I've just looked at the costs of running older vans over the last year....... after routine servicing this is what was needed... it's quite interesting
K Transit ..... alternator, a bit of welding for mot
P Escort ...... nothing
R Caddy/Inca ...... 1 door lock set
R Astra ...... nothing
R Kangoo ...... central locking kit
S Berlingo ..... 1 battery
T Kangoo ..... glow plugs, rear drums, pads, washer pump,
T Courier ..... head gasket, fan belt, cv boots, discs, pads, alternator mountings, door handle, handbrake cable
W Berlingo ..... nothing
compared to newer cars
W Mercedes SLK ..... 1 battery
Y Mercedes ML270 ..... the whole bloody engine management computer, PX for new car ££££ ££££ ££££ ££££
03 Megane ..... clutch cable, wheel bearings
05 Hyundai Santa Fe ..... glove box lid, reversing sensors,
55 Mercedes ML350 ..... central locking motor, seat adjustment motor, CD multichanger
OK the newer ones are free warranty repairs, but even brand new is no guarantee of perfect reliability
In general, either Citroen are reliable (or basic... nothing to go wrong) but I'm sticking to Berlingo's in future.
Arthur.... yes, I am going to use "passenger cars"... but more exactly "MPVs" (multi-purpose vehicles). Fold the back seat down, there's plenty of space. There's tying down points to secure heavy gear for safety. A decent waterproof tray to put chemicals in should protect the interior, and staff are not allowed to leave equipment in vans overnight (for insurance) so I don't see a security issue.
Plus, Citroen do a really vivid emerald green..... you can't say it won't be noticeable.