Buy a trailer (instead of a pickup truck)

[duncan]

I like trailers
Means I can shift more than a pickup and still have the comfort of a car (station wagon) also useful for taking my competition car to events

Years ago I had a mini with a Lancia 2 liter twin cam in the front
I used a small trailer to carry my tools and slicks to events
I remember once burning off a turbo escort and my buddy killing himself laughing - I had forgotten that I was still pulling the trailer

The guy in his shiny new turbocharged ford had just been out-accelerated by a mini pulling a trailer

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

My trailer is nearly done, it replaces my VW T5 which costs more than a Porsche to run.

What makes the T5 so expensive to run?

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

What makes the T5 so expensive to run?

An $18K cracked cylinder head at 40,000km, out of warranty, while the engine's out may as well replace the DMF and clutch, plus it needs a driveshaft. That's before the extra service costs of a diesel, the extra cost of fuel and additives, DPF replacements down the road etc. A new engine costs $34K for reference

I've driven every van on the market here and the old 5cyl 400Nm T5 is by far the best, but VW even require special tools to change brake pads Unless I decide to go down the new car every three years route (which is exactly what they want of course), I won't be buying another VW.

So I now have a petrol Renault so cheap to run it's funny. I might get a new Iveco Daily in a couple of years time when I recover from the VW ordeal. I love big vans.

[freebeard]

My eye read 'Iveco' but my mind said 'Divco'.



2 Divcos and a Ford

[cosmick]

And here I was wondering when Borg-Warner ever supplied their T5 transmissions to VW. Learn something new every day, right?

[duncan]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

An $18K cracked cylinder head at 40,000km, out of warranty, while the engine's out may as well replace the DMF and clutch, plus it needs a driveshaft. That's before the extra service costs of a diesel, the extra cost of fuel and additives, DPF replacements down the road etc. A new engine costs $34K for reference

I've driven every van on the market here and the old 5cyl 400Nm T5 is by far the best, but VW even require special tools to change brake pads Unless I decide to go down the new car every three years route (which is exactly what they want of course), I won't be buying another VW.

So I now have a petrol Renault so cheap to run it's funny. I might get a new Iveco Daily in a couple of years time when I recover from the VW ordeal. I love big vans.

When I worked at Cummins the 6 liter engine was being sold to Chrysler for the Dodge Ram for less than $2000 (2001)
Chrysler bought 500/day to get that price!
The $34,000 represents an absolutely huge mark-up

[freebeard]

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/391522-random-transportation-pictures-1450.html#post8473307

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

That military-themed trailer looks awesome.

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

I might get a new Iveco Daily in a couple of years time when I recover from the VW ordeal.

Would you eventually consider another FWD van such as a Fiat Ducato or a Renault Master instead of the Iveco? BTW what do you think about the Toyota HiAce (sure, it's RWD, but I still like it)? I wish this one was officially available in my country...

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Would you eventually consider another FWD van such as a Fiat Ducato or a Renault Master instead of the Iveco? BTW what do you think about the Toyota HiAce (sure, it's RWD, but I still like it)? I wish this one was officially available in my country...

In my opinion, the Renault is the easiest to drive and has the best ride (best economy too since it's a 1.6 BiTurbo with EPAS and standard stop/start). The Ducato is the most 'sporty' we only get the 3.0/ 180hp engine, it's the smallest on the outside, but biggest on the inside. Down side is it's very tall geared unless you get the heavy duty 'Maxi' version. The new Iveco still drives like a truck, but you get a wide range of engine options and can pick what final drive you want. Tuning circle of the SWB is smaller than my SWB Kangoo. Of the lot I would expect the Iveco to be most reliable, followed by Ducato and Renault have issues with their DCi engines. The most sensible choice for me might be a Transit Custom, as they're the only mid size SWB Euro that will take 4x8 sheets in the back. I do worry that a big van might get tiresome since I do all city driving.

Hiace offers a lot of space considering it's small exterior dimensions, is easy to park and is reliable, but that's about all it has to offer. It's noisy, cramped, expensive and the engine tech is ancient. Best selling van in Australia though. Engine located under the seat makes them a pain to work on (not that any van is really great), and makes the cabin hot in summer (insulation can only do so much). They drive like something 20 years old. I used to like cab-over vans, but I'm over their advantages.

I've now driven just about every van (small, medium and large) sold here and my 5cyl VW T5 is easily the best (gearbox could be better though), the new 2.0's aren't as good. Part of me still wants to fix it and keep it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

In my opinion, the Renault is the easiest to drive and has the best ride (best economy too since it's a 1.6 BiTurbo with EPAS and standard stop/start).

With such engine, I assume you're talking about the Kangoo, not the Master.

I've now driven just about every van (small, medium and large) sold here and my 5cyl VW T5 is easily the best (gearbox could be better though), the new 2.0's aren't as good. Part of me still wants to fix it and keep it.

Drop a Cummins ISF2.8 on that and call it a day