Most popular vans for traders

Logic4training's top 5 vans

Choosing the right van for your trade can be tricky. There are so many options available it can be difficult to know where to start.

The Ford transit alone has literally hundreds of different variations for it's basic models.

With so many different manufacturers building quality vehicles we thought we'd take a look at 5 of the most popular vans on the market.

These are the top 5 vans we see in our car park, on the road and being used by the trades.

Each one has it's pros and cons, we've tried to highlight the main ones.

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit, a national institution and the most popular choice for anyone looking for a versatile all-rounder. There are several models to choose from including the Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit custom and Transit Jumbo. Pros

Running costs are reassuringly low even with the most powerful and biggest models
Vast range, over 450 variants to choose from all of which are extremely customizable
Low cost of repair
Reliable and safe

Cons

You may get bogged down with options
Not a lot of storage room in the cabin space

Mercedes Sprinter

The Mercedes Sprinter is a premium large van that screams quality through and through. With nine body styles it is also a versatile vehicle although not quite matching the transits vast range of models. Pros

High performance options like all wheel drive, a fully automatic gearbox and up to 190 bhp engine.
Gives a professional image
Large load space available (from 7.5m3 to 17m3) and a large towing capacity
Reliable and safe

Cons

Can be expensive to run
Extras like Bluetooth connectivity, Sat Nav and cruise control are expensive
No front wheel drive versions
High load floor

Renault Trafic

Another extremely popular choice, the continentally styled Renault Trafic is a mid-sized panel van that is comfortable and offers great value for money. Pros

Practical and extremely well thought out loading area with a low loading floor and on Business+ models and above there is an extra area that opens up for long objects like piping or planks. Clever.
Decent reliability with affordable maintenance. Renault also offers PRO+, a network of courtesy vehicles should yours encounter a problem.
Comfortable and spacious cabin area
Good looking van

Cons

Performance lags behind rival vans
Not as many safety features as standard
Only goes up to 8.6m3

VW Transporter

The Volkswagen T6 Transporter is one of the best looking vans on the market but it’s not just a pretty face. It means business, with sturdy build, incredible driving performance and loads of technology to boot. Pros

Includes all of VW latest technology including Active Cruise control (ACC), Lane Change Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking and high beam assist. New models also meet European emissions legislation.
Bluemotion technology which claims 15% fuel saving across the range
Class leading performance and reliability
Superb build quality in the cab and throughout

Cons

In cab storage is lacking with impractical cup holders and an open dash tray.
Some add-ons are quite expensive. For example VW’s 4motion all-wheel drive system costs an extra £2240

Fiat Ducato

Fiat’s flagship Ducato panel van has been around for 30 years and is popular throughout Europe, although you don’t see as many in the UK. Pros

Incredibly low running costs. The entry level 110bhp 2.3 litre engine returns 44.1 mpg with the 130 and 148 models returning at an even better 45.6 mpg
The Ducanto is massive (up to 17m3), with one of the largest load capacities in its class, only beaten by the biggest Mercedes Sprinter.
- Reliable engine

Cons