Small van

Any suggestion what van to get, plus best place mid-glam South Wales based

Try anchor vans reading... All depends what work u wanna do but prob Peugeot partner try a test drive

Fastback Parcel Solutions said:

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Try anchor vans reading... All depends what work u wanna do but prob Peugeot partner try a test drive

I just change from a partner to a sprinter. You can't go wrong with the partner, ideal for all small van jobs and good on fuel. I think i was getting 48.8 mpg if memory serves

East Lancs, what are you getting from your Sprinter? Am thinking about changing my Boxer soon as I am doing 2000 miles a week, which means 60 weeks warranty on a new Boxer. I get 33.5 out of it.

I agree on the Partner, good van.

I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

Fiat Doblo, 3 years UNLIMITED mileage warranty. I bought the 135 bhp top of range.

Best van I have had, comfortable, and great to drive and superb lump on the version I have!

I went for Berlingo over the partner as got a better deal from Citroen and van has a few extras on it. Must say I am more than happy with my choice too,

RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

Well it wouldn't be ideal for big van work.

True Gary. But a Reliant Robin van ISN'T ideal for small van work.

RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

Coalvedging hellourier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What the effing hell are you on about? Were you pissed when you wrote this?

RGM Courier Services said:

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Coalvedging hellourier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What the effing hell are you on about? Were you pissed when you wrote this?

Ah ha! Thought that might get you going lol. Please accept my apologies if that came across wrong. I apologise.

I guess the point I am trying make is that this forum is public anyone thinking of entering this business can look at it. Unlike the Courier Exchange forum which is for paying members only. The MTVAN site is the first port of call for research

So, when new entrants see that others are using vehicles with extremely high mileage on. They then see it as a passport to set up as a courier business with a vehicle costing £1000 - £1500 and the rest of us are stuck on 70p per mile for another 10 years.

If I get 485,000 out of my Peugeot Boxer I will show my a*** on the town hall steps.

Chicken & Egg? 70p per mile would struggle to pay for a van with less than 150k on th clock?

Andy McTighe said:

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East Lancs, what are you getting from your Sprinter? Am thinking about changing my Boxer soon as I am doing 2000 miles a week, which means 60 weeks warranty on a new Boxer. I get 33.5 out of it.

I agree on the Partner, good van.

I'm not sure to be honest as i've only just got it, but i think its about 30-35mpg

Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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Coalvedging hellourier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What the effing hell are you on about? Were you pissed when you wrote this?

Ah ha! Thought that might get you going lol. Please accept my apologies if that came across wrong. I apologise.

I guess the point I am trying make is that this forum is public anyone thinking of entering this business can look at it. Unlike the Courier Exchange forum which is for paying members only. The MTVAN site is the first port of call for research

So, when new entrants see that others are using vehicles with extremely high mileage on. They then see it as a passport to set up as a courier business with a vehicle costing £1000 - £1500 and the rest of us are stuck on 70p per mile for another 10 years.

Apology accepted lol. I see your point Paul, I agree that the fly-by-night couriers give thr rest if us a bad name and drive our rates down. But in my own defense I've been a courier for over 10 years with a regular customer base. I bought the van from new (all my own mileage!) and do over 100,000 miles a year so it wouldn't make economic sense for me to buy a new van every 18 months. I have it maintained every 20,000 which is probably why it lasted so well. To be honest I was going to change it this year but a mate if mine has bet me it wouldn't do 500,000 miles, so I'm going to prove him wrong lol!

RGM Courier Services said:

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True Gary. But a Reliant Robin van ISN'T ideal for small van work.

You only deliver small boxes and letters in yours so a a Robin reliant would be fine on the plus side you only have 3 tyres to replace.

Is there such a thing in a small van has a reclining passenger seat, i'm looking for a small van but I need one where the drivers seat reclines so the passenger can get comfy most vans I have owned there was no adjustment?

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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Is there such a thing in a small van has a reclining passenger seat, i'm looking for a small van but I need one where the drivers seat reclines so the passenger can get comfy most vans I have owned there was no adjustment?

Yes, my VW Caddy! Took the passenger side of the bulkhead, and being able to recline the passenger seat was one of the reasons.

On the subject of this thread, I can't recommend the Caddy enough. It's amazingly economical (50 to 60+ mpg depending you drive) and it's German so build quality and comfort are to a very high standard. Also little things like the dash lights fade out after a few seconds so you can't forget your lights when it's dark. But then again being German, you pay extra. Worth it though in my opinion considering how long we spend behind the wheel. Radio reception is abysmal though.

