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| UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Smallest vans that can carry 8' x 4' sheets of MDF/plasterboard inside?
I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K |
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"Kat" wrote in message ... I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? Remember the smaller the vehicle the less weight you will be able to carry (legally). It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Well, seeing that the Ford Transit in it's SWB version has been the day-faco standard that all other van maker has tried to equal in the class... Why does it need to be smaller than a Transit, if I may ask ? |
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#3
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"Kat" wrote in message ... I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K Most builders merchants will deliver, some will charge some won't, so why go to the expense of getting a big enough van? If you have enough storage space you can order it all in one hit. Also check with your insurance company wether you can get insurance on a medium size van using your no claims off your car. |
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#4
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I'm pretty sure (as my mate has one) that the swb trannie is the same length
as a normal car. My mate couldn't have anything bigger, otherwise there wouldn't be any parking spaces big enough outside his terraced house. The following link will give you dimensions to most modern vans http://www.whatvan.co.uk/search.asp "Kat" wrote in message ... I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K |
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#5
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:50:54 -0000, "Dave Jones"
wrote: "Kat" wrote in message ... I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K Most builders merchants will deliver, some will charge some won't, so why go to the expense of getting a big enough van? If you have enough storage space you can order it all in one hit. Also check with your insurance company wether you can get insurance on a medium size van using your no claims off your car. Good suggestions, worth considering! Thank you... K |
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 18:36:57 GMT, "Air Rider" wrote:
I'm pretty sure (as my mate has one) that the swb trannie is the same length as a normal car. My mate couldn't have anything bigger, otherwise there wouldn't be any parking spaces big enough outside his terraced house. I think that's about right. Nevertheless, I still think they are too cumbersome for everyday driving. Perhaps its the width and/or the height of the seats or something. I've hired them on occasion. The following link will give you dimensions to most modern vans http://www.whatvan.co.uk/search.asp That's very useful - thank you K |
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#7
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:19:38 -0000, ":::Jerry::::"
wrote: Remember the smaller the vehicle the less weight you will be able to carry (legally). Didn't know that - thanks. Hopwever, I don't plan to carry much weight at once. Having said that, I guess ten sheets of 12mm plasterboard must weigh quite a bit... It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Well, seeing that the Ford Transit in it's SWB version has been the day-faco standard that all other van maker has tried to equal in the class... Why does it need to be smaller than a Transit, if I may ask ? Because it'll be my only transport for several months so I'll be using it for nipping up to the shops in the built-up area where I live, and zipping off on 30 mile trips in (hopefully) reasonably relaxed comfort. I dread driving transits unless I really have to. I find them so cumbersome. I'd like something narrower, like Hi Ace perhaps - though I've never driven one, they look like they might be more manoeverable than a transit. Cheers, K |
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#8
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:50:54 -0000, "Dave Jones"
wrote: Most builders merchants will deliver, some will charge some won't, so why go to the expense of getting a big enough van? Apart from fetching building materials, I'll need it when I move house. I envisage shifting my stuff in dribs and drabs rather than in one shipload via a removal co. Cheers, K |
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#9
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"Kat" wrote in message ... snip comfort. I dread driving transits unless I really have to. I find them so cumbersome. I'd like something narrower, like Hi Ace perhaps - though I've never driven one, they look like they might be more manoeverable than a transit. Hm, forward control, not nice if your not used to it or confident... -- Reply to group please. begin .......nothing! |
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#10
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"Kat" wrote in message ... On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:50:54 -0000, "Dave Jones" wrote: Most builders merchants will deliver, some will charge some won't, so why go to the expense of getting a big enough van? Apart from fetching building materials, I'll need it when I move house. I envisage shifting my stuff in dribs and drabs rather than in one shipload via a removal co. Well, unless you either don't have a sofa (or sofa sized stuff) or go for a pick-up, something smaller than a Transit sized van will be more trouble than it's worth in the removals dept. -- Reply to group please. begin .......nothing! |
