Four major models rule the commercial van market; when looking to buy one for your business you should keep in mind their individual pros and cons, helping to pick the right one for you. The first of these four models is the Vauxhall Combo that comes standard with a 1.3L common rail diesel engine. This motor pumps out about 70bhp at 4,000rpms The Combo’s engine is matted with a smooth Easy Tronic transmission. The Easy Tronic is a five speed gearbox without a clutch; you just push the gear lever up or down to change gears. The gearbox also has a full auto setting that operates just like an automatic transmission. The compact size allows for good handling bolstered by coil springs and MacPherson struts, both standard. Other standard equipment includes antilock brakes and power assisted steering.

The Ford Connect model is very similar to the Vauxhall Combo. A 75bhp diesel was standard with an optional 90bhp engine. Unfortunately antilock brakes and dual loading doors are optional, so I would keep an eye out for those. The rear bumper did come with a step on all models for easy entry. An array of lashing eyes and hooks in the rear cabin includes six eyes on the floor that can be moved to ten locations on the walls. Six hooks are also included on the roof. Although a little under powered; the base model engine boasted a 40mpg rating. Sitting on the higher end of the commercial van market is the Volkswagen Transporter. Volkswagen offered three engines in this model: 85bhp 1.9L, 104bhp 1.9L, and a 174bhp 2.5L. The 2.5L is usually overkill and it also tends to drive the price up a good bit. Antilock brakes, adjustable steering wheel, driver airbag, and central locking are all standard which helps with the extra cost. You can also expect to have a quieter ride free of squeaks and bumps even with higher mileage vehicles. Finally, the Ford Transit van is the largest of the four vans. Transit’s lager size required a larger engine to power it. This is done with a standard 2.2L common rail engine that gets decent mileage for its size. Although this van does handle like a small car; you can expect to replace the clutch a few times. The ride will include some extra noise also.