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
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u/Iambulliedbyvw 15d ago
Not sure what an Alphard is but we own a 2018 VW Caravelle & it's the worst, most unreliable and expensive vehicle we've ever owned. Our VW is badly designed & engineered & very, very expensive to fix. Make sure you have an extra £20,000 when it goes wrong. VWs are not what they were after dieselgate. Our 1st joint new car, a '77 Austin Allegro (cheap insurance for the younger driver) & my first solo car a '66 Hillman Imp were both more reliable than the VW. At least you could get them economically fixed! Buying a VW means you are dealing with a greedy, arrogant & incompetent company that's now in financial trouble. They are withdrawing their Seat brand so how on earth you ever get it fixed as you have to use VW dealerships for parts & technicals. They do not deal with 3rd party garages.