So guys if I can't fit a towbar on a m5 touring and I have to get a van which one should I get and should I rent or buy it i am planning on months of travel in Europe so I don't know what to do, please help and thanks in advance
In reply to Post #1
Are you going to live in it aswell
Are you going to live in it aswell
Personally on a breakdown point I would get a Mercedes Vito
I drive a merc and when I get it serviced I get a full years European road side cover, so worth looking into it if they cover vans also 👍
I drive a merc and when I get it serviced I get a full years European road side cover, so worth looking into it if they cover vans also 👍
In reply to Post #1
A reliable one .
A reliable one .
In reply to Post #1
I'd suggest you keep away from anything German as the reliability isn't great and they'll be over priced but that's just my experience but there's a reason why Mercedes rebadge Renault Kangoo's and Toyota rebadge the Peugeot Expert as a Toyota..
I'd suggest you keep away from anything German as the reliability isn't great and they'll be over priced but that's just my experience but there's a reason why Mercedes rebadge Renault Kangoo's and Toyota rebadge the Peugeot Expert as a Toyota..
In reply to Post #5
For resale (and street cred
) I'd go for a transporter (earlier 180 bi-turbo is generally thought to be avoided) they are expensive though. The new shape pro- ace also looks decent and being Toyota will be reliable.
For resale (and street cred
) I'd go for a transporter (earlier 180 bi-turbo is generally thought to be avoided) they are expensive though. The new shape pro- ace also looks decent and being Toyota will be reliable.
In reply to Post #6
The new shape Proace isnt a Toyota its a Peugeot and is a terrible vehicle, my company uses them for its fleet of approx 90 vans countrywide on a lease agreement, we swapped over from VW Caddy's and its the worst move we've ever made, not that they are unreliable necessarily but warning lights and recalls have been mental, 9 recalls in two years, ive had to take mine in twice for an engine management warning and its the same for a lot of the guys, the last time i had to wait a month for them to get a part, i guess thats to do with it being a Peugeot, i wouldnt go anywhere near a Proace if i had a choice
The new shape Proace isnt a Toyota its a Peugeot and is a terrible vehicle, my company uses them for its fleet of approx 90 vans countrywide on a lease agreement, we swapped over from VW Caddy's and its the worst move we've ever made, not that they are unreliable necessarily but warning lights and recalls have been mental, 9 recalls in two years, ive had to take mine in twice for an engine management warning and its the same for a lot of the guys, the last time i had to wait a month for them to get a part, i guess thats to do with it being a Peugeot, i wouldnt go anywhere near a Proace if i had a choice
In reply to Post #7
I find that surprising, had only previously heard good things about the pro aces. I have a dsg t6 and think its fantastic.
I find that surprising, had only previously heard good things about the pro aces. I have a dsg t6 and think its fantastic.
In reply to Post #1
Ford Transit Custom
Ford Transit Custom
In reply to Post #1
given how we Brits are likely to viewed in Europe for the foreseeable future, I'd be looking to hire one over there (with European plates / LHD etc.)...
I know that means getting your gear over is a pain, but perhaps there's a way around that. a short term hire to get your kit over - then a hire from the port to get you on your tour. Sounds a bit of a kerfuffle but who knows how many tetchy French police you'll avoid in the long run...
given how we Brits are likely to viewed in Europe for the foreseeable future, I'd be looking to hire one over there (with European plates / LHD etc.)...
I know that means getting your gear over is a pain, but perhaps there's a way around that. a short term hire to get your kit over - then a hire from the port to get you on your tour. Sounds a bit of a kerfuffle but who knows how many tetchy French police you'll avoid in the long run...
In reply to Post #7
LOL. And we know how honest VW are coming forward with problems on their motors...
TBH there doesn't seem to be a lot between them.
https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/peugeot/expert-2016/
https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/volkswagen/transporter-t6-2015/
LOL. And we know how honest VW are coming forward with problems on their motors...
