Which van to replace my 2005 135?

[Saddle Tramp]

Hi Guys

Not posted on here for a while, so here goes

I own a 2005 135 350 LWB Semi H-T with 73,000 miles.

But as we are closing down our part time business, I have decided that rather than trade it in for an estate car (we have dogs) I would like to down size to a smaller and more economical van.

So my question is, (and I know I`m going to get a slightly biased view-point here) what would you lot go for?

Choices are Trafic/Vivaro/Primastar, Or, VW transporter, Or 2011 Transit SWB Low roof??

Looking at 2010/11 age, depending on price and mileage

After a few small(!!) problems when I got our present Transit, exploding rear axle, and timing chain tensioner failure. Both at less than 62,000 miles, the van has been pretty good. The only down side is the pretty poor fuel consumption and the overall size

Thanks guys

Tim

[ake]

The only answer you are going to get on this forum, is to buy a fwd swb Transit Mk 7, which is the best plan anyway

[Saddle Tramp]

Thought that would be the answer!
To be honest, I haven`t found many good reviews on the other vans I have mentioned.
I have found our van to be an excellent work horse, but its expensive to run as a second commuting vehicle, as it ferries me to and from work.
I think we will be looking at around a 2011 swb low roof, maybe a 85 or 110?

Thanks

Tim

[bigjohnthomas]

Transits make the best dog vans you can't beat a twin side loader for keeping them cool vitos are too small vivaros are rubbish and vws are fookin expensive depending on your breed a swb low roof should do I can squeeze 8 danes in my 280/110 and get 38mpg

[AndyG]

Try and get at least a 115PS one with a 6speed gearbox Nice and smooth, well geared for economy and quieter gearbox compared to the 5 speed
If you like your toys, a Trend with air con. or a Limited one would suit

The traffic/vivaro range are wafer thin and the gearboxes are made of chocolate

The transporters are still uncomfortable and feel old fashioned (well it is an old design with many face lifts)
The late ones look a lot better and smarter but don't seem to have much room under the bonnet should it need anything and won't go too rusty (but you'll be paying a lot more for that privilege)

[bigjohnthomas]

The trouble with a 115ps is I belive they are rwd so the extra hight makes them not good for dogs

[Saddle Tramp]

Thats one of the problems with mine, its a real good step into the back.
What would give the best mpg? The fwd 85 or rwd 115?
Got a little caravan, so would be doing some towing but its a real lightweight Eriba, so no issues there

Tim

[ake]

The fwd 110 was replaced with the 6 speed fwd 115

Fwd better on fuel than rwd

[Saddle Tramp]

Time to start shopping then.

There are some (what look like) good deals at the main dealer where I got our present van from. But not knowing what the going rates are at the mo` I`ll have to do a little research.

The main dealer has some very low mileage ones at the minute

Tim

[AndyG]

The trouble with a 115ps is I belive they are rwd so the extra hight makes them not good for dogs

Mine's a FWD 2.2 and I believe that this model replaced the old 110PS in late 2008
So I doubt he'll find a FWD 110PS on a late model anyway

[bigjohnthomas]

115 with no step of death
I am always on my arse lifting fat dogs out my rwd

[Saddle Tramp]

I ended up making a step about 1` high for the wife to get in and out of the van when loading. I use the thing more than her!!

Sounds as if the late models are fwd with a nice low step?

So is the 115 the best to go looking for?

I`ll also be lookig at removing the bulkhead (I think its just bolted in?) and replacing the 2 passenger seat with a 2nd drivers chair (for the back seat driver!! ) so the rear of the van can be accessed from the front

[bigjohnthomas]

Fwds don't have the extra step at the sidel door and are a lot lower than a 350 rwd
The bulkhead is just held in by a ring of bolts
Won't you end up with dog in your face if you took it out though

[Saddle Tramp]

He doesnt like being on his own!
The wife wants to be able to see him, so I`ll rig up a cage type affair thing so that he isn`t lonely in the back.
If that sounds sad, then you haven`t got a dog

[bigjohnthomas]

i do have one or 2
well quite a few
and a cage thing
http://fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=94463&hilit=harry+the+lime