Van life.... i'll show you what i bought today...

Perfect for driving the kids 0.175 Km to school  (that's what they are used for around here)

Nice van! What year is it?

2010 with 94,000 on the clocks. Automatic..

Taxi life. You'll be popular with the kid's friends at least.

That looks tidy.
How much?

£9800. FSH and lovely condition. 8 seats of which I'll remove 3 completely. The other three will be in and out depending on use

It's a Viano, not a Vito, I think.
I like that size. Bigger than a SWB, but without being too big.. I have mine set up with a full size double bed, two bikes laying on a drawer underneath, and a kitchen under the rear hatch 😎

Can you even lie down in that? It looks awfully short.

2.5m behind the driver seat

Can you even lie down in that? It looks awfully short.

unless you're 8'0 you can 🙂

It's a Vito Traveliner.

I'm not sure how that differs to a Viano

Stickers?

Stickers?

It's screaming out for a Fake Taxi sticker.

How do you expect the boy to further his riding career without a Transporter, or a Transit at the very least???

Maybe Mrs Weeksy should go away more often - from your perspective; from hers, stop going away!

Can't beat an impulse buy.

Looks good 👍

Auto? Better get some decent rear tyres or patio slabs to keep in the back 😉😂

V6 or the 4 cylinder?

Auto yes. 150bhp thing, 2.2

Nice. Brought a similar age and mileage Vito 5 years ago - it's been great! Still going strong as a really useful second vehicle for adventures and practical stuff too.

Take a quick peek under the engine cover around the injectors. The pre face-lift is more prone to leaky injector seats, it can look horrendous but is relatively easily sorted, but better to look now and push it back on the dealer.

I've got a Dualiner that I still haven't got around to fitting out with bike based racking yet but even with half arsed packing it's no bother getting 5 bikes and their riders in.

Thanks for the tips all. Looking forward to collecting it on Sat morning, it's in for a new android/apple head unit with Bluetooth etc next week... apart from that, it's just ready to roll and hit the Alps in a few weeks time.

It’s a Vito Traveliner.

I’m not sure how that differs to a Viano

I think the Viano has air suspension.

Definately a Vito Traveliner. Viano had slightly different bumpers but other than a few interior trims being better they were mechanically identical. You could get rear air suspension on Traveliner if you were willing to pay for it.

Car dealerships hated the fact the Traveliner could undercut a Viano by about £10k so on the latest VClass it has a much nicer trim and dashboard. It feels so much more car like than the current Tourer.

PM me the reg number and i should be able to get you an original build sheet for it. You might find it has one or two options that you werent aware of.

£9800

For a 12 year old van?! The world has gone crazy...

Rumbling diff is easy fix. Dont pay dealership replacement costs. A spot at preston does rebalancing cheap.

Nox sensors seem to be a massive PITA at the moment. Be careful because dealerships are relearning the sensors to get 300mls extra out of them and then it throws up warning light. They are on a massive back order at present worldwide through dealerships but can be gotten elsewhere. If i had just purchased one and planned to go on long journies i would consider tracking one or two down to keep in case.

I had a camper one for a few years. It ploughed up and down the Mway and got about 30,000mls to the tyres. Its when they are used around town they eat tyres. That thing will turn on its own sidewalls if you use full steering lock. Try to avoid this and you will save tyre wear.

Removing seats is not a 1 man job. They weigh a ton. If it has the rails then much better.

150hp model is the best one they did until they updated to 116 and better gearbox. I am not certain but i think my 113 Camper (62plate) was when they started the Euro 5 emissions gubbins with DPF filters etc. Pulls well and ive just had one in with 300,000mls on it which looked fairly fresh. I had 2 or 3 as company cars and they are very capable machines.

For a 12 year old van?! The world has gone crazy…

£10,800 with 183,000 on it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284917098962

£11,000 with 92,000
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295090223596

That's simply what they cost... The good thing is, if for whatever reason i don't want to keep it, for the money i've paid it should be an easy resale.. but i can't see why i would do that.

PM me the reg number

I could be wrong, but it looks like it's in the picture information.