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#11
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Kat wrote:
I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... A builder friend had an old Nissan Vanette (which just died after many years, 270K miles, an no maintenance unless you count adding diesel!). You could get full size sheets in that, it was a fair bit smaller than a transsit, it also had a tiny turning circle. The only limitation I found was that the seat would not go far enough back to make driving it comfortable for me, but then again I am taller than most. -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
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#12
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 21:10:11 -0000, ":::Jerry::::"
wrote: "Kat" wrote in message ... On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:50:54 -0000, "Dave Jones" wrote: Most builders merchants will deliver, some will charge some won't, so why go to the expense of getting a big enough van? Apart from fetching building materials, I'll need it when I move house. I envisage shifting my stuff in dribs and drabs rather than in one shipload via a removal co. Well, unless you either don't have a sofa (or sofa sized stuff) or go for a pick-up, something smaller than a Transit sized van will be more trouble than it's worth in the removals dept. Good point - thanks; but I have avoided sofas, and beds that can't be dismantled or folded. What you said about forward controls in the Hi Ace is a good point though. I have to admit I've never driven one, but the lack of substance between me and the hypothetical concrete lamp post I drive into is a bit unsettling... ;-) K |
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#13
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 21:29:20 +0000, John Rumm
wrote: Kat wrote: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... A builder friend had an old Nissan Vanette (which just died after many years, 270K miles, an no maintenance unless you count adding diesel!). You could get full size sheets in that, it was a fair bit smaller than a transsit, it also had a tiny turning circle. The only limitation I found was that the seat would not go far enough back to make driving it comfortable for me, but then again I am taller than most. Hi John, Thanks for the suggestion. I was looking at one of those today, and I must say it looked about right for me, size-wize, except that it didn't look as though an 8ft sheet of board would fit in the back. The space only looked about 6ft long. Perhaps your friend's was a different model though. K |
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#14
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#16
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"Mark" wrote in message ... Kat typed: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, snip I got tired of using a van years ago. (Although I still have a Leyland 3ton for really big stuff :-) ) Now use a Volvo 940 estate cheaper to buy/insure/run than a van and just as big inside. I have a swb trannie, 1270kg payload, 8 by 4 sheets with ease, changing room for canoeing. It has an incredible turning circle, shorter than my other halfs rover 25. Its economical, comfortable, parts are cheap and readily available. I have driven many large vans at work and nothing even comes close to the transit IMHO. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.820 / Virus Database: 558 - Release Date: 20/12/2004 |
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#17
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On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:19:38 -0000, ":::Jerry::::"
wrote: Remember the smaller the vehicle the less weight you will be able to carry (legally). My van is a Vauxhall Combo which is a boxy car derived van and it can carry a ton(ne?) and a half cos it is the version with improved suspension, so size isn't everything. At least that is what my ex said  Its too small for 8*4 sheets and three seater sofas but its fine for dribs and drabs house move and for cement mixers. Ford stopped making the Escort van a while ago and I guess that is cos builders have discovered that the boxy shape vans are much easier to get stuff in and out of than are estate car derived ones Being car derived (the Corsa) its easy to drive and its cheap to run too. I suggest you look at Combo or other manufacturers equivalent Renault Trafic etc Anna ~~ Anna Kettle, Suffolk, England |""""| ~ Lime plaster repairs / ^^ \ // Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc |____| www.kettlenet.co.uk 01359 230642 |
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#18
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"Kat" wrote in message ... I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Personally, I would choose the car I need, have a tow hook fitted on it, and either hire a trailer when I needed one or, if the use justified it, buy one. For example, the Ifor Williams BV5 will take 2400 x 1200 mm sheets flat inside http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/boxvan/bv5.htm or the BV4 will take them standing on edge http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/boxvan/bv4.htm I used one of the latter to take furniture the length of France a couple of years ago. My local Ifor Williams dealer hires out trailers and I would be surprised if others did not do so as well. Colin Bignell |