TBH there doesn't seem to be a lot between them.
https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/peugeot/expert-2016/
https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/volkswagen/transporter-t6-2015/
In reply to Post #1
If you're going round Europe I'd be steering clear of anything that parts aren't readily available for, so I'd be sticking to European made, unless you have days to spare waiting. I'd be having a real look into what vans are basically the same under the bonnet, you may be surprised to find that engines are derivative and there's very little difference between a lot of the makes, so for example the DV6 is to found in various guises in Citroen/Renault/Peugeot/Audi/Ford and probably others I can't remember or haven't looked into.
I would never have swapped to Citroen from VW if I had a choice at that time, my Berlingo passed it's MOT again this week at 15 years old, I have been converted
I always promised myself a Transporter but the new look Dispatch are very nice, even dare I say it even more aggressive in looks, which I like.
If you're going round Europe I'd be steering clear of anything that parts aren't readily available for, so I'd be sticking to European made, unless you have days to spare waiting. I'd be having a real look into what vans are basically the same under the bonnet, you may be surprised to find that engines are derivative and there's very little difference between a lot of the makes, so for example the DV6 is to found in various guises in Citroen/Renault/Peugeot/Audi/Ford and probably others I can't remember or haven't looked into.
I would never have swapped to Citroen from VW if I had a choice at that time, my Berlingo passed it's MOT again this week at 15 years old, I have been converted
I always promised myself a Transporter but the new look Dispatch are very nice, even dare I say it even more aggressive in looks, which I like.
In reply to Post #9
Have got to agree with oldgeezer, Transit Custom, any model.
And have it rempped to 200 bhp, you get there with a bigger smile on your face.
Have got to agree with oldgeezer, Transit Custom, any model.
And have it rempped to 200 bhp, you get there with a bigger smile on your face.
In reply to Post #1
Do you have the E61 M5 tourer ? If so there are plenty of tow bars available for them.
Do you have the E61 M5 tourer ? If so there are plenty of tow bars available for them.
In reply to Post #12
I've got the new look Citroen Dispatch 18 plate 2litre 6 speed and wouldn't swap it for anything else,I've also had 3 Berlingo's in the past and not had any trouble with them what so ever
I've got the new look Citroen Dispatch 18 plate 2litre 6 speed and wouldn't swap it for anything else,I've also had 3 Berlingo's in the past and not had any trouble with them what so ever
What year and mileage is your m5 tourer? Hell of a car that.. and rare 
In reply to Post #11
Well i'm only going by personal experience, had Caddy Max's through two lease hire periods of four years each and pretty much only ever went in for routine servicing, i also owned a Passat for six years that never missed a beat, so from my experience i couldnt fault VW. I did say that the Proace wasnt necessarily unreliable but if you were a tradesman and had to book it in for that number of recalls and faults in two years or so you wouldnt be too happy, i think we only went with them because Toyota were doing good deals, turns out theyve been a pain in the arse and we are looking at being compensated due to the amount of time theyve been off the road
Well i'm only going by personal experience, had Caddy Max's through two lease hire periods of four years each and pretty much only ever went in for routine servicing, i also owned a Passat for six years that never missed a beat, so from my experience i couldnt fault VW. I did say that the Proace wasnt necessarily unreliable but if you were a tradesman and had to book it in for that number of recalls and faults in two years or so you wouldnt be too happy, i think we only went with them because Toyota were doing good deals, turns out theyve been a pain in the arse and we are looking at being compensated due to the amount of time theyve been off the road
I've had Caddys and Transporters for the last 15 years . Have to admit the Transporters can be a bit flakey but I've never had issues with any of our Caddy's. They are just a superior place to be than the cheaper vans, smoother, quieter and less fatiguing on a long slog.
The newer Transit custom would be a possible contender.
My dad had a Berlingo as a runabout
Bit agricultural, and the Peugeot Partner was even worse
The newer Transit custom would be a possible contender.
My dad had a Berlingo as a runabout
Bit agricultural, and the Peugeot Partner was even worse
I would say Transporter Kombi/Van, I once drove from Budapest to Calais non stop in one (don't ask), after that I always promised myself I'd get one which I did last year, I prefer the separate seats in the front (rather than the bench) with the arm rests and cruise control and off you go........
