Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: sunshine windows on May 09, 2007, 04:11:48 pm
-
Hi guys,
Not a moment too soon either.
After coming home from a days work yesterday, hearing my poor little cars fans still whirring after taking the ladders off the roof. I had to make a decision pretty quickly.
Get my a**e out there and buy myself a van or end up without a vehicle and unable to work.
Needless to say i had no intention of ending up unable to work, so i've gone out and bought myself a brand spanking new Fiat Doblo.
I chose the Doblo because of all the raving reviews on this forum and after the test drive i really liked the little beast. Hope it cracks up to all it's supposed to be though guys or i shall be after a few scalps. ;D
NOW FOR MY NEXT DILEMA .....
Should i choose to have the interior ply lined or just have it with the bare shell exposed. If i do choose to have it ply lined, do i get the vans' floor protected before it gets lined or somehow waterproof the boarding itself afterwards.
HELP PLEASE!!!!! :-\
Lance
-
My van was several years old when I got it and that was ply lined, I riped it all out and protectakoted it, looking at the amount of water that gets splashed about sometimes I'm very glad I did.
-
Well done,get the floor done first cos if it`s already ply lined it`s not as easy to speedline the wheel arches properly i`ve been told,i`ve not lined mine yet cos i`m changing vans soon but i would definetly line it,at some point your going to knock something against the side or the rear doors especially and those little coin sized dents look awful.A brand new van i would get done properly when it`s speedlined it looks the biz i wouldn`t try doing it with a brush and a can.
-
Thanks for your replies guys. Looks like i'll be getting it waterproofed first before i have it ply'd then.
For anybody else out there who's got a Fiat Doblo i have a few questions that could do with an answer please.
What sort of set up do you have in your van. I was thinking of going for a 400ltr system capable of running 2 operators. Along with a backpack for those hard to reach jobs.
Do you still carry ladders and in what capacity. On the roof or steps in the van.
Cheers,
Lance
-
Fiat. :o :-X
-
Fiat. :o :-X
What is wrong with Fiat ? Your brain take the impact in your " fall " today Squeaks ;)
-
If you don't know maybe I'm not the one who's had a bump...
-
I must admit i wouldn`t have gone for one of those.
-
Well tell then, I'm waiting to hear from the All Knowing Oracle .
-
Yes Squeaky, come on. What's wrong with a Fiat Doblo??
Lance
-
I must admit i wouldn`t have gone for one of those.
Why ?
-
Wfp in my opinion requires a bigger van ie traffic,vivaro + saves having to upgrade at a later date.
-
http://www.haynes.com/
-
Your point being ......... ???
-
God, brainstrain. ::)
Everyone I've ever known with a Fiat (and that's quite a few) have had non-stop problems.
Nearly always electrical problems too, including ECU.
I know someone will come on here saying "I've never had a problem", but facts is facts, and the stats back me up.
-
If never had a problem.
Fiat Ducato from new now seven years old never spent a penny apart from tyres.
Fiat scoda for my window cleaning business has doors either side, so with my reel mounted above the tank is just about the perfect set up.
All modern cars/vans are good. Used to be you stuck to VW or merc, not anymore.
Up untill a few weeks ago, before your lottery win, weren't you driving one that you had to push start?
-
Yup, it was a bag of poop. :-\
Still if it had been a Fiat it wouldn't even have been on the road after 10 years abuse from a builder.
My Missus had a 2001 Fiat Punto with 35,000 miles on it, and I had a 110,000 mile Rover 400.
Rover?: Just put fuel in.
Punto?: Dash lights, external lights, ECU, wiper motor, heater matrix, exhaust, shockers, leaks, thermostat...etc...
Nightmare, and her parent's 2005 Stilo was the same.
Put together by drunken Italians.
Ferrari are owned by Fiat.
They only use FORD electrics.
Why's that do you think...? ::)
-
A new van, we are all jealous really, well done and dont scratch it. Ply line half and protect the bottom half. :)
-
Come on Squeeks. You said WFP was a load o poop too ::)
But YOU got one now ;D ;D
David
-
I still think it's poop David!
It just suits me because it's less strenuous.
-
Yup, it was a bag of poop. :-\
Still if it had been a Fiat it wouldn't even have been on the road after 10 years abuse from a builder.
My Missus had a 2001 Fiat Punto with 35,000 miles on it, and I had a 110,000 mile Rover 400.
