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  1. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by woodPixel View Post
    I had the distinct pleasure of using a friends Mercedes Vito.

    I'm 6'3" and walked around inside with plenty of room above my head.
    Are you sure it wasn't a high roof Sprinter? Vito is about the same size as a Hiace.

    Sprinter.

    Vito.

    Another Vito, the Italian model .

    EDIT: Ok, just saw your subsequent post - 'twere a Sprinter!
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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  3. #17
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    That was a Mens shed freeby Pickup from a flooring company that was going out of business.
    We ended up getting 3 trailer (two 8x5's and a 6x4) loads and the back of the van filled up, much more than shown in the photo.
    The ply sheets and offcuts were real quality stuff.

    pIMG_1943.jpg

  4. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Dealers might try charging more but when SWMBO had a petrol Forester our mechanic was charging us very close to the same for servicing both vehicles. Now SWMBO has a diesel Subaru and have not noticed any significant increased servicing price increases compared to the petrol version.
    If thats the case I'd be inclined to check what your mechanic is doing vs and compare it with a Dealership's scheduled service, I am almost willing to bet that shortcuts are being taken. As a general guide Diesels are more expensive.

    Not too familar with the Subaru Diesel, but i also hear boxer engines are more complicated than straight configurations which leads to higher servicing costs.

  5. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by tonzeyd View Post
    If thats the case I'd be inclined to check what your mechanic is doing vs and compare it with a Dealership's scheduled service, I am almost willing to bet that shortcuts are being taken.
    Have had same mechanic and two Hiaces since 2007. Have had one "eye watering" dealer service in that time (2010?) because it was closer to my place but after that went back to the mechanic. My Hiaces have run like clockwork - not a single problem in that time. The only reason I bought the second one was when some idiot crashed headlong into me while texting on his mobile phone and it totalled both cars. My insurance was only going to give me $15k and I challenged that by getting a vehicle report from my mechanic who had serviced my vehicle just a few days before the crash and it said my vehicle was in super condition. I sent it to the Insurance company and end up with $17.2k

  6. #20
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    My father in law owns a petrol ldv G10. He uses it for work (security door/shower screen installs) and he went for it as it had the largest carry space and could easily fit a 1.2 X 2.4 sheet in there. He hasn't complained about it yet so I assume it's going well. He has had it about 12 months I think (maybe longer)

    If you have any specific questions about it I'm happy to ask so you can compare.

    I have an izusu dmax 2013 model. If you are going for a ute I would at least look at these. Diesel, 3.0 lt 4 cylinder. I can't fault it. I carry about 1 ton of tools around every day (have had the suspension upgraded) and it's gone 150,000 KMs without skipping a beat. I went for it because the breaks are a larger disc than competitors, the chassis is built more solid (truck company over-engineering) and a slightly larger engine than others you may be looking at.

    I'm not mechanically minded at all - but I need reliable and a workhorse.... The dmax seems to live up to it so far (I have owned it since new so serviced regularly etc)
    "All the gear and no idea"

  7. #21
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    Default What to buy - a Ute or a Van? Which brand?

    Had a ute for two years with our handman business.
    Now have a van that can carry a 1200/2400 sheet of material.(in a false floor I built)
    Plus awesome racks
    Plus the best cup holders ever.
    It's French it rocks
    Never a ute again
    Go a van Brett

    Cheers Matt

  8. #22
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    crowie is online now Life's Good, Enjoy each new day & try to encourage
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    Just a thought Brett, Being a bloke who is great on thorougher investigation...
    Check the servicing and parts prices; something we used to factor into major machinery, plant, trucks & service vehicles as the up front price may look good but the serviceability kill the pocket.
    Just my 2boobs worth..Cheers, Peter

  9. #23
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    I would definitely go a van over a ute. I had a 2007 Mercedes Sprinter 313 and a Navara and only needed 1 vehicle. I only sold the van because the Navara still had finance and I thought I would be using it to transport kids . It is a decision I still regret. (Selling the van, not the kids)

    Just be aware that if you get a van you will become everyone's best mate when they want to move.

    You should also consider getting a van with a drivers side door and a window in the passenger side:


    1. One of the things that was a pain in the Sprinter was when you were loaded up with materials and the tool you needed was on the shelf behind them. By investing in some shelving on the drivers side you don't really lose any capacity and you can store all your go to stuff.
    2. It can be dangerous making a right turn from a slip lane without the window.
    Last edited by Jestar; 27th September 2017 at 11:33 PM. Reason: Clarity

  10. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by crowie View Post
    Check the servicing and parts prices; something we used to factor into major machinery, plant, trucks & service vehicles as the up front price may look good but the serviceability kill the pocket.
    Good idea.
    Quote Originally Posted by crowie View Post
    Just my 2boobs worth..
    Man cans? Bad idea!
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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  11. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jestar View Post
    One of the things that was a pain in the Sprinter was when you were loaded up with materials and the tool you needed was on the shelf behind them. By investing in some shelving on the drivers side you don't really lose any capacity and you can store all your go to stuff.
    Probably not going to be carrying around tools too much (not permanently anyway). I do like the idea of the roll out drawer system, like this one (pics 10 & 12 - each drawer takes 400kg apparently):
    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...-4995113/?Cr=8

    Quote Originally Posted by Jestar View Post
    It can be dangerous making a right turn from a slip lane without the window.
    Ah, whassa Slip Lane?
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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  12. #26
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    I agree about the window in the passenger side loading door and a drivers side loading door,

    The Mitsi vans I had in the 1990's had windows all around. The first Hiace had only one window in the passenger side loading door, and my current one has two windows down the passenger side which is even better.

    I carry a 3 tray tool box mainly full of chainsaw tools, a plastic drum full of ratchet straps and ropes, a large plastic storage box full of chainsaw related PPE, and an Al Gorilla work platform to use when tying down loads on the roof rack.

  13. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by FenceFurniture View Post

    Ah, whassa Slip Lane?
    Turning right from median strip in middle of multiple lane roadway. Slip lane was the first thing that popped into my head.

  14. #28
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    Pretty sure that diesels don't like short runs, or idling for any length of time. I lived 2 kms from work and got a small ute to run around in to save the diesel wear and tear.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  15. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    Pretty sure that diesels don't like short runs, or idling for any length of time. I lived 2 kms from work and got a small ute to run around in to save the diesel wear and tear.
    Kryn
    That might be a good point for me Kryn - most of my runs are short. At the moment it can be several days in between driving, and then only 1-2kms. Mind you, there will be another small vehicle around for those trips. A van may only be driven once or twice per week, on the current circumstances.

    So why do all those dickheads leave their stinking diesels idling???
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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  16. #30
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    My brother has an LDV G10, petrol turbo. He seems pretty happy with it. I drove it to the wood show recently and couldn't complain about anything. It certainly has more than enough power. I think the main down-side is the question mark over its long-term durability / reliability and that it's quite thirsty. I think the claimed fuel consumption is about 12 litres per 100km vs about 6.6l/100 for the newer twin turbo diesels like the Renault Trafic (likely my next daily driver tbh).

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