[jonboywalton75]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

[Spruce]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

Only you can make that decision.

Personally, I would hate to be looking for a good used van atm. They are mostly very expensive for the year and mileage.

If I were making that decision with my current situation, I would stick with what I have. I would just fill my 650 litre tank with less water. Fuel costs will be a little more with your bigger van but with less weight won't be subject to the same wear and tear a smaller van will working on its payload limit.

Your road fund licence will cost the same. Insurance might be a little more on the Custom but at least you know what you have got. You never know what hidden repair 'gems' await you with a 'new' vehicle.

I purchased my current Peugeot Boxer with 89k on the clock. It was in immaculate condition with full Peugeot service history. Unfortunately, its cost me money these past 3 years. 5 new tyres, new alternator, new windscreen wiper motor assembly and a new intercooler pipe. I also replaced the sump and the oil pump as a precaution. Had I had a garage do the jobs those repairs could have cost around £2500 which would be about 30% of what I paid for the van.

The engine is a Ford Puma engine which is timing chain driven. Ford Transits also use the same engine and timing chain failures seem to begin at around 130k. They want around £800 to change that chain. Spares cost around £250, so I will save some money and do the job myself, (if I'm still able.)

I'm claiming a pension as I'm nearly 70. I haven't paid into the UK pension scheme long enough to claim a full pension. So I have to carry on working to supplement my pension. At least I can still do this with wash and reach.

[dazmond]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....

i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....

i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....

[Spruce]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....

i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....

i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....

I don't believe O/P is going to find a good used Connect the same as yours for £6000. He will find an older model one, but most earlier models have succumbed to rust, at least up in the north east. Those that haven't are on their way. The scrap yards here are full of MOT failures as the earlier ones from 53 plate weren't  galvanized.

The other thing Daz is that working manually around pensionable age isn't easy. You don't achieve the same work rate as you do when you are younger and fitter like you are, and hence you use less water. I'm knackered after 6 or 8 house cleans.

That's old age. Its frustrating, but it's the way it is.

[jonboywalton75]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....

i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....

i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....

Good point Daz

[jonboywalton75]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

Only you can make that decision.

Personally, I would hate to be looking for a good used van atm. They are mostly very expensive for the year and mileage.

If I were making that decision with my current situation, I would stick with what I have. I would just fill my 650 litre tank with less water. Fuel costs will be a little more with your bigger van but with less weight won't be subject to the same wear and tear a smaller van will working on its payload limit.

Your road fund licence will cost the same. Insurance might be a little more on the Custom but at least you know what you have got. You never know what hidden repair 'gems' await you with a 'new' vehicle.

I purchased my current Peugeot Boxer with 89k on the clock. It was in immaculate condition with full Peugeot service history. Unfortunately, its cost me money these past 3 years. 5 new tyres, new alternator, new windscreen wiper motor assembly and a new intercooler pipe. I also replaced the sump and the oil pump as a precaution. Had I had a garage do the jobs those repairs could have cost around £2500 which would be about 30% of what I paid for the van.

The engine is a Ford Puma engine which is timing chain driven. Ford Transits also use the same engine and timing chain failures seem to begin at around 130k. They want around £800 to change that chain. Spares cost around £250, so I will save some money and do the job myself, (if I'm still able.)

I'm claiming a pension as I'm nearly 70. I haven't paid into the UK pension scheme long enough to claim a full pension. So I have to carry on working to supplement my pension. At least I can still do this with wash and reach.

I've decided i want a smaller van and I'm sticking to that, cheers anyway Spruce
Horses for courses 😁

[jonboywalton75]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

im very happy with my connect L2 240 limited.....plenty of room for a 500l tank.......lowish roof for getting ladders off when needed,easy to park too....

i think a 350l tank will be too small personally,dont forget you cant totally drain the tank every day or you ll end up with airlocks all the time....

i only work part time too mate and use most of my 500l tank in 5 hours work most days....

I don't believe O/P is going to find a good used Connect the same as yours for £6000. He will find an older model one, but most earlier models have succumbed to rust, at least up in the north east. Those that haven't are on their way. The scrap yards here are full of MOT failures as the earlier ones from 53 plate weren't  galvanized.

The other thing Daz is that working manually around pensionable age isn't easy. You don't achieve the same work rate as you do when you are younger and fitter like you are, and hence you use less water. I'm knackered after 6 or 8 house cleans.

That's old age. Its frustrating, but it's the way it is.

Age brings experience Spruce, cheers
Daz thinks he'll be superman at our age 😂

[jonboywalton75]

My son just bought a nice Peugeot Partner, so I'm thinking along those lines

[jonboywalton75]

Maybe Doblo, combo expert etc

[AuRavelling79]

I'm a few years behind you John Boy and thinking ahead. Can I ask why you are set on a smaller van?

