We are looking for a cheap van for me to convert into a weekend camper. Having just looked at a smart converted Vanette that sold very quickly is got me thinking. I used to work on a few Serenas that we had on fleet when I worked for the Fire Service. I know the 2.3D is painfully slow I believe holding the record for the slowest 0-60 of any passenger vehicle of its day (about 26 secs iirc) and they have rather antiquated leaf rear suspension but are they reliable? I can get a 2001 80k van for about £700-£800 leaving a good amount for a rock and roll bed and some units.

Ideally a T4 would be great but tbh the price they command makes them too much for the moment. Maybe run this one for a while and see what happens.

Discuss.

The now defunct LDV did a version called the Cub, they may be cheaper.

The now defunct LDV did a version called the Cub, they may be cheaper.

Horrible things to drive. The gear shift was attached by an elastic band in a bowl of custard.

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Horrible things to drive. The gear shift was attached by an elastic band in a bowl of custard.

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My dads maxus is the same, guess it must have been a LDV thing

From the one we had at work it was a constant stream of maladies that should never have befallen a vehicle of its age. Had a lot of braking, gearbox and general engine problems, had to be replaced at 14,000 miles. Not many of them about and probably for good reason. 

 You are already aware of the abysmal performance but the handling is dire, ride uncomfortable and is as comfortable as shoving a bowling pin up your rectum. And noise, don't even bother turning the radio on.

 
With so many cheap Vitos kicking around i'd not bother. If you really, I mean really hunt around you can get a reasonably priced T4. Vauxhall Vivaros also seem to be surfacing in day van guise also. 

Edited 5 September, 201312 yr by sparks03

we had nothing but trouble with ours...not great vehicles imo and in a non turbo form still not economical either.

Ive driven the serena which is the 7 seater version, it had a 2litre petrol engine in and while not very quick it was acceptable for the kind of vehicle it was. Plus it has windows, might be a better option for converting too, more daylight etc...

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Thanks for all the tips. Binned that idea and going to look at a Peugeot Boxer later. LWB Hitop which would be perfect.

they are a big vehicle, great for a conversion. I kinda like the idea of a movano/vivaro/primastar as there are loads out there, they are usually lighter use vehicles (as lots have a 1.9 lump) so don't see the heavy wear lots of transits do (used by builders more). And having the 1.9 you still get good fuel economy out of a van. A lot have decent mod cons like aircon and power windows, and they drive like a car (almost) rather than an old van.

 

Would be better than the t2 i have, which is not very box like in the back and quite awkward in reality due to the engine location.

I'm considering converting a Toyota Powervan (Hiace).

The Toyota is of similar size to the Vanette but it is bombproof and a whole lot nicer to drive.

 

Boxer is FWD and a whole lot bigger than Vanette, and a favourite of the motorcaravan manufacturers.

Good luck with the conversion.

Why not look at a Mazda Bongo / Freindee? There's a growing conversion scene and there are quite a few firms that sell imported camper conversions and spares.

Prices aren't very consistent, but if you shop around you can get a bargain. You can get pop tops and brand new conversions of imported people carriers.

http://freespiritautos.co.uk/bodytype/campers-bongos

Edited 8 September, 201312 yr by Royston

Why not look at a Mazda Bongo / Freindee? There's a growing conversion scene and there are quite a few firms that sell imported camper conversions and spares.

Prices aren't very consistent, but if you shop around you can get a bargain. You can get pop tops and brand new conversions of imported people carriers.

http://freespiritautos.co.uk/bodytype/campers-bongos

You should buy one simply because of the name!

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The Mazda Bongo Friendee Freetop Two ( to give its Sunday Name) Is a great piece of kit. Electric elevating roof with a double berth up there. dual heating, air-con, front and rear, and window blinds fitted. Most have other extras already fitted, i.e. power window blinds, flip seat backs on the front seats etc. Search around for a 2.5 tdi two wheel drive, no need for 4wd in normal use and my 2wd had an lsd anyway. Very few are manual, but the auto box is excellent. They are susceptible to head gasket/head failure if the cooling system is not looked after, but water level alarms are available. Google the Bongo fury for the club site. I sold mine 7yrs ago and my wife still misses it. 

it is the same vehicle as the Ford Freda, crazy names on Japanese cars.

Edited 8 September, 201312 yr by P6bJOHN