Does anyone use a decent sized van in place of a car? (Bike transport)

daniel_b

Imposter wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

I have not looked in detail, but I think they are not as long as the Doblo, which I think tops it, as well as the likes of the Berlingo and Kangoo etc - also not sure they make a passenger variant, but will check it out.

Passenger variant is the Tourneo Connect, the LWB version is the Grand Tourneo Connect...

Thankyou, just having a look at them now :-)

veronese68

Daniel B wrote:

Veronese68 wrote:

We bought an 8 year old petrol Smax last year. Can get 3 adults and 3 bikes inside it with the front wheels off. It's comfortable and pretty quick with just over 200bhp, there is also a 240bhp version.

Thanks for that, just had a look, but the fuel consumption is fairly juicy, whichever engine you choose, and the tax is also pretty high.
With a single rear, or two rear seats removed (Do they come out completely?) is there enough length in the cabin for a bike with both wheels on, and is there enough height as well for saddles etc?

Yes, a bit juicy but our mileage is low so not a big deal. You would want to factor in an LPG conversion I suspect. Seats fold flat easily rather than coming out. The length is there for a full bike but not the height, the Galaxy is the same front end but taller and longer at the back.

daniel_b

Veronese68 wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

Veronese68 wrote:

We bought an 8 year old petrol Smax last year. Can get 3 adults and 3 bikes inside it with the front wheels off. It's comfortable and pretty quick with just over 200bhp, there is also a 240bhp version.

Thanks for that, just had a look, but the fuel consumption is fairly juicy, whichever engine you choose, and the tax is also pretty high.
With a single rear, or two rear seats removed (Do they come out completely?) is there enough length in the cabin for a bike with both wheels on, and is there enough height as well for saddles etc?

Yes, a bit juicy but our mileage is low so not a big deal. You would want to factor in an LPG conversion I suspect. Seats fold flat easily rather than coming out. The length is there for a full bike but not the height, the Galaxy is the same front end but taller and longer at the back.

Thanks for that, I think the lack of height kind of rules it out for me then.

daniel_b

Imposter wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

I have not looked in detail, but I think they are not as long as the Doblo, which I think tops it, as well as the likes of the Berlingo and Kangoo etc - also not sure they make a passenger variant, but will check it out.

Passenger variant is the Tourneo Connect, the LWB version is the Grand Tourneo Connect...

Me-109 wrote:

Not sure about petrol options but have you considered a Ford Transit Connect / Tourneo? They seem to have long wheelbase options too but they may be only the latest model.

Gents, assuming you both are, I think between you, you may have hit the jackpot for me here.

I do like the capacity of the Grand Tourneo, but it only comes in Auto sadly.

The Tourneo (If reviews are to be believed) has a rear load area, once you remove the seat or seats, of 180cm, which should be ample for a full length bike - and the height is there too.

Plus it comes with manual transmission, and the 1.0 Ecotec 99bhp engine, which averages 51mpg if figures are meant to be believed.
It also seems to be fairly well specced, aircon etc as standard from what I can tell.

On the downside, just like the Doblo manual petrol, there are precious few around, only 2 at present!
If I would succumb to auto again, my options increase a lot, and then seem to include the 'Platinum' trim level.
I also don't know how it would fair on a long run down through Europe, more engine noise than anything.
Can anyone talk me into an auto?
I have an auto now, but not through choice, and it's fine, but I prefer stirring the old gearstick in town generally.

Pretty much very review I have read of the engine is glowing, but it is a fairly low power engine for a fairly heavy vehicle admittedly.

It's no looker admittedly, much like the Doblo, but I really couldn't care less, if I want a nice looking car I'd buy a Lotus or something of that ilk, but I'm after a family car to move people and bikes, and as far as I can tell this is ticking more boxes than any other vehicle out there, so thankyou Me109 and imposter!

Bordersroadie

Have you considered the Renault espace? Don't they do a long version and with petrol engine?

me-109

@Daniel B - you're welcome. :-) Hope you find something.

daniel_b

So I found two Petrol manual 1.0 Connects, and both have sold before I was able to look at them :-(

They are as rare as hens teeth, so I think this may be a tricky and drawn out search.

Really frustrating, as one was only 35 miles away, and the other 155 - the latter being a 15 plate with only 21k on the clock, reduced from 12 to 10K, which I think would have been perfect.

