OP
Guest123
If I didn't need a van it's what I'd have as an all rounder. The new Ford rangers are meant to be brilliant.
- Thread starter lish70
- Start date
-
- Tags
- electricians vans van vehicle
Search the forum,
G
S
I looked for one of those a couple of years back, the only one i could find was bright orange (no problem with that ex RAC), but they wanted an arm and a leg for it. Cracking vehicle but rare as rocking horse **** and so command top money. Ended up with SWB Low roof Transit Connect.
L
A
L
A
Same - and hence, I guess, why I still haven't made a decision about something I'm going to have to live with for the next three years, in which I expect my "role" in the business to change significantly.
At present, I still have a need to carry tools, stock, and so forth, but I also have to project an image which represents a business capable of dealing with the customers we do deal with, and ultimately, that will be my role full time - I'm already probably 75% sales and admin, and only 25% on the tools. Yet without that 25% of "actual work", we'd sink. So for now, it's days of shovelling tools and stock in, or out, as the situation dictates!
Rutland is pretty rural! Given the job, and the likely clientele - I'd say to you that 4WD is pretty essential. Not so much for summer, but it will only take one call out in the middle of winter, to get stuck somewhere, or not be able to get out in snow, or something.
Given that info, I'd say your choice was a double cab. The base Navara is well specced - even has bluetooth, and on a contract hire would cost you around £205 a month plus the VAT for 10k miles no maintenance. That's a four year agreement. The canopy would be an on top cost.
This link will give you an idea of costs, spec, and so on.
L
A
Hiya
Bargain!
As far as I know, you can write down the cost of the vehicle in the proportion you use it for work.
HMRC can give you the defining word on "Newly Self-employed Helpline" Tel 0845 915 4515 open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm at weekends.
They can tell you what proportions of vehicle, fuel, mileage etc, will be taxable and what won't.
Hope it helps, and good luck!!!!!
L
M
L
M
L
M
L
M
A
Hey Lish
Good for you! The Santa Fe is definitely impressive - and a good all rounder. I don't think you're going to regret going that route over a Transporter the first big rain you have out there, or snow!
You may even get through to customers when your rivals can't! And won't get stuck getting out again! You're also pretty well getting better fuel economy from a Santa Fe than from a Transporter too. And two labs that will appreciate being able to see out the windows, not to mention the girlfriend lol!
As for me......the mix is not simple. I'm stuck for now between the Santa Fe Premium, and something similar - though cost will probably push it into the Santa Fe. I've no great need for 4WD - just space and flexibility of seven seats one minute, and enough room to carry a hefty job kit the next. I really, really, don't want an MPV.
I'm talking to a local garage about the Santa Fe just now, trying to bribe him that it's worth letting me have one for a week to make sure I can live with it. It seems to fit the bill best all round. Just the whole bluetooth thing to work on then. Its essential to me, like brakes, windows, and okay, all the other posh toys
L
A
Hi Lish -
Yeah, that's pretty well where I've got it to, and will probably just have to live with an after market bluetooth - to be fair, the Parrot stuff is always pretty good, I'd just have preferred a fully integrated system - it's one of the few strong points of the 407 I've been saddled with for now - and that's Parrot too, though Peugeot integrate it fully into their kit.
The boot liner sounds good value - and as with you, it would be privacy glass all the way for this kid.
To be honest, I think I'd probably go for the manual too - not a great fan of autos, for the reasons you mention, as well as personal preference - even though I do a lot of London, I'm still happier with a manual box. A control thing, no doubt, lol.
Well, I'm sure you'll have yours before I finally get round to signing on anyone's dotted line - let us know how you get on with it when it arrives!
L
Discuss what van/vehicle? in the Business Related area at ElectriciansForums.net
OP
SirKit Breaker
I looked for one of those a couple of years back, the only one i could find was bright orange (no problem with that ex RAC), but they wanted an arm and a leg for it. Cracking vehicle but rare as rocking horse **** and so command top money. Ended up with SWB Low roof Transit Connect.
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
lish70
mmmm just been looking at a Nissan Navara fitted with the Avenger work-style canopy. I understand the new Navara has had a recall for some reason so all new orders are being delayed at the mo and would take at least 3 months to get hold of one. Prob worth the wait... but would I dare stretch my budget that far?
Bill you're a star!!!! do you happen to have detalis of how many litres of tools i'm likely to accumulate?
Bill you're a star!!!! do you happen to have detalis of how many litres of tools i'm likely to accumulate?
OP
accordfire
Lish
You're very likely to end up accumulating one litre more than you have space for - that's an unwritten rule, like gravity.
Mostly, I reckon an estate or good sized hatchback can get people on their way - 500 litres or so of space is enough to carry a fair amount. Plus you have the flexibility of the back seats going down.
