Yes that was my original plan to be honest for a Vauxhall Movano, I've got finance approved and ready to go for that, but it's just the fact that I'd be spending a lot more over the years and not being left with anything at the end that is making me reconsider and getting something on finance. That cost and age/mileage seemed like a good balance but I'm no expect.

I understand that the Relay and Masters are essentially the same van just with a different badge?

No, they are two separate and unrelated 'families'

The Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato are one family.

The Renault Master, Vauxhall Movano and Nissan Interstar/NV400 are the other family.

Then you have the Transit which, AFAIK, is on its own.

Also, AFAIK, the Iveco Daily is on its own

The Merc Sprinter and VW LT/Crafter (nee MAN TGE) are, to the best of my knowledge, based on the same platform (but may have different engines)

As to which you should buy, not sure any are inherently unreliable. But as you are looking at a fairly well used van, I'd really be buying on condition than brand. You want a nice fulsome service history and something which doesn't feel like it is at the end of its life when you test drive it. Decent tyres of a make you have heard of would be nice. This type of van is, perhaps more than most, likely to have lead a very hard life at the hands of low paid and uncaring drivers, so it really is a minefield out there.

There will be a lot of tat to sift through, so you need some patience!.

But because of what I've just said, I'd agree that leasing is well worth looking into.

Edited by badbusdriver on 13/01/2023 at 16:37