![]() |
|
![]() |
#1 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,215
|
Guys, we need to buy a new work van at work.
First of all, geepers, Vans are expensive now! Virtually the only brand who has stock is Renault, in particular the Traffic. Are these any good? No, the Chinese stuff is off the table. I can't convince them to look at a Transit because of past grievances. We have a current model VW Crafter in the fleet and it's been very good, but any VW van is a 12+ month order proposition. We need one now! And the HiAce just seems so antiquated to me. Observation - why the local car companies didn't convert to making commercial vehicles rather than the fickle sedan market is beyond me. Virtually a constant, never ending demand for commercials.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#2 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,052
|
Current model HiAce that's bonneted is way better than the old cab over junk,
Renault Traffic is OK but only in manual, don't get the auto because it's a piece of ****. I'd prioritise HiAce, then Renault Traffic then Hyundai Staria Load. If you were willing to look at Chinese I'd suggest LDV Deliver 9 |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#3 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Canberra Region
Posts: 8,927
|
New Hiace is pretty damn good, stick your head underneath and its all heavy duty stuff.
Older ones were unkillable too. Staria isn't bad, but expensive to repair and long wait times on parts
__________________
2016 FGX XR8 Sprint, 6speed manual, Kinetic Blue #170 2004 BA wagon RTV project. 1998 EL XR8, Auto, Hot Chilli Red 1993 ED XR6, 5speed, Polynesian Green. 1 of 329. Retired 1968 XT Falcon 500 wagon, 3 on the tree, 3.6L. Patina project. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#4 | |||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,906
|
What’s the business model?
(I realise the short answer is probably “highly reactive following protracted inertia” but mean, do they get run into the ground or traded?) Quote:
|
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#6 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,215
|
Generally ran into the ground, they are not "car people".
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#7 | ||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,215
|
I initially thought of those, but we sort of need the length.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#8 | ||
DIY Tragic
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Sydney, more than not. I hate it.
Posts: 21,906
|
Maybe order one in black?
|
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
3 users like this post: |
![]() |
#9 | ||
AKA "the other bloke"
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,966
|
Hiace, new one was great, son also had a LDV which I gotta admit was bloody good tbh, Renaults, we have them at work, always breaking down or missing door handles ….
__________________
Her's: 2000 AU II Fairmont Ghia 75th anniversary VCT meteorite & 2014 yaris - white His Toy: 2012 fg II GT-E, emperor red His: VS Ute 5 Litre 5 speed (povo pack) His: 2012 FG II GS, Vanish His: 2003 BA GT-P, Lightening Strike Jnr: 2002 AU III Falcon XR6 ST, 5 speed Blueprint & 1978 XC Fairmont Neptune Blue Previous: 1976 HX 50th Anniversary Kingswood 2014 FGX G6E Turbo 1980 XD Falcon GL 2003 BA Falcon XR6 1991 EB Falcon S 1989 EA Fairmont 1982 XE Fairmont 1968 XT Falcon |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#10 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,469
|
I d back up new Hiace
I work as a volunteer for a community transport org We have about 13 of the old style Hiace They are virtually bulletproof different driver every day but keep plodding along The new Hiace are much better wide track better cubic load capacity I ve spoken to a few owners re new Hiace / they rate them highly The Transit is off your list but I doubt Ford would have stock as it comes from Europe and as we all know Ford Ute Aus are not able to satisfactorily source any Ford EUR vehicles which is a disgrace but another topic Rip Focus Fiesta Escape |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#11 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melb.
Posts: 4,441
|
Which model Transit did your company run....I'm guessing the large van and not the Custom?
I have a 2017 auto Transit Custom 340 LWB and no issue with buying a new one if they would take orders. I've owned a 2018 Trafic Crew Lifestyle, had 6 seats and it drove very well, probably rode the most car-like. It was a manual. Only had it for 2 years as I needed something with a higher tow ball down limit of 80Kg. So now I have a 2021 Vito 119CD and MB have just kept increasing pricing. We treat our vans very well as I'm paying for them and if they're off the road we can't make any money so I make sure others know the second they hear or feel something odd to call me. HiAce was never an option as it never had rear barn doors (until recently) and a low tow rating as we need 2000Kg + towing ability. While HiAce looks as large as the other euro med. size vans, the side step cut outs rob it of some space and the cabin area is larger taking away rear cargo area length. If you're looking at the HiAce SLWB then that's Transit van, Sprinter/Crafter class size. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#12 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,215
|
Quote:
If it wasn't for the wait, I'd have no issue buying a Transit,
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#13 | ||
praek tih kl jo kr
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Atwell W.A.
Posts: 1,657
|
Mitsubishi Express is a Renault Traffic in Mitsubishi clothing, its funny though that the replacement panels come in Mitsubishi boxes
The Mitsubishi do a Povo version thats quite cheap compared to the Renault, I think its like $10,000 cheaper for pretty much the same van. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#14 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Canberra Region
Posts: 8,927
|
Mitsubishi have stopped selling them, over a year ago in fact.
