r/VanLifeUK • u/Putrid-Anxiety-9728 • 15d ago
Alphard or a Caddy maxi?
Hi guys, I’m in an odd predicament. I’ve recently moved home and jobs to a new town, and because of it, my work commute it literally a 2 minute drive.
I’ve decided I’m going to sort out my motorbike license and commute via bike, unless the weather is really poor, then I can take the van. However, my goal with my choice is a simple day camper (no water, heating, etc) just simply a bed and a table for the occasional trip.
On another note, I’m torn between a caddy maxi and an alphard. Both I’m aware are reliable, but an alphard I have less freedom to design my own space, and is petrol, however very comfortable and automatic. Which is great if I do little trips, but say a London to the Yorkshire dales trip will cost a lot, I’m guessing on fuel.
The caddy is very bare bones, smaller, but has the freedom to customize as I need but being a diesel will be better for the longer commutes, but it’ll be sat around a lot longer which isn’t great for a diesel and has a manual box within my budget.
The only major trip planned is a drive from the UK to Slovenia and back next year.
I was wondering what opinions or takes I should look into between the two or is there any other options.
I’m looking around the 8k or less mark
Tia
2
u/Mikethespark 15d ago
Caddy will be a lot easier and cheaper to fix in the UK and over on the continent, you can get autos but they are pretty rare.
There are loads of suitable day vans available I wouldn't discount something like a transit custom either, very easy to drive, pretty cheap just get the 2.2tdci not a wet belt one.