I did go and measure up a diesel version, to get a handle on the rear space, and it wasn't quite as long as I had anticipated from the reviews, more like 160cm to the back of the front seat, depending on the stature of the driver of course.
I think this can be mitigated though with a minor twist of the handlebars.

The search continues.

tangled_metal

Saw a Peugeot Bokker in France. Looks like a slightly bigger Tourneo. Very good size and shape for bikes and people.

Actually I saw a few good cars / vans that would make good internal bike carriers. Forgot most of them but not the Peugeot one.

Also saw a nice citreon with a boot rear door instead of two side opening doors. Possibly a bit bigger. I think citreon spacetourer is UK name but the one in France looked slightly smaller. Wonder if you lived down south a trip to check out french car / cab dealers as to me it looked like there's more of these types of cars / vans in France

bendertherobot

Tangled Metal wrote:

Saw a Peugeot Bokker in France. Looks like a slightly bigger Tourneo. Very good size and shape for bikes and people.

Actually I saw a few good cars / vans that would make good internal bike carriers. Forgot most of them but not the Peugeot one.

Also saw a nice citreon with a boot rear door instead of two side opening doors. Possibly a bit bigger. I think citreon spacetourer is UK name but the one in France looked slightly smaller. Wonder if you lived down south a trip to check out french car / cab dealers as to me it looked like there's more of these types of cars / vans in France

Spacetourer is a people MPV. Comes in short, normal and long wheelbases. The Peugeot version is a Traveller (ditto) which I have in normal. Toyota version is a Pro Ace Verso.

Then there are van variants of each, the Peugeot is an expert. The Citroen a Despatch and the Toyota a Pro Ace.

You may have seen either the Expert in short wheelbase (it looks smaller than my Traveller but is only so in length) or possibly the new Peugeot Partner?

bendertherobot

On which subject, amazing what care goes into van's cockpits now. This is Peugeot's new partner.



Which isn't that far off a Peugeot 3008 aesthetically, but the materials are clearly not as flashy and the tech not quite as advanced.

daniel_b

bendertherobot wrote:

Tangled Metal wrote:

Saw a Peugeot Bokker in France. Looks like a slightly bigger Tourneo. Very good size and shape for bikes and people.

Actually I saw a few good cars / vans that would make good internal bike carriers. Forgot most of them but not the Peugeot one.

Also saw a nice citreon with a boot rear door instead of two side opening doors. Possibly a bit bigger. I think citreon spacetourer is UK name but the one in France looked slightly smaller. Wonder if you lived down south a trip to check out french car / cab dealers as to me it looked like there's more of these types of cars / vans in France

Spacetourer is a people MPV. Comes in short, normal and long wheelbases. The Peugeot version is a Traveller (ditto) which I have in normal. Toyota version is a Pro Ace Verso.

Then there are van variants of each, the Peugeot is an expert. The Citroen a Despatch and the Toyota a Pro Ace.

You may have seen either the Expert in short wheelbase (it looks smaller than my Traveller but is only so in length) or possibly the new Peugeot Partner?

They look very nice, and would likely do the job, however the Citroen is rare in petrol, and as it's so new, is only weighing in north of 30K.
The Toyota seems to be diesel only, struggled to find and Peugeots on Autotrader.

Current favourite, if we can't get a decent 1.0, is to give up, go 1.6 auto in a Grand Tourneo, and then LPG it, and keep the spare wheel inside, lashed down.
The tax is more alas, the 1.0 would have been £120 per year, this is more like £260.
I read a lot of reviews that said the 50+mpg figure of the 1.0 was wildly innacurate, and that it was more like 35.
The 1.6 looks like it might actually be 30-32 -but with the LPG conversion this makes things infinitely cheaper.

It's a big old bus:

bendertherobot

I can't remember your budget but there are some (diesel) around.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-PEUGEOT ... SwPSxbYhCp

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Spac ... SwweRbLjNZ

daniel_b

bendertherobot wrote:

I can't remember your budget but there are some (diesel) around.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-PEUGEOT ... SwPSxbYhCp

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Spac ... SwweRbLjNZ

Thanks BTR, original budget was circa 5-10, but could push that to 14 at a max, so looks like these are all too new for me to consider right now - plus we are after a petrol variant.

