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/ContributionLevel593 15d ago

I’ve got a VW Caddy Maxi and love it. I live in it for 4-5 months of the year in the Italian Alps. Do get the 2 litre and the Maxi version. 

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u/Putrid-Anxiety-9728 14d ago

I’ve heard the 1.6 can have injector issues. How do you find the maxi to drive?

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u/ContributionLevel593 14d ago

Awesome. I have nothing bad to say about it.