Advice for new van wanted? - Window Cleaning Issues

Window Cleaning Issues - Canvassing, pole systems, pricing, problems, etc.

Advice for new van wanted?

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

I am looking for a new van for my business and their are so many out their i wondered what vans you guys use for work Huh

I like the look of the new Suzuki Carry vans but don't know if they would have enough go on motorways Huh

Steve

Posted by simonb (simonb), 25 October 2003

Watch the height for getting ladders on and off.
There are still a few escorts about which are the perfect height. I just bought an '51' reg for £5400

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Thanks Simon,
I like the Escort Vans but i don't think it would be big enough to take all the other things i would need to put in it like floor polishers and carpet cleaning machines etc.

Steve Lowe

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 25 October 2003

Hi Steve,
I have a astra van , but when I get my next I will go for one that has a side door as well like the midi, I think that could be the size for you.Will it be cash at the end of the tax year Huh

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Thanks John,
Is the Midi the size of a transit van Huh

Steve

Posted by scottrobinson (scottrobinson), 25 October 2003

Hi,
The van of choice for my area(weston and surrounding)seems to be the astra van as low height helps with the on and off of your ladders, great fuel economy and bullet proof on motorways.

I picked up mine a 99 model with 42000 miles,t&t for 3 grand .

Regards. Scott.

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Hi Scott,
Am i right in thinking that they do an Astra van with a slightly higher back Huh

Steve

Posted by scottrobinson (scottrobinson), 25 October 2003

Not sure if they do a new shape with a higher back are you thinking of the astra max ?
Scott.

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Maybe

Is the astra max a bit higher Huh

Steve

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 25 October 2003

Steve
The midi is like the Scooby doo van Cool

Posted by scottrobinson (scottrobinson), 25 October 2003

It is steve yes, bout the same as a vw caddy,(new shape).

Scott.

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Thanks John and Scott,
I think i will go and have a look around at the local van sales tomorrow Cheesy

Steve

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

I saw a Citreon Berlingo this morning but i think i really would like a van with a side door.

Steve

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 25 October 2003

Steve
Why not visit www.autotrader.co.uk you can click on vans then put a search in for a van in the price range you are looking for , then click on show how many, you then get a choice of how many they show you .Some even have pictures ,then even a local search as in how many miles from your house you want to travel , thats how I got mine . Cool

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Thanks John,
I will have a look. Wink

Does anyone on this site use a Suzuki carry or Bedford rascal type van Huh

How do you get on with the hight for ladders Huh

Steve

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 25 October 2003

Steve
Do you not think that they would be to small Cool

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

I am not sure John Huh

Lots of the cleaning contractors around here use them. I was hoping to get a bit of feed back from someone with one to see how they get on with it. Cheesy

Steve

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 25 October 2003

Steve
I think that you can get the Berlingo, or partner with side door Cool

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Thanks John,
I had a look on the autotrader site but unless i have not noticed a link i could not see vans Huh

Steve

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 25 October 2003

Steve
On the Auto Trader site just under the logo Auto Trader is a tool bar with Buy Sell, etc, its just above sell if you scroll over it it will light up and then click on it Cool

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 25 October 2003

Thanks John,
I can see it now Cheesy

Its old age (39) and dementia setting in Wink

Steve

Posted by matt (matt), 25 October 2003

ive had a belingo

they are nice vans, and they shift a bit too

both in speed and size

Posted by g_griffin (g_griffin), 26 October 2003

This is turning into Top Gear(he he). Astra`s are good though. Gerry.

Posted by shinnyshinner (shinnyshinner), 26 October 2003

Hi steve
I had a right result the other month I brought a P reg 1.7 DT Astra merit van (new shape) from ebay (under commercial vehicles) and all I paid for it was £1240. Mileage was a bit high 106k but nothing for a diesel and 7 months tax and mot and very clean.
Picked up from Birmingham went like a dream and no other problem since.
Good thing with the astra’s is the ladders can be put on the rack far enough forward so you can open the back door (which opens straight up) right up and no worries of banging your head this is the second one of these I have had and love them.
Cheers Alan

Posted by jake (jake), 26 October 2003

me and my mate Dave have recently got a Berlingo. It is a great van. Dave racked it out so we can get loads of gear in side. As I'm only 5' 4" I was a bit dubious about getting the ladders on and off, but it isn't a problem as it is fitted with a proper roof rack with a roller bar at the back. we recommend them! Cool

jake

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 26 October 2003

Hi Jake,
Does your berlingo have a side door Huh

Steve

Posted by jake (jake), 26 October 2003

steve

No it hasn't got a side door, but although we pack quite a lot of gear in. if things are kept reasonably tidy its not a problem getting to it all!

jake

Posted by easycleanwindows (easycleanwindows), 26 October 2003

hi all ive got transit short wheel base excellent room for pole system ladders come straight of roof and holds all have made own side cupboards for tools etc and great on diesel

Posted by Terry_Burrows (Terry_Burrows), 27 October 2003

Yes guys

I use a renault Kangoo I was lucky!I have
2 side doors this is a good size van not to big,I like the astro vans but the back tailgate puts me off Huh

ladder carrying gets in the way with tailgates! Huh

the new concept van from ford looks good,you can get aircon with
most of these new vans now,I am going to try and get an automatic if I can not petrol,the fiat vans not bad,thats the trouble there is so much out there now,the astro van is car like and very nice,but maybe to small to carry machines etc,or sometimes you need to carry just a bit more some days,thats what I find Wink

Posted by Majestic (Majestic), 27 October 2003

Steve
Do you have a Macro near you as I have just got my new catalogue and they do vans as well now .
You can get a 53 reg Partner for £141.00 per month
a 53 reg Astra for £153.07 per month a few others to pick from on www.makromotoring.com all for £99 deposit Cool

Posted by STEVE71163 (Steve Lowe), 27 October 2003

Thanks John,
I have got a macro card so i will have a look. Cheesy

Steve

Posted by karlosdaze (karlosdaze), 27 October 2003

I have a Opel van, if I had the choice I would have got bigger, ie Vito, transit. I do a lot of different work so I have to fit all my building tools etc. My poles only just get inside the van, all the way to the foot side in "shotgun". Take a pole with you when you start shopping!

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