Vans A-F

Bedford
The Bedford Rascal can be seen on the roads. These vans are not so popular now but are good runners. Looking on sites such as Auto Trader you will see relatively few for sale. A D reg 1987-1990 can be picked up for less than £500. It can be purchased as a van or pick up with relatively low mileage. I would expect your insurance quotes to be pretty good. I must mention that the Bedford is more famous for its ‘Green Goddess’ fire engine.

Citroen
The Citroen C2 Enterprise van has a very small area for carriage. It is not suitable for heavy or bulk loads but is great for nipping in and out of traffic. Being fairly new (released in 2005) it has a very economical diesel engine and price ranges vary from £4000 to £9500.
The Citroen C15 van is very cheap to buy. The van can be easily insured being relatively cheap. Prices range from a few hundred pound to a few thousand. It has been long lived, introduced in 1985 and available until 2005. In summary the van is unrefined, cheap to run and you can get cheap van insurance.
The Berlingo Citroen van was revamped in 2002. Prices range from £3000 to £18000 therefore offering much choice, including both petrol and diesel options. A lot of standard features (newer models) which include power steering and electric windows.

More information on Citroen Vans 2007/2008

Daf
Hire companies often use the DAF 45 van. The van’s options include flat bed, drop sides, tippers, box with and without a tail lift. Rated as 7.5 tonne this van can carry a sizeable load. Prices do vary but a 1994 model could set you back £5000. A truly commercial vehicle so expect to pay commercial van insurance rates. If you intend to use the van for scaffolding then expect to pay an insurance premium. I have also seen these vans as freezer vans. Other models include DAF 75, 55 and 95.

Daihatsu
Called a micro van the Extol has been relatively successful for Daihatsu. Prices range from as low as £3000. Launched in 2003. The van has great height and box like cargo area. You should be able to carry many bulky items and use it for a lot of different applications. Despite being ‘box like’ it is very agile and can nip in and out of traffic with ease. Features include power steering as standard.
The Daihatsu Hi-jet is a small van suitable as a sandwich van! Prices do vary depending on age. Expect to pay £1200 to £1500 for a 1996 model and £3000 for a 2001 model. Dual fuel vans are available (LPG) on the 1.3 litre engine. Mileage on a 2000 model could be as low as 40000 so I would assume the vans are suitable for local work. Also available as a pick up i.e. open back.
The 2006 Extol must be considered a true replacement to the Hi-jet. A small van with a small price; £5000 could acquire you a van with Air Con. The Extol is also reasonable to insure.

Fiat
The Scudo van was first introduced in 1996. The van was revamped in 2004 but remained relatively cheap. Prices range from £1000 to £22,000. The van seems to be more of a mini van, which can be good or bad. Two engine types exist with the later model being quieter thanks to better under floor insulation. Insurance premiums seem to be low in accordance with the majority of smaller vans.

More information on Fiat Vans 2007/2008

Foden
The Foden is not a van but a lorry/truck so no further comment is required.

Ford
The good old Ford Escort lived between 1991 and 2002. You can now pick up an earlier model from a few hundred pound. A few thousand pounds will see you get a decent aged van, which will remain cheap to insure. You can tell by its looks that it is an Escort so don’t expect much room, furthermore, they are pretty basic and lack luxuries. Is it the best van? Everyone knows the Ford Transit is a van. With an extensive range provided over many years (2000 to 2006) you will find what you want. Prices range from £2500 to £40,000 and the van insurance market remains very competitive for this model. The van has been a huge success so we must say it’s a good all-rounder.

More information on Ford Vans 2007/2008