£10,800 with 183,000 on it.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284917098962

£11,000 with 92,000
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295090223596

That’s simply what they cost… The good thing is, if for whatever reason i don’t want to keep it, for the money i’ve paid it should be an easy resale.. but i can’t see why i would do that.

Yeah it's mad, and I don't see it ever going back to 'normal' prices.

When I was driving up to Scotland I was eyeing up a Ford tourneo custom, thinking I it'd be the same money at the same age as my 2017 top of the range Skoda superb... checked prices a couple of days later. Ha! 😲

Just checked with workmate. More likely to have a DPF as they were regsitered as cars so subject to more stringent emissions rules. Workmate had older V6 and his had a DPF

Nice van that. Would take it over a VW any day.

Syntner MB of Newcastle have an excellent ebay outlet, send them your reg/vin and they will sort you out genuine service kits and parts at genuinely brilliant prices.

My E Class gets all genuine parts for about the same as eurocarparts chinese junk.

If it does have a DPF - its critical to use the correct spec, 'low ash' engine oil - do this and you shouldnt have an issue.

And get the box (5GTronic I assume) drained and service, well worth doing. Again, MB newcastle will do you a full kit with genuine filter, fluid, new pan and the filling tool etc.

And get the box (5GTronic I assume) drained and service, well worth doing. Again, MB newcastle will do you a full kit with genuine filter, fluid, new pan and the filling tool etc.

What's the rough price on that matey ? Assuming i'm paying someone else to do it.

£2-300 ish I would guess...? Only ever done it myself for parts cost only (£120-130ish but was a while back).

thanks matey.

If it does have a DPF – its critical to use the correct spec, ‘low ash’ engine oil – do this and you shouldnt have an issue.

The one in our 116 went after 6 months! Admittedly I'm sure it was just one of those things, was very happy it was under warranty though

Take a quick peek under the engine cover around the injectors. The pre face-lift is more prone to leaky injector seats, it can look horrendous but is relatively easily sorted, but better to look now and push it back on the dealer.

Yeah, worth checking for the Black Death. Can be fixed but messy and time consuming.
Sold ours earlier this year, and miss it. Cracking vans, if a ‘bit’ numpty on mud/wet/mildly damp grass.

Yeah, worth checking for the Black Death. Can be fixed but messy and time consuming.
Sold ours earlier this year, and miss it. Cracking vans, if a ‘bit’ numpty on mud/wet/mildly damp grass.

I've mailed the dealer to confirm the Black Death isn't present... Obviously at times you have to take someones word for it, so that's what i'll be doing if he says it's all good.

I had a 2007 115 manual until recently. Great van and surprisingly cheap parts and good economy. Mine had 225,000 on it when I sold it. The only thing I found was that it needed excellent tyres during the winter otherwise the back of the van tried to overtake the front

Engine shows no black death, pics and video from dealer.

Looks nice weeksy!. You won't ever go back now. As well as being far better for hauling bikes and kit around, they are just better over long journeys with more space, better view of the road and a more upright position.
Good call on getting an android head unit. I needing something like that - still on a ropey fm/cd player. What did you go for?

I think it's either a pioneer or Alpine. It's a mate from years ago so I'm in his hands.

Bicycles are quite tight when the 2nd row are installed. Well, with both wheels on they are tight, but they do fit, which is a win.

https://flic.kr/p/2nCHgfa

Stereo installed with BT, apple play, android auto etc. Works a charm. It has a cable connection for the AP and AA which at first I didn't want, but it does give me charging for phone in the van which I wouldn't have as there's no USB port, so I do actually want it.
Bluetooth and Spotify is all via BT, the dab is installed of course, but for Nav and AP and AA, it's cable, which is ace.

So how's the van? Well I'm 125 miles and several journeys in now and it's brilliant. It drives lovely and nicely. The engine is getting a bit revvy/noisy over 70, but other than that it's lovely and quiet to drive.
Gearbox is smooth, if a little long between some gears.
Seats are superb and comfortable, especially with arm rests lol.
Air con is icy cold, especially in flip flops!
Cruise control is nice and now I've worked out the arm it's easy.

