hello there,
i havnt even passed my driving test yet,still having lessons but my partner and i intend to drive around europe in summer 2006 with our little boy who will be 3 by then.
i have been advised that our best bet will be to get a deisel ford transit 13 seater and convert it ourselves which shouldnt be a problem as my partner is a sheet metal fabricator,my brother is a mechanic and i have recently studied interior design!should be a fun project!
does anyone else have any suggestions on what would be best for us?bearing in mind i will be a fairly new driver so wont want anything too big and will be travelling with a young child so wont want anything too small!
we have a pretty small budget as well.
i have only just started researching the van side of things,we were too excited about sticking pins in a giant map of europe!any advice on cnverting a van and the equipment we will need for a 4 to 6 month trip will be fantastic as we are pretty cluless! but eager to learn!
thanks.
Look on www.autotrader.co.uk in the van section to get an idea of what is about in your price range, then when you've made a short list, go and test drive a few to see which you feel will be most suitable - only you can know. I think transits are probably a good option as there are a lot to choose from and therefore prices are reasonable. They are also basically reliable.
Let us know how you get on, and good luck
Phil
------------- Our motorhome loves Rock'n'Roll... it rolls all day and rocks all night ;0)
tom and lous built one from a metro,but we havent seen the pics yet, if your going to convert a van,it will cost you a bit more than a small budget it soon adds up ,for a half decent transit you will need £800 on ,then theres the insurance,along with all the fittings etc,sometimes its better to buy a ready made,very best wishes billy in brum...............................ps welcome :-)
I have read that it is easier to convert a van by cutting out the extra windows you need than it is to convert a minibus where you need to fill in some of the windows otherwise it will be too hot if its sunny or very cold due to lack of insulation/glass windows.
I also read somewhere that it is harder to get parts abroad for a Mercedes than it is for an Iveco.
Personally I'd go for a Tranny 'cos I like them best but that's just me. Don't get an old Talbot - I've got one & it is not nice to drive.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.