have to admit I have never slept in it though.

Basically, it wasn't worth driving around everyday in a van, in order to have something to sleep in twice a year!

See, that's the point, right there - too many people try to shoehorn a van into their life, instead of getting a van when they actually need one - buying a van for kipping in when you only do it twice a year? madness, but this surely isn't an epiphany? you must've known how many nights a year you were gonna use it?.

I don't think I'd be without one now, but if my circumstances changed then I'd get rid, pointless trying to make things fit.

I'd check the taxation class/construction and use regs/passenger limits/insurance implications for having a vehicle registered as a van being used with rear seats.

Before you buy - count the number of times in the past few years you'd have been able to go away and sleep in it (with our without the family). I don;t think you're currently a 'camping family' for your hols so it might get limited use in that respect?

If it's basically going to end up ferry you and a bike to various locations in a sussex to ride once every few weeks it might be a significant expense v just stickign with the car

I think you're right...

I test drove the van and it was fun, and I imagined myself [i]busying away converting it on teh drive, wife watching on looking lovingly at me witha cup of tea in her hand ready to hand it over, kids smiling at their father beavering away...[/i]
Then I remembered we've barely enough time to put the washing away, if it's not pokemon or paw patrol the kids aren't interested, and in reality, thinking baout driving a few hundred miles in a hot sweaty van without AC is a bit off putting...

I think i'll pass for now.. it woud be a shame to buy a £1700 van, drop another 2-3 on it's innards, only fo the £1700 van die...

DrP

EDIT - nobeer has it..i'm trying to shoehorn an idea in!

Sounds like a sensible decision, if you don't have the time, it's pointless.

You should get a van like this......

[img] [/img]

Close enough to a real ambulance to fool the unwary into thinking you might be a real Doctor.

How about making the car more suited to sleeping in as a trial of how much benefit you would get from the van?
Make some insulating window covers for the Octavia using sleeping mats, and put put a single air bed in the boot. Can then use it instead of a tent for the occasional solo overnight trip. Shelter under the boot lid if getting changed in the rain. Lash a tarp to the boot and use two poles and guys to extend the shelter of needed.
Not as spacious as the van, but much cheaper and you get to keep the conformable car and not gamble on a potentially knackered van until you figure out if you want it for load lugging or sleeping.

I think you're right...

I test drove the van and it was fun, and I imagined myself busying away converting it on teh drive, wife watching on looking lovingly at me witha cup of tea in her hand ready to hand it over, kids smiling at their father beavering away...
Then I remembered we've barely enough time to put the washing away, if it's not pokemon or paw patrol the kids aren't interested, and in reality, thinking baout driving a few hundred miles in a hot sweaty van without AC is a bit off putting...

I think i'll pass for now.. it woud be a shame to buy a £1700 van, drop another 2-3 on it's innards, only fo the £1700 van die...

DrP

This pretty much happened with my only flirtation with vans. Bought a T4, it was a P.O.S. The final straw was when the crank pulley fell off and lunched the engine. Total money pit so I cut it loose before things got out of control.
I was considering getting a T5 now I've got a more healthy budget but realistically time/family constraints mean that at best I'll have a rattly old tin box on wheels that I'll hate driving...

Thank you for the replies...
I'll save the money, be realistic about my life expectations, and stick with the octavia!

The funny reality - I really like sleeping in a tent!!!

DrP

I had a Scudo 2.0 jtd with steel bulkhead. I've never ridden as much since I sold it. Went everywhere in it, fast cheapish to run. 3 seats in the front. Do it if you want to ride more.

I've been through the thought process for getting a van multiple times. I'm sure I'd use it every week to sleep in, but only one night at a time. Either a Friday night after work to get an early start in on a Saturday, or else a Saturday night if my Saturday and Sunday plans are in the same area. Can't really see me using it for more than one night at a time, generaly for multiple night trips I'm backpacking/bikepacking with tent, or if in one area I prefer a hotel/inn/b&b room.

