Talk to me about vans...

Are there any tradies here? I need something to transport the tracky, and I can't do the ute thing.

Currently thinking about a Hiace, probably something Jap, or maybe even a VW. Budget is about $10k.

Saw this:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dea ... 0C386EA493

What should I look for and steer clear of? Ideally it will be powerful, fuel efficient, immaculate and cheap .

Thoughts?

Have you checked out the allbids site http://www.allbids.com.au/

They often have vans that sell cheap.

where's photomike??

just be carefull of the wheel arches... tanks dont like to be dropped on them!!

where's photomike??

just be carefull of the wheel arches... tanks dont like to be dropped on them!!

Bwah ha ha, you're a cunny funt aren't ya

Seriously, steer clear of Autos, they don't like the heavy load/hard work of deliveries. Look for a service record, high KMs are nothing if the servicing is done.

Look for sloppy steering, gearboxes and poorly repaired damage (most have knocked corners).

Diesel is your friend, not as fast but better economy and less to go wrong.

A-Team van all the way!

Stay away from the Euro's mate. Euro ownership is not a reliable and inexpensive path!!! The amount of times I have seen transporter owners walking back into the dealership after picking there van up 20 minutes prior and yelling that the thing had stopped, is not funny!! I wouldn't touch them or the Mercedes MB's with a barge pole!!!

The two best vans on the market at the moment are the Hiace or a Mazda E2000. Both are ripper little vans provided they have been well serviced. Watch gearboxes in the Mazda and watch heads on the Hiace. The Hiace will always sell quicker and most likely retain more value, the trade off being they are a couple of grand more than the Mazda for the same Yr/Klms/Condition!

Thanks mate. Are Econovans still the same as Mazda E series?

Yes they are, and I have an unused reconditioned head for one in my shed

I've got a Ford Transit low roof short wheel base van (thanks to work) and it seems to work fine. Have had it for nearly 10,000kms without any trouble.
It's only been used for track transport once so far but has heaps of space, power points in the back and heaps of tie down points and not bad fuel economy for being a diesel.
Only complaint is that it's bouncy as when it's empty.

Nothing to tell ya mate ...... my bus is too big for what you want But I will say one thing.... the Ford Transit is a ripper!
2.4 Ltr Turbo Diesel Auto hauls ass!

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I've got a Ford Transit low roof short wheel base van (thanks to work) and it seems to work fine. Have had it for nearly 10,000kms without any trouble.
It's only been used for track transport once so far but has heaps of space, power points in the back and heaps of tie down points and not bad fuel economy for being a diesel.
Only complaint is that it's bouncy as when it's empty.

+1 Been driving high roof long wheel base Transit three yr's from work, Turbo Diesel power house and very very reliable (not now I've said that though)
Touching wood madly!!!

The perfect budget bike transporter by far IMO is the diesel high roof Hiace AKA MAXITAXI

economical
>Ex maxi's have THE BEST air con/ heating systems bar none ,
>Sliding side door means you can get to the Engel without crawling over the bike
>Even a 6' bloke can stand up properly in the back
>Well under 10 large!

This ones an ex wheelchair taxi hence the suprisingly useful tie tie down tracks in the floor.

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Without van.......

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That last pic is cleaner than MickDundees bike on it's best day
Unless dutchy has cleaned the rims that is!

Grab a old Bedford or ford & slip a little chev in her.

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Speak to MStevo on CR - he talked me out of buying a van in about 2 minutes.