Mate was saying the Merc mechanics (technicians) are having to go on a Renault course because the Sprinters are now using their engines. The motor industry has went crazy because they all seem to be using other companies parts. If they could just keep it simple instead of changing all the time then the reliability would come back.
Only want a VW Crafter is because they still run with the dry belt or so I'm told.

One of the reasons I have kept my van so long is the more problematic issues with newer diesel vans.

If I ever change my van I suppose electric would be the way to go (I may retire in near future), but then bolting down a tank and hosereel does not seem so straightforward.

One option would be to buy a Toyota as they have a 10 year warranty (assuming they are serviced by Toyota).

It's a myth...... ive never had a single issue with modern diesel vans and neither has my missus.(we both drive Ford connect  diesel euro 6 vans)

Quote from: zesty on January 21, 2026, 09:39:42 am

And is the Ply glued to the floor, or screwed near the wheel arches?

The 18mm ply is a tight fit between the ply lined wheel arches, I have then used 4 ‘L’ brackets that connects the 18mm ply to the wheel arches.

Sounds and idea.

One of the reasons I have kept my van so long is the more problematic issues with newer diesel vans.

If I ever change my van I suppose electric would be the way to go (I may retire in near future), but then bolting down a tank and hosereel does not seem so straightforward.

One option would be to buy a Toyota as they have a 10 year warranty (assuming they are serviced by Toyota).

20 years ago (in Feb) I paid £11500 for a brand new 2.0hdi dispatch. I still run it as my only work vehicle and it is going in for annual service and MOT tomorrow. 160k plus on the clock.

From your posts I understand your VW is several years younger than my dispatch and you are having to replace it because it is falling apart with rust. Personally this would not persuade me to part with £40k (which must be at least a whole years profit for you), to buy another one.

Also from reading your posts, your VW has needed significantly more things replaced on it than my 20 year old van. Personally I think VW is over hyped and over priced.

The trouble is that I believe all new diesel engined vans are drama due to Emissions regulations. VW and Mercedes Sprinters have always had rust issues. All rust issues are very visible with local parcel delivery vans. Vans made by Peugeot and Fiat in their Italian factory (Vauxhall now included) are galvanised, but the latest diesel engines seem to have major reliability issues. Added to that, the paint work is very poor. Fiat and Iveco appear to be using the Fiat sourced 2.3 and 3.0 litre lumps. At one time, the Iveco 2.3 litre engine was better than the 2.0 litre PSA engine or the 2.2 Puma engine.