Commercial vehicle/BOV

[Beards]

Hey all,

In relation to my post in the General Chat section, I think its about time to pass my test and get myself a vehicle.

I'm setting up my own business - working with machinery, buying/repairing/selling etc. I'm working a on organisation that helps new businesses start up, offering support, very reasonable loans of up to 4,000 which I can put towards a good commercial vehicle and trailer/tools.

I've been thinking of looking for something that I could use Monday to Friday as a works vehicle, but then empty out and use it as a camper/BOV if needed be.

I was originally thinking of something like a Defender/Old Style 4x4 (But don't know if these count as commercial) through to some sort of transit van/etc..

Any thoughts?

[tigs]

why not take a look at a land rover 110 xd ex army http://www.milweb.net/classifieds.php?type=14

[Beards]

Those were what I was thinking about - but can't find out if they are classed as a commercial vehicle - the reason I keep mentioning that, is that I can only borrow the money to put towards a vehicle that is for the business.

[Plymtom]

Knowing next to bugger all about vehicles, I can't reccomend one but thinking outside the box or inside the van a bit, if your buisiness conceivably has you travelling then you could from the off have it looking and acting much like a bug out vehicle on the premise that work takes you far enough for overnighters, which would be cheaper more competative and more secure if you and your tools slept together you only need then use a trailer to bring stuff back to base or deliver, which entails further savings in fuel/wear and tear.

[tigs]

Those were what I was thinking about - but can't find out if they are classed as a commercial vehicle - the reason I keep mentioning that, is that I can only borrow the money to put towards a vehicle that is for the business.

any vehicle is as long as you insure it as a commercial vehicle , we use landies on the farm , also know of a plumber and a vet that use them too

[Beards]

Knowing next to bugger all about vehicles, I can't reccomend one but thinking outside the box or inside the van a bit, if your buisiness conceivably has you travelling then you could from the off have it looking and acting much like a bug out vehicle on the premise that work takes you far enough for overnighters, which would be cheaper more competative and more secure if you and your tools slept together you only need then use a trailer to bring stuff back to base or deliver, which entails further savings in fuel/wear and tear.

That's the plan.

Those were what I was thinking about - but can't find out if they are classed as a commercial vehicle - the reason I keep mentioning that, is that I can only borrow the money to put towards a vehicle that is for the business.

any vehicle is as long as you insure it as a commercial vehicle , we use landies on the farm , also know of a plumber and a vet that use them too

Cheers!!! Do you know anywhere I can get some info about that, that way I can speak to them about it and have written confirmation that its all ok.

[moocher]

Vw t4 syncro 4x4 van ,though I think for 4 grand it wouldn't be pretty.

[unsure]

i don`t want to poke holes in your plan as it sounds like you know what you want and are preppered to go get it .

if your about to pass your test you are limited on what you can do , with regard to towing a trailer , you can only do this after you have passed your B+E test , its a seperate test just to tow a trailer over 750kg`s loaded .some but not all insurance companys wouldn`t insure you in a big van ,if you decide to go down the 4x4 route ,let me know and i`ll pm you contact details for a company that looks favourably on 4x4 .

[tigs]

Those were what I was thinking about - but can't find out if they are classed as a commercial vehicle - the reason I keep mentioning that, is that I can only borrow the money to put towards a vehicle that is for the business.

any vehicle is as long as you insure it as a commercial vehicle , we use landies on the farm , also know of a plumber and a vet that use them too

Cheers!!! Do you know anywhere I can get some info about that, that way I can speak to them about it and have written confirmation that its all ok.[/quote]

i think unsure has that covered for you

[Technik]

There is also another thing you need to think about. If you buy a van or some of the 4x4 then you can put 100% of your expenses (fuel, insurance, road tax, repairs, etc.) thru the books but if you get a car or a smaller 4x4 then you can't put it all (not sure because my accountant used to do that for me but I think it's 70%). It has to do with the vehicles payload.
Point B with expenses - vans are generally cheaper when it goes to parts and are tougher because they are built for work, 4x4's are also tough but parts depend on model. I have a Ford Transit and that thing is bullet proof, never let me down and has huge amounts of space inside, the downside is that it's not very economical on fuel (I pay around £60-100 a week). 4x4's are also great but if you're planning to drive a lot, especially on motorways and city then the fuel bill will kick you in the teeth even more.
I know how you feel because I was in the same position myself couple years ago. I started with a 4x4 but now have a van. My circumstances have changed again and now I'm selling the van and getting a car and a 4x4. You have to think about your needs and if you're starting a business then think what's good for it. Especially at the beginning you have to think about cutting expenses and you won't be able to get everything you need, so concentrate on the business and only then think about a bov because your new venture is there to provide you funds for living. Also £4000 isn't a lot of money if you want to get a vehicle and tools so choose everything carefully.
HTH