Can i get some advice? Buying first van soon...

[sloppycoder]

I'm set on a SWB, 2.5L diesel, semi high roof with three seats in the front. Budgets upto £1500. First of all here's a few of the sorta vans i've been looking at...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

Any comments on those appreciated, I wouldent have bought the first one because im not looking to get something i've gotta fix up a lot initially.

Questions... Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the 80 / 120 / 190 / 280 models? i can't spot any difference and the ford site seems not to feature any info on the older series.

From skim reading on here i think i want one with the "banana" engine. Is that a fair decision? This engine is the most reliable/ easy to fix?

Fwd/Rwd? Is there even any choice on SWB models?

Lastly any general hints or tips on buying one of these?

Thanks all.

Alf

[madmark_50484]

the numbers 80 / 120 / 190 / refer to how much weight you can carry in them ie 80 = .8 ton 280 would be a mk6 as that means the weight can carry + the vans weight

The banana and non banana engine are nearly the same so whichever is just as reliable.

[MinorMatt]

All the pre 2000 vans are RWD

Mk5s SWB are are avaliable in 80/100/120/150 if you add a 0 to the end is the approximate weight carrying capacity (inc driver/fuel/lunch etc)

£1500 should get you a fairly tidy one

Both non turbo engines are identical except for the fuelling/inlet manifold and possibly the exhaust so it makes no difference in terms of reliability!

When you are buying one look for rust! Generally in the front and rear cross member, the wheel arches and door steps. But they do rot anywhere so have a good poke about underneath!

Its a 50,000 mile interval on the cambelt and will cost about £200 to get done at a garage - or £65 for a cambelt kit if you are confident enough to do it yourself.

If you can find one with any additional toys it will most likely have the high spec wiring loom and then putting electric mirrors/windows/heated screen etc is just a case of finding the bits and putting them in!