A van would be great for overnighting in and would require less organisation and faff, but an estate car works just fine purely for sleeping in and like above I have a tarp which covers a 'living area' for more space. I just couldn't justify the extra expense of running a van, I do about 30k miles a year and like to be comfortable doing so.

Amdro do a [url= http://www.amdro.co.uk/transporter-camper-units/transporter-kombi-bed-p-75.html ]nice bed setup for the kombi Transporters[/url]. Proper seats for the kids, doesn't eat up too much bike-carrying space.

They do a [url= http://www.amdro.co.uk/boot-jump-camper-car/boot-jump-solo-p-79.html ]solo version of the Boot Jump[/url] now as well for the Berlingo and similar. Cart a bike and yourself off to somewhere, and sleep in the back with your bike securely inside.

They do a solo version of the Boot Jump now as well for the Berlingo and similar.

JFDI. Wished I had ages ago. I dont miss driving a car, in fact I miss the space and view ahead. A/C? Well, my next van will have it probably but like leccy windows you soon realise that it's nice to have but really not essential.
Running costs are no worse than the estate car that it replaced, 40mpg isn't too hard to achieve.

Off to France next week in it and I can't wait.

Makes sure you get one with stickers on the side, they make you look awsome, and people will think you are a sponsored rider.

They do a solo version of the Boot Jump now as well for the Berlingo and similar.

£1695 for a plywood box, some cushions and a plastic tub. Holy smoke.

It depends where you're coming from. There's a VW T5 Kombi version for the same price which when compared to the costs of fully converting a van looks good value....especially if you only use it infrequently for camping.

But I agree taking that Berlingo one at face value, it does look pretty expensive for a box with a folding out bit!

I also take an intake of breath over those costs, however...
Bootjump and flip bed + good driveaway awning (e.g. Vaude) + a heater = awesome, quick camp set up for two, for van+ less than £2.5k.

Try a 'proper' small camper conversion for that money...

We JFDI a couple of weeks ago after months of umming and ahhing. £1700 2003 lowish mileage MWB Ducato kind of already half converted with 12V lights and 240V sockets. OH spent a few days rearranging the back so we can get the bikes in (wheels on!) while we sleep and still have space to stand up and make a cuppa. I'm holding off on advertising our Doblo properly until it's proved itself but the one overnight trip we've done was loads comfier than if we'd been in the Doblo. We don't have kids though so it only has to accommodate the pair of us.

Thank you for the replies...
I'll save the money, be realistic about my life expectations, and stick with the octavia!

The funny reality - I really like sleeping in a tent!!!

DrP

I always liked my car, but it was impractical for my needs, going away at weekends with the wife and bike and the dog and setting up in the dark and mostly in the rain !

Recently bought a 63 plate LWB Renault traffic panel van and now converted it to a day van with a separate garage in the rear and I'd now never go back to a car

It's perfect for going to race events, just rocking up and thats it !.

Now doing more trips away to the lakes, its been remapped which makes it drive nicer and more economical

Converting a van is cheap enough if you do it all yourself and it also makes a nice project 😉

£1695 for a plywood box, some cushions and a plastic tub. Holy smoke.

Yeah, you could DIY something similar for less and plenty of people have. Their package does include though a £200 stove, a full set of blackout curtains, proper Fiamma table thing (not cheap), etc. Plus the premium of just having a well thought out thing delivered that you can chuck in the back and go riding, rather than spending a couple of weekends cutting plywood and sewing cushions.

I've got a Transit crew cab, had it over 6 years so the longest I've had any vehicle. It's the short wheelbase, used to get full bikes in length-ways but the way bikes have grown in length they have to go diagonally now or front wheels off. I've slept in the back seats plenty of times with an airbed fitting in the space, been great in all conditions albeit slightly cold in a snowy Glencoe with no insulation but not unbearable with a hat on. It's getting on in age now and showing a lot of rust but I just can't get rid of it until I find a replacement or it fails an MOT disastrously.