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#19
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In article ,
Kat wrote: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? Before you go ahead, check up on the insurance situation. It might be cheaper to get a big old Volvo estate. -- *Why is it that to stop Windows 95, you have to click on "Start"? Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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#20
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Kat wrote:
I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K Its a transit, a pickup or a trailer. Take yer pick. Frankly, I use a Land Rover, because the builders merchant delivers the big stuff. |
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"Kat" wrote in message ... On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 17:50:54 -0000, "Dave Jones" wrote: Most builders merchants will deliver, some will charge some won't, so why go to the expense of getting a big enough van? Apart from fetching building materials, I'll need it when I move house. I envisage shifting my stuff in dribs and drabs rather than in one shipload via a removal co. Cheers, K Well you could hire a box van for that, around £70 per day here |
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#22
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"Kat" wrote
| ... the lack of substance between me and the hypothetical | concrete lamp post I drive into is a bit unsettling... ;-) Reassure yourself with the thought that hypothetical lamp posts only cause hypothetical injuries :-) Owain |
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#23
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 01:35:18 GMT, "John Woodhall"
wrote: "Mark" wrote in message ... Kat typed: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, snip I got tired of using a van years ago. (Although I still have a Leyland 3ton for really big stuff :-) ) Now use a Volvo 940 estate cheaper to buy/insure/run than a van and just as big inside. I have a swb trannie, 1270kg payload, 8 by 4 sheets with ease, changing room for canoeing. It has an incredible turning circle, shorter than my other halfs rover 25. Its economical, comfortable, parts are cheap and readily available. I have driven many large vans at work and nothing even comes close to the transit IMHO. That was Jeremy Clerkson's conclusion too - especially for racing other makes of similar sized vans around the Top Gear race track, IIRC! As it happens, I have a canoe too... I'm thinking of buying a cheap tranny for the purposes I mentioned, then converting it into a camper van after the DIY and moving is complete. I did that once before with a similar van. The lack of windows made it great for sleeping overnight just about anywhere, rather than paying out for a hotel. having said that, all-round windows are such a boon when it comes to driving and parking. K |
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 08:15:18 -0000, "nightjar"
wrote: "Kat" wrote in message ... I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Personally, I would choose the car I need, have a tow hook fitted on it, and either hire a trailer when I needed one or, if the use justified it, buy one. For example, the Ifor Williams BV5 will take 2400 x 1200 mm sheets flat inside http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/boxvan/bv5.htm or the BV4 will take them standing on edge http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/boxvan/bv4.htm I used one of the latter to take furniture the length of France a couple of years ago. My local Ifor Williams dealer hires out trailers and I would be surprised if others did not do so as well. Hi Colin, Thanks for this excellent suggestion. I've never seen trailers for hire in my area but I'd venture to guess that If I look hard enough, I'll find some. It might even make sense for me to buy one, since those horse-box type trailers seem like quite a secure form of lockable storage which might be very useful when I come to move house. Thanks again K |
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 10:38:58 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote: In article , Kat wrote: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? Before you go ahead, check up on the insurance situation. It might be cheaper to get a big old Volvo estate. It might, indeed. Thanks. Especially one with a tow bar... But why a Volvo, in particular? K |
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#26
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"Kat" wrote in message ... On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 10:38:58 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: snip It might be cheaper to get a big old Volvo estate. It might, indeed. Thanks. Especially one with a tow bar... But why a Volvo, in particular? They are just about the largest (load wise) estate car available outside the USA, that's why ! But be warned, they are looooong.... -- Reply to group please. begin .......nothing! |
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#27
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The Natural Philosopher wrote:
Kat wrote: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K I went for a trailer, and never regretted it, easy to load and unload, ideal for those numerous trips to the local tip, where in most cases high vehicles are prohibited. I bought mine from a local one man manufacturer, he will make them to your specification, though that is Stoke on Trent I would imagine there is one in most areas. A little thought and some strong polythene will cover you good in transit. |
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#28
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In article ,
Kat wrote: Before you go ahead, check up on the insurance situation. It might be cheaper to get a big old Volvo estate. It might, indeed. Thanks. Especially one with a tow bar... But why a Volvo, in particular? They tend to be pretty well engineered vehicles - although maybe not the most exciting to drive. So older ones can still be found in serviceable condition. Other similar large estates - like say Ford used to make - are getting rare. -- *Income tax service - We‘ve got what it takes to take what you've got. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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#29
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:23:06 +0000, Broadback wrote:
The Natural Philosopher wrote: Kat wrote: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K I went for a trailer, and never regretted it, easy to load and unload, ideal for those numerous trips to the local tip, where in most cases high vehicles are prohibited. I bought mine from a local one man manufacturer, he will make them to your specification, though that is Stoke on Trent I would imagine there is one in most areas. A little thought and some strong polythene will cover you good in transit. That's an important consideration - many tips nowadays have height limits, but I vaguelly recollect seeing one that also banned trailers.... As you will presumably only occasionally need the full 8x4' capacity, how about an estate car with a roofrack ? |
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#30
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":::Jerry::::" wrote in message ... "Kat" wrote in message ... On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 10:38:58 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: snip It might be cheaper to get a big old Volvo estate. It might, indeed. Thanks. Especially one with a tow bar... But why a Volvo, in particular? They are just about the largest (load wise) estate car available outside the USA, that's why ! But be warned, they are looooong.... -- Reply to group please. Our 740 - sadly now laid up in the workshop with a knackered transmission - would take a hell of a lot but not an 8X4 sheet, well not flat anyway. The bed is about 6 feet long with the seats down but only about 43 inches across between the wheel arches. Maybe you could get some in at an angle but I recall there was some sort of problem with that so we always borrowed a car and trailer or had the sheets cut to fit. The height of the load area is disappointing in my opinion. The 940 has the same dimensions I believe. An estate that has a bigger load area is the Citroen XM or I presume the newer C5, but after having an older XM and from what I've heard about the reliability of the C5 I'm not sure I'd recommend them. As to the length of the Volvo I never found it a problem at all. I think the reason it's not a problem is the really good turning circle, you can get in and out of tight parking spaces with ease. A lot easier I found than with our much smaller Saab 900. Best thing about the Volvo was the way traffic in your path seemed to part in terror upon seeing you approach - even BMW drivers :-) Sam |
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#31
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:57:28 GMT, Mike Harrison
wrote: On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:23:06 +0000, Broadback wrote: The Natural Philosopher wrote: Kat wrote: I'm looking for a van for use when I renovate my house, then move out. I want something small as possible (because it will be my only vehicle for a while) However, it must be big enough to carry 4' x 8' sheets of plasterboard, MDF etc inside. Anyone suggest some models? Toyota Hi-ace? Nissan Vanette? Others? It's got to be smaller than a Ford Transit; that's for sure. Toyota Lite-Ace would be nice but I guess they are too short to fit 8' x 4' sheets in... Many thanks and happy boxing day.. K I went for a trailer, and never regretted it, easy to load and unload, ideal for those numerous trips to the local tip, where in most cases high vehicles are prohibited. I bought mine from a local one man manufacturer, he will make them to your specification, though that is Stoke on Trent I would imagine there is one in most areas. A little thought and some strong polythene will cover you good in transit. That's an important consideration - many tips nowadays have height limits, but I vaguelly recollect seeing one that also banned trailers.... As you will presumably only occasionally need the full 8x4' capacity, how about an estate car with a roofrack ? That may be the answer. Thanks. Anyone recommend an estate car that accelerates fast, is reliable, cheap to run, comfortable, handles well on corners and in crosswinds, has a good bit of carrying space, and doesn't go rusty around the sills? I don't want much eh? ;-) K |
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#32
