SWB T2 Van

Lazy-Ferret · 27-02-2014, 19:19

Are there any advantages/disadvantages to buying a T2 Van?

We are looking at a Short Wheel Base one, that has no side windows, and I thought I read a post on here that implied that there is a difference in insurance or tax or something.

Barrbeast · 27-02-2014, 19:49

Assuming it's classed as a commercial vehicle you will only have to pay road tax at the commercial rate, 6 months £121 or 12 months £220.

... and it may be classed as a van for insurance purposes?

Lazy-Ferret · 27-02-2014, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrbeast

Assuming it's classed as a commercial vehicle you will only have to pay road tax at the commercial rate, 6 months £121 or 12 months £220.

... and it may be classed as a van for insurance purposes?

Cheers.

So who decides if it is classed as a commercial vehicle?

And is it good or bad for it to be classed as a van for insurance purposes?

Fez_uk · 27-02-2014, 20:06

Some insurance companies can be funny about insuring a 'van'

spinna · 27-02-2014, 20:26

The insurance could work out more expensive as a commercial which would cancel out the few pounds saving in tax

TONUP · 27-02-2014, 20:48

And it costs more to cross the Severn Bridges into Wales. Quite a bit more I think!

Regards

Alan

Gazza · 27-02-2014, 21:17

Depending on its classification as a van it could mean max legal speed is 10 mph less on 60 & 70 mph limit roads.

Lazy-Ferret · 27-02-2014, 21:38

Hmmm... so reading this lot, it looks like it would be a right royal pain in the A$$ to own... glad I asked before I bought it, I will stick with a 3door normal T2 then.

We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem.

We live right by the Dartford Crossing, and like to go to Wales, so crossing the bridges would cost more, which would be a costly experience.

Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

AlexD333 · 27-02-2014, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy-Ferret

Hmmm... so reading this lot, it looks like it would be a right royal pain in the A$$ to own... glad I asked before I bought it, I will stick with a 3door normal T2 then.

We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem.

We live right by the Dartford Crossing, and like to go to Wales, so crossing the bridges would cost more, which would be a costly experience.

Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

Or the police for that matter

Fez_uk · 27-02-2014, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazy-Ferret

We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem.

Actually modified ins companies tend to not care. So would be better.

Gazza · 27-02-2014, 22:59

Quote:

Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

But if you were caught doing 60 in a 50 zone you would be 20 mph over not just 10mph so may be more points and higher fine?

makeitfit · 28-02-2014, 01:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazza

Depending on its classification as a van it could mean max legal speed is 10 mph less on 60 & 70 mph limit roads.

That doesn't apply if it's a car derived van

trophymick · 28-02-2014, 11:22

Anything above 2.2 tonne gross is not allowed to do more than 50mph in national speed limit roads, unless it's a duel carriageway then it's 60mph, motorways are 70mph. When towing, towing and third lane regulations apply.

Some of the Volkswagen Caddy vans come into this category.

You can insure a van for private use, my Transit was done like that.

firebobby · 28-02-2014, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by makeitfit

That doesn't apply if it's a car derived van

Spot on

Banshee · 28-02-2014, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by TONUP

And it costs more to cross the Severn Bridges into Wales. Quite a bit more I think!

Regards

Alan

I didn't realize that one, I'd argue the toss with them and take my V5 and present it at the window as I've carried out the conversion myself so it isn't registered as a van officially.

The only thing I need to do now is put my window boards in once my mate has finished spraying them

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fez_uk

Actually modified ins companies tend to not care. So would be better.

I'm with Adrian Flux and they charged me £27 for the mods - rear seats out, floor boards in, seat belts removed, window boards in and rear window tinted

Quote:

Originally Posted by trophymick

Anything above 2.2 tonne gross is not allowed to do more than 50mph in national speed limit roads, unless it's a duel carriageway then it's 60mph, motorways are 70mph. When towing, towing and third lane regulations apply.

Some of the Volkswagen Caddy vans come into this category.

You can insure a van for private use, my Transit was done like that.

I made that mistake the first time I towed my trailer!!!

I wondered was I was being papped then I realised I was in thew 3rd lane

27-02-2014, 19:19	#1
Lazy-Ferret Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sevenoaks, Kent Vehicle: Terrano 2.7TDi SE Touring Posts: 5,221	SWB T2 Van Are there any advantages/disadvantages to buying a T2 Van? We are looking at a Short Wheel Base one, that has no side windows, and I thought I read a post on here that implied that there is a difference in insurance or tax or something.

27-02-2014, 19:49	#2
Barrbeast Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dundee, Scotland Vehicle: 1990 4.2 SWB Safari Posts: 2,615	Assuming it's classed as a commercial vehicle you will only have to pay road tax at the commercial rate, 6 months £121 or 12 months £220. ... and it may be classed as a van for insurance purposes?

27-02-2014, 20:06	#4
Fez_uk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Mid-Wales Vehicle: Maverick 2.7 - Patrol 4.2 Posts: 5,645	Some insurance companies can be funny about insuring a 'van'

27-02-2014, 20:26	#5
spinna Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Telford, Shropshire Vehicle: Nissan Patrol y60 4.2d Posts: 1,287	The insurance could work out more expensive as a commercial which would cancel out the few pounds saving in tax

27-02-2014, 20:48	#6
TONUP Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: England Posts: 755	And it costs more to cross the Severn Bridges into Wales. Quite a bit more I think! Regards Alan

27-02-2014, 21:17	#7
Gazza Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Notts Vehicle: 02 Terrano T2 LWB 2.7TDI Posts: 68	Depending on its classification as a van it could mean max legal speed is 10 mph less on 60 & 70 mph limit roads.

27-02-2014, 21:38	#8
Lazy-Ferret Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sevenoaks, Kent Vehicle: Terrano 2.7TDi SE Touring Posts: 5,221	Hmmm... so reading this lot, it looks like it would be a right royal pain in the A$$ to own... glad I asked before I bought it, I will stick with a 3door normal T2 then. We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem. We live right by the Dartford Crossing, and like to go to Wales, so crossing the bridges would cost more, which would be a costly experience. Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

28-02-2014, 11:22	#13
trophymick Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Langholm,Scotland Vehicle: 2001 Terrano 2. S LWB 2.7 Posts: 463	Anything above 2.2 tonne gross is not allowed to do more than 50mph in national speed limit roads, unless it's a duel carriageway then it's 60mph, motorways are 70mph. When towing, towing and third lane regulations apply. Some of the Volkswagen Caddy vans come into this category. You can insure a van for private use, my Transit was done like that.