Did a trip to the Alps the other week, me and my cousin in his medium wheel base crew cab Trafic from Glasgow (for him). 6 bikes fully build in the back, most of our kit packed around the bikes. Air con, cruise control, bluetooth, sat nav. It sat at the speed limit or above across the whole of the UK and France quietly and in a lot more comfort than my old Transit. Could have done the same trip for cheaper in an estate with two bikes but we had a break mid-week from the mtbs to go road biking and used the cross country bikes a couple of days too.

Once you have a van the positives seem to outweigh the negatives when regularly biking but it can become a PITA if you take time off the bike. Be prepared for higher insurance if not using for business use. Paying as much this year for me and a mate named as I was for any driver over 25 last year. If I had kids a crew cab would definitely be top of the shopping list!

Buy as good as you can afford though, there are a lot of horrors out there at the lower end of the market, how many people actually look after a works van. Really struggle to find a replacement for mine at the cheaper end of the market.

Paint it green, buy a dog called Scooby Doo and go around solving crimes in your spare time...

Toyed with a van like yourself for years but could never get insurance to use it to commute as I was connected to the motor trade but not closely enough to get trade insurance.

Change of jobs earlier in the year meant that I now have a company car so used the proceeds from my old Passat and some money from an inheritance to buy a scabby old T5 shuttle. As a few others have suggested the things it opens up in the outdoors far outweigh the hassles of parking and the expected running costs.

If you want a van buy a van, if it doesn't work out what have you lost?

Paint it green, buy a dog called Scooby Doo and go around solving crimes in your spare time...

DrP would make a great Shaggy 😀

best thing i ever did buying my van. its only a 2 seater peugeot partner. bike goes in length ways with front wheel turned, or diagonally no problem. has racking stuffed with tools and kit, got a my little mobile jet wash, a gorilla tub full of clobber, coat hooks holding up helmets and pads etc. I'm always ready whenever the opportunity of a ride pops up...

not ideal tho with wife and 2 kids, when weve been camping or whatever ive tended to load the van and follow them in the car!! definitely go bigger next time but for the moment im happy enough.

not to mention the added convenience of having a van on the drive for other jobs too, picked up a new washer and freezer this weekend, then ferried the old ones all the packaging to the tip!! no hassles..

Thanks DrP. I've been mulling over a similar change (chopping in an estate for a van) for months, so this makes interesting reading. Also "barely have time to put the washing up away" 🙂

In my case the "other" car is a panda so the van would have to do duty transporting family and all the stuff from Aberdeen down to southern England and back a few times a year, which puts me off vans a bit.

If I'm honest I doubt we'd sleep in it much either. The main appeal is really a space to store the bike inside and somewhere to get changed after a ride!

I ride a couple of times a week all year round and usually end the ride at least sweaty and often covered in crap. Even if I peal off the outer layers and stick the heater on full I'll often arrive home cold and clammy. Stripping down to my altogether in forest car parks also gets old (especially in January).

I've priced up a Caddy Maxi Kombi in viper green a few times now 🙂

Hmmm...
Now the wife, who was initially hesitant, is showing signs of keenenss..."!!!

Oh I don't know... I make hundreds of decisions every day, but can't decide if a van's worth it.

Basically, what I'd like is a POSHER van than the one i'm tyoing with - I like the comfort, radio, A/C, electric stuff of the octavia (hatch, not estate, BTW)...
But I like the 'idea' of a van...

for about £3k i could have the van, a crash rated rock and roll, and start lining it out...

But then, despite being "captain spend his money", I'm not sure if it'll be pointless (I know ulitimately life is pointless, so I COULD JFDI and see how it goes I suppose....)

However, it's not really the lack of vehicle that hinders where and when I could ride..it's LIFE!!

DrP

Maybe what you want is the last of the Mark II Ford Galaxy / VW Sharan / Seat Alhambra.

All the rear seats are removable which makes it as close to a small van as you could wish but you still get all of the cool car stuff like aircon and electric windows.

Easily big enough to sleep in and transport bikes etc.

The front seats in my mark II galaxy rotated through 180 degrees so you could face backwards as well.*

*whilst parked obviously . Driving while facing backwards is dangerous, kids.