Don't know if you've bought yet Shane but you should look up the road at David Spears

I love my ford transit custom. I will never go back to a small van again

I agree with the peugeot partner/citreon berlingo our has 250K on the clock and went through the mot the other day without a single advisery! smartnav and blue tooth car kit, good tyres and a pair of winter tyres on spare rims It's for sale if you want something to get you going?

Partner/Berlingo are perfect even for sleeping in. I am looking at a Transporter now good on fuel excellent service intervals and room for the extra pallet.

PHAX said:

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Partner/Berlingo are perfect even for sleeping in.

Only if you're a short a**e!

I've never used anything other than Berlingos. First one got to 300k, then I sold it to my mechanic (who clearly knew it was a good'un). My current one is a '06 plate which only had 64k on a couple of months ago (bought in '07 prior to a career change), now up to 83k as Citysprint are running me ragged. Mines the 2.0hDI, stated combined fuel economy is 50mpg - mines averaged 47.8 although some complete fill ups have achieved up to 54. Ability to sleep in the back is a big plus (i'm 5ft9 and have no problem). The only downside I'm seeing at the moment is the Hdi's cannot be run on commercially produced BioDiesel, which is something I would like to do - so may look at the caddy next time round, although they seemed very basic by comparison last time I drove one.

MyVanCan said:

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PHAX said:

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Partner/Berlingo are perfect even for sleeping in.

Only if you're a short a**e!

Haha I rest/sleep in my Caddy (not lwb) from time to time. Took the passenger side of the bulkhead out, which was a job and a half, but well worth doing. With the seat forward there's just enough room to lie down and I'm 6' tall. I keep a 3" foam mattress bungeed to the driver side bulkhead and resting on the ply lining of the offside wheel arch.

NC Couriers said:

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so may look at the caddy next time round, although they seemed very basic by comparison last time I drove one.

Look again, the new ones are great. A friend had a pre-latest-facelift Caddy from on long term rent for 3 years. Come replacement time, he told them he'll buy the van. They said he'd have to take a new one (62 plate I think) for a week while they prep his for sale, and told him he wouldn't want it back. He was convinced he would. A year later and he still has the 62 plate.

Andy McTighe said:

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East Lancs, what are you getting from your Sprinter? Am thinking about changing my Boxer soon as I am doing 2000 miles a week, which means 60 weeks warranty on a new Boxer. I get 33.5 out of it.

I agree on the Partner, good van.

Last fill up 29.89mpg, 59 plate 313 lwb driven at times with enthusiasm but trundled round with 2200 2400 rpm in mind, about 60 or so mph on the open road and a fair degree of town driving, i can easily get that down to 22 but not easily into the 30`s

Citroen Berlingo 1.6 HDi

Filled up Uttoxeter went to Glasgow, stayed overnight. Next day Glasgow to Gateshead then back to Coalville, filled up. Done over 600 miles and still had some diesel left in tank.

Well pleased with it. Let's hope the engine don't blow up tomorrow or I'll be eating humble pie for lunch. lol

Pug Expert L1 was 46mpg but could carry a ton, 50 was possible only if you had no desire to live Sprinter driver yesterday who was exactly this was getting 35 mpg out of a mwb on a run keeping it at 50mph, lifes too short If i were to buy a van tomorrow id get a pug L2 to have the 1200 capacity plus it can go out at medium van rates rather than just small van, it will do the same mpg at 46 on the 1.6 but id be tempted to go for the 2.0 for a more relaxing drive. If it had to be a small van then its a no brainer for me, nemo for MPG or caddy for a nice drive

My Kangoo yesterday - 609 miles, 48.43 litres diesel = 57 mpg - and I was hurrying (except on the bloody M1 south Yorkshire).

Dennis said:

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My Kangoo yesterday - 609 miles, 48.43 litres diesel = 57 mpg - and I was hurrying (except on the bloody M1 south Yorkshire).

Losing the will to live eh... why didnt you call me, I had one going your way to the SW

A E Delivery said:

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Andy McTighe said:

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East Lancs, what are you getting from your Sprinter? Am thinking about changing my Boxer soon as I am doing 2000 miles a week, which means 60 weeks warranty on a new Boxer. I get 33.5 out of it.

I agree on the Partner, good van.

