[Tristan R Clean]

I am currently on the look out for a new van.
Looking at Toyota Proace 2.0 new shape as it has impressive payload.
What I have realised is it may be better to go for the people carrier version .
Citroen Space Tourer even cheaper basically the same vehicle.
Reasons  being  firstly: no vat ( I am a sole trader)
and they are basically the same vehicle that I can take the seats out and put them back in if I need to.
Any one any experience of doing this ( Fors and Against) ?

Tris

[dazmond]

I am currently on the look out for a new van.
Looking at Toyota Proace 2.0 new shape as it has impressive payload.
What I have realised is it may be better to go for the people carrier version .
Citroen Space Tourer even cheaper basically the same vehicle.
Reasons  being  firstly: no vat ( I am a sole trader)
and they are basically the same vehicle that I can take the seats out and put them back in if I need to.
Any one any experience of doing this ( Fors and Against) ?

Tris

I'd check the payload first....the people carrier might be less than the panel van.....

[Tristan R Clean]

Payload is just over 1300kg
I have a 700ltr

🤓

[Tristan R Clean]

Tank that is 😊

[EandM]

The concern would be the electrics.

I don't know anything about the Proace but the Ford / VW Galaxy / Sharan used to have electrical issues if water found its way into the boot.
Although being Toyota they've probably thought of that.

[Spruce]

The concern would be the electrics.

I don't know anything about the Proace but the Ford / VW Galaxy / Sharan used to have electrical issues if water found its way into the boot.
Although being Toyota they've probably thought of that.

They are exactly the same vehicle as a Citroen. Just a couple of cosmetic changes.

The people carrier version usually has a lower payload as Dazmond pointed out.

Don't get hung up on vat Tristan. Vat is added to every vehicle, car or commercial. You can claim vat back if you are vat registered.  If you aren't then you claim it against tax although it's not quite the same as getting it all back. Vat is just 'hidden' in the price of a car.

Being a people carrier there is no provision for a bulkhead. Also due to side windows, having pole carriers becomes more difficult.
Pros are the people carriers aren't speed limit restricted on single carriage and dual carriage highways as vans are.

[Dry Clean]

Didn't know a people carrier was vat free, were did you see this ?

[Spruce]

Didn't know a people carrier was vat free, were did you see this ?

No it isn't.  Price is usually given to retail users with VAT included. These people carriers are usually sold by the retail sales staff where commercials are dealt with by a different department within the dealership. The retail sales staff by far and large are clueless when it comes to the finer details of VAT etc.

Commercials are given minus VAT. So in theory the base price of the people carrier should be higher than the base price of the van. 
Then of course he may have been looking at the Proace City and commercial Proace van - two different vehicles.

[Mike Halliday]

Will it have rear windows rather than a solid side? If so then get them tinted so no one can see your gear and break in.

If you remove the seats the seat bolt holes will be strong enough to fit bolt hooks so you can secure equipment

[NWH]

I knew someone that did this very little room.

[Tristan R Clean]

Well I have only just gone and bought one😊
Citroen Space Tourer  2.0D 150bhp 69plate
4000miles.
Tinted rear glass.

Payload is more than adequate.
I got it for a substantially less than I would of paid for a Toyota Proace van.
Can’t wait to get it kitted out🤓

T

[dd]

Will it have rear windows rather than a solid side? If so then get them tinted so no one can see your gear and break in.

If you remove the seats the seat bolt holes will be strong enough to fit bolt hooks so you can secure equipment

Less chance of it being broken in to if they realize it is a window cleaning vehicle.

[alank]

Years ago I worked out of a lwb mitsubishi shogun I could fit all the wfp gear in and it was OK to work from. I just got  sick of everything being in the cab space so started using a pickup instead as I like the gear to be out of the way and locked securely without windows etc.
Actually working from the shogun was ok but not as good as a van or pickup.
If you keep the equipment tidy and don't carry too many things that aren't essential it should work out fine.

[Ched]

Are the insurance company OK about your tank in the back?

[AuRavelling79]

I would upgrade to commercially rated tyres (at least when you replace them naturally).
Check out insurance issues.
Check out tax benefits in re "can it be counted as a van for your expenses?"