Pidge you have wanted a van for at least 10 years, isn't it about time you just got on with it? I think its a mistake to look at it in simple cost / benefit terms.

Mine, the panel van you saw at HOTS, is now converted. Seats 4, simple galley, bed on rails so slides right forward if just using as a bike van. Much smaller and more usable than the old sprinter we took to the Alps. Really pleased with it.

If you are not currently carting a family's worth of bikes + tents etc to every race, then you are fine as you are. But you might hit that point soon if your kids want to race too. Then a combi van is great. But it is a van, not a lifestyle conversion thing. Just a big estate car really.

We got a van when we started taking 2 cars to camping bike races.

And get one with aircon too. No good for long journeys without once the temperature hits about 20

Basically, what I'd like is a POSHER van than the one i'm tyoing with - I like the comfort, radio, A/C, electric stuff of the octavia (hatch, not estate, BTW)...
But I like the 'idea' of a van...

I've only had company cars for most of my life, but this time last year went self employed. I looked at vans, but insurance for non-work vans (and I'm a consultant so don't need a van for work) was prohibitively expensive.

I tend to ride alone, so my estate car is ideal for bikes, and nice to drive the rest of the time.

but insurance for non-work vans (and I'm a consultant so don't need a van for work) was prohibitively expensive.

330 for me n the wife to drive her car and my van, both of us. LWB T5 was last van, and insurance was the same, I'd try an insurer that does van cover such as aviva, brentacre etc.

Maybe what you want is the last of the Mark II Ford Galaxy / VW Sharan / Seat Alhambra.

All the rear seats are removable which makes it as close to a small van as you could wish but you still get all of the cool car stuff like aircon and electric windows.

Easily big enough to sleep in and transport bikes etc.

Big enough to sleep in with bike and kit too? I'd doubt it.

Is she really coming around to the idea though?
My Missus often says she'd like a camper but when the idea of her driving it and/or the cramped conditions (relative to renting a cottage) come up her enthusiasm seems to drop off a bit...

Perhaps you need a halfway option to sort of demonstrate the potential of a van.

Dare I suggest a larger MPV type vehicle?
Something Touran/Galaxy sized, it's still a car but remove/fold away some rear seats and it's big enough to transport a bike and sleep in, carry family camping gear. It's not quite a van, but has some of the benefits of one while maintaining some of the day to day practicality of a car...

Alternatively if it's primarily a van for your personal use could you lower your sights from a full sized panel van to a car derived 'Combi' type on (Berlingo/Kangoo type maybe)?

More "Vanny" than an MPV could make it into a compact camper for 1-2 people, could be used with an awning maybe, capable of fully assembled bike transport, cheaper to own than a full panel van?

Either of the above should act as a stepping stone/gateway drug for a full camper habit...

Having said all of that, I am now far keener on a decent family tent, yes it's a bit more faff to put up/take down, but you can go camping with just about any vehicle and it is super cheap (by comparison)...

Big enough to sleep in with bike and kit too? I'd doubt it.

For one person. Deffo.

Maybe what you want is the last of the Mark II Ford Galaxy / VW Sharan / Seat Alhambra.

All the rear seats are removable which makes it as close to a small van as you could wish but you still get all of the cool car stuff like aircon and electric windows.

Easily big enough to sleep in and transport bikes etc.

My envy at people who rock up and practically ride the bike out of the back of the van just keeps growing ... I'd want to somehow secure the bikes (preferably with the back wheel at least still on) inside the van/people carrier .. rock up somewhere for a weekends riding and not have someone block me in so I can't get the bikes back in... (etc.)

A full camper I don't think I'd use but somewhere out of the rain, a place to lock bikes and work (in a limited way) and in extremis chuck in a camping mat etc. would be a great lifestyle...

Practically every weekend I spend best part of an hour getting bikes and stuff in/out of the car without damaging... yesterday I drove the SIL to the airport for 7am .. got home to get the kid dressed then had to load everything but the bikes (I'd done them the night before) .. by the time I get the bikes ready to ride I'm already knackered.

