Advice wanted on buying a van

[paulh]

Starting up a small business as a handyman and i'm looking for a van, I dont want to go as big as a Transit but not as small as an Escort.
The Toyota Hi-ace looks about right but seem to be few and far between (saleswise) must be that no-one wants to part with them.
Another possibility is the Nissan Vanette but I don't know much about them.
Anybody got any preference/recommendations.
BTW looking to spend about 2k.

[RodLeach]

The LDV Cub is a nice van (high roof version) but it is the slowest accelerating van on the face of the planet!

I would avoid a transit myself! If you get one for around £2000 mark it will be a '96 rust bucket! not the kinda image you wanna give out for a professional buisness like handyman.

the Hi-Ace is a nice van! but it is pretty big! transit size! Again not sure what they are worth or how available they are!

[Vagrant No2]

Isn't the LDV Cub a Nissan Vannette re badged under license ?

[RodLeach]

Isn't the LDV Cub a Nissan Vannette re badged under license ?

yeah it is! But the LDV cub badges look better then the nissan...plus vannette is a g^y name!

[Vagrant No2]

yeah it is! But the LDV cub badges look better then the nissan...plus vannette is a g^y name!

Probably cheaper to buy then the Nissan as 'The Badge' means so much in the car game these days.

[RodLeach]

Probably cheaper to buy then the Nissan as 'The Badge' means so much in the car game these days.

yeah perhaps! I've not looked into the vanette myself... but in another way wouldnt a LDV be worth less then a nissan? even if its the same van?

Im not sure what other options are around for largeish vans around £2k!

Most of them will be pretty abused by the time there worth £2000

[paulh]

Seen one or two Hi-aces in the Autotrader at around the right price but not close enough to go and have a look, most seem to have done about 12000miles
but that shouldn't be a problem with the Toyota engine and the bodywork was pretty good, I'll have a look at the LDV Cub if it's the same as the Vanette.
Cheers.

[dirtydog]

theres a big van place bath or bristol way which is supposed to be good.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Seen one or two Hi-aces in the Autotrader at around the right price but not close enough to go and have a look, most seem to have done about 12000miles
but that shouldn't be a problem with the Toyota engine and the bodywork was pretty good, I'll have a look at the LDV Cub if it's the same as the Vanette.
Cheers.

It's handy to have a van big enough to carry 8'X4' sheets (ply, plasterboard), or 2.4m (8') lengths of timber as most building materials come in those sizes.
It's not cost effective to buy smaller items if you're working for yourself.

[dirtydog]

use the surf and buy an 8x4x5 tow a van trailer?

[AuldNick]

Anything, as long as it aint French, boggin cars and broke down vans!

[Taliesins]

Anything, as long as it aint French, boggin cars and broke down vans!

I have a Citroen dispatch which apart from a bit of trouble with the fuel pump has been fine its large enough and has the advantage of side doors both sides. Other vans which are basically the same are the Peugot, and the Fiat Scudo.

[AuldNick]

I have a Citroen dispatch which apart from a bit of trouble with the fuel pump has been fine its large enough and has the advantage of side doors both sides. Other vans which are basically the same are the Peugot, and the Fiat Scudo.

"A bit of trouble"!!

Sold a S/H pump today for £60, wont do any good though 'cos these vans are mince. Next time I sell the same friggin pump it will be worth £120 and the punter will learn the same lesson......BURN the fekers!!!