Van is dying, get another van or use the 406 estate I already own?

« **on:** January 23, 2007, 09:18:01 pm »

Hi, first post so please be gentle.
I am a trad part time window cleaner (4 hours per day) and have built up a lovely round over the past 5 years.

I have used an N reg Escort van until now, but after just scraping through its MOT, it is now on its last legs.

It looks fairly smart on the outside (white and sign-written etc) but underneath its a different story.

So I need a new vehicle, but also my wife who drives our 2001 406 diesel estate car says that within 18 months or so she wants something a bit smaller and less 'old fartish'.

Anyway, can you help with my decision.... choices seem to be;

1) Buy a 4-5 yr old Escort van from a dealer (£3500 ish all in) then look to trade the 406 in for a new car for her in 18 mths. Would buy a car for around £6k, might get £2k if I'm lucky for the 406. Total spend £3500 now, £4k in 18 mths = £7500

2) I inherit the 406 now for work (get some magnetic door signs) and buy her a new car immediately. Total spend £6k

I understand the need for the professional image that a van gives, but the 406 would save me money and give me a much better drive. I am not looking to expand the business much now, so apart from a few quotes for new jobs here and there my customers are already happy with me, regardless of what I drive.

I would take the safer option of buying from a dealer, as I don't want the potential hassle of going private.

So, for those of you who are still awake after my rambling, what should I do?

Cheers

« **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2007, 09:25:19 pm »

Or you could repair the escort van you already own. Parts from breakers are plentiful and cheap for escort vans. I used to have one, I put steering rack, all suspension and the brake load valve on it for under 200 quid.

« **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2007, 09:32:54 pm »

Thanks for the quick reply - the mechanic (a reliable friend) says the underneath is so rusty, he only just managed to weld it together this time. I don't really want to spend out on the van... might just have to retire the poor old thing

« **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2007, 09:34:56 pm »

I would use the car, I do and I wfp at times, not all the time mind you. The only problem with my estate car is when I have to carry lots of water i.e it all goes in the foot wells etc. Its even easier to get the ladders on and off a car than it is a van as a van is always a touch higher.

Steve

« **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2007, 09:37:31 pm »

if you had £4500 to spend i would say you could buy my 2004 renualt kangoo van in silver not even done 9000miles yet side loading door c/d player remote alarm/imob e/w heated e/m i could go on it is the top spec model as new it has been sign written but you could peel off or just change the phone details my no is 07771723668if you want a chat about it going to bed at 10ish early start in morning 5am i think a nice CLEAN smart looking sign written van looks very professional especially when going for commercial jobs good luck what ever you decide i would all ways go for a van if you can even if its not mine marc

« **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2007, 10:43:29 pm »

With regards to splashing water, I use a bucket with a lid, but I guess I would need to put it in the side door of the 406 when the ladder is on top due to the lift up rear door.

The Kangoo van sounds nice, but £4500 now then another £4k to upgrade the 406 pushes the budget a bit further than I would like, but thanks anyway.

« **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2007, 10:50:52 pm »

i use a estate car, mine was a VW passett, now its a fiat weekender

i carry around 150 L of water for my WFP and all my kit in the boot bit

if i have a comercail client to meet, i take the family VW golf

works well enough

« **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2007, 11:10:29 pm »

Pug 406 - brilliant motor for w/cleaning I'd use it!

(I used a Honda Estate - smaller than a Pug 406) and carried 175L and a back pack for wfp and at a push could carry another 50L in barrels in the front footwell.

But for trad - why get a van? Especially getting ladders on/off.

« **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2007, 07:57:33 am »

Wow, it seems that the 406 is the most logical solution. I was expecting most people to say get a van, mainly for the image and professionalism.

I must admit though, driving the 406 for work appeals though (aircon, abs brakes, cd changer, 2.0i engine, 45-50 mpg, comfy seats, dual use vehicle etc)

Plus my wife won't give me a look like I've asked her to remove a kidney every time I ask her to get in it, like she did with the van

I think I am 90% mind made up, unless anyone has any other points.

Ps. If I go the 406 route, any suggestions/advice/contacts for the magnetic door signs please?

« **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2007, 08:02:47 am »

same here, I want the magnetic signs. Got to be good for them motorway milage.

Steve

« **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2007, 08:11:02 am »

I've used both and would never go back to a car, you will wreck the car within 12 months, buy a van, stick to what you know, dont go back to using a car. Buy the vehical you need for your job and for your wife.

« **Reply #11 on:** January 24, 2007, 08:20:35 am »

Don't make a descision based on 3 people who have never used a van.

Add a poll to this thread asking the same question, 1 vote each and start a new thread asking if anyone has gone back to a car after having a van.

When my van has been garaged I used a mates car Trad and it is such a pain after the freedom of a van.

« **Reply #12 on:** January 24, 2007, 08:21:28 am »

Just when I thought I had it sorted...
I don't think I'll wreck it, and as it's only worth around £2k to trade it's a lot less than a van would cost me. I only work a few hours a day and so just pootle along being careful.

« **Reply #13 on:** January 24, 2007, 08:49:46 am »

Thanks so far to everyone who has taken the time to offer advice, it is really appreciated.

« **Reply #14 on:** January 24, 2007, 09:25:50 am »

His choices were originaly
Buy a 4 or 5 yr old Escort Van
Use the 5 or 6 yr old 406 Estate

I wouldnt have thought the 406 Estate would have had more room anyway.

As for signage. With all the windows that an Estate car gives you, their is companys that are very good at putting signs on windows.

So, size wise it is a coin flip, signage is a coin flip, it appears financially the estate wins and comfort wise the estate wins.

« **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2007, 09:27:08 am »

Hi jon

As you only do window cleaning part time i would stick with your car.
But if you did go full time i would change to a van.

I used to use my car but changed to a van a few years back.
I did use my car for 1 day about 3 months ago as the van was in for a service.
Put me trolley in there, hose reel and about 6 25ltr containers.
And what a pain it was after being used to a van.
I did get as much done.
I couldn't use a car all the time but allways handy as a backup.

Paul

« **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2007, 04:48:36 pm »

Thanks for all the advice, I have bought a used Berlingo, picking it up Saturday.

I want my customers to know that I take my work seriously, and I didn't think turning up in an estate car with rags hanging up in the back would do that.

Cheers again and have a good year everyone

Jon

« **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2007, 10:19:08 am »

get a van and it makes your business look professional

« **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2007, 03:54:57 pm »

Good decision

« **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2007, 06:45:14 pm »

CAR all the way mate why bother with a van if your trad?

As for looking pro people judge by the standard of work im using an escort at the moment trad

Poll

Based on the information I have given, what should I do?