thinking of buying a trasporter which is best?

**minty0_10** · 08-12-2008,02:52 PM

what's the best model to go for? the only thing its going to be used for is carrying motor bikes 2 max so the weight is factor is not a problem.
would like one with a nice cab area and if its possible car like drive?

also considering a mercedes vito but cant seem to find much imfo on these

looking to spend upto £2000

anyone with any suggestion's as to what's best to get?
any what to watch out for

**ferretflasher** · 08-12-2008,05:39 PM

For £2k I would propose you do NOT even think about a VITO, for that money it will be an old shed with about 190K on the clock. Your choice is further narrowed for a VW, you will be very lucky to find a half descent T4 for that money either!!

£2k would be better spent on an old AA T4 transporter from auction somewhere near to you. Dont expect a low mileage example though for that money and expect to pay some VAT (now 15%) and indemnity fee.

I would strongly advise you increase your budget if you can because at £2k, your choice is either a shed or a an old knacker!!

Dont buy first thing you see and dont buy from a dealer trying to off-load a builders shed. There are plenty to choose from and you may even be advised to look at say a Citroen (french filth I know) but you will get a newer van for your £2k.
Best choice at auction is an ex-lease vehicle, they usually have some service history"
Good luck!!

**minty0_10** · 08-12-2008,05:48 PM

thanks for your reply i have been looking at vito,s today and there does seem to be loads around advertised as spares or repair mostly with dead gearboxes.

i do not want anything french!

its only going to be used at weekends so i don't want to go spending more
i suppose there always the old ford transit to consider

**bora(ing) nick** · 08-12-2008,06:07 PM

Or strap a towbar to the back of you patsy and get a trailer.....

No tax, no insurance, no MOT..... are needed for a trailer...

Just an idea.

I have a trailer that i use for my Motorcross bike and Go kart... keeps them locked away aswell.

Nick

**minty0_10** · 08-12-2008,06:17 PM

i did have a trailer until a few weeks ago i came back from a days off roading to find some nice person had helped them self to it

leaving me with my car and bike 30 miles from home!

i have been thinking of selling my car and spending more on a nice transporter,
but coming from a car to a van don't know if im going to be able to live with it as my only transport

witch brings me onto anther question?
does anyone run a van as daily transport?
what's it like to live with running costs and general driving

**Monkey117SE** · 08-12-2008,06:21 PM

Admittedly 2k isnt a is a big budget. I myself have a 104 56 plate VW caddy which is awesome, i also cart motorbikes around in the back. However i feel i must stick up for the french! ( Yes i know they have a bad rep) But we have a 1.9D Citroen for work and it is the most reliable thing we have ever owned, 178k on the clock, which we have done most of, the only repair we had was fuel pump immobilser, but thats it!!, it never misses a beat!. The specialist garage we use say they do go on forever and are so easy to fix/work on if anything does happen.

I will go and wash my mouth out now....

**bora(ing) nick** · 08-12-2008,06:27 PM

Originally Posted by minty0_10

i did have a trailer until a few weeks ago i came back from a days off roading to find some nice person had helped them self to it

leaving me with my car and bike 30 miles from home!

i have been thinking of selling my car and spending more on a nice transporter,
but coming from a car to a van don't know if im going to be able to live with it as my only transport

witch brings me onto anther question?
does anyone run a van as daily transport?
what's it like to live with running costs and general driving

My trailer is chained and padlocked to lugs that are concreted into the drive.... and it has a wheel clamp as a visual deterrant.

Vans are ok to run as daily drives, but you'll have to get used to it being noisier, not as presentable, not as quick, harder to park (slighty bigger footprint)

I cant stand the sound of driving an empty van.... especially if it's not fully partitioned and ply lined in the back.

It's up to you?

**minty0_10** · 08-12-2008,06:37 PM

my trailer was nicked from a car park while i was out on the bike.
have to admit the peugeot/citroen engine are good just a shame about the cars they put them in.

**paul b** · 08-12-2008,08:24 PM

I have a T5 Transporter. It cost me £5k on a 54 plate. I bought it with problems, the brakes needed pads, the remote central locking didn't work (and still doesn't) and now the turbo is overboosting, however I reckon it was never right since I bought it, as it never had a lot of go.

It is just an 85bhp 1.9 TDI. Noisy, not as economical as a car, but then again you don't expect it to be!

The T5s are the best van around to drive. They're so comfortable largely due to the excellent driving position.

If you're going to swap your Passat in, then you should get a T5 Caravelle and pull the rear seats out otherwise you will miss your car too much.

Maybe one of these? If your money can stretch (assuming you sell the Passat too).

I don't think you'll be able to get any decent VAG van for the money, maybe look at a Fiat Scudo/Doblo, and keep your Passat.

Paul

**ferretflasher** · 08-12-2008,08:53 PM

Have a look here;

http://www.bradfordtrials.btinternet.co.uk/

on the for sale section is a 1997 VITO, dont know what its like but only costs a phone call.

I am in no way connected with this person and I dont stand to gain anything.......just giving the guy a heads up indication of where he might find something near his budget. Please dont black-ball me admin!!!!