jonah tonto Why a pre 2006 Sprinter? I’m assuming they have better engines and no DPF etc?

What about the VW LT 2.9 and 2.5 TDI engines?

maccruiskeen Yep thats why I was drawn to them, because they seemed cheaper than a sprinter. One I was going to see, had a full VW history. Bodywork didn’t seem that bad either in the pictures. I suppose I could bedliner / underseal the bottom half of the van below the rubber strip.

Thanks MC for the info. AndrewH Yep, that’s my only worry. Looked at a 2008 Ford Transit and it looked in good condition. Had started a bit on the arches and underneath had surface rust. Engine sounded great with a full history. Was out and about today, Most Sprinters and Crafters seem to be rusty after a certain age and as you say more so than other brands.

A LWB Transporter would be ok size wise, they are expensive but they don’t seem to rust though. Toyota Hiace would be a good, but its a bit small.

Was really wanting something I could stand up in.

Thanks, Unclesomebody I didn’t realise they were that bad on fuel.

Good point. Surely not on campsites though?

Thanks PePPer will keep that in mind.

Thanks PePPer. What engine issues do they have?

Thanks timba Will check with VAG first.

No coolant leak I am aware of. Just done 300 miles to Devon and it ran perfect. No problem, what so ever. It’s had the VAG manifold replacement. I presumed someone hasn’t topped up the coolant fully. Level is sat near the minimum mark, doesn’t move at all.

Hi Tallpaul, Just checked the engine compartment and it says G12. My Audi is a 2009 Avant model. Noticed there is some GSF and Europarts stores near by, I may just get a small top up bottle.

I’ve been looking at vans for a while with the idea of building a camper van, and haven’t got a clue what to buy. So in terms of rust,

Vauxhall Vivaro 2001 – 2014
Citroen Relay 2006 –
Fiat Ducato 2006 –
Peugeot Boxer 2006 –
Vauxhall Movano 2010 –

Am I right thinking these vans don’t rust? Have been looking at Mercedes Sprinters (2006 – 2013)/ VW Crafters (2006 – 2017) and they seem to rust really badly.

Whats cranks have you got on the Surly 40mpg?

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I’ll use the same ratio as a 29er. Any recommendations on a tensioner, On One Doofer, Surly etc?

Thought I’d updated the thread. Managed to get her a used 2016 Cube Attention 29er Hardtail with a 17″ frame yesterday. We went out and hit the trails in the afternoon, she loves it. Thanks for everyone’s help!

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I’m still a little unsure on the sizing, we may have to go and try a few more different sizes and brands, we’ve only tried Trek at the moment.

Anybody get one of these cheap framesets and changed there mind? Wanting to build a cheap fat bike up.

mrhoppy so it sounds like it’s going to be difficult to get it more secure. Has anyone done any single track with a tag-a-long?

Perfect. Looks like that’s the way to go. Will get a cheap Ebay one.

Thanks willyboy, thats what I was thinking. That should work right?

Got a used 2009 A6 Avant 2.0TDIe CR in July. Really nice long distance cruiser, did 400 miles yesterday nice place to sit and rack up the miles. Tax is £145 and it’s great on fuel. Only down side is I feel the steering is overly light at speed.

All the diesel bashing in the press has got me a bit nervous thinking I should of bought a petrol car. Completely unsure what I’d buy in a petrol estate to replace it for £5K.

kiwijohn… Same here in reverse. Bought the Slate last year, rode it twice, it’s completely new. Been mostly riding my 26″ single speed MTB. Was seriously thinking of selling it. One ride this morning and….man it’s great to ride.

Thanks P-Jay. When I test drove a Superb it was impressive, really nice inside and a good drive. Completely agree, massive interior space, I was really tempted. A6 was just a better deal.

Thought I’d updated the thread. In the end after looking at a few Skoda’s I predictably bought something different.  On the off chance I looked at an 2009 Audi A6 2.0e CR TDI Avant. Nice condition, immaculate interior and exterior, same money and year as the Skoda Superb I was going to get. It drove nice so I bought it.

Thank you for everyone’s help.

