What Small Van

We are looking for a small van for work. Already have long wheels base hi top Boxer but we need a smaller run-around that’s easier to find a car park for and can take more crew when needed. We are looking at a 5 seater  like the Vauxhall Combo or Transit Connect with folding rear seats and a sliding cage. Budget is 10K plus VAT and we aren’t ruling out any makes. Of the 2 above the Combo looks better in that the rear seats fold flatter when the cage is moved forward.

we aren’t ruling out any makes.

There aren’t many makes to rule out anymore. At that size its: A stellantis van with one of about seven badges on it, a Renault with one of 3 badges on it, a caddy or a connect.. If you were shopping for newer the caddy and the connect would basically be the same van too.

the Combo looks better

Depending on what year you’re looking at a ‘Combo’ is either a version of the old Fiat Doblo or a version of the new Berlingo. Now both the Fiat and the Vauxhall are both Berlingos.

Used Nissan NV200 crew van. Second row folds forward and incorporates the bulkhead

Combo’ is either a version of the old Fiat Doblo

I had a Doblo car for 13 years till someone wrote it off. Easily the best vehicle I’ve ever owned or will ever own! Absolute loved that car even if my now grown up children say it ruined their lives being seen in it. ?

Will look at the Nissan timba, could be a good option.

Nv200 my vote too

I’ve got a Transit Connect and it’s ace. Pre 2018 they have a Euro6 Diesel engine with no AdBlue and the 1.5 has no weak points that I know of. My 2016 has just gone over 130k miles with no unexpected big bills. Rust likely to be an issue in a few years, not a problem with the Stalintis galvenised bodies.

I had an nv200 for a couple years, and I’d cirtainly recommend one. Was reliable, the only grievance was the lack of positive feelings from the shifter. I’ve now got a Peugeot Expert, bigger than the nv200 but still easily parkable in a standard space. It drives far nicer than the nv200, everything feels better about it. Had it 18months now with no problems.

I’ve had 3 L2 Connects in a row since 2019  (we do pretty high miles) zero issues. Decent Van, could do with parking sensors on the front and brake pad wear sensors would be nice.

I’ve always had issues judging the front end on the recent Connect.

The L2 has a terrible turning circle too.  Not really a surprise due to its length.

The current one is  at about 40000 miles. It’s an Auto which is a bit heavier on fuel with shorter service intervals but is absolutely brilliant for London work.

I guess it’s got the Wet belt but as a company who run Transit Customs and Connects, it’s not come up as a problem.

While the Nissan looks good there seem to be very few that are crew cabs. A few show up on various sites when you apply the filters but they turn out to be standard vans. Did find one and its was within 25 miles but has side windows and as carrying passengers is only going to be very occasional in comparison to shifting gear around I don’t want those.

I think the connect looks the best option so thanks for the feedback on those @tthew and @jamesoz

Suzuki APV, awesome wee van. Love mine.

Transit connect Pre 2018 they have a Euro6 Diesel engine with no AdBlue and the 1.5 has no weak points that I know of

Google “wet belt”

Citroen Berlingo is available in a ‘X’ variant with 5 seats in the previous B9 shape.

Google “wet belt”

I know about wet belts – mine doesn’t have one. Had it changed 6 months ago. 1.5 engine not 2.0.