My dad had a Berlingo as a runabout Bit agricultural, and the Peugeot Partner was even worse
Basically the same car, I have to agree with you, then again that's what they were designed to be, a van and a car version 2nd. On the plus side they've been around that long that they've ironed out a lot of the problems, like other makes.
Basically the same car, I have to agree with you, then again that's what they were designed to be, a van and a car version 2nd. On the plus side they've been around that long that they've ironed out a lot of the problems, like other makes.
In reply to Post #20
Yeah I had a Partner before and they are great little vans, wouldn't want to drive round Europe in one though
Yeah I had a Partner before and they are great little vans, wouldn't want to drive round Europe in one though
In reply to Post #21
Exactly my point, for throwing your gear in and rattling 20 mins up the road to your local I'm sure a Berlingo is fine. Not a vehicle I would want to cover any serious mileage in without being paid!
Exactly my point, for throwing your gear in and rattling 20 mins up the road to your local I'm sure a Berlingo is fine. Not a vehicle I would want to cover any serious mileage in without being paid!
In reply to Post #22
Is it the seating in the van that's the problem then compared to the car version? I've never had a problem driving near 12 hours straight and the suspension /drive is much better when fully loaded.
Is it the seating in the van that's the problem then compared to the car version? I've never had a problem driving near 12 hours straight and the suspension /drive is much better when fully loaded.
In reply to Post #23
It's just a c**p vehicle compared to the Caddy, which is basically a Golf with your rods in the back. Given the choice I'd take the VW.
It's just a c**p vehicle compared to the Caddy, which is basically a Golf with your rods in the back. Given the choice I'd take the VW.
In reply to Post #8
To be fair, I work for Toyota and the tech's don't really like them. Engine work is a pain in the arse. Rather get an old Proace when it was all Toyota.
Or just get a Hilux - wont get stuck, wont break down and great for chucking all my kit in the back whilst retaining a decent drive/spec/comfort level.
To be fair, I work for Toyota and the tech's don't really like them. Engine work is a pain in the arse. Rather get an old Proace when it was all Toyota.
Or just get a Hilux - wont get stuck, wont break down and great for chucking all my kit in the back whilst retaining a decent drive/spec/comfort level.
In reply to Post #25
Hilux 2,7 VVTI 👍 spot on there mate.
Hilux 2,7 VVTI 👍 spot on there mate.
In reply to Post #26
How do you get your rods in a hilux?
How do you get your rods in a hilux?
In reply to Post #24
I found the Caddy a bit small tbh, and worse still I don't like the Golf
The Mrs has had a new Golf, a new Passat & a 3 year old Passat in the last 6 years, all 3 had electrical gremlins, think finding your boot & windows opening randomly overnight or when in the office and I found the door arm rest to be pointless and the steering wheel virtually on my knees unless I wanted to lie down.
I do like the Transporter but given our experience of VW electrics I wouldn't say French electrics should be viewed to dimly. I did love my Sharan though, would get another 1 in a shot.
Tentatively on subject....just.
I found the Caddy a bit small tbh, and worse still I don't like the Golf
The Mrs has had a new Golf, a new Passat & a 3 year old Passat in the last 6 years, all 3 had electrical gremlins, think finding your boot & windows opening randomly overnight or when in the office and I found the door arm rest to be pointless and the steering wheel virtually on my knees unless I wanted to lie down.I do like the Transporter but given our experience of VW electrics I wouldn't say French electrics should be viewed to dimly. I did love my Sharan though, would get another 1 in a shot.
Tentatively on subject....just.
In reply to Post #27
In the load bed. My 12'6 TE's go in diagonally comfortably.
In the load bed. My 12'6 TE's go in diagonally comfortably.
In reply to Post #26
Not with UK fuel prices 😂
New 2.8 204 BHP
Not with UK fuel prices 😂
New 2.8 204 BHP
In reply to Post #28
Sharan would actually be a shout for the purpose of this thread if you could black out the windows and hide the rods.
Sharan would actually be a shout for the purpose of this thread if you could black out the windows and hide the rods.
Transit lwb high top or a crafter all day long. The transit dash etc. is basically the same as a custom but you can rack the back to sleep above a loaded barrow and bike or small boat, or be able to stand up.
