As a courier, you’ve got some very specific priorities when it comes to choosing your next used van. Probably first and foremost, it’ll need to be able to carry the goods, safely and securely. Secondly, you’ll want a van that you’ll be comfortable in during all those hours around town or pounding the motorways, and thirdly, all those miles need to be covered using the least amount of fuel possible, making the trip nice and profitable. Let’s take a look at some of those vans that really should be on your shopping list…
Ford Fiesta
For some couriers the Ford Fiesta may well not be big enough but, we’re including it due to the fantastic fuel economy (combined 80.7mpg) in its latest 1.5 litre diesel guise. Not only that, it’s pretty much the same as the passenger car with all the associated refinement and comfort so you’ll arrive back home after that 300 mile dash as fresh as a daisy.
Fiat Fiorino
A great little van for those who don’t carry too much in the way of volume or weight, but who really need a bit more than a car-based van is the Fiat Fiorino. It’s economical too, the 1.3 litre diesel engine in the latest version achieving a combined MPG of just 62.8. And, when you’re looking for a nice used one, take a look at the very similar Citroen Nemo and Peugeot Bipper, no longer available to buy new.
Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner
The Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner is a real favourite of the courier and it’s not hard to see why. With car like comfort (and in the latest versions some great, state of the art tech) there’s loads of room in the rear for parcels and boxes. For those who need to carry some serious weight, the latest vans can carry up to an incredible 1000kgs…
Vauxhall Combo/ Fiat Doblo
The previous model Vauxhall Combo was based on the Fiat Doblo and was built in the same factory. Don’t let appearances deceive, the Combo / Doblo is really impressive on the road, and the independent suspension means that for those who like a ‘spirited’ drive, the van won’t disappoint. A side loading door makes loading and unloading a piece of cake, and with load volumes of up to 4.2cu/m, you’ll have plenty of room for the day’s drops.
Ford Transit Connect
In its various forms The Ford Transit Connect has been around for a while now, and whilst the very early ones weren’t a favourite with couriers due to fuel consumption not being the best, in recent years Ford have really come to the party and the latest vans have official combined figures as high as 62.8mpg. There’s a choice of two body lengths, both usually fitted with a side loading door and, if you decide to go for a pre-2014 model, the longer version has a high roof as standard.
Vauxhall Vivaro
It’s probably only right to include one larger van in our guide to the best vans for couriers, so let’s go for the Vauxhall Vivaro. It’s had a few incarnations over the years and is definitely worth considering for those needing a bit more volume. It’s a great buy used as there are lots on the market, many from high profile fleets and with impeccable maintenance histories.
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