Seems small, but jumping off the bike and rolling it into the van, throwing a bungee over it and shutting doors is so much nicer than the faff stevexc describes.

Then going to a cafe and not having to get a seat so you can watch your car is also nice.

Seems small, but jumping off the bike and rolling it into the van, throwing a bungee over it and shutting doors is so much nicer than the faff stevexc describes.

Then going to a cafe and not having to get a seat so you can watch your car is also nice.

All of this- we fancied something that would remove most of the faff of days or a couple of nights away. Granted, the free/already-paid-for faff has now been replaced with the extra expense of running a van 😆

and in reality, thinking baout driving a few hundred miles in a hot sweaty van without AC is a bit off putting...

It's not as bad as it sounds. Because the roof is a long ay above your head and separated by the overhead storage, the windscreen is nearer vertical, there's only a small flat bit of dashboard, and fewer windows. They don't get anywhere near as hot and uncomfortable as cars.

I was out for 10 hours in the work transit driving around London on the hottest day of the year, I drank about 3l of water and needed a shower by the end, but the only uncomfortable bit was the Blackwall tunnel.

Seems small, but jumping off the bike and rolling it into the van, throwing a bungee over it and shutting doors is so much nicer than the faff stevexc describes.

Then going to a cafe and not having to get a seat so you can watch your car is also nice.

Yep ... I don't even usually put the bikes away before we go to the cafe due to the faff...I think about it then realise by the time i go through that, potentially moving the car to get the bikes in etc. I'll just drive home.

It's not much hassle as a one off but as a weekly thing it gets pretty old..
Same putting wheels on, I'm forever looking for somewhere soft to park to flip the bikes over so the brakes/shifters etc. don't get damaged or pulling out a rag or the foam I use over the forks (that obviously didn't work yesterday) to stick the bars on... a bungee and van really starts to sound attractive. Way more than an estate or people carrier... (unless they can be secured stood up in the people carrier)

With the money you are looking at spending I think you'll end up with something ropey that you won't enjoy driving or get the most out of.

Proper day van things go for good money but they seem to keep their value so maybe worth it

I don’t think there’s sufficient man maths being applied here yet.

Replace newer/more valuable car (Yeti) rather than the Octavia? Maybe still not in your ballpark, but Evans Halshaw had pre-reg, <100miles Vivaro doublecabs in posh Sportive trim with all the toys for £19.5k inc VAT a month or so ago. Second hand ones of those perhaps.

A/C and bikes inside are two of the reasons we’re swapping to a newer van. Paranoid about bikes on the tailgate rack. And a/c, yes not essential but so many of us are accustomed to comforts nowadays. Lack of a/c in last van was only an issue on European trips, but you know it’s extreme conditions when your stash of Jelly Babies congeal into one big lump.

^^ Not sure the owher of the Yeti (skoda finance) would take too kindly to me flogging it!!

It IS a tough decision, because ultimately it's a toy. And though I'm never one to deny myself a toy, it's the OTHER costs (repairs, insurance, tax, MOT) that bother me about cars and vans...

DrP

It IS a tough decision, because ultimately it's a toy. And though I'm never one to deny myself a toy, it's the OTHER costs (repairs, insurance, tax, MOT) that bother me about cars and vans...

True, but there isn't much reason to assume the van will be any worse than the Octavia.

The reason we haven't got a van is I have a 70mile/day commute so fuel economy and cheap tyres are a winner, and the OH has a 12yr old fiesta for her "4 miles into the town center, would be quicker on a bike but she's too posh" commute. So neither of us would want to be the one to use the '2nd car' / van. If I went back to a commute I could ride every day then I'd get a van for the ~5000 or so 'leisure' miles I do a year without a second thought.

I love mine, only motor vehicle we have.

If I went back to a commute I could ride every day then I'd get a van for the ~5000 or so 'leisure' miles I do a year without a second thought.

Not helping...!

