Vans T-Z

Tata
The Loadbeta Tata can be purchased as a pickup. Double or single cab and 4x4. The 1995 model can be bought for less than £500 whilst the later 2002 model can be £3000.
The Tata TL has a great new price of £8000 and looks like any other pick up.

Toyota
A golden oldie is the pre 2005 Hilux. You have to go back as far as 1976 to talk about this van. It was much more popular overseas but generally did well in the Pick Up boom i.e. it ‘piggy backed’ the L200. I would be surprised if you could pick up a 1976 model but if you could you would only pay a few hundred pound to acquire one. Prices realistically range from £500 to £15000 and are easily insured.
The new Hilux is a ‘good looker’. Priced at about £20000 is competes well with the L200 and Nissan Navara. As with the old model it is expected to be a great success but this time more so in the UK since the Pick Up boom. Both double cab and single cab are available.

More information on Toyota Vans 2007/2008

Vauxhall
I am sure you have seen many Vauxhall Corsa vans on the road. Introduced in 2001 it still remains a strong contender in the Super Mini Van category. As the engines are relatively small then it remains a cost effective way to ‘nip’ round town. Expect to pay £1500 to £14000 and pay less for van insurance.
The Vauxhall Astra (98-06) is the next step up from the Corsa van. It is still pretty small in respect to the carry load but offers a bigger van with a bigger engine. Been in existence for 8 years so can be purchased cheaply i.e. £1500 to £10000 for a second hand van. The new Astra van seems to depreciate pretty quickly but offers good value at less than £18000 ‘on the road’.
The Vauxhall Combo was introduced in 2001 and retails at under £16000. Older models can be purchased between £2000 and £15000. This model seemed to be upgraded regularly in an attempt to just keep up with the competition. The only benefit I can see is that its probably cheap to insure!
The Movano is a real man’s van. It’s basic, big and does the job. 99 models are sold for around £2000 whilst 2003 models are sold for around £12000. Whilst the engines aren’t the greatest from a tech’s point of view they are hefty. Despite its size the Movano moves and steers well and is certainly a good second hand buy. Don’t forget to insure your van’s contents i.e. van contents insurance.

More information on Vauxhall Vans 2007/2008

Volkswagen
The VW Caddy was first introduced in 1996 and can be categorised with the Super Mini Vans such as the Astra Corsa. The first generation van did not live long ceasing production in 2003 and did not compete well with others in its class. Not much bigger than an estate car it is a good runner but surprisingly uneconomical to run. They can sell for £600 or as much as £6500. Being car like it will be easy to obtain cheap van insurance quotes for the Caddy.
The Caddy C20 came into production in 2004 and probably due to the disappointing first generation van was redesigned to compete with the bigger vans. Prices start from around £6000 (second hand) to around £14000 new.
Volkswagen’s Transporter is a great panel van if bought second hand. Second hand prices start at only £1000 for a 96 model rising to £9000. The new price can be anywhere from £13000 to £25000. The wide price range can be accredited to the variety of models i.e. single cabs, double cabs and panel vans. New version went into production in 2003.
The Volkswagen LT lasted a decade (1996 to 2006). Any van that can be in production for a decade must be given credit; credit where credit is due. Prices do vary from £1000 to £15000.
2006 saw the introduction of the VW Crafter.

More information on Volkswagen Vans 2007/2008

Volvo
The Volvo vans are a bit too commercial for this website but the van worth a mention is the box van. A 12 ton 1989 box van can be picked up for less than £1000. A big truck with a very small price.