Question about vans

[AndrewJ]

I am sure you all seen our dogs in my other thread, I am soon to be completing my driving license, and am curious myself and my girlfriend are thinking about spending a few hundred quid on a tidy van, something of a workhorse to move us and the dogs to the beach and parks and back and do shopping.

I am not after streetcred or anything but what legally am I permitted to drive, and also is insurance evil on something like a SWB Transit van? or perhaps a Fiesta Combi? or Escort Van, Hijet?

Thanks

Andrew

[Angua]

anything up to and including this size
apart from a mini bus carrying more than 7 passengers

[Nugget]

How big are your dogs Andrew (can't remember)?

Wouldn't you be better of with an estate of some description? Don't forget that a lot of vans have reduced visibility so, as a new driver, it may make it a little trickier (particularly with parking).

Having said that, I can't see any reason why something like a Combi wouldn't do you - they're easy to drive and a fairly decent size

[AndrewJ]

Thanks Nugget as for the dogs you can see them in this thread

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=32602

post #14 is latest pictures.

I have been eyeing up ex workhorse high milage Ford Escort vans I only plan on spending about £500 on one, just depends on insurance really.

[Xaccers]

Something like the Citroen Dispatch is lovely.
Used to drive one, lots of oomph, loads of space, sliding doors on both sides too, and very comfortable cab.
Economical as well (well a heck of a lot more economical than the SWB transit we were hiring until the dispatch arrived)

[Angua]

This site seems to deal with everything you are asking for including insurance.

I would have thought one of the small vans would be sufficient (they are often easier to handle than estate cars).

[AndrewJ]

I once drove a friends transit off public roads and was amazed how easy it was compared to my fathers 406 saloon.
__________________

Originally Posted by Angua

This site seems to deal with everything you are asking for including insurance.

I would have thought one of the small vans would be sufficient (they are often easier to handle than estate cars).

[orangebird]

I don't think the van idea is very good - unless you're looking at something like a Kangoo etc...

I appreciate you need space for your dogs etc, but a van IMO offers too much space....decent sized estate car would be much more safe and comfortable for your dogs. Can you imagine them trying to steady themselves when you drive round corners in a van?

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by orangebird

I don't think the van idea is very good - unless you're loking at something like a Kangoo etc...

I apopreciate you need space for your dogs etc, but a van IMO offers too much space....decent sized estate car would be much more safe and comforatble for your dogs. Can you imagine them trying to steady themselves when you drive round corners in a van?

Very good point OB.

I agree that an estate would probably be better, or even a hatchback - for space purposes, my hatchback has a decent sized boot but, if you fold the back seats down, there'll be more than enough space.

[Jules]

Get an estate car, in a van your dogs are going to be all over the place unless you crate them

[AndrewJ]

We was looking at a Peugeot 309 1.6 Automatic H reg for £400 but the owner is pushing more then we like, and I am sure now they are hiding something about it.

We are planning on a top end of £500, I would prefer a diesel engine, as they drive more how I am used to driving.

[orangebird]

Originally Posted by Saxodriver

We was looking at a Peugeot 309 1.6 Automatic H reg for £400 but the owner is pushing more then we like, and I am sure now they are hiding something about it.

We are planning on a top end of £500, I would prefer a diesel engine, as they drive more how I am used to driving.

309 hatchback? I wouldn't consider that nearly big enough for four dogs...

[Xaccers]

How about a 405 estate then?
I'd say a Citroen BX, but then you have the hydrolics to think about if they go wrong or need servicing soon, although if carrying a load, or people who can't bend easily, it's very handy.
There's also the Citroen Xantia, again with hydrolics.

[AndrewJ]

a 405 estate would be perfect but finding one which can deliver, and for a top end cost of £500 with MOT tax is hard work.

Mainly because I am after a diesel.

[marky]

I bought an isuzu trooper lwb 2.8 td (non import)for £500 with 6mnths tax and mot its good on diesel 38mpg down to 25mpg local and the insurance is very low i havnt got any no claims and mine was £344