OV9

2.5m but that doesn’t account for depth of boot trim or angle of seat back.

Nic wrote: Wed Dec 30, 2020 11:16 am 2.5m but that doesn’t account for depth of boot trim or angle of seat back.

Ah, perfect, more than long enough for a bike or two! Many Thanks, just need to wait until restrictions lift to flog the Bongo and find one that is nearish!

If you do buy a Viano/Vito just remember that they are hopeless in the snow, easily the worst thing I have driven in snowy conditions. I did think about fitting snow tyres but I'm not sure how much difference they'd make to a pretty much empty RWD van.

The Bongo is about the worst of the import MPVs for rust.

I'd stick with imports though, the later full size MPVs (Elgrand, Alphard, etc) are excellent for leisure/dayvan sort of use, have niceties like like proper AC in the rear, opening windows, electric sliding doors, folding/swivel seats etc. Just get a fresh or recently imported one and get it undersealed properly.

With 10k to play with I'd have an Elgrand any day.

John wrote: Sat Jan 02, 2021 2:28 pm If you do buy a Viano/Vito just remember that they are hopeless in the snow, easily the worst thing I have driven in snowy conditions. I did think about fitting snow tyres but I'm not sure how much difference they'd make to a pretty much empty RWD van.

Viano is heavier at the back with the extra seats in, you can slide one bench pretty much over the rear wheels.

simon_g wrote: Mon Jan 04, 2021 11:46 am The Bongo is about the worst of the import MPVs for rust.

I'd stick with imports though, the later full size MPVs (Elgrand, Alphard, etc) are excellent for leisure/dayvan sort of use, have niceties like like proper AC in the rear, opening windows, electric sliding doors, folding/swivel seats etc. Just get a fresh or recently imported one and get it undersealed properly.

With 10k to play with I'd have an Elgrand any day.

I probably would were it not for the woeful MPG. I had read about the Viano/Vito being awful on wet grass or any slippery surface but we would have a second vehicle for snow days etc but yes if I could have an Elgrand with a decent diesel engine or even a 2l turbo petrol with 30mpg achievable I would probably go for that despite parts costs and insurance etc.

It's about a grand extra per 10k miles to have a 20mpg petrol vs 35mpg diesel. Lower tax too, and ULEZ compliant if it's 2007 or later.

My viano is terrible on fuel, granted it needs a thermostat so is probably still on the warm up cycle but it averages 22mpg.

Nic wrote: Mon Dec 28, 2020 11:48 am Depends how many seats you want in it I guess, I’ll measure the interior length when I get a minute. I waited and looked for a while before getting this, it was originally for sale for £4700 (I think) then it dropped down to £3600 after 3-4 weeks and I eventually paid £3k for it.

It’s quite low spec, just auto, leather, air con and cruise and only two individual front seats (total of eight) which is what I wanted, sunroofs and electric sliding doors would be great but more to go wrong and I have the other cars to use daily.

I know you've done it before, but these sorts of things make much more sense at a few grand than spanking £30k+ on a new T6

Nathan wrote: Tue Jan 05, 2021 5:41 pm

Nic wrote: Mon Dec 28, 2020 11:48 am Depends how many seats you want in it I guess, I’ll measure the interior length when I get a minute. I waited and looked for a while before getting this, it was originally for sale for £4700 (I think) then it dropped down to £3600 after 3-4 weeks and I eventually paid £3k for it.

It’s quite low spec, just auto, leather, air con and cruise and only two individual front seats (total of eight) which is what I wanted, sunroofs and electric sliding doors would be great but more to go wrong and I have the other cars to use daily.

I know you've done it before, but these sorts of things make much more sense at a few grand than spanking £30k+ on a new T6

With hindsight I agree, I may trade up to a slightly smarter once I’ve sold the other Vito.

simon_g wrote: Tue Jan 05, 2021 4:06 pm It's about a grand extra per 10k miles to have a 20mpg petrol vs 35mpg diesel. Lower tax too, and ULEZ compliant if it's 2007 or later.

I am probably guilty of falling into the same camp as the muppets who buy a new Golf/focus every 3 years because the tax is cheaper and it does an extra 2mpg! As things stand I don't do many miles at all. Even after lockdown I doubt I will do 10k a year.

I shall probably wait until I know what I am doing job wise before making the final decision.

My worry is I decide to go visit my folks 200 miles there, 200 miles back and end up taking the Volvo as it is comfy and does 60mpg or so on a run.

See also, my wife's parents 365 miles there, or various other relatives who live at least a 350 miles round trip away.

I think I may be getting to the point IJDLFC

John wrote: Sat Jan 02, 2021 2:28 pm If you do buy a Viano/Vito just remember that they are hopeless in the snow, easily the worst thing I have driven in snowy conditions. I did think about fitting snow tyres but I'm not sure how much difference they'd make to a pretty much empty RWD van.

The V250 we hired for our trip to Andorra proved this, despite being 6 up (4 in the rear). The mearest hint of snow on the road meant in ground to a halt within a few hundred yards up a slight incline. We had to retreat, slither down and buy snowchains from a Cafe (obviously). Other than that, it was easily the best van derived people carrier I've ever driven. Expensive mind!