Newbie - Wannabie looking for advice

Rustydonkey

Guest
Hello all,
I am currently considering swapping my Volvo estate for a large van. I am looking for a van that will carry 4+ people with the same amount of Mountain bikes and camping gear. It would also be my main mode of transport and be used to occasionally carry work gear. Basically it would have to do everything.


I would also like to put a split level in the rear, so i can have a bed and carry gear. Eventually i would like to insulate, fit a heater and a second battery etc. etc.

I have seen this van, which looks like it would fit the criteria
2009 58 Ford Transit 115 t350 jumbo crew van | eBay ... 1423.l2649

Does anybody have a jumbo Transit?
What are your thoughts with this van?
Is it too big for daily use?
Is 92k miles too much?
What maintenance work should it of had?


Thanks in advance,
Ben.
 
Hi Rustydonkey. Firstly, having had a look at the vehicle in question it certainly looks suitable for a conversion job, assuming that is that you do not mind the hard work.
As far as mileage is concerned, it depends almost entirely how the vehicle has been driven/serviced, but honestly 92k is nothing for modern-day vehicles. As to whether the Tranny will be suitable as an all-purpose vehicle, I have to say no. It is LARGE. Consider this. Parking in town. Multi-storey car-parks... You would be unlikely to even get the vehicle INSIDE a carpark, unless you fancy turning it into a convertible...( an interesting concept)... I suspect the van will return in the region of 35-40 mpg, which is not out of the question for general use. Point of info:- If you go within a Low Emission Zone, (currently London only I think, but watch this space) you need to be aware of LEZ compliance issues. I suspect that this vehicle will be current with EU restrictions, it being a late model. Look for full service history, cam-belt changes, (essential), oil-changes, and the general use that the vehicle has been put to. I hope this helps. Good luck with it if you decide to proceed.

Jaspervan
 
I've said this a few times now. Have a look at ex United Utilities/Network Rail (etc..) Transit crew vans. Basically half converted. for 4 people, you can keep the rear seat. Lots of potential. Rear of my has split level shelf (I use for work) easily suitable for a large bed.
 
I don't know about the van in Question but I want to tell you that for 3 years we did not have a car only our Tag axle Hymer. 4500 kgs and almost 8 metres in length, we used the van as our daily transport,we went everywhere in it, it just needs a bit of forethought, parking was never a problem in local Supermarkets for example as long as we chose the right time of day, so my feeling is that a transit will be fine.Another bonus was that we always had our toilet with us, could have a meal or a cuppa anywhere and also a sleep if we felt like it, how do you think real Full timers cope?
 
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Personally I would say that is too big for daily use.

It depends what your "daily use" involves. If you are full timing or retired and can choose what time of day you go shopping that's fine, but if you want to park it during the day at supermarkets it may be impossible when busy. The turning circle and the length of that van will be too big to get into normal parking spaces

I would look at something maximum 6m in length, preferably 5.7m or 5.4m. 5.4m and 5.7m will also fit into normal parking spaces with a bit of overhang. The van pictured is 6.6 or 6.7m long. The extra 1m length will make all the difference when parking, turning and reversing.

Mileage is fine if it has been looked after and most vans that new have been on a service contract.
 
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