Last fill up 29.89mpg, 59 plate 313 lwb driven at times with enthusiasm but trundled round with 2200 2400 rpm in mind, about 60 or so mph on the open road and a fair degree of town driving, i can easily get that down to 22 but not easily into the 30`s

Just had 35.7 out of my boxer l3h2 on 581 miles on BP seems to do 2 mpg more on BP than Shell

Short a**e yep am only 5'9". No bulkhead so its just enough.

Dennis said:

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My Kangoo yesterday - 609 miles, 48.43 litres diesel = 57 mpg - and I was hurrying (except on the bloody M1 south Yorkshire).

What kangoo have you got, 75.90 or 110?

A E Delivery said:

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Pug Expert L1 was 46mpg but could carry a ton, 50 was possible only if you had no desire to live Sprinter driver yesterday who was exactly this was getting 35 mpg out of a mwb on a run keeping it at 50mph, lifes too short If i were to buy a van tomorrow id get a pug L2 to have the 1200 capacity plus it can go out at medium van rates rather than just small van, it will do the same mpg at 46 on the 1.6 but id be tempted to go for the 2.0 for a more relaxing drive. If it had to be a small van then its a no brainer for me, nemo for MPG or caddy for a nice drive

Interesting, is that the Euro 4 or Euro 5 Expert? I. E. Pre-2012 or post-2012? My brother has the 2.0 L2 on a 59 plate and only gets around 40mpg, but if you can get 46mpg out of the later engine that would be my next van.

Euro 4 60 plate with 60 thou on it, 46 was to cornwall with 900 kilos in it empty on the way back

Ah, everyone says the 1.6 is underpowered in that van, does it manage to keep up on the motorway?

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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Dennis said:

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My Kangoo yesterday - 609 miles, 48.43 litres diesel = 57 mpg - and I was hurrying (except on the bloody M1 south Yorkshire).

What kangoo have you got, 75.90 or 110?

ML19 Sport - picture on my profile.

MyVanCan said:

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Ah, everyone says the 1.6 is underpowered in that van, does it manage to keep up on the motorway?

Underpowered is one way of putting it, 0-60 was measured in weeks, empty its tolerable but loaded your simply taking your time and doing your best to never ever slow down. You should have a look at the physical size of the turbo , its about the size of a small paperweight.

Down side of the Citroen is it needs a service every 12.000 miles.

Went for the citroen berlingo 1.6 hdi thanks for the help

Coalville Courier said:

I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

how many miles does it have now ? anywhere near the half a mill yet ? anything fell off since ?

Phax Sameday said:

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Partner/Berlingo are perfect even for sleeping in. I am looking at a Transporter now good on fuel excellent service intervals and room for the extra pallet.

10 Months on, have you purchased a transporter?

A E Delivery said:

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Coalville Courier said:

I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

how many miles does it have now ? anywhere near the half a mill yet ? anything fell off since ?

It's just coming up to 580,000 miles and running very well. Just had new clutch and gearbox.

RGM Courier Services said:

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A E Delivery said:

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Coalville Courier said:

I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

how many miles does it have now ? anywhere near the half a mill yet ? anything fell off since ?

It's just coming up to 580,000 miles and running very well. Just had new clutch and gearbox.

Kudos, thats more than impressive

Buying vans is like entering the lottery.

Some like the one above and some of ours have done over 400k with nothing but minor parts and servicing.

Others even identical vans bought at the same time seem to have endless problems

Preston Courier Co Ltd said:

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Buying vans is like entering the lottery.

Some like the one above and some of ours have done over 400k with nothing but minor parts and servicing.

Others even identical vans bought at the same time seem to have endless problems

True true

I was at an auction tues and there was a ren kangoo with 130 thou on it. Once if mananaged to fire up the drum roll was quite impressive. Simply pay your money and get the oil and belts changed often is all you can really do.

NO Gary I did not get a transporter. Downgraded to a 57 plate Pug

Phax Sameday said:

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NO Gary I did not get a transporter. Downgraded to a 57 plate Pug

Phax Sameday said:

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NO Gary I did not get a transporter. Downgraded to a 57 plate Pug

8 years old, you need to have a look at your business plan your going backwards.

Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What a load of rubbish if a van has been sat on a motorway and drive and maintained it shouldn't be problem for around 400k

And as for Boeing stuck on 70ppm I've yet to find any who pays a subbie more than 70ppm for a small van. btw I'm about to buy a 180k mile kangoo that should see me through the next 3 years

Legrys Express Ltd said:

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Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What a load of rubbish if a van has been sat on a motorway and drive and maintained it shouldn't be problem for around 400k

And as for Boeing stuck on 70ppm I've yet to find any who pays a subbie more than 70ppm for a small van. btw I'm about to buy a 180k mile kangoo that should see me through the next 3 years

Agree 100%. I'm now coming up to 600,000 and it's running fine. Doesn't burn oil, original wheel bearings and exhaust etc it's maintained regularly and is completely reliable. Good luck with the new van. Keep it maintained with OEM parts and it'll last you for years.