[jonboywalton75]

Looking to wind down in next couple of years as a sole trader, view to retire or just keep best work for pension top up.
I have a Transit Custom worth possibly 8000 ish
Looking to go for 500 ltr DIY system instead of my current 650
Will spend up to £6000 on used van.
Any suggestions
2 seater req just for windows nothing else
Might go as light as 350 ltr system

Only you can make that decision.

Personally, I would hate to be looking for a good used van atm. They are mostly very expensive for the year and mileage.

If I were making that decision with my current situation, I would stick with what I have. I would just fill my 650 litre tank with less water. Fuel costs will be a little more with your bigger van but with less weight won't be subject to the same wear and tear a smaller van will working on its payload limit.

Your road fund licence will cost the same. Insurance might be a little more on the Custom but at least you know what you have got. You never know what hidden repair 'gems' await you with a 'new' vehicle.

I purchased my current Peugeot Boxer with 89k on the clock. It was in immaculate condition with full Peugeot service history. Unfortunately, its cost me money these past 3 years. 5 new tyres, new alternator, new windscreen wiper motor assembly and a new intercooler pipe. I also replaced the sump and the oil pump as a precaution. Had I had a garage do the jobs those repairs could have cost around £2500 which would be about 30% of what I paid for the van.

The engine is a Ford Puma engine which is timing chain driven. Ford Transits also use the same engine and timing chain failures seem to begin at around 130k. They want around £800 to change that chain. Spares cost around £250, so I will save some money and do the job myself, (if I'm still able.)

I'm claiming a pension as I'm nearly 70. I haven't paid into the UK pension scheme long enough to claim a full pension. So I have to carry on working to supplement my pension. At least I can still do this with wash and reach.

May spend a couple of grand more then spruce
Something maybe around 60000 miles on the clock

[jonboywalton75]

I'm a few years behind you John Boy and thinking ahead. Can I ask why you are set on a smaller van?

Stress parking and driving a bigger van, Transit is too fast for me, i can't help but drive quickly in the tranny

[NWH]

I find it hard to look into the future too much these days with what’s gone on last 18 months,nice holidays and fast cars for me the van can stay until it stops doing it’s job.

[jonboywalton75]

Future for me is next 18 months nice hols in there as well hopefully 😁

[NWH]

Life’s to short to be planning things years and years down the line enjoy while you can no ones got it nailed on to get to any sort of retirement age,the amount of people I know that are retired minted and either can’t be bothered to enjoy it through lack of energy or are incapacitated is unreal.
Think of the future yes I agree leave yourself skint or do without things because of it no thanks I’ll take my chances.

[NWH]

And all those people have said the same thing do it while you can when you get to 65-70 you just don’t want to do the things you thought you would when you retire and have excess cash,I don’t want to be hanging around airports I don’t want 12-15 hour flights we can’t do it now I’ve heard it all from 90% of em the most they want to do is prune the roses go out for a coffee and back in time  for tipping point,what’s a bank full of money gonna do for you then,kids hanging around holding a mirror over you’re face while you sleep to see if your still breathing that’s the truth of it 🤣🤣

[deeege]

Berlingo and 400/450 litre system. It’s what I use and does me perfectly. Can’t comment on price of vans etc as I lease and am happy to continue doing so.

450 litres does me working 6 to 8 hours max a day but I’m very rarely on houses all day, mostly commercial.

[robbo333]

Mate of mine bought an ex British Gas VW Caddy. He's had it years and loves it. Never a problem.

[High-Tower]

Mate of mine bought an ex British Gas VW Caddy. He's had it years and loves it. Never a problem.

The caddy’s are nice vans, but lack payload only around 650kg in newer models. And the 1.6tdi’s have a fairly common injector problem.

[dazmond]

And all those people have said the same thing do it while you can when you get to 65-70 you just don’t want to do the things you thought you would when you retire and have excess cash,I don’t want to be hanging around airports I don’t want 12-15 hour flights we can’t do it now I’ve heard it all from 90% of em the most they want to do is prune the roses go out for a coffee and back in time  for tipping point,what’s a bank full of money gonna do for you then,kids hanging around holding a mirror over you’re face while you sleep to see if your still breathing that’s the truth of it 🤣🤣

me and the missus met a sheffield couple in mexico a few years ago.....she was on the dancefloor every night and she was 93!he celebrated his 90th birthday while he was there.....

my mums 73 and crippled with rheumatoid arthritis,still drives and goes abroad every chance she gets........