Vans G-M

Hyundai
The H100 van has a 2.5 diesel engine, which can keep running costs to the minimum. 1997 models can be purchased for around £1500 whilst 2000 models are twice the price. The small van is nippy through town and doesn’t command a high insurance premium.

Isuzu
The builder’s workhorse is the Isuzu Rodeo. The model is still available with the older models (2003) selling for around £4000. Not really a van but a pick up truck. Saying that it is very car like to drive until you go off road with its 4-wheel drive and low ratio gearing. Van insurance quotes will differ depending on use. <

Iveco
One of the most robust vans is the Iveco Daily. It had a long life, introduced in 1993 and running to 2006. Prices vary significantly from £500 to £25000. I have seen many of these vans at great speed along the UK motorways. I am sure these vans will be in use for many years to come. Van insurance premiums remain good.

More information on Iveco Vans 2007/2008

Land Rover
The defender 90 is one of the best vehicles of all time. Great for all applications and can be seen in many liveries including Southern Electric, BT, Ministry of Defence and farmers. They are not really van like and rarely used by couriers. Choose carefully and insure your van wisely. Aptly named 90 introduced in 1990. Prices hold well i.e. Prices range from £1500 to £27000.

LDV
The 2006 LDV Maxus seems a very capable vehicle despite the dated range of only a few years ago. £12000 plus VAT will get you a 3.5 tonne Maxus. The competitive warranty being offered is 3 yrs/100000 miles. The load length is reasonable (2.5 metres) and the 5 doors is clearly an advantage.
Older LDV vans include the Pilot and Convoy. 1997 models are not much more than £1000 but beware these vans are not like the new Maxus. Other models include a minibus and tipper.

More information on LDV Vans 2007/2008

Mazda
The Mazda B series has been around since 1983. Prices range from £1800 to £12500. The B series is not unlike other Pick-ups i.e. it’s not a true van. The vehicle would suit the farmer or builder. The van can more than adequately deal with ever changing off road conditions. This vehicle can be either single cab or double cab and diesel or turbo diesel. Not much is standard but expect a huge range of extras. The basic model offers great value and expect best van insurance quotes.

Mercedez Benz
In 2003 The Vito model arrived making it a relatively new type of van. The van’s size is reasonable and variable. All versions have diesel engines and carry great safety features as standard. You will get anti-lock brakes and airbag as standard. As a panel van it is best to insure. The van would be at home racing up and down the motorways whilst weaving its way through the ‘b’ roads. As you would expect from a Mercedes the Vito holds its value well. Expect to pay between £7500 and £26,000.
If the entry price of the new Vito is too high then consider the old model. Cheap van insurance could be arranged on the old version with Van prices ranging from £1500 to £10000. This is a very good option but as you can see the 96 models still demand high prices even though the van did not get a diesel engine until the end 1999.
Mercedes Sprinter has been here, there and everywhere. 95 models can be picked up for under a £1000 whilst the 4.6-ton model will demand prices well in excess of the budget for the one man and a van. Expect variety and reliability:- By variety we mean different size engines and many second hand. By reliability we mean it’s a Mercedes. You will need to shop around for the best van insurance quotes.
The Sprinter van was re-vamped in 2006 and new prices range from £18,000 to £40,000. Expect to be impressed with 100’s of variations to the model. Some say this is the best van, pound for pound, but other makes come very close. If buying second hand then it cannot be considered best value. Van insurance is never cheapest on new models.

Mitsubishi
Is the L200 a van? The L200 is one of the best all-rounders, but is it a van? The open back version is clearly a Pick Up and not a van. Builders, Electricians, Estate Agents, Letting Agents and maintenance companies buy these vans. For under £2000 you can convert your pick up to a van by fitting a hard top. The more expensive models such as the top of the range Warrior can be used as a family car. 4-wheel drive provides great off-road capability. 1988 to 2005 models can be purchased for under £15,000 but the new more striking model (2006) has a hefty premium. The new model prices range from £15,000 to £25,000. Best value exists in the old model. Insurance for vans like these tend to be pretty reasonable.

More information on Mercedes Vans 2007/2008