So all in all, it's spot on.

I bought a 64 plate XL viano last November, took it to the Alps in April and am currently down in the Pyrenees. The drive seems so much easier in the van.

Really love mine. Rear parking sensors have packed in though, and I need to fit a new DAB head unit. Great car though, so pleased I got one. Even though it was few grand mor than Weeksy's. Full leather and nice carpets thought....

@TheLittlestHobo could I be cheeky and ask you to get me the build sheet for mine as well please?

Child is still snoring merrily in the back of the van whole parked outside the house
He was properly excited when I said he was allowed to do so.

Van did its first motorbike run yesterday dropping a mates new MX bike off to him.
A few minor issues
1. MX bikes are really really tall
2. Vito seats are incredibly heavy!!!!

Other than that, I'm 200 miles in now and it's bloody ace!
Need to do some testing of whether I put bikes in with both wheels on or the front wheel off for France. It's fairly snug in terms of length with the seats down.

ads678 you can message me the reg and i will check. I have access to commercials (Which the traveliner is). Not sure Vianos work. Cant hurt to check for you though

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52271632134_430f3d4249_5k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52271632134_430f3d4249_5k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2nD4M7N ]2022-08-08_10-14-29[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

That's with seats as far back as they go. I think I can move them forward 4-5"

If I tip seats forward the bikes go in with wheels on.

Looks similar space-wise, maybe a bit longer than my swb t5. I imagine you can get 2 bikes in diagonally, seats up with wheels on. More than that, or with lots of luggage, then front wheels off.

Mate of mine has just bought a Toyota Alphard G. Its lovely. Apart from the Jap infotainment head!

Mate of mine has just bought a Toyota Alphard G. Its lovely. Apart from the Jap infotainment head!

Them and Stepwagons were on the list, but too small for a motorbike

My Long Dualiner has a bulkhead in so I'm just a couple of inches sort of getting the bikes in front to back with front wheel out.
The bikes go sideways like that over the arches though as I have no trim in the back of mine.
Plan is to shelf over the arches so I can shove boxes under the bikes.

We find putting the bikes in the other way is easier with the front wheel and the bars facing the tailgate. Bike shrouds around them and a long strap between the seats and the rear eyelet stops them moving or rubbing against each other. If we are carrying more than 2 bikes we remove the pedals for ease

[img] [/img]

I'll give that a try. Currently dying of man flu so not even getting up from sofa

Awesome! Chuffed for you!

Currently got my eye on a Vito Dualiner locally.

Link us up Mike!

I'm loving the van. But I'd check the road tax! I didn't and mine is absolutely bonkers. Which I've questioned with DVLA, although I expect to get nowhere of course. It soured things a little bit the van drives fantastically and that's made up for it.

weeksy, I guess yours is M1 on the v5 and taxed as a big car, hence ££s tax. The upside of that is car speed limits.

Dont really want to start a new thread for this.

Anyone here have any interest in seeing a before and after assessment of a van chassis thats around 2-3 years away from welding* get professionally cleaned, treated for rust, the protected?

Its not booked in until November so a bit of a wait. Im just posting now whilst the thought arrived.

*although ive not had a bumper off, so that may be optimistic

weeksy, I guess yours is M1 on the v5 and taxed as a big car, hence ££s tax. The upside of that is car speed limits

V5 ain't here yet mate, but I'll check when it is.

Here you go mate: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134194163158?hash=item1f3e986dd6:g:~MkAAOSwr91i1AJK

Yeah, tax on my Viano is silly as well. Can't remember how much now, but it was a bit of a shock after I'd bought then had to pay for that as well!!

Oh well, just one of those thing I needs to suck for having the space I suppose.

Yeah, i don't regret the decision at all, it's 100% the perfect thing for the next few years racing along with my usual day to day stuff. So i'm more than happy.

The new stereo is awesome, the DAB is great and it does everything really well. We went for one that needs the cable for full Android Auto, but that was deliberate as there's no USB charger in the van, so the cable also charges the phone.

