New work vehicle

[Mk5 GTian]

Just after some advice or opinions really, I need a new work vehicle, but have 4 to 5 k to spend. Needs to be a big load lugger, but also quite quick!

Here is my initial list, but I'd welcome opinions or additions

Touran 2.0 TDI 140 with a cheeky 180 remap
Mondeo ST220 estate
Volvo V70 T5
Audi A6 Allroad 2.5 TDI
Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 GSi Turbo
Passat V6 4Motion Estate
New shape Passat 2.0T Estate

Cheers,

Ian.

[Gazza747]

I would go for an Octavia VRS estate

[Hedge]

I agree but I'm biased. 

[phil1975]

From your list my vote goes for the mondeo st220 estate, (but I am a bit of a fan of the blue oval, not the current ones though!)

My mate has had one from new (2004) and its been bullet proof over 145k all its had is a clutch.

Reasonable mpg from a 3litre engine (late 20's) I think you do have to watch the year or you pay the much higher road tax! Just avoid the ones with the red interiors

I would stay clear of the 4x4 options on your list because of the associated costs if it goes wrong on a 4/5k motor.

Enjoy your search and test drives

[R32UK]

V6 estate..... simply because its a V6 

[v6yna]

New shape passat 

[Mk5 GTian]

I reckon I'm down to 2 now:

Mondeo ST220 (Sounds and look great)

Or being more sensible, Touran 2.0TDI 140. Spoke to Andy @ Storm today and he reckons you can get 180-200 bhp out of these.

Octavia VRS estate doesnt have the load space unfortunately.

New Passat is just too ugly, old V6 4Motion is too thirsty.

[v6yna]

touran it is then buddy 

[RedRobin]

.
Of the list you posted, surely the Touran's load capacity will serve you the best.

But do the back seats fold absolutely flat or at an angle like the Golf?

Why not a Caddy van? Contents out of sight and therefore potentially more secure.

[Mk5 GTian]

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Hi Robin,

I'm not sure about the seats folding flat, I think you can take them out completely though. I don't want a Caddy van, I'll get the rear windows blacked out though.

It'll be a useful vehicle I can use for leisure as well, whereas a van is just a van.

[RedRobin]

I'll get the rear windows blacked out though.

It'll be a useful vehicle I can use for leisure as well.

....Shabba168 on here knows how to kit out your ride for leisure-n-pleasure 

[neg]

3 rear seats in the Touran come out completely as you can put them in 3 row config or stepped in slightly for a 2 row.  The boot seats dont come out (not easily anyway) and if it is the 7 seat version when you remove the rear seats the boot seats are slightly higher so you get a little lip - might not be an issue. Its a van when all seats removed at the end of the day. 

The 140TDI remapped drives great by the way, loads of Torque and pulls well.

[chrisr763]

Passat! 

[Mk5 GTian]

3 rear seats in the Touran come out completely as you can put them in 3 row config or stepped in slightly for a 2 row.  The boot seats dont come out (not easily anyway) and if it is the 7 seat version when you remove the rear seats the boot seats are slightly higher so you get a little lip - might not be an issue. Its a van when all seats removed at the end of the day. 

The 140TDI remapped drives great by the way, loads of Torque and pulls well.

Great, thanks Neg, I'm going to get a 5 seat one, as I don't want the problems with the rear seats, just want a big boot. I'll take the other 3 seats out and store them indoors for when I use it as a non-van. Apparently you can get 200bhp and 300 torques for a 200 quid Storm developments remap! I'll take that!

[phil1975]

I was hoping for the st220 and the following pics!

Enjoy anyway thats a good power from the remap.