Motoring Con Brio

In the market for a new van, but you’re working on a limited budget? Don’t worry. You might be surprised at just how far your money can take you when you know where to look. We’ve narrowed the best affordable options in a range of different categories to suit various needs. Take a look to see which option is the best for you.

Best Compact Van

In many ways, the Citroen Nemo combines the best aspects of a van and a car in one package. It has the practicality you’d expect from a compact van, yet it still has that easy-driving style you’d attribute to a small car. The base model of the Nemo starts at £9,375 or £109.99 p/m from providers like this. It offers 2.5 cubic metres of load volume, which is just over more expensive options like Mercedes Citan Compact. When compared to hatchback vans like the Fiat Punto Van, Ford Fiesta Van, or the Vauxhall Corsavan, the Nemo offers around twice the storage capacity. The diesel options could get you as much as 60mpg, too, making it a cheap option on the road too.

Best Pickup Truck

Japanese company Isuzu has been slow in expanding into the UK, but after the positive impressions the Isuzu D-Max has received we may be seeing more of them in the near future. While there’s been some complaints from users who expect their pickup to handle more like an SUV, those that are looking for a no-nonsense pickup truck that will remain a reliable workhorse for years to come will not be disappointed. The D-Max starts at just under £15,000. It clearly values substance over style, which is why some may be disappointed with its interior, but others will be drawn in by the performance.

Best Panel Van

Finally, for those that need something a little larger there’s the Renault Master. Not only did Renault make their Master range cheaper to buy this time round, they even made it more attractive too. The range starts at just under £15,000. All units are powered by the same 2.3-litre diesel engine, available in multiple power outputs. Real world estimates place the fuel economy of the base model at around 30mpg, though you can expect more depending on your chosen options. While it might not be able to match some of the more expensive options on the market, like the Mercedes Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter, in terms of build quality, the Master holds its own and it has a well-designed interior too.

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In the UK last year, there was a total of 194,477 casualties due to reported road traffic accidents. This resulted in 1,775 road deaths, a 4% increase on the previous year. Many of these incidents could have been avoided had the proper precautions been in place. To help protect yourself and the people around you, here’s a few tips on how to stay safe on the road.

Planning Ahead of Time

Regular vehicle maintenance is an essential responsibility of any vehicle owner. Not only should you have the vehicle inspected out before you buy it, but you should also take it to get serviced at least once a year after this. While many drivers see this as just another checkpoint in a long list of expenses, the reality is thorough inspection services will help you to save you money in the long-run. More importantly, though, by picking up on any problems before they have a chance to fully develop, you’ll help to make sure that you aren’t putting yourself or other drivers at risk while on the road.

Avoiding Common Problems

According to the AA, flat or damaged tyres and wheels are on the most common causes of breakdowns. You should read your vehicle’s manual to make sure the tyres have the right pressure and are not underinflated. Not only will this increase roll resistance – which affects fuel efficiency – but it could help avoid a major accident. The minimum legal tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, though you should ideally be looking to change the tyres before you reach this point. As well as increasing the chance of an accident, driving with tyres worn down to below the legal limit could result in three penalty points and a £2,500 fine.

Handling a Breakdown

In the event you do suffer a breakdown, you should always keep an emergency breakdown kit in the boot of your vehicle. This will typically consist of a first aid kit, an empty fuel can, a high visibility jacket, a wind-up torch, and a warning triangle. With this you can effectively warn other drivers that your car has broken down while it also allows you to treat any immediate injuries to yourself or your fellow passengers. You should also keep a spare phone charger in your car so that you have a means of calling for roadside assistance or the emergency services.

Towing

 A weight distribution anti-sway hitch is a great idea to invest in if you’re planning on hauling. They’ll reduce the amount that a towed item swings your truck around, making for a much smoother and safer ride on your end.

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