late model Reliable Van - Advice

[BTTB]

I'm researching for a suitable vehicle that's sits in the same category as a Mercedes Benz Sprinter / Ford Transit to be used in an independent living facility for the aged / retired /disabled.

Initial recommendation from a reputable company suggested a used '10 Mercedes Sprinter (MWB) which could seat 7 plus a wheelchair/lift in the back

Not having had any experience with late model Commercial Vans can anyone suggest a vehicle ? or more so warn of any particular vehicles in that category that should be avoided !

My preliminary vehicle issue search revealed some horror repair bills for Mercedes Sprinter exhaust / turbo setups... but most of them were American

any info or suggestions would be deeply appreciated

[GasoLane]

I been in a Sprinter used as a School bus in the outback (very, very outback NT)

It seems the only problem they've found with them is the sliding door doesn't stand up very well to corrugations on the dirt roads there.

[Beastie]

We have a Ford Transit (2012 model) here at work and it has been very reliable for the past three years and is used every day for daily deliveries & pick ups.

Servicing is done at our local Bridgestone and the pricing is reasonable.

My only suggestion if you go the Transit, get windscreen cover on your insurance!!!

$600 for a new windscreen as they have a heater element built in.....

[Makovic]

Toyota Hiace Commuter Super LWB.

Checkout carsales.com.au

[Tonz]

a lot of ambulances appear to be Sprinters, go and chat the guys and girls up, they do the driving, also if thats successful try contacting a few of the rural/outback ambulance places.

[Makovic]

AFAIK, Transit uses the same 2.4 diesel as the base model Ranger and the Landrover Defender.

Good motor by all accounts.

[Makovic]

And you might want to check out the new SAIC-GM LDV V80 automatic RWD van.

Good specs. Under $30k.

Biggest vehicle manufacturer in China at 5 million units per year.

But it's an unknown here - like Toyota in the 50s and 60s.

[malazn mafia]

Renault Tragic seem to be a good van. Had one client with 360,000 km on the clock, since new. Loaded up with tools and equipment from day 1, heavy suburban use daily. Has not missed a beat and has nicely spaced service intervals.

[olfella]

Hyundai iMax? I hear they are very good and spacious.

[Franco Cozzo]

I helped convert around 100 plus Mercedes Sprinters into Ambulances.

Very good van, engine wise you would want the V6 though, the 4 cylinder wouldn't pull the panties off a meth addict.

[Makovic]

Remember reading mixed reviews on the IMAX.

http://www.productreview.com.au/p/hy...8-present.html

One of the 4 bad reviews out of the 14 reviews:

Following on from the blown turbo saga, Hyundai eventually honoured the warranty and all was good.

Due to the "service receipt" debacle, I decided to book the van in for a its 160,000k service with Hyundai. A week prior to the service, less than 10,000k's after the new turbo, then engine ceased...

Having the vehicle towed to Hyundai, with documents sent to Korea for adjudication and after waiting 8 weeks, a new engine and turbo was installed.

Out of curiosity I asked " if this was not covered under warranty, how much would this have cost me?" I was told "$25k..."

[jstanovic]

Toyota Hiace. Each company that I worked for said by far the Toyotas wer the most reliable and took the abuse the best from the tradies and apprentices. Bit costly and cramped for me though(198cm).

[Makovic]

Originally Posted by tempted

https://www.ancap.com.au/media-and-g...s-just-2-stars

Yeah, it's a great van if you want to use your legs as crumple zones.

Frontal deaths per billion miles driven, according to US data, is now less than 5 deaths.

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pubs/811102.pdf

For a disability/aged care scenario, (not courier work) not transporting the frail and the invalid would result in an even higher mortality rate.

[BTTB]

Thanks everyone, I'll post up what we decide on