Assuming they make these in petrol form, could be one for a few years down the line though.
Good that more and more manufacturers seem to be turning out these practical vehicles.
Personally you could not pay me to own an suv or a crossover vehicle. :roll:

daniel_b

I had some initial good news from the LPG installer, to suggest it would cost around £1400-£1500.

He then asked for the registration, and came back to say as it was direct injection a company called Prins was the only option, and that it's now looking to cost £2600\£2700 :-(

Means payback period would be some 30,000 miles - still considering it, but on top of £12K for the vehicle it's a big old chunk of cash to commit.
As a result I'm now re-considering the diesel option, plus the fact you can get manual transmission seemingly.
They cost more, but I could get something of comparative mileage for less than the £14700 the petrol with lpg conversion would cost me.

Also not sure why, but in 2015 they completely removed the petrol option from the Grand Tourneo range.

Tax is also not a big issue (Less than the petrol in fact), 1.5 is £30 a year, older 1.6 is £120.

Anyone know how big a problem\how easy it is to go about knackering the DPF's?
As I gather they cost an arm and a leg when they go.

It's not going to be an enjoyable drive, so can't see me easily summoning up the motivation to 'take it for a blast' on a semi regular frequency.

And if it is a big, and potentially expensive problem, then perhaps I am best to try and strike a deal on the petrol, to see if I can absorb some of the extra LPG conversion cost.

Orkneylad

We miss our old Transit....may have to get another!

StillGoing

Daniel B wrote:

Anyone know how big a problem\how easy it is to go about knackering the DPF's?
As I gather they cost an arm and a leg when they go.

It's not going to be an enjoyable drive, so can't see me easily summoning up the motivation to 'take it for a blast' on a semi regular frequency.

And if it is a big, and potentially expensive problem, then perhaps I am best to try and strike a deal on the petrol, to see if I can absorb some of the extra LPG conversion cost.

As I said elsewhere, I run a '13 plate 3.0 V6 Tdi VW Touareg as everyday transport. The majority of the journeys are short hops as it was bought as a load carrier and we wanted something more car like than a van. Every month, I give the car a good blast to ensure the DPF gets warmed up thoroughly to burn off the soot residue. I use quality diesel rather than supermarket fuel and the recent vehicle test showed my emissions readings were as good as a new vehicle. If you're doing short sub 10 mile journeys all the time and fail to do intermittent trips to give the DPF the chance to heat up, the DPF will fail. You can get them flushed these days rather than forking out for replacements.

http://www.enginecarbonclean.com/dpfclean/

https://youtu.be/B0WWsielk8I

If you're going to be doing regular long haul journeys or load carrying, a diesel makes perfect sense. Diesels are more efficient than petrol engines.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/id ... ar_exhaust

daniel_b

Nice yellow pinarello orkneylad!

philthy3 wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

Anyone know how big a problem\how easy it is to go about knackering the DPF's?
As I gather they cost an arm and a leg when they go.

It's not going to be an enjoyable drive, so can't see me easily summoning up the motivation to 'take it for a blast' on a semi regular frequency.

And if it is a big, and potentially expensive problem, then perhaps I am best to try and strike a deal on the petrol, to see if I can absorb some of the extra LPG conversion cost.

As I said elsewhere, I run a '13 plate 3.0 V6 Tdi VW Touareg as everyday transport. The majority of the journeys are short hops as it was bought as a load carrier and we wanted something more car like than a van. Every month, I give the car a good blast to ensure the DPF gets warmed up thoroughly to burn off the soot residue. I use quality diesel rather than supermarket fuel and the recent vehicle test showed my emissions readings were as good as a new vehicle. If you're doing short sub 10 mile journeys all the time and fail to do intermittent trips to give the DPF the chance to heat up, the DPF will fail. You can get them flushed these days rather than forking out for replacements.

http://www.enginecarbonclean.com/dpfclean/

https://youtu.be/B0WWsielk8I

If you're going to be doing regular long haul journeys or load carrying, a diesel makes perfect sense. Diesels are more efficient than petrol engines.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/id ... ar_exhaust

Thanks Philthy, it's a tricky one for sure.

At the mo, I'm erring towards petrol with LPG conversion, but the diesel is tempting.
No previous experience with them though, as never owned one before. Assuming 'quality' diesel is a few pennies more per litre as well.

