Light commercial vans of foreign cars: which ones are more profitable to own?

A passenger van is an excellent tool for light-duty transportation. If you compare such a car with a standard truck, it will have a lot of advantages:

• Category B rights are sufficient for management;
• economical fuel consumption;
• relatively low market value;
• savings on maintenance and repairs.

Of course, all this is relevant only if it is necessary to transport cargo weighing up to 2 tons. There are already trucks above this norm that require a license with category C.

A passenger van must be reliable. This is a solution for small businesses, and in any business, savings on purchases, repairs and maintenance are important. This is especially true for cars purchased from the secondary market. High loads and excessive use often wear out the machine and almost completely exhaust its service life. Our rating included vans that showed maximum reliability. Even models from 10 years ago deserve attention and provide an opportunity to save a lot on your purchase. This is especially important for a new business that has not yet had time to get on its feet.

There are three main modules that you need to pay attention to when choosing: engine, suspension and body. If the body can be selected by a simple visual inspection, then problems may arise with the engine, since some problems cannot be detected even by comprehensive diagnostics. But our rating includes cars whose engines are characterized by the highest reliability. They have a huge resource that allows you to choose a car without fear that it will break down in a couple of months.

All models from the rating have proven their relevance over the years. Their manufacturers continue to release new models relevant for 2021, but conceptually little changes in them. Often changes concern only the appearance, while the engine and chassis remain the same, sometimes with minor modifications and additions.

Criterias of choice

When choosing a van, consider:

1. Purpose. What will the campervan be used for? There are many universal and highly specialized models available for sale, differing in technical characteristics and price.
2. Terms of Use. What average distances will the work machine travel? Where will you travel most of the time? On city roads, rough terrain or highways. Pay attention to the climatic conditions in the region and the general condition of the road surface.
3. Volume and design of the cargo compartment. How much cargo must be transported in one flight? What cargo compartment configuration will be optimal? Do you need refrigeration, refrigeration and heating units? What characteristics should they have? All this depends on the type of cargo being transported and the requirements for its transportation (temperature and humidity level, absence of strong shaking).
4. Maximum load capacity. Much depends on the type of chassis. However, there may be different models within the same category. For example, the all-metal Transporter van is available in versions with a load compartment volume of 4.4 m3 and larger.
5. Motor. Vans are often supplied with high-torque diesel engines, which are distinguished by their long service life and resistance to intensive use. There are also compact vans (based on a station wagon) with a gasoline power unit. When choosing, take into account power and torque indicators, efficiency, overall reliability and maintainability of the engine.
6. Equipment. The level of equipment comes to the fore when purchasing a van for transporting passengers alone. This concerns the quality of the seats and the finishing materials used, the availability of options for long-distance travel and other points. However, even in conventional cargo vans, you need to pay attention to the comfort of the driver and the presence of basic things as standard.

When choosing a van, consider the loading height and width of the cargo compartment (affect the convenience of loading and unloading), the type of drive and ground clearance (affect cross-country ability).

Top 2. Fiat Ducato

Rating (2021): 4.76

Best value for money A van with top features and an attractive price tag. A wide variety of equipment options allows you to choose a model to suit any budget and client requirements.

• Characteristics

  Average price: RUB 2,300,000.

• Country: France
• Load capacity (kg): 1535
• Curb weight (kg): 1965
• Wheelbase (mm): 3000
• Useful volume (sq. m): 9.5
• Turning Diameter (mm): 11.4
• Engine: 2.2-liter diesel, 130 horsepower

The all-metal van from Fiat can often be found on the roads. It has a long engine life and high maintainability. Unlike German cars, the cost of repairs is not shocking, and it is not required often. Considering its price, this is a very worthy device, capable of transporting up to one and a half tons of cargo in a body with a volume of just under 10 cubic meters. I'm especially pleased with the diversity of the catalogue. The Ducato family is represented by 3 main bases and many variations of their equipment. There is an all-metal body, an awning, and even a thermal booth. A car for any need rarely ends up on the secondary market due to its reliability and convenience. The manufacturer also thought about driver comfort.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Many equipment options
• Small turning radius
• High maintainability
• Economical fuel consumption

• Low ground clearance
• No models with automatic transmission

See also:

• 15 best minivans

RV classifications

There are RV models on the market that fall into different classes. According to their purpose, they are divided into the following groups:

1. Manufactured goods

These are general purpose car vans. Protect transported goods from the negative effects of UV radiation, precipitation and wind.