Rover?: Just put fuel in.
Punto?: Dash lights, external lights, ECU, wiper motor, heater matrix, exhaust, shockers, leaks, thermostat...etc...
Nightmare, and her parent's 2005 Stilo was the same.
Put together by drunken Italians.
Ferrari are owned by Fiat.
They only use FORD electrics.
Why's that do you think...? ::)
You do talk some b**lox at times ::)
-
Hi guys,
Needless to say i had no intention of ending up unable to work, so i've gone out and bought myself a brand spanking new Fiat Doblo.
I chose the Doblo because of all the raving reviews on this forum and after the test drive i really liked the little beast. Hope it cracks up to all it's supposed to be though guys or i shall be after a few scalps. ;D
Lance
I'm thinking of buying the Doblo. Cab you tell me where you got yours from. I presume you looked for the best deal so it may save me some research time !!
Thanks
-
Yup, it was a bag of poop. :-\
Still if it had been a Fiat it wouldn't even have been on the road after 10 years abuse from a builder.
My Missus had a 2001 Fiat Punto with 35,000 miles on it, and I had a 110,000 mile Rover 400.
Rover?: Just put fuel in.
Punto?: Dash lights, external lights, ECU, wiper motor, heater matrix, exhaust, shockers, leaks, thermostat...etc...
Nightmare, and her parent's 2005 Stilo was the same.
Put together by drunken Italians.
Ferrari are owned by Fiat.
They only use FORD electrics.
Why's that do you think...? ::)
You do talk some b**lox at times ::)
You tell me which bit was wrong Jon, and I'll set you straight.
-
Squeaks,
None of your examples refer to commercial vehicles, to which the original post was about.Fiat commercial are also in partnership with Peugeot and Citroen. So use the strong points of each manufacturer, unless you think that both of those manufacturers are crap as well.
"Everyone I've ever known with a Fiat (and that's quite a few) have had non-stop problems" eg Your Missus and her Parents
That's quite a statement ::)
-
The fiat doblo is an excellent choice, perfect for a 400ltr set up. too many people get suckered in to thinking they need a bigger van, or will do if they "expand". If you do expand to the point you need a bigger van then its simple, buy one at that time, when you actually need it, at this point you'll easily be able to afford a bigger van with all your extra work. So why pay for a bigger van when you dont need one & maybe will never need one ???
Excellent Choice, IMO, for that catagory of van, Unbeatable! ;)
tony
-
Yeah sell the small van and lose 4 grand,upgrade to a bigger van layout another 5-7 grand pay for it to be speedlined £6-700 have all your equipment re-fitted into new van say another £300 if someone tells you with experience that you`ll need a bigger van cos in no time your run out of room what would you do,in no time at all your be piercing your passengers ear with your pole from lack of room.If you can afford it buy a bigger van.
-
Yeah sell the small van and lose 4 grand,upgrade to a bigger van layout another 5-7 grand pay for it to be speedlined £6-700 have all your equipment re-fitted into new van say another £300 if someone tells you with experience that you`ll need a bigger van cos in no time your run out of room what would you do,in no time at all your be piercing your passengers ear with your pole from lack of room.If you can afford it buy a bigger van.
Load o' sh*te
-
We run two Fiat Ducatos, an 06 plate and an 05 plate, in a month or so's time I will probably be getting an 07 plate, just had an offer though the post:
07 Fiat Ducato £9,999 +vat.
I intend to run these vans for 4 years, then change them for new.
The beauty of Fiats is nobody likes the badge, but that means they retail for 15-20% less that the competition (Peugeot and Citroen) and to all intents they are the same van.
We also have a Berlingo (Y plate) and it will probably be changed for a Fiat Scudo or Doblo at some point soon as well.
-
None of your examples refer to commercial vehicles, to which the original post was about.Fiat commercial are also in partnership with Peugeot and Citroen. So use the strong points of each manufacturer, unless you think that both of those manufacturers are crap as well.
It's well known that the French make the worlds most unreliable vehicles, so that's not much comfort!
The only reason I've got a Renault is because it's a joint build with Nissan and Vauxhall.
There's a lot of GM parts under the bonnet.
Wouldn't have touched it otherwise. :o
-
so why didnt you just buy a nissan or vauxhall then squeaky
-
Doh! They're the same van!
Except you pay slightly more for the Vauxhall badged one.
