Van or 4x4

[Tim M]

OK the time has come again for me to change my vehicle. I need something that has a bit more towing ability than my current Focus estate. Not only that but I need something with a bit more load space as the jobs Im doing now involve carrying a fair bit of gear in the car. Im currently pondering over either a Landrover freelander (2l diesel 5 door) or a Vauxhall Vivaro van (1.9l diesel).
The arguements are as follows:
Freelander : its a car so is going to be more comfortable for long distance runs (which i do regularly) and is going to be well suited to the slipway.
Vivaro: loads of load space, good for towing, economical, cheaper insurance than the freelander (im an insurance companies worst nightmare: 20, 3 points, accident last year so no no-claims). I think the van will also be cheaper to maintain.

So that is my current thinking. Practiclly I think the van will be better, although being a van Im slightly worried about it being uncomfortable and hard to park. The only other issue is purchase price: I can get a much newer van than freelander for the money.

Any input greatfully received

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Practiclly I think the van will be better, although being a van Im slightly worried about it being uncomfortable and hard to park.

Any input greatfully received

Toughen up a bit and learn to drive properly?

Sorry, couldn't resist!

John

[Rogue Wave]

that's a funny boat name you've got there JK is it named after a baby hare or something!

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Tim M

im an insurance companies worst nightmare: 20, 3 points, accident last year so no no-claims

Actually you are an insurance companies favourite customer - "a high risk" therefore a "high premium".

[taurus]

Go for the van, just as comfy and less likely to suffer the fate of many land rovers (had a 3 year old freelander that engine blew up, new engine, luckily within 2 months of warranty going out of date. Build an easily removable bed base, chuck an ordinary double bed matress in, camping gas cooker, hey presto, cheap weekends away.

[roofer]

I use renault traffic vans for work, same as vivaro and they are more comfy to drive than my shogun and discovery. Make sure you buy the 100hp 6 speed gearbox van though, the smaller engines are gutless.

[Neil Harvey]

Are you thinking of the TD4 freelander, or the old 2l D?
Makes a big difference from what I've read in places. I don't think the basic diesels were that gutsy, but the TD4 I drove seemed quite good.

Also, will the freelander be big enough? Quite a small boot with the seats up, and not much difference from the Focus I wouldn't think with the seats down, although you do gain on height.

How about something different like a Toyota Hilux Surf? The 3l TDs are great, good for towing, loads of space, long enough to sleep in, and they can be insured with Direct Line as an example. No idea how much insurance for you would be though. I loved mine - wish I had not sold it really, but thats the benefit of hindsight.

[vince]

Nice van Taurus! Great for chuckin stuff in the back, and pulls the boat like its not there. I had a Renault, but you do need the 6 gears. Also had a td4, pulls well, but once all the family in, no room. (sorry it was getting dark)

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

Are you thinking of the TD4 freelander, or the old 2l D?
Makes a big difference from what I've read in places. I don't think the basic diesels were that gutsy, but the TD4 I drove seemed quite good.

Also, will the freelander be big enough? Quite a small boot with the seats up, and not much difference from the Focus I wouldn't think with the seats down, although you do gain on height.

How about something different like a Toyota Hilux Surf? The 3l TDs are great, good for towing, loads of space, long enough to sleep in, and they can be insured with Direct Line as an example. No idea how much insurance for you would be though. I loved mine - wish I had not sold it really, but thats the benefit of hindsight.

Actually the older 2L diesel is a cracking engine - good for over 200,000 miles. It has far more low down grunt than the TD4 but not quite as good at very high speeds - old engine was 105bhp - TD4 110 - not much difference!!!

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by taurus

Go for the van, just as comfy and less likely to suffer the fate of many land rovers (had a 3 year old freelander that engine blew up, new engine, luckily within 2 months of warranty going out of date. Build an easily removable bed base, chuck an ordinary double bed matress in, camping gas cooker, hey presto, cheap weekends away.

A Freelander is not a proper Landrover and the diesels are fine. For what it is the Freelander is excellent when compared to Honda CRVs etc but not in the same league as a proper offroader!!!