Require a new Van for work, which one?

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  QW3RTY on 04/07/2014 - 11:18

  I am completely uneducated when it comes to vans, but I choose the Sprinter, because I could pretend to be an ambo, making the "wee-woo-wee-woo" noise as I went about my daily commute.

  But that's just me.

  • 

    de-longhi on 04/07/2014 - 11:44

    +1

    Haha Although making Wee-woo noises isnt one of the requirements, it would definitely be an added bonus. so ill take your recommendations on board

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  Cheeper on 04/07/2014 - 12:06

  +2

  Mostly inner city work or some distance travel?
  If durability and reliability is of any concern then naturally Toyota should be in the consideration.
  It might be worth throwing your question up on the whirlpool auto forum too?

  • 

    de-longhi on 04/07/2014 - 12:18

    Toyota would definitely be at the top of the list but unfortunately i dont believe they make a Van big enough (Hiace would be too small). The Size the van needs to be really seems to limit my options.

    A bit of both as far as travel goes, but im in Adelaide so nothing to extreme ether way.

    thanks

• 

  Daabido on 04/07/2014 - 12:32

  +1

  You're probably better off asking on some specific forums associated with those vans or delivery drivers. Try to get an idea about reliability, servicing costs, etc. Servicing can also be done not at dealer to save time and money.

  Here's some Googling I did for you; <this van> v <that van>
  http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2103327

  • 

    de-longhi on 07/07/2014 - 16:06

    thanks for your time and input, The main issue is all 3 of the "Big Vans" have come out with redesigned models this year so there is not many real world comparisons out there as of yet for the 2014 models

• 

  david123456 on 04/07/2014 - 16:51

  +4

  Toyota has a LWB with a high roof, think servicing, resale would be much stronger than any of the others.

  I know Transit won some van of the year award recently, barn doors are great for loading a pallet with a forklift but from what ive heard the Transit (previous models anyway)had some gearbox issues and engines arent as good.

  I could be wrong but the sprinter/transit would be a Diesel and thus turbo. From my experience its not the best to keep switching turbos on and off and you will need to maintain a very good service book to keep the engine running in top condition.

  Depending on how long you want to keep it the Benz parts after warranty are never cheap too.

  Would say the Renault/Fiat Ducato resale is pretty bad.

  Personally ive only used Hiace's for my business usually buy cheap 2nd hand models due to the nature of the business but one of my vans has done 280,000kms no big issues. (starter motor, new radiator) thats all and the cost was irrelevant in the scheme of things, also never broken down. ($150/$550)

  Crafter is MASSIVE id just be concerned about how hard it would be to find a loading dock especially if your CBD based. I know with a Hiace my guys still have some issues in Sydney CBD, and clearance in some loading docks wont allow for all the models mentioned which is places with 2m heights.

  Would check parts prices such as brake pads and discs, assuming from my experience if you were using euro cars that the parts would be significantly more than the Hiace.

  No im not a Toyota rep, just listened to the advice of my mechanic who does heaps of commercial vans and so far his advice has been gold.

  Reversing cams/navi usually aftermarket, and if its supplied by the dealer its usually aftermarket devices anyway. If youre driving yourself best to go buy the items that you feel most comfortable using.

  • 

    Pr0XyD on 04/07/2014 - 23:45

    +2

    here's the lwb hiace.
    http://www.toyota.com.au/hiace/specifications/slwb-turbo-die…

    dad used to own a hiace for 10+yrs so have been there for every hiccup. it is one of the most reliable vehicles i have seen even after 200k on the clock.

  • 

    de-longhi on 07/07/2014 - 15:59

    Hey David

    Thanks for you time and effort in your reply, but yer unfortunatley the Van has to be "crafter MASSIVE", i am concerned about the city driving and parking but there is not much i can do about it. Thankfully im only in little old adelaide and the roads arnt quite as bad as sydney CBD.

    I do totally agree that toyota would be the best in terms of reliability and re sale vale but im looking at a van that needs to have atleats 15m^3 of cargo space and the toyota dont cut it :(

• 

  petey on 04/07/2014 - 17:58

  Daniel speak to your local mechanic. Ask him, they're in the know more than most ozbargainers. But personally I'd avoid the Ford Transhit. Google Ford Transit Problems. Read about it. Not saying the others don't get problems but I see more Transit problems. I have a mate with the merc sprinter and has had gear box problems.

  Personally. If you can get Toyota I would, simply the reason people buy toyota they last, they're cheaper parts wise and servicing.

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  Baysew on 05/07/2014 - 15:43

  +1

  What similiar size vans do Australia Post run now a days ?

  They have a focus on reliability.

  • 

    de-longhi on 07/07/2014 - 16:00

    Alot of the new ones are Renault Master's that i see around anyway. but yer mainly them and the mercs.

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  tonyjzx on 05/07/2014 - 16:04

  very much the wrong place to ask

  you will need to talk to a fleet specialist

  you are paying upwards of $1,000 a month for the van so you expect some advice before you enter into this

  you will only get conjecture here

  here's a free piece of advice from me…

  avoid european vans

  no thank you

  • 

    de-longhi on 07/07/2014 - 16:04

    thanks, i do relise this isnt the best place in the world to ask about Van recomendations, but i was hoping someone may have some advice/experience one way or another. The main issue is all 3 of the "Big Vans" have come out with redesigned models this year so there is not many real world comparisons out there as of yet.