In reply to Post #30
£40k for a new one and Toyota seem to be heading down the rebadged road, hear the new pickup will be a Ford ranger.
£40k for a new one and Toyota seem to be heading down the rebadged road, hear the new pickup will be a Ford ranger.
In reply to Post #27
Trailor or back, scopes fit in anywhere
Trailor or back, scopes fit in anywhere
In reply to Post #33
Nope, all Toyota. If it was a ranger the engine would blow every couple of months and there would be no more wars
Its only the nasty Van things they rebadge....
Nope, all Toyota. If it was a ranger the engine would blow every couple of months and there would be no more wars
Its only the nasty Van things they rebadge....
In reply to Post #35
Didn't mean the current one, rumour is it's stop gap until the Ford deal is thrashed out.
Didn't mean the current one, rumour is it's stop gap until the Ford deal is thrashed out.
In reply to Post #36
The current one is only just starting to be delivered now, its not a “tweak”. Its a new truck. Can't see why Toyota would want to re-badge a vastly inferior truck that worldwide doesn't have the reputation of the Hilux, or sell anywhere near as well as theirs does. Its more likely that Ford would want to use theirs.
Most manufacturers are dropping models at the mo as they can't hit average emissions targets, and are facing massive fines (many companies fines exceed their revenues). Toyota hit the targets ages ago, so can afford higher emitting models.
I think its the VW Amarok replacement that you're thinking of 😉
The current one is only just starting to be delivered now, its not a “tweak”. Its a new truck. Can't see why Toyota would want to re-badge a vastly inferior truck that worldwide doesn't have the reputation of the Hilux, or sell anywhere near as well as theirs does. Its more likely that Ford would want to use theirs.
Most manufacturers are dropping models at the mo as they can't hit average emissions targets, and are facing massive fines (many companies fines exceed their revenues). Toyota hit the targets ages ago, so can afford higher emitting models.
I think its the VW Amarok replacement that you're thinking of 😉
In reply to Post #37
Amarok being dropped and vw coming in with Ford and Toyota was the rumour, as the emissions regs get tighter big engines will not meet them and hibrid or full electric is the future but the investment in development will be high hence companies joining and sharing the costs.
Amarok being dropped and vw coming in with Ford and Toyota was the rumour, as the emissions regs get tighter big engines will not meet them and hibrid or full electric is the future but the investment in development will be high hence companies joining and sharing the costs.
In reply to Post #38
We're way off topic, but Toyota don't need to join with anyone regarding product development, especially Hybrid.
Lots of manufacturers already buy old Toyota hybrid tech from them. Toyota are already making cars for some other manufacturers......
Biggest problem is the finite amount of cells that can be produced. You can make 40 Hybrids or 1 EV car. What saves more CO? Which is why Toyota see FCEV as a long term solution as the batteries are the same size as a normal hybrid, and can “refuel” as quick as a normal car. Plus its an incredibly reliable (and old!) tech.
We're way off topic, but Toyota don't need to join with anyone regarding product development, especially Hybrid.
Lots of manufacturers already buy old Toyota hybrid tech from them. Toyota are already making cars for some other manufacturers......
Biggest problem is the finite amount of cells that can be produced. You can make 40 Hybrids or 1 EV car. What saves more CO? Which is why Toyota see FCEV as a long term solution as the batteries are the same size as a normal hybrid, and can “refuel” as quick as a normal car. Plus its an incredibly reliable (and old!) tech.
In reply to Post #39
I had a T5...nothing wrong with it at all apart from it was very agricultural inside. The newer ones including T6 are over priced for what they are.
I flogged that and bought a Transit Custom M-Sport, and i wouldnt swap it for the world. once the bulk head and rear seats are out, i can easily fit two racebikes and all the gear in the back.
for fishing, its perfect and i take far too much gear with me to france with no issues.
put seats and bulk head back in, and its a perfect family vehicle.
in the 4 years ive had it, its not missed a beat, it averages approx 45 mph on a long run.
ive had it remapped to 195 bhp with the power in mid range.
6 speed box, bluetooth, aircon, heated seats, screen blah blah,
I had a T5...nothing wrong with it at all apart from it was very agricultural inside. The newer ones including T6 are over priced for what they are.
