[mark dew]

Hi, 1st post tho have been reading forum for a while. Great resource.I am looking for a van. I clean traditionally, 2 ladders on top.
Am looking for a cheap van. No more than 500 quid.
Been offered a fiat fiorino 1.7d. The price is right. It looks ok.
Does anyone use this vehicle? Is it economical? Present car (corolla 1.3) does best part of 50 mpg.
Am looking for an ecnomical runner as all work is in countryside. About 20-25 miles per day.
What about alternatives?
Cheap to run is key thing for me. Though i do want to look a bit more professional than at present.
cheers

[Thecleanerservice]

If it's got long MOT, maybe tax then what do you expect for £500.  Generally you pay comparatively more for vans.  Does look better though, even if it's a bit rough looking, makes it look more like you work for a living.  i would still get fully comp insurance though having had hassle with 3rd party once too often, false economy in my opinion.
Pj

[baldeagle]

I had a Fiorino 1.7D between 1999 and 2002 although I wasn't window cleaning then.

I found it to be very reliable although it was a bit gutless for the longer distance run; I occasionally journied from Staffordshire to Newport, [the one in Wales] and did a couple of journies to Dorset and to Devon.

It doesn't have a turbocharger if I remember correctly, but, look on the bright side, the turbo won't go wrong, will it?

Suitable for towing a brace of ladders around locally. I'd have thought.

The main advantage I found with it was the space in the back; I used to carry two old mopeds to shows and I could stand them both upright.
I've had two Kangoo's since then, and they are cramped by comparison.

Change engine oil well before the makers recommendation and periodically have the injectors cleaned/replaced every 100 000 miles or so and it should see you through! 

Baldeagle

[mark dew]

Hey, thanks for your replies.
Yeah, it will have 12 months MOT on it and the bodywork is in good condition. I've been driving around in a battered old corolla, which is now an insurance write off after being hit by a (happy, i have to add) customer. Just waiting for the cheque. Been cleaning for a year now, love the freedom.
Confidence in my cleaning + van + sign = higher prices.
Brilliant site. Woulda taken 10 years to have gained as much info as i have from this site. 
Baldeagle, thanks for your personal experience of this van. I couldn't get that even from the fiat forum. Did they only sell one in UK? Maybe i'm buying your old one.......
Cheers

mark                   

[baldeagle]

Hello again Mark,

It was M 901 ONE

I seem to remember that the fuel tank on it was HUGE! [like a swimming pool], and the cab noise was quite loud, but if you're only doing local, that won't bother you.

I hope you have many happy miles together 

Baldeagle in Staffordshire.