Buying a Van for Trackdays

Vivaro fine, you cans squeeze two bikes in but its tight

 

Try to get one with a low rear door sill. I've got a LWB Sprinter and its a bit of a challenge getting a bike in single handed.

 

And front wheel drive as that normally means lower back and easier entry

 

Dead right. I think the Transit offers both so check which one if going down that route

 

I've got a vivaro SWB and have no problem getting two bikes in plus all the crap I end I taking with me. The vivaro has a really low rear so getting the bikes in is really easy. I went with a tail gate, comes in handy when it is raining

 

I've always used the vauxhall or renault traffic as I had them from work. Just bought my own and go a master, MWB and high top. Makes it a lot easier...but bit big for the drive! Also found the vivaro really economical over 40mpg fully loaded at 90 cruising speed

 

Or merc vito. Good on fuel, can fit 2 bikes in and low at the rear.

 

Toyota Hiace are great. Very low floor, RWD so fun when empty and go on forever. Won't take a multi so I had to move on to a med roof transit. Although FWD, the floor is higher than the Toyota was..

 

Toyota Hiace also good for Cash and Carry runs init

 

Just get a front wheel grab, 2 tiedowns at the front and done

 

if you rent one first couple of times then you'll be able to try a short wheel base then a long wheelbase it'll givee you a better idea of what you want

 

You can get two bikes side by side in all the normal SWB vans, transit, merc, Renault, Peugeot, Vauxhall. Use wheels grabs at the front and two securing point for the tie downs from the bars.

 

Don't buy a van, rent them for the day when you need one, you'll need to do a LOT of track days to win financially buying one. Once you factor in insurance, tax, maintenance and repairs, and your money tied up in a depreciating asset rather than an appreciating investment, and you need somewhere to keep it, it's probably cheaper and far less hassle to hire when you need one! Unless you want to drive a van every day and not own a car, in which case it may make sense ...

 

A van is a big extravagance for track days, not only do you have to buy it, insure, it, tax it and maintain it, but they are big and ugly and parked on your drive look a bloody eyesore. Why not consider a good quality covered trailer instead?

 

Done all that. Van is the best option

 

Yeah but as Zimbo says do you need to actually own it, so cheap now to hire them for the day, why would you want to own one, unless of course you lust after a white hi-top

 

Depends on lots of things. Can you use it otherwise. How often do you need it. How many weekend days do you do. How far do you travel as daily rates normally have limited mileage. And if you buy a van for a grand, chances are in 2 years it will be worth a grand