DrP

Here's a hypothetical question, could a nicely equipped new "lifestyle" van be obtained through one of these HPC type arrangements rather than having to buy a used one outright, kit it out for yourself and then maintain and insure it?

I'm told every other car on the road is leased these days, why not use the same method to lay your hands on a fun bus?

If so how costly would such a thing be, and how does that actually compare to the cost of buying a used van?

it's the OTHER costs (repairs, insurance, tax, MOT) that bother me about cars and vans...

But if you treat it as you would any other toy and keep it well maintained and serviced then it [i]shouldn't[/i] let you down. The first journey ours did after we got it home was down to our local indie for a timing belt/water pump and oil & filter which was a couple of hundred quid well spent. After that it's 'just' a case of keeping on top of things which isn't a huge PITA if you keep on top of things as and when they occur (especially if it's a second vehicle!)

Most would think nothing of chucking a few hundred quid at some forks or wheels they don't [i]really[/i] need that are 'reduced' but baulk at chucking the same at their car or van to keep it sweet.

Van chat! We bought our Vito Dualiner off here 10 years plus ago! We were going to Dh events at the time with an estate. It has been a great edition to the house, it is a second vehicle (well prob 3rd or so) though I prob drive it more than the other vehicles ( there are a few here).
Like someone above, I had a BMW130M and the van, 130 long gone but van is still here. Super useful for bikes, dogs, tools, lots of people, (had had x6 people and x6 bikes - and x8 of each on uplifts, odd furniture run, tip runs - just carrying stuff. Currently has three seats across the front, (we were going to capts but now prefer the three) one seat behind, one tool chest, one bike, two propellers, four jerry cans and stack of random might need kit! Have slept in it lots, worked well but have a camper now as well, standing up is so much easier!
It's tough as old boots, hardly needs anything doing to it, spending on it, tyres £50 a corner, last 40k. Service, mot it it every year, don't think it's ever been over £200. Ours does 40mpg on a run. Sold it once but it came back. Had a Shogun and 110 and a 'posh van, in its time, all have come and gone. It's like a pair of old jeans now and staying till seriously worn out.
I really like the 'chill factor of just cruising in the van every where'.
Insurance this year was £70 and that includes a 20 year old! (Though camper was 58!!)
Recommendation to DrP, (we have bought and sold to each other over the years) get roughly the spec you want up front, don't modify etc.. lots about from £500 to 15k.
Good luck R

I really like the 'chill factor of just cruising in the van every where'.

+1

Fair enough that some people don't get this, but I think it's made me a much more chilled out driver - rarely give a stuff about "making progress" any more.

Recommendation to DrP, (we have bought and sold to each other over the years) get roughly the spec you want up front, don't modify etc.. lots about from £500 to 15k.

This is quite a nice renault traffic - previously was a MX shuttle van, and now owened by a chap who refurbs allow wheels - never had 'anything nasty' in the back - so nice in there. A few holes drilled in the floor (can see the road underneath!!) from where I (assume) tie down points for the MX bikes were.
He's changed the gearbox, and got all the bits replaced (cam belt, alternator) that all the online reviews say to replace.

Hmm... lack of AC COULD bother me.

Like I say - I'd take out the bulkhead and fit a rock'n'roll (ideally on a sliding arrangement)...

FFS...make up your mind boy!! 😯

DrP

We went from a Octavia estate to a SWB vivaro. There's only the two of us and the Octavia spent most of its time with the back seats down. We bought the vivaro based on sensible price/mileage and the fact I wouldn't give up on aircon. I loved the Octavia, a brilliant car, comfortable and capable. The Vivaro by comparison isn't as comfortable/fast/economical, but it's suits our needs. We don't sleep in it, the bikes stay in it and we are in the tent. It's got some basic racking and a leisure battery set up for the cameras/Garmin/phones/fridge, but otherwise it's a white builders van. Getting changed inside is nice and the bikes go in complete and they are locked away out of sight.
We've had the van nearly three years now and I'd struggle to go back to an estate car, the van was my daily driver until I changed jobs and now cycle to work. It's been to Alps. We did have a 2nd car which initially made the decision about the van easier, but we've recently sold it due to lack of use.
A bit rambling, but it may help!