__________________
2016 FGX XR8 Sprint, 6speed manual, Kinetic Blue #170 2004 BA wagon RTV project. 1998 EL XR8, Auto, Hot Chilli Red 1993 ED XR6, 5speed, Polynesian Green. 1 of 329. Retired 1968 XT Falcon 500 wagon, 3 on the tree, 3.6L. Patina project. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#15 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,215
|
Quote:
Yet another example of the stupid NCAP/ANCAP system.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#16 | ||
praek tih kl jo kr
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Atwell W.A.
Posts: 1,657
|
|
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#17 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,146
|
I do note Iveco always seem to have stock whenever I drive past their dealers, consider an Iveco Daily?
I have no experience or opinion of them, but their engines have been around for 20 years so one would think any issues have been sorted. I can remember when I was an apprentice we were a service agent for Iveco, I had to move a 160hp Daily cab/chassis converted into a camper van 50km or so down the motorway, I backed off at 140kmh but it was still pulling. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#18 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: QLD
Posts: 392
|
I’m 2 weeks into a brand new hiace, waited 18 months for it.
I’ve been in iloads for the last 12 years, very horrible box hiace before that, and Volkswagens before that. We picked hiace over the others for a few reasons. Size good, Tech good. Interior is acceptable, seating position is a little high. Had to turn off a bit of the annoying stuff, but drives pretty well. Doesn’t handle as well as an iload, but better suspension rides better under weight. Runs slightly wider track and tyre profile. Not quite as punchy as the iload, but close. Transmission is spot on, leaves the iload for dead. It’s a novelty having reverse cameras and sensors. Leather steering wheel is a very nice touch. Height is a bit too high, maybe 100mm higher than iload with racks ladders on etc. Staria is just so ugly. Skinny, and a super low window line. We couldn’t come at it. Why stop the iload, best selling van for years…. Cab is much bigger than the Renault or the ford. We custom fitted aftermarket third seat, which is much roomier that the Hyundai ever was. Renault auto DCT or whatever it is was a big turn off, and reliability (perceived or otherwise) seems to be good in the Toyota comparably. Towing capacity is a little low, although the bars have 1900kg stamped all over them Very easy to kit out being boxy and square, kids think the designers went for the Lego set to get the profile. Fuel economy this early in the piece, same driving and load, seems to be a bit high, somewhere round 12l/100 for mixed driving. Hope that helps, but gone are the days of an a grade van on the road for 35k for sure! |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
2 users like this post: |
![]() |
#19 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,052
|
What about an Isuzu van pack?
https://www.isuzu.com.au/our-range/r...-work/vanpack/ Can be driven on car licence, is a bit bigger than a typical van and a lot more robust, just stick to the manual instead of the AMT. ![]() Or Hyundai Mighty EX4 Pantech https://hyundaitrucks.com.au/our-range/pantech Hyundai has a smaller body and shorter wheelbase that might be more appropriate Quote:
|
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#20 | ||
praek tih kl jo kr
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Atwell W.A.
Posts: 1,657
|
I have driven a Mighty, bit of a slug compared to a Canter, Hino or Isuzu, and only attractive because the of the included Pantech for $79,000 makes it a instant buy over the $66,000 Isuzu cab chassis.
|
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#21 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,052
|
Quote:
SWB with short Pantech could be a goer because it'll be practical without being too unwieldy to drive |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#23 | |||
Donating Member
![]() Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,215
|
Quote:
They were originally looking at another dual cab Thailux, but they are virtually useless for our industry. Having a second van on the fleet would be far more useful.
__________________
PX MK II Ranger FG XR6 FG X XR8 Mustang GT T3 TS50 - gone but not forgotten |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#24 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,052
|
Quote:
|
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#25 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melb.
Posts: 4,441
|
Maybe overall height would stop you from entry into carparks as well.
|
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#26 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,469
|
That’s a good point
A lot of car parks are 2.5 m max height |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#27 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Melb.
Posts: 4,441
|
|
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |
![]() |
#29 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,052
|
Quote:
The daily driver aspect makes this a pain in the ***, just buy a truck and a $5000 ****box for commuter duty ![]() |
|||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
![]() |
#30 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11,285
|
No dog in this fight but I did have a loaner Renault traffic a few years back,
the DSG box was really weird to drive in traffic so avoid this poor automatic copy. The problem you will face is availability and time to delivery….Hiace might be the safest option. October sales of Vans: Light Vans: Volkswagen Caddy (115), Peugeot Partner (34), Renault Kangoo (5) Medium Vans: Toyota HiAce (712), LDV G10 (347), Hyundai Staria Load (223) Large Vans: LDV Deliver 9 (274), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (172), Renault Master (169) Actually amazed as to how few van sales there are in Australia, I guess tradies preferring to buy dual cab 4x4 Utes is a big part of that…. |
||
![]() |
![]() ![]() |
This user likes this post: |