ive got 3 citroen berlingos & an astra van - 2 berlingos are leased and the 2 others are purchases
The berlingo we purched we bought from citroen after we had leased it, its done 89k miles and its as smooth as a baby, ive literally replaced the tyres and a set of wiper blades.
Wee astra van we bought from auction, just a run around - great van but low on the payload
Lease vans - 3 payments down, 15,000 miles per year, full maintenance cover - £177 per month plus vat (we are vat reg'd)
Don't be afraid of the old frenchies, these vans are good vans and will serve you well. Buy new or lease if possible though, then you know its only your problems you are fixing if it goes wrong.