Interesting topic. I'm wondering the opposite - I have a nice VW T5 van but am thinking of going back to a car, something SUV sized. As much as I like the van, we have never slept in it and it would be good to get a car that has a much more comfortable drive.
I still haven't decided yet, but do feel a van is a bit excessive for the once or twice a month I have to drive somewhere to go biking, or the yearly holiday to Scotland etc.

I have van for work. I wouldn't buy one for biking/lifestyle. Tents are super comfy, roofracks for travel and bikes in boot overnight. Cars are easy. Get a gazebo for that 2x a year you want to hang outside in the rain at an event.

Not read any of the above but I'd have a van all day long. In fact I've got one, only downside is there's three seats up front and there's 4 of us but as miss ws is now 15, bikes are the last thing on her mind. My bike lives in my van so on the way home if I choose I can stop for a ride. There's always kit in there and my lid gloves and bag are hanging on nice little hooks. It's also great for the trip to ikea or the tip, helping folk out etc.
Mine is a works van bit me and Mrs ws use it more and more often as the kids get left at home more and more often doing their own thing. If I changed companies first thing would be no company car I want a van, plus it's a nice little tax saver.

I wouldn't get too hung up over air con. Remember, as soon as you take the bulkhead out, your air con is only blowing cold air at the front seat passengers, its not going to be powerful enough to cool the rear of the van.

If you've no passengers in the back, you can drop a heavy curtain to replace the bulkhead and this gives the air con a chance to actually cool the cab. And its the same with heating, you'll struggle to get warm in winter without a curtain to close off the rear of the van.

spooky_b329 - Member
I wouldn't get too hung up over air con. Remember, as soon as you take the bulkhead out, your air con is only blowing cold air at the front seat passengers, its not going to be powerful enough to cool the rear of the van.

If you've no passengers in the back, you can drop a heavy curtain to replace the bulkhead and this gives the air con a chance to actually cool the cab. And its the same with heating, you'll struggle to get warm in winter without a curtain to close off the rear of the van.

I've three points to make:

1) Spooky said what I was going to say, and it's true enough comment.
2) I had a Renault Trafic that was a windsurfing/Day van (single bed on raised floor, racked out, sails storage under the raised floor) I took the bulkhead out too to allow more space for just me and my boards etc. simple cooking facilities and very large water carrier (all from my local caravan ctr) many more bits but you get the idea.. well it took me all around Spain and home through France on a 9mth windsurfing trip.. without really much doing to the van except panel it out and racks and bed..
3) My mate of a mate has just kitted out his T5 as a day van and it too has no air con, so far it's been out this summer and he's yet to moan about the lack of it.

HTHs

Aye, air con goes down as a nice to have, no way a necessity.

You said it in your OP - kidding yourself

I d have a van. Always seem to be moving stuff about, also, i drive slowly so wouldnt mind pootling about in a van. Didnt think about expensive insurance as a non trader, good point. That 20k vivaro new would be my choice.

There are a few days we'd like air con (and will get it next time) but don't particularly miss it, windows down cruising, very appropriate unless really cooking, still does not get as hot as a car, less glass, lots of white panel.
Other things I like, would aim for, lift up tailgate, much more useful for us than barn doors. Proper second row of seats, lift in and out (right hefty though), means extra passengers legal like, higher legal speed limits, lower tolls and go a few places where 'commercial vehicles' aren't allowed.

The expensive private insurance is a myth, many insurers are every but as competitive as car insurance.

The insurance on ours wasn't that much more, but it doesn't have contents cover and I can't drive another vehicle using my policy. The lower speed limits for commercials still apply regardless of conversion as far as I'm aware. I know you can apply for it to be classified as a camper, but I think that only makes a difference regarding insurance not speed limits

Nope, affects speed limits too.

I didn't know about the lower speed limits.
Mostly because the fastest thing on the road is ALWAYS a white transit driven by a man in a vest..

DrP