RGM Courier Services said:

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Legrys Express Ltd said:

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Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What a load of rubbish if a van has been sat on a motorway and drive and maintained it shouldn't be problem for around 400k

And as for Boeing stuck on 70ppm I've yet to find any who pays a subbie more than 70ppm for a small van. btw I'm about to buy a 180k mile kangoo that should see me through the next 3 years

Agree 100%. I'm now coming up to 600,000 and it's running fine. Doesn't burn oil, original wheel bearings and exhaust etc it's maintained regularly and is completely reliable. Good luck with the new van. Keep it maintained with OEM parts and it'll last you for years.

You forgot to mention that you should wash it at least twice a year.

AJM sameday Couriers said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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Legrys Express Ltd said:

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Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What a load of rubbish if a van has been sat on a motorway and drive and maintained it shouldn't be problem for around 400k

And as for Boeing stuck on 70ppm I've yet to find any who pays a subbie more than 70ppm for a small van. btw I'm about to buy a 180k mile kangoo that should see me through the next 3 years

Agree 100%. I'm now coming up to 600,000 and it's running fine. Doesn't burn oil, original wheel bearings and exhaust etc it's maintained regularly and is completely reliable. Good luck with the new van. Keep it maintained with OEM parts and it'll last you for years.

You forgot to mention that you should wash it at least twice a year.

Bollocks! Get the butler to wash it at least twice a year.

Dennis said:

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AJM sameday Couriers said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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Legrys Express Ltd said:

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Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What a load of rubbish if a van has been sat on a motorway and drive and maintained it shouldn't be problem for around 400k

And as for Boeing stuck on 70ppm I've yet to find any who pays a subbie more than 70ppm for a small van. btw I'm about to buy a 180k mile kangoo that should see me through the next 3 years

Agree 100%. I'm now coming up to 600,000 and it's running fine. Doesn't burn oil, original wheel bearings and exhaust etc it's maintained regularly and is completely reliable. Good luck with the new van. Keep it maintained with OEM parts and it'll last you for years.

You forgot to mention that you should wash it at least twice a year.

Bollocks! Get the butler to wash it at least twice a year.

The butler's out on deliveries in the Roller, Dennis. Gary, it's a well known fact that washing vans make them go rusty. Also a nice coating of dirt projects the paint from the sun and rain.

RGM Courier Services said:

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Dennis said:

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AJM sameday Couriers said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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Legrys Express Ltd said:

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Coalville Courier said:

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RGM Courier Services said:

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I've got a Berlingo 09 reg with 485,000 on the clock and still drives well and is reliable. They're ideal for small van work.

485,000 on the clock. Just goes to show you ain't done no business plan. Typical, buy a bloody van today, gone tomorrow.

Owner Drivers get some working capital it's a business tool. Funding, finance, balance sheet, profit and loss. Start running a business forget the Owner driver crap. You are running a business.

Change your van when it's done 150k. Use the best equipment. Cost for it in your figures let the less informed breakdown and replace the cambelt.

If the figures don't add up. DON'T KID YOURSELF, YOU WILL GET FOUND OUT.

What a load of rubbish if a van has been sat on a motorway and drive and maintained it shouldn't be problem for around 400k

And as for Boeing stuck on 70ppm I've yet to find any who pays a subbie more than 70ppm for a small van. btw I'm about to buy a 180k mile kangoo that should see me through the next 3 years

Agree 100%. I'm now coming up to 600,000 and it's running fine. Doesn't burn oil, original wheel bearings and exhaust etc it's maintained regularly and is completely reliable. Good luck with the new van. Keep it maintained with OEM parts and it'll last you for years.

You forgot to mention that you should wash it at least twice a year.

Bollocks! Get the butler to wash it at least twice a year.

The butler's out on deliveries in the Roller, Dennis. Gary, it's a well known fact that washing vans make them go rusty. Also a nice coating of dirt projects the paint from the sun and rain.

I didn't say pull the butler off his deliveries - get him to wash it on his day off, then make him take it out in the mud to protect the paint.

LOL.!

I got a brand new Corsa Van to replace my old one. Best move I ever made.

Less than £0.08 ppm at todays fuel prices (60+MPG).