2. Isothermal

RVs with a high level of tightness. A certain temperature is maintained inside the body, so such machines are often used when transporting fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. With refrigeration unit

Vans with additional freezing equipment. For example, they are used when transporting fish and meat products over long distances.

4. Special purpose

Vans for transporting certain products or equipment. Special purpose vehicles include auto repair shops, horse trailers, etc.

Vans on a truck chassis are divided into 2 groups according to their design:

1. No frame. Models of vans with a body made on the basis of sandwich panels. These 3-layer materials have sufficient rigidity and high thermal insulation properties. Suitable for assembling lightweight bodies on compact truck chassis.
2. With frame. Standard RV design. It is based on a metal frame to which cladding materials are attached. The camper can be covered with an awning, polymer-coated steel sheets, etc. This design has increased resistance to mechanical deformation.

Best RV Models

Ford Transit

A light commercial vehicle used by various Russian organizations and enterprises. Available in a huge number of modifications, including closed bodies of different volumes.

The cargo compartments in the new generation Transit have been redesigned. These cars have bodies with straightened sides and a raised roof, thereby increasing the volume of the cargo compartment.

Buyers are offered several options for wheelbases, diesel engines (125, 136 and 155 horsepower), front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and many additional options. The customer can configure his own version of the commercial vehicle.

A relatively budget Transit van with a standard level of equipment will cost 2.16 million rubles. The cost of all-wheel drive modifications of the car with the most powerful and high-torque diesel engine and an extended wheelbase can reach up to 2.8 million rubles.

Transit are the best modern vans on the Russian market. Depending on the version, they are suitable for transporting various loads.

+ High reliability;

+ Many modifications, body types and options for the customer to choose from;

+ High-torque diesel engines.

— High price for well-equipped versions.

Volkswagen Transporter1

Transporter all-metal and utility vans are classified as passenger car category B. They are reliable vehicles available in a variety of versions. The customer chooses the wheelbase length, roof height, number of seats in the cab, drive type and equipment level.

The car is suitable for transporting passengers and cargo for various purposes. Comes with a choice of 2 engines – 150 and 199 hp. The second power unit can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

A price comparison of Transit and Transporter vans speaks in favor of the former. The initial cost of Ford is 2.36 million rubles. However, for this money the client receives a 150-horsepower engine and a slightly richer standard package due to a set of active safety systems.

+ Good equipment;

+ Reliability and unpretentiousness to operating conditions;

+ Availability of powerful engines in the motor range.

- Fewer modifications to the cargo area compared to the Transit.

Fiat Dolbo Cargo

Compact van with a cargo compartment volume of up to 4.2 m3. Suitable for urban cargo transportation and has a bright appearance for a vehicle designed to transport goods, tools, materials, etc.

The wheelbase of this car of the Italian brand is 3105 mm.

Dolbo Cargo is available with a 1.4-liter Euro 6 petrol engine. The power of the power unit is 95 hp and the torque is 127 Nm. These are quite modest technical characteristics. The 1.4 engine has no alternative, and is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The basic configuration of the car includes electric windows, hydraulic power steering, ABS+EBD and one airbag. Air conditioning equipment and audio system must be ordered additionally.

The initial cost of this car is 1.4 million rubles.

+ Practicality;

+ Bright appearance;

+ Good quality finishing materials.

— The gearbox “buzzes” at high speeds;

— Low power and high-torque motor.

Hyundai HD 120

A vehicle for transporting large volumes of cargo over short and medium distances. Equipped with a 225- or 250-horsepower engine to choose from. The second diesel engine meets Euro-5 requirements and has a double fuel purification system. Available with 3 wheelbases, including the longest version (5695 mm).

