Do you have a commercial vehicle problem? Honest John Vans has the answers you need.
Q: What’s the best small van for a tall driver?
Are there any small vans that have sufficient driver space for someone 6’8″ tall?
A: The Citroen Nemo/Peugeot Bipper/Fiat Fiorino will all accommodate a tall driver, while the firm seats provide excellent back and leg support. If you need something larger then I would suggest the latest Vauxhall Combo – it’s very comfortable on a long motorway journey and has lots of head and legroom.
Q: What used, reliable, small van models do you suggest?
I want to buy a small van as I’m fed up with always putting the back seats down in my car. It must be reliable and cheap to run. Probably about 8 to 12 years old. What do you suggest?
A: The mk1 Ford Transit Connect would be my recommendation. It’s practical, easy to drive and has a good reputation for reliability. The mk1 was sold from 2002 to 2014, which means there are loads on the used market.
Q: Can you recommend a 4×4 small van?
Does anyone produce a 4×4 small van other than the Volkswagen Caddy 4Motion?
A: The Vauxhall Combo is available with four-wheel drive, increased ground clearance and underbody protection. However, unless you really need an off-roader, I’d recommend the Peugeot Partner with Grip Control. It won’t give you all-wheel drive, but it does add all-terrain tyres and a smart traction control system that will allow the van to navigate wintery roads and light off-road conditions.
Q: Should I get a manufacturer extended warranty?
I bought my van from new in 2019, with a three-year warranty, meaning it keeps me on the road if something was to go wrong. I have been quoted £720 by my local dealer for a two-year extension. The van has 28,000 miles on the clock. What are your thoughts and suggestions?
A: I would suggest reading the terms and conditions of the warranty product that’s being offered. What’s included in the policy? And (more importantly) what’s excluded? A warranty product that excludes ‘wear and tear’ will effectively exclude 90% of the things that may go wrong on a van that’s three or four years old. There are lots of independent warranty providers and you may get a cheaper deal or better level of cover with someone else (you can always challenge your local dealer to match it).
Should I buy a high-mileage Ford Transit Custom?
Q: I am looking to buy a van and was wondering if millage matters as much as it does with cars? I’m looking to buy a 2016 Ford Transit Custom with 155,000 miles on the clock.
A: The Ford Transit Custom is a great van. And there are lots of high-mileage examples for sale. But the key to getting a good one is found in the vehicle’s history. A reputable dealer or private seller should have a folder filled with paper receipts for all servicing, recall work and maintenance jobs. If they don’t (or if there are big gaps in the van’s history) they are probably trying to hide something.
Do you have a van question that you can’t find the answer to? Are you struggling to choose a van or pick-up for your professional needs? Email pb@hamerville.co.uk with your question and Honest John Vans will provide you with the answer.
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