I flogged that and bought a Transit Custom M-Sport, and i wouldnt swap it for the world. once the bulk head and rear seats are out, i can easily fit two racebikes and all the gear in the back.
for fishing, its perfect and i take far too much gear with me to france with no issues.
put seats and bulk head back in, and its a perfect family vehicle.
in the 4 years ive had it, its not missed a beat, it averages approx 45 mph on a long run.
ive had it remapped to 195 bhp with the power in mid range.
6 speed box, bluetooth, aircon, heated seats, screen blah blah,
In reply to Post #28
think finding your boot & windows opening randomly overnight
An annoying feature of the remote I agree. Took me a while to find out why my windows were open. Fix, don't leave the remote in your pocket! (I have a Caddy)
think finding your boot & windows opening randomly overnight
An annoying feature of the remote I agree. Took me a while to find out why my windows were open. Fix, don't leave the remote in your pocket! (I have a Caddy)
In reply to Post #39
I used to work for them, technically head and shoulders above the rest. Also, a lot of car company's do run cross functional projects. They was one whilst I was there TPCA, Toyota, Peugeot, Citroen and Audi. And like you say, a lot of company's use others technology, bullet proof engine designs, right down to the brake disks etc.
I have recently been looking at vans with the thought of converting one myself in the evenings. The Volkswagen campers go for stupid money and for me its the joys of paying for the badge. I was talking to a mate who does a bit in the trade and he recommended a Ford transit. He has one, sporty version, kitted out, looks well, says it's just as nice as a car to drive, I would have to drive one to believe that
Considering buying one as bit of an all round vehicle, work commute, fishing, bit of camping etc. Perfect for waters where you can fish with the vehicle behind you in this weather, have a break, shut the door, get the kettle and heater on, job done
I used to work for them, technically head and shoulders above the rest. Also, a lot of car company's do run cross functional projects. They was one whilst I was there TPCA, Toyota, Peugeot, Citroen and Audi. And like you say, a lot of company's use others technology, bullet proof engine designs, right down to the brake disks etc.
I have recently been looking at vans with the thought of converting one myself in the evenings. The Volkswagen campers go for stupid money and for me its the joys of paying for the badge. I was talking to a mate who does a bit in the trade and he recommended a Ford transit. He has one, sporty version, kitted out, looks well, says it's just as nice as a car to drive, I would have to drive one to believe that
Considering buying one as bit of an all round vehicle, work commute, fishing, bit of camping etc. Perfect for waters where you can fish with the vehicle behind you in this weather, have a break, shut the door, get the kettle and heater on, job done
My husband and I often travel around Europe at intervals of half a year, but we move in a car and therefore do not take a lot of things with us, we use the services of the transport company https://rslmanandvan.co.uk/services/boxes-packing-materials/ . But soon we plan to buy a van, I think it will be a Ford.
The Amorok is a nice enough vehicle for the crewcab/half buck style,but they look to me as if the rear load area is smaller than a Hi lux equivalent?
In reply to Post #30
204 hp hilux will be with me in 1st march
Still got our caddy maxi dsg that won't be going anywhere, fantastic for foreign trips, just get the maxi job done
Tried the transporter but just can't get on with them, find the cabin cramped in relation to the size and its so noisey you can't use your hands free phone thingy, wanted one of these so bad but just not for me, find them flawed, sorry transporter lovers, find the transit customs better.
204 hp hilux will be with me in 1st march
Still got our caddy maxi dsg that won't be going anywhere, fantastic for foreign trips, just get the maxi job done
Tried the transporter but just can't get on with them, find the cabin cramped in relation to the size and its so noisey you can't use your hands free phone thingy, wanted one of these so bad but just not for me, find them flawed, sorry transporter lovers, find the transit customs better.
In reply to Post #46
Mercedes Vito 122 LWB, 224 bhp, mapped to 270, lovely auto box, eats up the miles and you can put a bed chair up in the back.
Mercedes Vito 122 LWB, 224 bhp, mapped to 270, lovely auto box, eats up the miles and you can put a bed chair up in the back.
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