The basic configuration of this work machine includes a stability control system, electric windows, rear-view mirrors with a heating function, and power steering. Air conditioning is available at extra cost.

The starting price for the new HD-120 is 5.35 million rubles.

+ Reliable van with high maintainability.

+ Available in insulated and manufactured goods van versions.

+ Engine with low fuel consumption.

— Budget equipment, air conditioning for an additional fee (50 thousand rubles).

Top 4. Renault Master

Rating (2021): 4.62

Good handling A van that feels great on the roads at high speeds. Directional and lateral stability at the highest level.

Ergonomic interior The interior decoration of the model is thought out to the smallest detail. There are many niches and pockets in the cabin that can accommodate both documents and equipment needed on the road.

• Characteristics

  Average price: RUB 2,200,000.

• Country: France
• Load capacity (kg): 1881
• Curb weight (kg): 2500
• Wheelbase (mm): 3182
• Useful volume (sq. m): 11.7
• Turning Diameter (mm): 12.4
• Engine: 2.3-liter diesel 125 horsepower

Renault Master is a reliable commercial van that can boast better handling and has a long engine life. This is a light-duty truck, which, according to documents, is on the verge of category B for driving. Its carrying capacity is almost 2 tons, although there are more powerful devices with 3.5 or more tons of transported weight. The equipment and interior decoration of the car deserves special attention. Here every little thing is thought out and in its place. Lots of glove compartments and storage compartments. Niches and other amenities. The fuel consumption of an all-metal Renault at maximum load is only 7.1 liters per hundred kilometers. This is not to say that this is the best indicator, but it is quite adequate given the other characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Thoughtful interior equipment
• Large transportable weight
• Short hood with minimal blind spots

• All metal body only
• A rare guest in car showrooms

Which campervan should you choose?

The van must be well adapted to difficult operating conditions on the territory of the Russian Federation, associated with the quality of the road surface and changing climatic conditions.

The presented top vans indicate that it is now easy to choose a vehicle for specific tasks. Most manufacturers allow you to configure the car at your discretion. Literally everything is selected: the length of the base, the volume of the cargo compartment, the engine, the level of equipment, etc., it all depends on the purpose of the van.

Ford Transit

Recommended price from 1,883,000 ₽.

Once upon a time, the history of commercial transport in Russia began with the Ford Transit. Since then, quite significant changes have occurred in its design and characteristics that meet modern requirements.

Externally, the design has become more complicated, but in fact the developers tried to do everything possible to minimize the cost of car maintenance. For example, the front bumper now has a composite design, which in the event of a minor accident allows you not to change it entirely, replacing only the damaged element. Along the sides there are practical linings made of unpainted plastic.

Scheduled maintenance has also become available. 23 major operations are now performed much faster. In addition, they do not require specialized tools to perform them. This means that the work can be carried out independently.

There are no surprises in terms of handling. This is a big car with pleasing suspension settings that cope well with uneven roads. The steering is equipped with an electric booster. In parking lots, the steering wheel turns easily, and when driving along the highway it creates a pleasant resistance.

Today, exchange rate stabilization can no longer surprise anyone, but the presence of the CurveControl is truly a pleasant surprise. Its essence is to estimate the current speed when entering a turn. If it exceeds the permissible safe level, the system automatically lowers it to the required level.

In addition, it is worth noting the following competitive advantages of this car model: the presence of a system for tracking acceleration, tire pressure, and driver reaction. Auto-Start-Stop system makes it possible to save fuel, and adaptive load control allows you to reconfigure the stabilization system in time.

Technical characteristics of Ford Transit:

• Engine: diesel/2198 cc cm
• Power: 125 - 136 horsepower
• Speed: 155 km/h
• Fuel consumption per 100 km: 7.3 liters
• Tank size: 80-100 liters
• Cargo compartment size: 9.5 - 15.1m3
• Payload: 724 - 2170 kg

Ford Transit for leasing