Its nice to be "purpose built" though too - and something like a Navaro, or L200 or Ranger is great if you're rural, or doing a lot of site work. It can be a major pain in places like London though. That said, the Navaro I think is expensive for the money - the L200 is probably far better value, with the Walkinshaw at around £26k - roughly the middle of the Navaro price range. Thing about the Ranger is they just ripped the steering wheel off the American side and blu-tacked it on the UK side. When di we ever have a Ford anything that was deisgnated an"XLT", for example. It has American fuel economy too. I do like the Navaros though.
For me, I'm looking at the Santa Fe hard at the moment - it seems a tough one to beat on paper, and the only thing that's bugging me about it is Bluetooth - I want built-in, not add on. Fussy, but have had both in the past, and built in always seems to work far better.
You know, most of us find a way to fit all we need to when we find the motor we *really* want lol!
You're very likely to end up accumulating one litre more than you have space for - that's an unwritten rule, like gravity.
Mostly, I reckon an estate or good sized hatchback can get people on their way - 500 litres or so of space is enough to carry a fair amount. Plus you have the flexibility of the back seats going down.
Its nice to be "purpose built" though too - and something like a Navaro, or L200 or Ranger is great if you're rural, or doing a lot of site work. It can be a major pain in places like London though. That said, the Navaro I think is expensive for the money - the L200 is probably far better value, with the Walkinshaw at around £26k - roughly the middle of the Navaro price range. Thing about the Ranger is they just ripped the steering wheel off the American side and blu-tacked it on the UK side. When di we ever have a Ford anything that was deisgnated an"XLT", for example. It has American fuel economy too. I do like the Navaros though.
For me, I'm looking at the Santa Fe hard at the moment - it seems a tough one to beat on paper, and the only thing that's bugging me about it is Bluetooth - I want built-in, not add on. Fussy, but have had both in the past, and built in always seems to work far better.
You know, most of us find a way to fit all we need to when we find the motor we *really* want lol!
OP
lish70
Bill, many thanks again. I'm in rutland so quite Rural an could expect to find myself on quite a few farms. I still have no idea on what style i'd like to go for. Whether somthing like the Santa Fe or Sportage (the later being more my price range); base Nissan Navara with Avenger work-style canopy or the VW Transporter 102 van or combi. I'm more confused now than what I was at the start, a true lost cause!!!
OP
accordfire
Same - and hence, I guess, why I still haven't made a decision about something I'm going to have to live with for the next three years, in which I expect my "role" in the business to change significantly.
At present, I still have a need to carry tools, stock, and so forth, but I also have to project an image which represents a business capable of dealing with the customers we do deal with, and ultimately, that will be my role full time - I'm already probably 75% sales and admin, and only 25% on the tools. Yet without that 25% of "actual work", we'd sink. So for now, it's days of shovelling tools and stock in, or out, as the situation dictates!
Rutland is pretty rural! Given the job, and the likely clientele - I'd say to you that 4WD is pretty essential. Not so much for summer, but it will only take one call out in the middle of winter, to get stuck somewhere, or not be able to get out in snow, or something.
Given that info, I'd say your choice was a double cab. The base Navara is well specced - even has bluetooth, and on a contract hire would cost you around £205 a month plus the VAT for 10k miles no maintenance. That's a four year agreement. The canopy would be an on top cost.
This link will give you an idea of costs, spec, and so on.
OP
lish70
Hi Bill, thanks again for you amazing advice. I've now test driven the Hilux and the Ranger, both of which I love. The lead time on a Ranger which is by far the cheapest is around 4-5 months! and with all things considered and although I'd prefer a pickup I fear the custom fit tops would not provide good enough security, not to mention they are likely to leak when it rains. So after all that I test drove a Hyundai Sant Fe and liked it a lot. The price on an entry model with dealer and military discount would be down to £18,721 and if I can claim the tax back that would bring it all the way down to £15,445. Could I claim the tax back as a sole trader using it for work? What do you reckon?
Kind regards,
Lish
Kind regards,
Lish
OP
accordfire
Hiya
Bargain!
As far as I know, you can write down the cost of the vehicle in the proportion you use it for work.
HMRC can give you the defining word on "Newly Self-employed Helpline" Tel 0845 915 4515 open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm at weekends.
They can tell you what proportions of vehicle, fuel, mileage etc, will be taxable and what won't.
Hope it helps, and good luck!!!!!
OP
lish70
Again you're a star! many thanks yet again. I'll get straight on the phone.
