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Wed 24 Mar 2004 23:38

Cat D loss Vans - Hugo {P}

I know there's been a thread on repaired cat D loss cars, but I was wondering about the feasability of buying a well repaired Cat D loss Van.

I would probably be looking at a Merc Sprinter or VW Transporter that had been exposed to light use only and about 4 to 6 years old with reasonable mileage. I would then keep it long term (5 years plus) until it was worth £500 whatever its history

Is this possible, is it a good idea, are there specialist dealers/ auction houses and how much would I save and need to pay?

Any help appreciated

Thanks

Hugo

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Thu 25 Mar 2004 06:14

Cat D loss Vans - Martin Devon

Hello Hugo,

Don't know how much you've got to lash out, but I think that the deals on new Renaults, (Large walk in Master van), are brilliant. Had mine 2 years now, one or two minor niggles. Goes like the wind. Handles well. Electric windows. Air con etc. I love it. When I purchased Renault UK lent me 80% of the cost, ex v.a.t. at 0% over 3 years!! To me now, used just doesn't make sense.

Regards as ever,

Martin.

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Thu 25 Mar 2004 19:03

Cat D loss Vans - Hugo {P}

Thanks for that steer Martin.

I could only afford 2 to 3 grand at the moment, possibly less if I could get away with it.

My current van is not costing me much to run at all. However, if I get busy then I will need something that can do serious miles without costing serious money.

Hugo

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Fri 26 Mar 2004 08:36

Cat D loss Vans - Martin Devon

Hugo,

I forgot to say that I used to run ex B.T. Transits. Usually good value and well maintained. I used to go direct to B.T. and I may have a number somewhere. If I have I'll send it direct to you. I am also advised that Bridgewater auctions may be a good source. Probably in your price bracket.

Regards. M.

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Fri 26 Mar 2004 11:24

Cat D loss Vans - C82N

From my experience, and for the money that you are prepared to spend, I think that you would be better off buying an old model Ford Transit in terms of running costs. I bought a 4 year old Merc 312 Sprinter about three years ago and it has cost me a fortune compared to the transits that I have owned.

The Merc that we have is one of the earlier ones, but we have had big problems with the back axle and the electronics on the engine. They are fairly complicated and we have found that our mechanics can't do much with the engine electrics and ABS, meaning a trip to Mercedes - it gets expensive. Anyone can fix a transit as they are pretty simple, and the parts are cheaper. The back axle has been rebuilt recently at 200K miles on the Merc costing about £1.5K at a main dealer. It was a big job and our mechanics were not prepared to do it.

Sprinters hold their value really well, so you pay a lot for them second hand. Also, because of the unlimited mileage warranty in the first three years, you find that most have racked up huge miles compared to Transits. To put it simply, you will get more for your money.

On the other hand, the Ford DI engine is pretty rough in comparison to the Merc and has very little power, but it gets the job done.

Others may disagree with the above, and I can't comment on the VW. This is just my limited experience with Sprinters, but I think that they are overated at this age.

Chris.

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Fri 26 Mar 2004 18:30

Cat D loss Vans - Martin Devon

Everybody that i know that has bought a used Sprinter has moaned like hell especially gear change probs and cant go anywhere in Devon mud due to rear wheel drive.

Regards and me and 'er are off to the pub for dinner!

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Fri 26 Mar 2004 20:07

Cat D loss Vans - Vansboy

Hi Hugo,

Universal Salvage run auctions for damaged/repairable vehicles, with vans appearing now & again.

You need to be registered with them & checked out,they expect you to be 'in the trade'.

If you work out time spent, delivery charges, cost of just new locks, say, you'll probably not save much. & your van will STILL be a 'write off' as far as YOUR insurers are concerned, thus affecting any pay out, should you ever need to make a claim.

As for BT stock, preety thin on the ground currently. Expect to pay around £3,000 ish + vat for Transit 120 99 S/T reg, 50k miles.Clean vans, but NOT cheap.

VB

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