I’ve found anyone two I’m interested in.1.6tdi Greenline estate SE or 2.0tdi 170bhp 4×4 hatchback

Anyone driven the 1.6tdi Greenline estate? Is that engine powerful enough for that size of car? Thats the reliability like for the 1.6tdi?

Thought I’d write an update. Car was a trade in at a Skoda main dealer.

I went and saw the car and had a test drive. Amazingly comfy, plenty of punch from the 170 bhp engine. Huge inside even though it’s the hatch/salon model. I was really impressed on the test drive. Makes you think why would you would buy an Audi. It felt very refined.

Spec was excellent. As above phone connection was rubbish. Service history was main dealer and specialist.

Its had a lot of money spent on it. Clutch at main dealer at £1400. Throttle body £500. It had had the emissions fix but as mentioned above had a two year warranty. Recent tyres all the way around and they were going to change the timing belt tensioner and water pump.

However.. I was told the bodywork was excellent. But on looking around, rust on the drivers side rear wheel arch. Everywhere else was perfect. Shame really.

A little disappointed. He was going to chat to the big boss about trying to fix rust. He mentioned though it’s probably going to auction now as they probably won’t fix the rust.

The search goes on. Very impressed though.

Thanks Hot_fiat. Going to take a look at it this morning.

Thanks Wombat. It’s got 91k on the clock. Newish MOT. Seems like a no brainer!

Thanks CaptainFlashHeart. Sounds like its definitely worth a test drive tomorrow. Got any info jam bo or a web link?

Going tomorrow to look at a 2009 2.0 tdi 170 SE hatch back. Full service history, had a recent clutch and cam belt change. In Blue, half leather. £4500. Is that a good price?

Similar priced Audi A6’s I’ve looked at don’t seem such a good buy.

Thanks larrydavid. Will be using it for something similar. Throwing my single speed MTB in the boot, camping trips, long motorway trips. Looking for something refined and something I don’t feel like I have to wash.

Thanks Flying Ox. They look like great cars. Completely torn as to what to get to replace my current car.

Thanks Flying OX. Thats worth knowing. I do have an iPhone 7 so it could be a problem. Is the Bluetooth module a DIY fit or take it to a garage?

I know what you mean jam bo.  I’m completely indecisive as to what I want though. Been dithering for ages.

I don’t have a vice unfortunately. I have tightened the chain ring, it was a little loose. Taken the back wheel and spun the wheel, seems ok. The only thing I can see is inside the drive side crank where it meets the spider, it’s looking a little damaged. Would this cause a loud knocking noise? is this a serviceable part or just buy new cranks?

Heres a picture, sorry I can seem to get the picture to show:-  https://www.flickr.com/photos/143872962@N06/42044950361/in/dateposted-public/

So I put a new Hope bottom bracket in and it’s still making a noise. I also tried changing the pedals, still making a noise. It’s a loud knocking sound when you pedal.

Hollowtech 2 cranks feel fine, but could the drive side be damaged? How do you tell?

Thanks for tip andreasrhoen

I’m thinking I’ll try either a Hope or Saint BB. Hopefully it should last longer.

Thanks lazlowoodbine, Lol! Will definitely head down to Lidi to sort that Greek out. Thanks for the link, that would of been perfect. Unfortunately all sold out.

Thanks andreasrhoen

Span the cranks and they seemed ok. Dropped the chain off and slid the cranks out (hollowtech2). Threads seem ok. Took the plastic bits out of the bottom bracket and checked the bearings on both sides. Drive side feels like a bag of rocks, very rough running. Will change the bottom bracket. Thanks for your help.

Thanks matt_outandabout. Sounds like it could be a good bet, then. No children, just want something that I can put bikes in.

Sorry to hi-jack the thread. Looking for an MPV to replace my Audi A6 thats getting a bit up on the miles. Anyone got a Honda FRV? Was wondering what the 2.2 diesel is like? Ideally looking for something without a DPF.

I’ve seen a Skoda Yeti I like with the 1.6TDI CR DPF engine? I’ve done a google search, are they as problematic as they seems? Car is 2014 with 125K on the clock. I wouldn’t use the car on small journeys just motorway travel at weekends.