Van advice please!

Shelectric · 17-03-2009, 08:41

I'm wanting to get a van, mainly to throw the bikes in and shoot off for the weekend. I thought now would be quite a good time to get one, only I have no idea about cars/ vans. I reallly like VW Transporters and have heard you can get ex AA ones quite cheap. I've noticed a few in Sheffield but don't know how to go about getting one and which model is best.
Any advice is much appreciated, ta

bluebrad · 17-03-2009, 08:56

Transporters are holding their price pretty well even in the current climate and there seems to be less about in general at the minute. Those that do come up tend to go quickly as they are much loved by the surfer\climbing community.

I suspect you are still looking at a price of circa £4k even for an ex-AA van.

bluebrad

pem123 · 17-03-2009, 09:00

There's always a lot of Fiat Scudo/Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert (they're all the same van ) about. Nice and roomy with a sliding door and 3 seats. I don't know if they're any good mechanically mind

waxonwaxoff · 17-03-2009, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shelectric

I'm wanting to get a van, mainly to throw the bikes in and shoot off for the weekend. I thought now would be quite a good time to get one, only I have no idea about cars/ vans. I reallly like VW Transporters and have heard you can get ex AA ones quite cheap. I've noticed a few in Sheffield but don't know how to go about getting one and which model is best.
Any advice is much appreciated, ta

It would depend on what age and what type of van you like. You can spend a decent amount on vw transporters and campers. Transits are cheaper but the body work is know for being a bit shoddy. Sometimes you are lucky though and can find one thats been looked after. Then you have to consider whether if it needs anything you can afford the parts. Rare vans mean rare parts, also making them expensive. More commen vans means the parts are more commen and cheaper. I guess you have to weigh up the pros and cons for your budget.

Maxster · 17-03-2009, 09:15

I have a Transit Connect for my bikes. It's basically a Ford Focus chassis but a van.

jasontsang · 17-03-2009, 09:43

It will cost fair bit to insure, Parking will be a problem if you like your neighbour, why not get a trailer to move bikes about

Shelectric · 17-03-2009, 10:17

good idea but I've got nowhere to put a trailer and they're not as secure. i like transporters because they don't look as big as most of the other vans. I'm really off Fords as my current car is a W reg ford and is covered in rust.
I just thought an ex AA van would probably be well looked after but I can't find where to look at one.

waxonwaxoff · 17-03-2009, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shelectric

good idea but I've got nowhere to put a trailer and they're not as secure. i like transporters because they don't look as big as most of the other vans. I'm really off Fords as my current car is a W reg ford and is covered in rust.
I just thought an ex AA van would probably be well looked after but I can't find where to look at one.

Try looking on van and campervan enthusiast websites. There is a transit forum but I think there will be the same for other popular vans. Also try SBMCC self build motor caravaners club. I think they have a for sale section.

jasontsang · 17-03-2009, 11:55

whats your budget? i wouldnt buy a very cheap old van as it will have mega miles on clock and parts are more expensive

Shelectric · 17-03-2009, 12:09

I don't know! I guess up to 6K may be more if its worth it. Its a lot of money to spend just so we can throw mountains bikes in the back isn't it?! Its just such a pain in the bum going camping in a ford Ka with bikes etc.

jasontsang · 17-03-2009, 12:11

what about a mitsubushi pick up. it drives like a big car and seats five in comfort and can be use as a everyday car

sarebear1982 · 17-03-2009, 12:13

We have an astra van for push bikes and my OH's mate has an old transporter for the "proper" bikes. You can pick up some bargains but its a waiting game and depends how old you are willing to go and if your fairly handy and don't mind doing a bit of tinkering yourself.

Ad mag is always a good bet to start looking.

Good luck

andyrad29 · 17-03-2009, 12:34

Have you tried Ben Weaver commercials? gower street they have loads of vans in for sale

alchresearch · 17-03-2009, 12:55

I had a Citroen Berlingo. That was big enough for a couple of mountain bikes and just long enough to sleep in the back. Did 97,000 miles without a single problem.

Shelectric · 17-03-2009, 14:30

Thank you everyone, I'll check it out