If any of the regulars are interested, give me a shout - I'm selling my 2 vans (one old one, one in current use), both in very good order, for sensible money, due to finding a much bigger van (which I now require) at a very attractive price.
I'll keep it as short as possible, so here goes:
Van no 1:
Renault Master SL28D - SWB, Low Roof, 98/S (first of the new model around that time)
2.5 Diesel (normally aspirated), 5-speed manual gearbox - I've averaged 27mpg using it for multidrop work, engine running virtually non-stop whilst in use Rear windows. Not ply-lined. Remote central locking (fully working) 95k on the clock, no formal service history but I personally know the previous owner who had it from new, and the way it drives is testament to the fact that the mileage is genuine - I have the past 2-3 MOTs as well. Exhaust, brakes (but see later on) and clutch all in good working order - clutch is barely worn at all, and is testament to the van having been driven with care all its life. Radio-cassette w/std factory-fit steering wheel controls. Excellent runner - never failed an MOT, never failed to start on me. Mechanically spot on. In 18 months of ownership, only two things have gone wrong - the gear selector cable snapped (£200 incl. part/labour, genuine OEM parts used), and the aux drivebelt tensioner puller disintegrated (an extortionate £148 incl VAT for new pulley + replacement belt, again genuine OEM parst used). Recent battery (well, just over a year ago), new front brake pads, good tyres all around (no more than 30% worn at a guess), recent new windscreen. MOT and Tax until July 2006Cosmetically not perfect - not immaculate, but far from a beaten-up wreck, and looks reasonable clean from 10-20 metres away.
Needs a couple of jobs doing fairly soon: -
- cambelt (due within the next 5000 miles or so),
- front brake discs are wearing *very* thin and need replacing ASAP - I won't lie about this - they're the behind-the-hub design which involves a fair bit of work to replace them, and I'd personally get the front wheel bearings done at the same time (nothing wrong with them at the moment, but advisable due to the age/mileage). I have a pair of brand new replacement discs, and have been quoted £180 to fit the discs, and supply + fit new front bearings at the same time, though for someone with access to the correct tools and a hydraulic press this shouldn't take more than a couple of hours max.
Bar that, there are a few minor issues - a small metal loop aerial holding the aerial in place has snapped off, so the aerial is currently held on with tape - probably a better solution than this, but it keeps it there fairly well. The catch on one of the rear doors is very slightly bent (due to someone shutting it without the other door being properly shut) and occasionally (and I must stress this is only very occasionally needs prising in one direction with a screwdriver/key to shut the door). Only other thing is the cable for the heater control has a slight kink at one end and if you're anything less than über-gentle with the control knob it unhooks itself, and it's in that state at the moment. Someone with more patience than me could probably un-bend it and sort it properly, but I've just lived with it, and it's only a 2-minute job to remove the panel and either fully push it in or pull it out to either get full or no heat, one for winter, one for summer) so I've just left it as it is.
In short, a good reliable van, with genuine mileage and no hidden issues (like so many 2nd hand vans), and should do a very good service for the next owner. It's a very good van and does feel like it'll "run and run and run" like the adverts say, but be aware of the issues I've mentioned when considering other vans. I'm asking £2000 for it as it is, but am happy to take a sensible offer from someone who's genuinely interested and not just out to come and kick tyres.
Located in Berkshire. Email Peter at What a load of bollocks dot co dot uk if interested.