-
None of your examples refer to commercial vehicles, to which the original post was about.Fiat commercial are also in partnership with Peugeot and Citroen. So use the strong points of each manufacturer, unless you think that both of those manufacturers are crap as well.
It's well known that the French make the worlds most unreliable vehicles, so that's not much comfort!
The only reason I've got a Renault is because it's a joint build with Nissan and Vauxhall.
There's a lot of GM parts under the bonnet.
Wouldn't have touched it otherwise. :o
??? :-X ::)
-
We run two Fiat Ducatos, an 06 plate and an 05 plate, in a month or so's time I will probably be getting an 07 plate, just had an offer though the post:
07 Fiat Ducato £9,999 +vat.
I intend to run these vans for 4 years, then change them for new.
The beauty of Fiats is nobody likes the badge, but that means they retail for 15-20% less that the competition (Peugeot and Citroen) and to all intents they are the same van.
We also have a Berlingo (Y plate) and it will probably be changed for a Fiat Scudo or Doblo at some point soon as well.
The Doblo is a separate identity on its own on has nothing to do with the Fiat Citroen Peugeot partnership on the bigger vans. The marked difference between the bigger vans of this partnership ie Scudo, Dispatch and Expert, Ducato Relay and Boxer is the commonrail diesel used in each of them. Fiat use their JTD engines and PSA (Citreon & Peugeot) use the HDI engines. My preference would be for the HDi engine every time.
-
None of your examples refer to commercial vehicles, to which the original post was about.Fiat commercial are also in partnership with Peugeot and Citroen. So use the strong points of each manufacturer, unless you think that both of those manufacturers are crap as well.
It's well known that the French make the worlds most unreliable vehicles, so that's not much comfort!
The only reason I've got a Renault is because it's a joint build with Nissan and Vauxhall.
There's a lot of GM parts under the bonnet.
Wouldn't have touched it otherwise. :o
I can just see it now at the local showroom.
Our vans are not made with GM parts. We only have organic parts.
-
I was waiting for someone to pick up on the "GM" bit. ;D
-
I had a feeling this one would cause a bit of a debate. :D
The main reasons i went for the Doblo is that it's got a decent payload and a reasonable load capacity.
In answer to your question Qwert, I got it from my local Fiat Fish Brothers dealership in Swindon.
The cheapest i could find the model i've got on the net was £7290 and i ended up getting mine for £7300. So for the sake of a tenner i've got peace of mind at being able to call up the Head honcho there who's a friend of my Dad's, should anything go wrong with it.
If you'd like his number just ask.
Regards,
Lance
-
Sunshine - my experience is limited but I've had a new Doblo 1.3SX (van of the year 2006) since Nov '06.
I run a 400L tank plus microbore and a backpack and it's just me on board and I love it - I get 43/44mpg in stop-start window cleaning work. (I've only done 3600 miles in six months - we have an old Rover diesel car too.)
As its MVW is 2000kg (payload 736kg) you can legally drive at car speeds on dual carriageways/single carriageways. It's tax is low at £120 now I think.
I was also thinking of a Scudo (3 seats) especially as there were some offers at the end of the old model run but I am very happy with my choice.
If I was two up then I would have gone Scudo or Citroen/Peugeot equivilent to run a 650 tank and larger payload.
Being new with 3yrs wty gives some peace of mind too.
I know I've only had it 6 months but it does all I could have hoped for.
Take advice from those on here who have had some experience of running vans - not someone who now pontificates about things they have only just started doing - (new to vans and new to wfp).
-
So French and Italian makes aren't crap then? :-X
You don't have to experience actual vans yourself to know what's good.
I bet you've never owned a 1980 Skoda Estelle, but I'm sure you know they're crap.
I've never owned an AlfaSud, but I know I wouldn't want to. ;)
-
IIn answer to your question Qwert, I got it from my local Fiat Fish Brothers dealership in Swindon.
The cheapest i could find the model i've got on the net was £7290 and i ended up getting mine for £7300. So for the sake of a tenner i've got peace of mind at being able to call up the Head honcho there who's a friend of my Dad's, should anything go wrong with it.
If you'd like his number just ask.
Regards,
Lance
Thanks Lance. I may well do nearer the time. May I ask if he did 0% finance as I'm looking to put 4K to 5K deposit and pay balance over 3 yrs 0%.
