Double Cab, Personal Use

[TunnelShunt]

Hi all,

I am looking to purchase a double cab-in-van Mk7 to use as a private, non-commercial vehicle. I was wondering if you Transit experts could help work out the best specs for my needs? I'm wanting a double cab due to the 5/6 seats you get, but also the luggage space in the rear. I appreciate that this is just a load of bullet points, but your expertise and experience is very much appreciated!! My points are as follows:-

- Wheelbase? Myself and the missus make regular trips over to France and around the UK with our bicycles, and ideally taking into account the double cab, would want a remaining load space long enough to hold a bicycle. From rough research, a SWB is possibly not able to do this, but a MWB might just about?

FWD or RWD? As the van wouldn't be used for heavy building materials and suchlike --- just the bikes, luggage, general family car clutter, and general other bits and bobs, perhaps the odd very occasional furniture move and general favours people ask when you have a van --- I'm thinking FWD would be more suitable, but would love to hear what you guys think.

Engine Output? What would you folks recommend for the most economical returns for my needs?

Gross Vehicle Mass? Thinking the lowest available matching the above specs should be more than capable of handling the needs of a non-commercial user who uses the van for ferrying people & a couple of push bikes/suitcases around?

Your help in advance is very much appreciated!

[ake]

The front wheel drives have a lower rear floor, so more internal space. I have a 125 ps Euro 5 front wheel drive and it has plenty of power and returns good fuel economy. The main reason to choose a RWD would be if you planned to tow. A medium wheel base would probably be the best bet for you.

[oldyellar]

somthing like thishttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/57-Ford-Trans ... 416f3fe36a would be better with a sixspeeder thou

[TunnelShunt]

Hi Oldyeller,

Please excuse my ignorance, but could you tell me how the van in that link differs from a standard Double Cab, I'm a bit of a noob. Is it simply to do with the rear door windows, the cargo area lining and the gadgets? Or is there more to it than that.

Much appreciated!

[pepper]

As far as I can see it looks like a standard double cab van, it does have lots of goodies on it though.

[ake]

That's a standard factory double cab, just in GLX spec so it has toys and alloy wheels

[TunnelShunt]

Hi Ake,

Out of interest, is the 'GLX' a discontinued trim level? I can only find reference to 'Transit', 'Trend' and 'Limited' specs on newer vans. I wouldn't be able to afford a new van, however just trying to compare what the GLX would be equivalent to now?

[blue estate]

Hi Ake,

Out of interest, is the 'GLX' a discontinued trim level? I can only find reference to 'Transit', 'Trend' and 'Limited' specs on newer vans. I wouldn't be able to afford a new van, however just trying to compare what the GLX would be equivalent to now?

Limited is the new glx

[bigjohnthomas]

The difference between a GLX an an LX is sometimes that one has a G before the LX

[oldyellar]

as the guys say its just a standard factory crew van some have seen are mess/welfare vans as there called they aint as nice
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Transit- ... 4abca0a3e6


that van is a glx so will be well spec'd up it also has rear windows on the back door witch i think looks good its also a T300 so you can carry a bit more weight
if you could afford a new van you would get a real good deal at the moment because of the new transit custom being launched in november

this in a new limited swb its a nice spec and 6speed you could probs gett one the same cheeper
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Transit- ... 46057ed4ea

[TunnelShunt]

I would really like a new van, preferably to Limited spec. Is the price of that one likely to be more typical/achievable closer to the Custom's launch? When would you think the best time to approach a dealer would be?

[blue estate]

early feb as the reg change is at the end of feb

[ake]

I would really like a new van, preferably to Limited spec. Is the price of that one likely to be more typical/achievable closer to the Custom's launch? When would you think the best time to approach a dealer would be?

Now! They have loads of stock they need to shift before they fill up with Customs and MK8 which is due soon as well.

[oldyellar]

yeah defo now and if you are not vat reg may will only have to put a 10% deposit down instead of a vat deposit the vans are dearer on ebay and i think your still getting 5years warrenty on the euro 5 mk7 now someone may be able to confirm this thou

[ake]

yeah defo now and if you are not vat reg may will only have to put a 10% deposit down instead of a vat deposit the vans are dearer on ebay and i think your still getting 5years warrenty on the euro 5 mk7 now someone may be able to confirm this thou

Yeah, some new MK7 have 5 year warranty

Give transitsales on here a shout, he has done me several good deals on new vans, most of my fleet came from him