One final option, and based on BTR's earlier post, is to hang onto the Ovlov for another 2-3 years, and then look at a Citroen spacetourer, as they should be within budget by then, and do also come in petrol variants, and are even longer at a shade off 5m.
I actually visually quite like the look of it, over the pug and yota versions.
Would have to see how flexible the rear seating is though.
One thing that endears me to the grand tourneo, over the tourneo, is the fact all seats can be folded flat, so no need for storage, although this marginally reduces height, so would need to measure that up.

See for yourself: https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=6s&v=VH9La7Xr0T8

bendertherobot

Rear seats on the Spacetourer are generally 1 and 2 in middle, 1 and 2 in rear. All of which can be moved fore and aft and removed.

bendertherobot

Citroen (others too) also do a combi version. Think it's 5 seats but removal of that bench doesn't look awfully easy.

https://www.usedcars.citroen.co.uk/buy- ... outh-42795

daniel_b

Thanks BTR, yep I want something that is easy to adapt single handed, hence why the grand tourneo is at the top of the list right now.

Hoping to view one this week, or the following weekend.

Yet another added complication now, is that I discovered the low fuel duty on lpg is only until 2023.
So the potential for only 4 years worth of benefit, which would pay for it, but then 'might' be at zero benefit after that.
Would like to think politicians would not be so backwards, but who can say what state the economy will be at by then, and what they will do in the way of knee jerk reactions.

thistle_

Daniel B wrote:

Would like to think politicians would not be so backwards, but who can say what state the economy will be at by then, and what they will do in the way of knee jerk reactions.

By 2023 they might have stopped freezing petrol/diesel duty so LPG might still save you money.

daniel_b

thistle (MBNW) wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

Would like to think politicians would not be so backwards, but who can say what state the economy will be at by then, and what they will do in the way of knee jerk reactions.

By 2023 they might have stopped freezing petrol/diesel duty so LPG might still save you money.

This is true, but all a gamble however you look at it.

I was fairly confident the 1.5 (£30) diesel Grand Tourneo was the vehicle for me, and wanted to go and see a couple, but they both sold before I could get there, so that has been shelved for the moment.
From speaking to a Tourneo owner, I was then made aware that an all new Berlingo multispace is due out in a few weeks, and comes in a never before available, XL flavour.


Seems to give most of the benefits of the spacetourer, but in a slightly less van like package.
The Peugeot version is called a Rifter.

Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder, but for what is effectively a van, I rather like the quirky styling.

Downside is of course that it is 23K, and only available brand new, so I either sit tight and wait a couple of years, or see if one of the discount places can get one, but I suspect they will be in quite high demand to start with - the press seem to like them.

Aside from carwow, and the others mentioned on this thread, any others I should consider?

Jon T

Not a van, but have you thought about a pick up truck? I drive an '02 Ford F150. It had room for 6 adults in the cab (albeit a bit crowded) and an 8' bed. It will easily and safely hold 6 bikes.
Jon

scott_w1987

I use this as a daily to keep the miles/rain off my B5RS4... It's a decent enough size?

daniel_b

Jon T wrote:

Not a van, but have you thought about a pick up truck? I drive an '02 Ford F150. It had room for 6 adults in the cab (albeit a bit crowded) and an 8' bed. It will easily and safely hold 6 bikes.
Jon

Hi Jon,

have to be honest I have not - the van was vetoed due to being too large (Despite it not really being so) and I suspect a pick up truck would also be viewed in the same way!

scott_w1987 wrote:

I use this as a daily to keep the miles/rain off my B5RS4... It's a decent enough size?

That's awesome, looks like you have a sleeping area above the 'garage' - cracking setup.

Hoping to view a GTC over the weekend.

pinno

I have one of these. 2006 Transit, LWB. (mine hasn't got a roof rack)
Great for hols, huge capacity.

Bought it for £2400 and spent £1200 getting the wheels powder coated in black, new sills and fixing a load of general small faults.
Easy to drive, reasonable fuel consumption but I don't use ot for the school run and it's not my everyday vehicle, though you could quite easily do that. You can drive miles and miles in it and still feel fresh. Despite the rear seats, there's 8ft at the back.



An upgrade from that is a Ford Transit Custom.

pinno

Jaunty spim bamp

daniel_b

Was there a spam influx, I missed it.
Was it passports, driving licences etc?

That's very nice dude, and a bloody bargain.

I've test driven a grand tourneo today, and it was pretty decent, hoping to try another one tomorrow a couple of hours away.
They are capacious!

pinno

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pinno

DB - have a look at Road general.