-
old fords never die. At least you can tie the back doors together with bailer string
-
FIAT
=
Fix
It
Again
Tommorrow
-
Most reliable van I had was a petrol powered Nissan Sunny. It really was a Sunny Delight. I wish they made a larger version of them as I would buy one.
-
So ... in amongst the rubbish comments what do we find?
The OP (Sunshine) has bought a new doblo.
All the comments on here about doblo's from those who run them or whose relatives and friends run them are good.
If I was the OP I would sort the wheat from the chaff and feel happy about my decision.
-
Most reliable van I had was a petrol powered Nissan Sunny. It really was a Sunny Delight. I wish they made a larger version of them as I would buy one.
I had a Nissan Sunny coupe as a runabout for a bit, when I was between cars.
£130 I paid for it, as it was 17 years old.
Stuck 15,000 miles on it without fault.
And it would see off an XR3!
Japanese are the most reliable makes by a mile.
-
Hi Qwert,
Didn't get it at 0% finance unfortunately. Paying it back at 5% which doesn't seem too unreasonable. I can give you his number through email if you like
Thanks for all the genuine replies so far from those who have experience with the Doblo.
I'd like to get the floor sealed with protectacoat as soon as i get the vehicle. Where can i get this from and roughly how much should i be paying for it???
I'm quite happy to do it myself so just a price on the amount i would need please.
Cheers all
Lance
-
If your buying and not leasing i would get it speedlined.
-
Then again if you're trading it in after 3 years like me, I wouldn't bother.
You won't spill that much water, and it ain't going to rust in 3 years.
-
Then again if you're trading it in after 3 years like me, I wouldn't bother.
You won't spill that much water, and it ain't going to rust in 3 years.
Saying that Squeaky, ive done my van floor with Protecta-Kote and the bits i missed are now rusting after 5 months :'(
-
any bodyknow anybody in south wales who speedlines vans
-
You need to go on there website and then click on the map and it will tell you your nearest dealer.
-
Saying that Squeaky, ive done my van floor with Protecta-Kote and the bits i missed are now rusting after 5 months :'(
It shouldn't do. :-\
Is it a Fiat?
-
Being a fiat shouldn`t it be rusty from new LOL.
-
They should supply them in an orangey-brown colour. ;D
-
lazy git lol ;D ;)
-
So can anyone tell me where to get some protectacoat from then???
-
So can anyone tell me where to get some protectacoat from then???
http://www.purefreedom.co.uk/waterproof.htm#
-
Fiat. :o :-X
What is wrong with Fiat ? Your brain take the impact in your " fall " today Squeaks ;)
F>I>A>T...............Fix It Again Tomorrow ;D
-
Found In A Tip actually. ;D
-
Ive got a scudo, 02 plate, JTD 2.0 Diesel and its done 108000 miles now, touch wood never let me down!! Got a 06 plate Scudo JTD done 38000 again no problems!! Nice to drive, good on fuel, cheap to insure and service, great window cleaning van, would recommend one any day! Also got long whell base transit, V plate done 165000 miles, again no problems!!
-
Renault Traffic,who`s got one and what do they think of em.I say the renault and not the vivaro or nissan because the traffic comes with all the extras as standard.
-
I've got a Trafic.
Rather have had the Vauxhall for the badge, because French cars are crap, but they're all the same anyway.
Lots of Nissan bits, and I've found a fair few General Motors bits too. :)
What do I think of it?
Quiet.
Fast.
Comfy.
Like a car. :)
-
Renault Traffic,who`s got one and what do they think of em.I say the renault and not the vivaro or nissan because the traffic comes with all the extras as standard.
I've got a Trafic. Lovely drive for a diesel van. Needed gearbox changing at 39,000 miles though (within warranty) and rear door handle mechanism has been temperamental. Previous owner needed clutch cylinder changing. The gearboxes have a higher than average failure rate but I suppose whatever van you buy they will have their vulnerable points.
-
I`ve got a 500ltr tank and want something that will carry it without a great loss in power,i have a new connect a the moment but it`s not up to the job it hasn`t got enough grunt.Which model do you have.Cheers Nigel.
-
I've got the 115bhp Trafic.
214lbs/ft of torque. :o
Obviously there's a difference with the water on board, but it still goes well.
Flying machine when it's empty though.
Good idea to keep a light foot on the gas though, as it'll use as much fuel as you want it to. :-\