OP
merlinradioltd
I had a company double cab Hilux VX for a year and did a very high mileage working for a UK Utility. It had a Glass Fibre cab on the back. Security was poor (pathetic little lock and you can squeeze your hand up behind the glass anyway) and it leaked BADLY. Toyota had three goes at stopping the water leaks, no joy. They blamed GF cab assembly, as it was an "accessory" and not strictly a Toyota part.I sorted it with Mastic/gun from B&Q. My workmate had a Nissan Navara Outlaw with a roller back cover, it was always bone dry but he blow TWO engines within 50K and the cost for repairs was approx. £5K !! ....coincidence ?
OP
lish70
Why can't anyone manufacture a secure canopy that gives good access to tools and equip? It's the only thing stopping me from going for a pickup..... as well as the lead time of a ranger been so long that the new model will be out before you can get your hands on it and the rep of the navara engine which they currently have a recall on at the mo which in turn is making the lead time very very long. This leaves the Hilux (which I tested this morning and liked) I would have considered a Hilux too (lead time 1 month) Such a shame!
OP
merlinradioltd
A few guys I know with Navarras have had problems (expensive, but under warranty, problems) with engines and gearboxes and new beefed up (dual mass?) flywheels/clutches. My main concern with my business is a bog standard Escort van.
Use it carefully/SYMPATHETICALLY and no frightening bills down the line when the warranty has dried up.Get's too serious, economically, BIN IT. Also unless you get these super-duper vehicles maintained by dealers and pay through the nose, you might find find out that your warranty is not worth the paper it is printed on, coz you have been skipping a service or used an independant garage. Each to his own as they say.PS GF cabs give great access to thieves !! Fancy leaving one in a cinema car park for a few hours...I wouldn't. I had service manuals and schematics ruined after a drive in the rain. As regards laptops and digi cameras had to use the back seat and cover valuable with a blanket while going for a motorway stop. Meant that the whole pickup section was a swimming pool from time to time. Even new seals made nowt difference. Why did I have take a tube of Mastic and a skeleton gun to something that a manufaturers approved accessory couldn't cope with? Should never have been necessary.
Use it carefully/SYMPATHETICALLY and no frightening bills down the line when the warranty has dried up.Get's too serious, economically, BIN IT. Also unless you get these super-duper vehicles maintained by dealers and pay through the nose, you might find find out that your warranty is not worth the paper it is printed on, coz you have been skipping a service or used an independant garage. Each to his own as they say.PS GF cabs give great access to thieves !! Fancy leaving one in a cinema car park for a few hours...I wouldn't. I had service manuals and schematics ruined after a drive in the rain. As regards laptops and digi cameras had to use the back seat and cover valuable with a blanket while going for a motorway stop. Meant that the whole pickup section was a swimming pool from time to time. Even new seals made nowt difference. Why did I have take a tube of Mastic and a skeleton gun to something that a manufaturers approved accessory couldn't cope with? Should never have been necessary.
OP
lish70
Well with only 5 days to go I guess I need to make a decision soon or i'll miss out on some forces discount. With managing to get the price down to £18,721 with an acceptable trade in offer on my vectra the Hyudai Santa Fe it is! I feel it is a good value motor that can do just about everything i need it to; 4 blokes with golf clubs; me her and 2 x labradors and a tailgate I can shelter from the rain while frying eggs on a camping trip or rumaging for a lost spanner and enough room for tools and equip for a self employed electrician. There I've made a definatve and final answer... I think. Will prob end up regreting not gettting a VW transporter (or similar(vito)) but it's a life style choice and I'm gonna spoil myself. Thanks to you all for all your extremely helpful advice. Bill, have you been able to decide which way you're going to go?
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
merlinradioltd
Best of luck, I was unaware of these recalls on Navara. Kind of worrying that.
Hohum.....I looked at some older Cherokees and discovered reliability issues and enormous bills on cylinder head problems with diesels and seriously heavy petrol fuel consumption with the 4.0 litre version, autoboxes a drag on consumption as welll. The "other" niggle is Road Tax. A 2000 Freelander reasonabe...one registered after March 2001..OUTRAGEOUS...I did my homework with Toyota RAV's as well and couldn't really commit.
Hohum.....I looked at some older Cherokees and discovered reliability issues and enormous bills on cylinder head problems with diesels and seriously heavy petrol fuel consumption with the 4.0 litre version, autoboxes a drag on consumption as welll. The "other" niggle is Road Tax. A 2000 Freelander reasonabe...one registered after March 2001..OUTRAGEOUS...I did my homework with Toyota RAV's as well and couldn't really commit.
