SPIDERWRX

Looking at buying a new van for work. anybody got one/ any info.

my ford escort is getting on a bit now. 105,000 miles on a w reg
and is very slow

looking at the COMBO 1.7 CDTI with 100bhp 177t sounds a lot better.

johnnyroper

i had a combo work van up until last sept it was the 1.3cdti on 06 plate not a bad van but the 1.3 is super gutless,although i would still prefer it to the tranny connect 1.8tdci i have now that thing is awful only does about 290-300 miles to a tank,and it is not a great improvement in terms of power either.

so the combe 1.7cdti sounds a good choice to me.

mike2.5subaru

Yes I've got a 53 plate from new. 48k now. the faults I've had are:-
1. Front tyres (Michelin) don't last more than 7-8k
2. Link arms (Rods with a ball joint on each end, fitted between strut and anti roll bar) started knocking after 15k and replacement, non OE last 5k. cheap and easy to fit.
3. The only real fault is this, mine has no abs and the tractoin on the front wheels is very poor, it will spin the wheels in the wet on roundabouts in 3rd gear just from the boost when the turbo comes in, it really is poor. There is no such thing as an emergency stop in the wet it just locks up. I've tried many tyres but the softer compound = lower mileage offer the best grip. The van, if loaded with a 900kg pallet, it only loads the front axle by 20kg. I've driven later models with abs and the brakes are first class.
4. I get about 45 mpg.

Johnny E

I bought a 05 Astra van for work 1.7cdti best van i've had

Spec'c'57

iTrader: (1)

We have the same traction issues on both our 56 plate and 57 plate. its appauling. at the moment we have an astra sportive courtesy van.. 1.9cdti.. thing is like a rocket and great to drive.. that would be my next chice IF we ever get our dealer problems sorted. Ours are LPG converted and the 56 plate has been with them for a month for a faulty fuel guage..

kin quick

iTrader: (2)

I drive a 1.3cdti for work, 06 plate and done all of the 22k miles in it. Drive down the A13 to and from work and use it all round London in stop start traffic (bit of everything driving). It's a nice place to sit for a van, the engine doesn't want to do anything until it's on boost, pulling away from lights is a nightmare unless you slip the clutch big style (I don't pay for it so not too worried). I get around 350-400miles every tank.

It handles pretty well for a van, but as said before, it likes to spin the front wheels especially round corners and in the wet.

Nothing has dropped off it yet and it gets used pretty hard virtually everyday. I don't use the boot for much but the size is pretty good and is basically a rectangle box so plenty of room.

It has a CD/radio which sounds good but when you start up it turns itself on at a set volume even if you turn it off before parking up (sounds loud outside, especially at 5:30am outside the neighbours).

I'm 5'10" ish and there is plenty of room inside but it would be better if the seats moved further back as on long journeys it can feel a bit cramped (not uncomfortable though!).

The brakes are excellent but are either on or off, they can be a bit harsh sometimes and you tend to lick the windscreen if your not fully awake I've got the ABS version.

The PAS is great but sometimes it seems to loose loads of power whilst moving it about in a car park at very low speeds (just when you need it most).

I've driven it from London to Wales twice, London to Coventry three times and London to Newcastle on courses and it has been absolutely fine on all occasions.

It's basically a pretty good van and does everything you need it to do

SPIDERWRX

Thanks for the info guys

went to Pentagon Nottingham today to look/test drive this one

this van has just came in, (as they got it) best way to see them :-)

Vauxhall Combo 1.7 cdti 2000

Mileage:..................................... 39 994
Registration date:................ 21/03/2005
Engine:....................................... Diesel, Standard
Body style:............................... Panel van
Colour:........................................ White

was up for £5500 + vat :-(

offer him £5000 + £875 vat + £175 12 months tax

= £6050

going up next week after it has been through a multi-point check
and if i am happy, going to offer him £6000

Odds on

I've got an Astravan with that engine in. Not had a single problem in 40k miles.

Before opting to buy a new van, all the dealers I visited to check their stock, said exectly the same thing about their used vans!

c_maguire

Has that Combo got a high roof in the cab area like the Berlingo/Partner or the new Caddy? Used an old Caddy with a low roof like the Astravan but I use a Berlingo now and the higher roof makes for a much nicer driving experience (not at all claustrophobic). Just a thought.
Kevin

Spec'c'57

iTrader: (1)

The roof is kinda inbetween really, has storage space above the roof lining if you like.