Van Blog #2 – Which Van and Why

So which did I chose and why did I make that choice? (hint it’s in the photo!)

So in the last van blog post I decided I wanted a van, but which van do I want?

Before I decided that I wrote a simple needs and considerations list to help me filter my choices down to a select few. There are tons of vans out there from all manufacturers and all have their pros and cons. Which one is right for me?

It’s easy to simply make a choice on the one you want without looking at all the options, the one you want might not be the best one to meet your needs.

It’s worth noting these are my views based on my research and experience and you may have different views or opinions. Every person’s needs can be different and what I think is right for me may not suit you. Hell I may even change my mind through the process.

Needs

These are non-negotiable needs in order for my van to be most useful to me and fit for my intended purpose. If I don’t have these criteria met then that van is ruled out right away.

4×4 or AWD – We live in a caravan that we use all year round and I also have a 2.75t twin axle trailer we tow to events all year. We also need to get those things on and off muddy fields and down muddy roads in bad weather or winter conditions. 2WD will not cut it at all and is not worth considering. We drive in winter including hilly areas at events so having AWD or 4×4 capability offers security in those conditions. My Pick up Truck has proved very valuable in poor weather especially when towing in ice and snow.

Towing ability minimum of 2.8t – Our event trailer is 2.75t maximum weight and so we need to be able to tow that weight or we cant use our current trailer. We can’t do without this option. The pick up truck can tow 3.5t.

Diesel engine – As much as electric or hybrid is the future, for the work we do it’s not an option due to range and charging options. Diesel gives the best economy and reliability currently meeting our needs.

Space to stand up in – Sounds obvious but many vans are not high enough to stand up in which is fine for a weekend or few days but if used on a more regular basis it becomes tiresome trying to cook like Quasimodo! I am 1.8m so we need a 2m+ roof inside to cover adding insulation etc. This does mean regular height barrier car parks will be off limits in future and drive throughs won’t work but I can walk into a KFC and plan where to park in advance.

Goldilocks Size -Long enough to put a bed and some storage for bikes and gear and still have a liveable space. But short enough to still get down country lanes and fit into car parking spaces even if it does stick out a bit. We need to attend races and events and while working as medics we need to access small country lanes and remote areas. If the van is too big this will become challenging and we won’t get turned around or into some of these places. If too short we won’t get enough useful storage space inside to make it liveable. It’s a compromise between living space, storage and a comfortable workspace.

The shortlist

Just using the 1st criteria above rules out the majority of vans currently on the market.

AWD/4×4 capability – There are only 4 main manufacturers doing van models with this option. (MAN TGE also do a 4×4 version but it’s essentially a Crafter so we have not included it as a consideration).

However all the other criteria can be met by options available in all 4 vans that have AWD or 4×4. These are the final 4 to be considered.

Volkswagen – Crafter and Transporter models have AWD model options but the transporter does not have the size needed so the Crafter is the only real option.

Iveco – Have a 4×4 version of the Daily

Mercedes – Have a 4×4 version of the Sprinter

Ford – Have an AWD version of the Transit

Pros and Cons

Each vehicle has it’s Pros and Cons, so a few more factors were considered into the mix.

• Cost to buy/Lease – How much it will cost each moth to buy or lease is a big factor
• Cost to Run – Servicing, repairs and maintenance costs through its life is a very big consideration and as important as cost to buy.
• Fuel cost – The more economical the better.
• Availability of dealer network – Servicing and repairs, can they be done near to wherever we are in the country or even abroad? Can you get parts quickly and easily and are they affordable.
• Reliability – All modern vehicles are pretty reliable if looked after and all manufacturers suffer with some issues, especially on the latest models.

How does each van stack up to all the criteria?

I have read loads of reviews and watched loads of videos of each van, I also went and looked at some at dealerships. I read all the brochures as well as talked to people I know who have vans to try to get a balanced view of each one and how it suits my needs.

VW Crafter AWD

Pros

• Drive really nice, very car like. We have hired them in the past in 2WD form.
• Come with loads of options and safety tech, though at considerable cost.
• AWD system is clever and proven in other vehicles
• Reliable with a good reputation.

Cons

• Very Expensive to buy, similar to Sprinter Costs at around £60k plus depending on options
• Not very fuel efficient but to be fair none of these are doing more than 30mpg
• Expensive to run, servicing is expensive
• No extra ground clearance above standard van

Iveco Daily 4×4

Pros

• Come in loads of sizes and shapes
• Very tough build with separate
• Chassis
• Can tow 3.5t
• True 4×4 with double low range and massive ground clearance
• Will go everywhere my pick up truck will

Cons

• Expensive servicing
• Limited Dealer network in the UK
• Poor fuel economy – Worst of the 4
• Basic trim and expensive to bring up to spec of the others
• Lower payload than the others as the proper 4×4 system is heavy
• Some reliability concerns after talking to some owners.

Mercedes Sprinter 4×4

Pros

• Bombproof reliability, consistently scores top in fleet reliability surveys
• Look very cool inside and out
• Can order with any size and spec at a cost
• True 4×4 with a low range transfer gear.
• Higher ground clearance for more off road capability

Cons

• Very Expensive to buy or Lease £60k plus to spec one up for my needs
• Expensive servicing cost
• Running Costs higher with servicing and fuel
• Not as many dealers as Ford or VW
• 4×4 system can only be used by stopping to switch manually and has no Lock facility with only 35% of the drive capable of going to the front wheels.

Ford Transit AWD

Pros

• Cheapest to buy or lease of all 4, £48k to spec one up to my needs
• Lowest servicing costs and downtime and parts cost.
• AWD system is always on and adjustable with a lock mode and terrain settings for specific conditions like mud or snow.
• Biggest service/dealer network in the UK and Europe
• Come with higher spec than the others for lower cost

Cons

• No more ground clearance than the standard versions
• AWD not available in the longest body (L4) shape
• More common and not as cool as a Sprinter 4×4, It looks just like a regular Transit
• Fuel economy middle of the 4.
• Not available as an Auto which I prefer for long trips and towing

So I picked the Transit…

…Why?

I picked the transit with my head even though my heart wanted a Sprinter. The transit wins because its the…

• Cheapest to buy and run – £10-£20k cheaper than the others for the same spec! That’s a lot of fuel money for adventures.
• Parts and servicing is cheapest so cheaper to run
• It’s AWD system is very clever and can switch 100% of the power to the front or rear as needed and you have drive modes and terrain settings.
• It’s big enough in the L3H3 option to live in but still get in and out of places
• The lack of ground extra ground clearance and commonness of the Transit means it will blend in well when parking up.
• Reliability and experience, when working in the Fire Service we had one in my department for 5 years and it never had an issue and drove really well. That was an older version but it’s the most popular van in Europe. Everyone cant be wrong about it.

So what do you think?

In the next van blog I will go through the exact model and specification I have ordered, hopefully I will have a rough date on production and delivery too.

Lindley