OP
lish70
Thanks Merlin, Santa Fe 5yr unlimited mileage warranty (though you do need to pay for intervalled inspections) road tax I think is £255 and talking to an owner he said with 4 blokes on board on a trip to wherever and 'tanking it' it returned an impresive 42mpg. Good allrounder, bloody good value, no major faults reported (that I can find) and heaps of space (969lts seats up 2247ltrs down (thanks Bill)) Oh and 0-60 in under 10 secs (just)
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
merlinradioltd
Looks like the best going..just the ticket.All the best...just shows what doing the homework turns up and talking to a few people on a forum. My mate got his fingers seriously burned with a 55 plate Navara bought from new. The engine blew up and it took four months of wrangling to get repaired under warranty within year 2. Was eventually repaired and 6 months later...same thing...hole burned in the the top of one of the the pistons. Blamed fuel injectors etc... another few MONTHS off the road and him using a hired vehicle....lawyers letters..the whole 9 yards. He sold it and bought something else. Out of warranty these kind of things run to thousands of pounds. This piston holing in Navaras is not unknown in the trade...God help you if you have bought second hand and no warranty is transferred. I reckon you made a good choice in the end. I always look up reviews on Google...get Honest Sam on the 'net....look up owners forums to get the feel of any potential horror stories out there.
I looked at Fronteras as well but was scared off with engine issues with the 2.2 diesel...seems the best ones have the 2.3 ISUZU engine.....All down to homework.
With me, no matter what, I can repair an Escort van and get parts at reasonable prices so that suits me, but that's a personal choice,depends on your circumstances. Best of luck
I looked at Fronteras as well but was scared off with engine issues with the 2.2 diesel...seems the best ones have the 2.3 ISUZU engine.....All down to homework.
With me, no matter what, I can repair an Escort van and get parts at reasonable prices so that suits me, but that's a personal choice,depends on your circumstances. Best of luck
OP
accordfire
Hey Lish
Good for you! The Santa Fe is definitely impressive - and a good all rounder. I don't think you're going to regret going that route over a Transporter the first big rain you have out there, or snow!
You may even get through to customers when your rivals can't! And won't get stuck getting out again! You're also pretty well getting better fuel economy from a Santa Fe than from a Transporter too. And two labs that will appreciate being able to see out the windows, not to mention the girlfriend lol!
As for me......the mix is not simple. I'm stuck for now between the Santa Fe Premium, and something similar - though cost will probably push it into the Santa Fe. I've no great need for 4WD - just space and flexibility of seven seats one minute, and enough room to carry a hefty job kit the next. I really, really, don't want an MPV.
I'm talking to a local garage about the Santa Fe just now, trying to bribe him that it's worth letting me have one for a week to make sure I can live with it. It seems to fit the bill best all round. Just the whole bluetooth thing to work on then. Its essential to me, like brakes, windows, and okay, all the other posh toys
OP
lish70
I'm not sure what else there is out there that would give you 7 seats and match up with the Santa Fe for value for money. It's a shame that in 2010 they still don't have bluetooth as standard. Peterborough Hyundai pointed me in the directtion of these guys: Car Audio Company in Fengate, Peterborough (UK) - In Car Entertainment Ltd t/a ICE Direct Ice Direct. Apparently they will install one in minutes for around £125. They have all their systems set up so when you go in they can demonstrate all their products. Will be putting my head round the door tomorrow. I'm also getting a bespoke liner made up for £90 that has a flap which folds down over the rear bumper, rises high up the sides and extends all the way forward even protecting the back of the front seats when the back ones are folded flat. Sould give me a large enough area for dumping everything I accumulate. Oh and privacy glass to keep away those prying eyes. They do 5 levels of darkness so went for level 4 which should be dark enough. If you do go for the Santa Fe i've heard a few worrying stories about the automatic failing, they might have fixed it but I went for the manual. Not just because it was cheaper and better fuel economy honest.
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
accordfire
Hi Lish -
Yeah, that's pretty well where I've got it to, and will probably just have to live with an after market bluetooth - to be fair, the Parrot stuff is always pretty good, I'd just have preferred a fully integrated system - it's one of the few strong points of the 407 I've been saddled with for now - and that's Parrot too, though Peugeot integrate it fully into their kit.
The boot liner sounds good value - and as with you, it would be privacy glass all the way for this kid.
To be honest, I think I'd probably go for the manual too - not a great fan of autos, for the reasons you mention, as well as personal preference - even though I do a lot of London, I'm still happier with a manual box. A control thing, no doubt, lol.
Well, I'm sure you'll have yours before I finally get round to signing on anyone's dotted line - let us know how you get on with it when it arrives!
OP
lish70
Will do, thanks again and all the best. Hope you manage to come to a decision soon.
Reply to what van/vehicle? in the Business Related area at ElectriciansForums.net
Similar Threads
OFFICIAL SPONSORS
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc
This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.