Buying an economical vehicle
Submitted: Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 10:39
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redsocks43
Hi We need some advice on buying a van. At present we have a landcruiser and tow a camper trailer. We are thinking of getting a poptop camper or van instead eg Sprinter, Hiace or sim. either set up as a camper or to convert. We would prefer diesel and would like some idea of the comparative diesel consumption of various models (kilometres per litre). At present we only get 7klms to litre towing the trailer and would like to get about 12 klms to litre if such a thing is possible! Has anyone got any ideas of a good buy.
Reply By: Member - Serg (VIC) - Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 12:08
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 12:08
It you have 14 L/100km by towing a camper, then you doing bl00dy good. There is no miracle will happen and it is simple physics – in city mass has everything to do to fuel consumption (i.e. heavier vehicle will always consume more), while on open roads aerodynamics play major role, thus square tail 4WD always lose here to more aerodynamic friendly
sedan. I honestly believe that you fool yourself if you think you can achieve 8 L/100Km with any decent sized vehicle. Therefore if fuel consumption absolute paramount you have to sacrifice space inside your van and look for something like
this. Alternatively you can go
camper on they tray option. Neither of this options particularly cheap and IMHO you will be fat better off financially to keep existing gear.
Cheer
Serg
AnswerID:
328256
Follow Up By: redsocks43 - Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 12:30
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 12:30
Thank you I think we are doing pretty
well but my husband wants miracles!! Cheers
FollowupID:
595547
Follow Up By: redsocks43 - Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 12:34
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 12:34
PS Just looked at your photo. Should have done before I answered. The Kia type is just the sort of thing we are thinking about
FollowupID:
595548
Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 15:13
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 15:13
The downside to a motorhome/camper is that should you be in a
camping ground and you want to take off for the day you have to vacate your space pack everything up etc.
Whereas with a car and a van you just lock the van and away you go and come back to a setup home at the end of the day.
You dont say exactly what your tow car is EG a TD 80 or 100 series Would help give answers.
EG my 100series TD does 6 kpl towing a 2.8 tonne van as an average over a week away That is 15.3 l per 100km. I am happy with that.
Miracles are just that they never happen
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595559
Reply By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 13:28
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 13:28
Hi Redsocks,
You really need to think about ALL the costs in running a vehicle rather than just looking at fuel consumption. You also need to keep in mind what you want to do with your vehicle and where you want it to go. Do you need a 4WD, What are the changeover costs? etc. If you spend an extra few thousand dollars by changing your vehicle, work out how much fuel that would buy. Your present fuel consumption sounds pretty good anyway...
Val.
| J and V
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Follow Up By: Member - Redbakk (WA) - Saturday, Oct 04, 2008 at 15:02
Saturday, Oct 04, 2008 at 15:02
If you spend an extra few thousand dollars by changing your vehicle, work out how much fuel that would buy.
This is such an important truth and is often lost on most people....
FollowupID:
595657
Reply By: Eric Experience - Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 21:30
Friday, Oct 03, 2008 at 21:30
Redsocks.
You are on the right track going for a Sprinter. If you get an ex
ambulance you will have a top of the range vehicle with all the latest safety features for only about $20k 10L/100k no problem. The down side is the vehicles are decommissioned by unskilled workers and you will have a lot of cosmetic repairs to do. I have done 2 of them and would be happy to give some tips. Eric
AnswerID:
328344