Advise on Buying a van

[joe ninety]

Hi everyone, I am looking to buy a 350 lwb hi roof, to replace my old faithful 190, which is the most reliable van I have ever owned, but I have heard a number of stories about clutch & gearbox problems on the 55 / 06 models. Please can anybody offer any advise about what to look for ? - many thanks

[madmark_50484]

Buy a mk5 instead

Engine wise listen for diesel knock or unusual engine behaviour as this can be injectors which can lead to other issues if left unresolved

the DMF going can lead to allsorts of issues just see how it goes in gear check for any vibrations and clonks

Most of all check history whats been done serivce etc this can help establish a good van to on thats been ran around

Also if your unsure leave come on here ask questions as there plenty out there most of all good luck

[joe ninety]

Thanks for that, I might just refresh the bodywork on my 190 "N" reg, as it is very reliable, but dont know if it will pass next mot, as it is corroding underneath. only got 153k miles on clock, I have had it for 10 years now, but it is getting tired as I tow a heavy caravan every weekend to steam rallies all over the country, so it works hard, but seems to cope well.

[madmark_50484]

If your good at welding it shouldnt be a prob if your near west london theres several members that could do welding for you for a fair rate.
You could always buy a newer smiley with a turbo they are just as good as the 2.5 N/A

[MinorMatt]

Im not aware of anyone in W London who does other peoples welding... thats why I go there

[madmark_50484]

Im not aware of anyone in W London who does other peoples welding... thats why I go there

Aint you and muttley in w london either that or I am mistaken

[MinorMatt]

No I'm in Southampton and Muttley is in South London

[madmark_50484]

Whoops oh hold on nad lives in w london but I guess she doesnt do it for money

[Nadjenka]

Whoops oh hold on nad lives in w london but I guess she doesnt do it for money

I most certainly don't do it for money (only for pleasure ) and neither do I WELD other peoples vans, even for free I struggle with mine hence Matt having to come up and weld my Lola where I give up You should read my thread Mark, not just look at the pictures

[madmark_50484]

You should read my thread Mark, not just look at the pictures

I thought you had got over your welding demons also thats why im the only person on the train to read comics

I most certainly don't do it for money (only for pleasure )

Im not here to judge