What small Van?
 

[Closed] What small Van?

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Thinking of swapping my car for a small van, thinking of something about the size of vauxhll combo, for about 1500 any suggestions? Woudl prefer folding rear seats, but with enough space for a bike if poss

Also are there any issues with insurance, someone told me its more expensive?


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 12:06 pm
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Vans have the potential to be more expensive as the insurance companies often assume that it's used for business purposes. Also, van break-ins are a common (and expensive) claim, hence the premiums get loaded for that too.

If you want small van + rear seats, Berlingo Multispace a possibility? A car in all but outline, you'd probably pay naff-all insurance (hardly a boy-racer wagon) and have something vaugely useful for when not lugging bikes.


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 12:12 pm
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Commercial vehicle for non-commercial use = lots of phone calls to get insured.

Happily, it can mean a reasonably low premium though. (No idea why) I just managed to insure a Hilux 2.5TD Pickup for £450 fully comp for my son (17, Just passed his test), with me on the same policy. Other quotes were coming in around the £3500 mark.


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 1:43 pm
 Drac
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[i]Commercial vehicle for non-commercial use = lots of phone calls to get insured. [/i]

Yeah I rang one and they said, "Yeah no worries" cost me £200 for the year fully comp.


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 4:00 pm
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pug partner here - tis pretty good. 2 bikes complete with ease plus kit


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 4:06 pm
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I've just robbed a Citroen Dispach from work for the weekend, and I have to say I'm quite impressed. Loads of room in the back, 2 x sliding doors, 3 seats upfront and a nice "car" like drive. If I was going to buy one though, I would go for the turbo D or HDi as the normally aspirated 1.9d is pretty flat and noisy


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 5:24 pm
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dave_aber..... your son is freaking lucky!

p.s. is the aber in your name 'but'?


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 5:25 pm
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I know he is. Sometimes need to remind him of that fact.

p.s. No.


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 5:32 pm
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ok. prob should have explained myself.

aber in german means but. that is all


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 5:50 pm
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Arn't some small vans not defined as "Car Derived Vans" and therefore subject to slower speed limits?

Citroen Dispach for example.


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 5:55 pm
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Have a look at Direct Line or Adrian Flux for private van insurance, they gave me a really quote for personal none work related use. Tax was cheaper than my car and the actual insurance was only a little more expensive, I put that down to bigger engine 1.6I (petrol) car, 2.2CDI van!


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 6:02 pm
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Nice one, thanks all.
Sounds like if I ring around I should be alright. Need to give direct line a bell anyway as they are my current insureer.

Oh and get the car sold...


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 7:20 pm
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Ahh, I see. It means "Mouth of a river" over (up) here. I'm not one of them either!!

Stupot - If you are still looking for insurance, remind me on Tuesday and I'll look up which company I am with on the Hilux (when I'm home)


 
Posted : 12/04/2009 7:33 pm
 Drac
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[i]Arn't some small vans not defined as "Car Derived Vans" and therefore subject to slower speed limits?

Citroen Dispach for example. [/i]

Your mixed up the car derived ones come under the seem speeds as cars.

[i]Sounds like if I ring around I should be alright. Need to give direct line a bell anyway as they are my current insureer.[/i]

Apparently there's a place called the internet that lets you check and you get bigger discount.


 
Posted : 13/04/2009 12:20 pm
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Insurance wise try national farmers union and commercial vehicle direct both have been good for me and have no problems with private van policies.

Vehicle wise a combo is a pretty good choice, 1.3 diesel engines are efficient (my mate gets about 47mpg from his) and plenty of them around. If you can live with just 2 seats then ex post office red ones are from about £2k with 50k miles on them for an 05 plate which is a good deal. They do a rear seat version of the combo too but it'll be older/higher mileage by quite a long way.


 
Posted : 13/04/2009 12:54 pm
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I was in the same situation last year, i bought a Kangoo, 1.9D with 106k on a W for £1450.

Mine has the 60/40 rear doors, Thule roof bars, 2 sliding doors and a bench seat in the back. This folds flat or fully up to make a half bulk head.

I can use it for two as a small camper sleeping in the bck no bother or can fit four mates and four bikes plus camping gear if we use a tent.

I found insurance no bother at all, little more than my 2L Mondeo at £340 fully comp.
Its the best thing i ever did, it promotes steady driving and i get about 470 miles out of a tank.

The one peice of advice i'd tell you, do get at least one sliding door.


 
Posted : 13/04/2009 3:14 pm