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"Kat" wrote in message ... That may be the answer. Thanks. Anyone recommend an estate car that accelerates fast, is reliable, cheap to run, comfortable, handles well on corners and in crosswinds, has a good bit of carrying space, and doesn't go rusty around the sills? I don't want much eh? ;-) Volvo V70 R :-) /Morten --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.822 / Virus Database: 560 - Release Date: 22/12/2004 |
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#33
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 17:21:38 -0000, "Morten"
wrote: "Kat" wrote in message ... That may be the answer. Thanks. Anyone recommend an estate car that accelerates fast, is reliable, cheap to run, comfortable, handles well on corners and in crosswinds, has a good bit of carrying space, and doesn't go rusty around the sills? I don't want much eh? ;-) Volvo V70 R :-) /Morten Thanks for the suggestion. I took a look at a pic and the specs... looks good... nice 2.3 engine too... K |
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#34
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#35
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On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:29:41 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote: In article , Kat wrote: Before you go ahead, check up on the insurance situation. It might be cheaper to get a big old Volvo estate. It might, indeed. Thanks. Especially one with a tow bar... But why a Volvo, in particular? They tend to be pretty well engineered vehicles - although maybe not the most exciting to drive. So older ones can still be found in serviceable condition. What is the usual thing that eventually consigns them to the scrap yard? On all the cars I've had, (British and Japanese) , it's been body rust - especially the sills - (even though the engines still had about 200K miles of life left in them)! How are the 10-15 year old Volvos with regards rust problems? I once drove a 740 when they first came out in the 80s, and was quite impressed. K |
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#36
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Kat wrote:
On all the cars I've had, (British and Japanese) , it's been body rust - especially the sills - (even though the engines still had about 200K miles of life left in them)! How are the 10-15 year old Volvos with regards rust problems? I once drove a 740 when they first came out in the 80s, and was quite impressed. Something like a 10 year old Subaru Legacy estate is a similar size and will go forever. Not as easy to find, spares cost a bit more but you won't need em often! (They had corrosion licked by the time they produced the Legacy - especially '92 onward). If you get and estate with the built in roof rails and stick a decent set of roof bars on them it would carry 100kg+ on the roof. -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
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#37
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Kat wrote:
That may be the answer. Thanks. Anyone recommend an estate car that accelerates fast, is reliable, cheap to run, comfortable, handles well on corners and in crosswinds, has a good bit of carrying space, and doesn't go rusty around the sills? I don't want much eh? ;-) If you can find one, the estate version of what I have ;-) Subaru Legacy 2.0 4 CAM Turbo. There were only a few hundred official UK spec models ever built (they had to sell 5000 world wide, to qualify it for entry into the rallies), but a good proportion of them are atill about. Does all you require, alothough a little fond of the jungle juice if you get too keen with the right foot! Unassuming shape, permenant four wheel drive with viscous coupling diffs, and Sierra Cosworth style performance. Basically it has a break, clutch, and a smile pedal! (Grey imports of newer versions are more easily available including the twin turbo version, but that will cost you more in insurance). -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
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#38
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"John Rumm" wrote in message ... Something like a 10 year old Subaru Legacy estate is a similar size and will go forever. Not as easy to find, spares cost a bit more but you won't need em often! (They had corrosion licked by the time they produced the Legacy - especially '92 onward). If you get and estate with the built in roof rails and stick a decent set of roof bars on them it would carry 100kg+ on the roof. I was wondering why the roof rack had not been mentioned yet. I had a tiny Rover Metro, years ago and carried all sorts on its roof (within the limits of course) 4 by 8 sheets were a doddle. Ladder bars are very low cost items for older cars. Dave |
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#39
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#40
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most exciting to drive. So older ones can still be found in serviceable condition. Other similar large estates - like say Ford used to make - are getting rare. Scary prices for Volvo spare parts though, from what I remember. No get them from people like http://www.eurocarparts.com/ or my current favourite http://www.gsfcarparts.com/ coz they have just opened a local branch. Any other difficult bits get them from the local scrappy. Course if you have to go to a main street dealer they will rip you for parts - course you will know they're not really cheap will you :-) Sam |
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