Still waiting for the super velcro to finish teh back of the headliner, but it's OK as it is for this week, the Ebay seller seems to have misplaced it so is sending a new 2m length.

So the van has spent more time at the dealers than at my home.

All starting with it, well, not starting

After much diagnosis it wasn't the battery but multiple failing/failed electrical components. After a long discussion or 5 with the dealer on potential resolutions, it was decided the van was staying with him and the money being refunded.

So last night I collected a 2015 Kuga 1.5 petrol with low miles.
https://flic.kr/p/2nFG3Lg

Looks nice. Should get the bikes in the back ok

That's a shame, but I reckon you've done the right thing handing it back, once you start going down the rabbit hole of electrical problems you can get very very lost.

Was the wife home what you made this purchase?

😂

This one seems to have as many plot twists and turns as with all your purchasing threads 🙂

Was the wife home what you made this purchase?

She approves of the Kuga. She's driving it to Silverstone tomorrow then thrashing her zx6 around

I didn't dare post of the thread when it was an ageing Merc Viano thread, but now it's turned into a Kuga thread - enjoy you new motor, Weeksy, I hope it serves you well.

This one seems to have as many plot twists and turns as with all your purchasing threads

Sometimes it baffles me, I'm a simple boy who likes simple easy things. I wish and hope this one goes well.

So... Are you going to make it to the MTB DH World Cup?

So... Are you going to make it to the MTB DH World Cup?

Les Perriers looks awful. The carpark by La Place de la Marché in Morzine is like a slum. What is the attraction? The dream and the reality never seem to coincide.

So… Are you going to make it to the MTB DH World Cup?

Yes

Les Perriers looks awful. The carpark by La Place de la Marché in Morzine is like a slum. What is the attraction? The dream and the reality never seem to coincide.

Oh! There were only 2 places left open to book, both roughly the same area. Too late to do anything about it now though

Blimey, that was a twist - 100% happy to back at the dealer with a refund in two, (albeit separated by 2 weeks) posts!

Surprised you can get a ZX-6 in the back of a Kuga. 😁

Agree with ditching the electrical nightmare.

But after all the discussed benefits of the van for your usage, how have you ended up with a Kuga?

But after all the discussed benefits of the van for your usage, how have you ended up with a Kuga?

BEcause you can't buy a bus/van/whatever that's half respectable with sensible miles for £10,000

Honestly i really really looked.

Because you can’t buy a bus/van/whatever that’s half respectable with sensible miles for £10,000

Honestly i really really looked.

Berlingo 😉

If you ignore the 'half respectable' bit, that is...

I'm blaming this thread for getting me starting to look at vans again, realising that a Vito, or tourneo custom, or any VW are stupidly priced, and how practical and cheap the Berlingo multispace are...

Not big enough to fit a motorbike in...

Pointless having a van if it can't do motorbike duties.

Things like a Proace can do motorbike... but can't do 3 full sized humans...

Ahh, didn't realise you needed to be able to get a motorbike in the back - that cuts out a large number of cars/vans.

For it to be worthwhile yeah.

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52294070896_cedac2e910_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52294070896_cedac2e910_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2nF3Mo1 ]2022-08-18_02-21-19[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

Otherwise it needs a towbar and motorbike trailer for trackdays....

If not, i'd have one of the Fiat Doblo things which works for me and the lad for MTB... but doesn't work for me, him and the wife, nor the motorbike...

Really for a van to work, it has to be a full size van.

But obviously for us, now we've bought the Kuga the van thing is on hold for a year or two until we can really double the budget.

I had to ride the ZX6 to Silverstone today for the wife to do a trackday... which really wasn't that nice to me.

(Berlingo)

Not big enough to fit a motorbike in…

I got my gsx750 in the back of mine when I picked it up. I was fully expecting to have to bungee the boot down half open but no, went in fine with the front wheel between the seats. Standard 2002 Berlingo 1.6

I had already removed the double section of the back seats however.
It's just like a little van then and you can take 3 people.

Nice KTM SMC! Was that a test fitting at the dealer?!

That was me taking the van for repair, so easiest way to get home was throw my smcr in