CAR VANS--THE CHOICE OF IRISH VETS

There are two sizes of car vans:

1.Small carvans based on the superminis like the Peugeot 206 and Fiat Punto

2.The normal carvans based on hatchbacks like the Peugeot 307,VW Golf and Ford Focus.

The smaller vans are relatively cheap to buy and run.Pleasant to drive,they are easy to park.Useful in small animal practice,and cattle practice,though cargo space is tight for the latter.
Some are available as petrol powered.While these are cheaper to buy,the diesel vans are more fuel efficient,if you are in rural practice.

Prices:
Fiat Punto 1.2 petrol E11,182
Nissan Micra 1.0 petrol E12,598
Peugeot 206 1.1 petrol E13,995
Peugeot 206 1.4 HDi E14,545

The normal sized carvans are the biggest hits with cattle vets. This popularity stretches back over twenty years. They are the most comfortable of all commercials. Cargo space is adequate, though a good shelving job can make more space available for scanners etc.
Typical costs: VRT is 13.3%,VAT 21%,mpg 35-50,Depreciation E1,900-
E2,500.

Summary:
Pros: Comfort, price, car like appearance, availibility of turbo engines.

Cons: Marginal in space for some practices,3 door only, some models cost over E20K.

Verdict: One cannot argue with history. Still the most popular type of vehicle in veterinary practice.

Prices:
Citroen Xsara 1.9D ABS E17,000
Citroen Xsara 2.0HDi ABS E18,200
Ford Focus 1.8 TDdi E18,500
Nissan Almera 2.2Di E19,295
Opel Astra Van 1.7 DT E18,925
Opel Astra Van 2.0 DTH E19,631
Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi E18,985br>
Renault Megavan 1.9dTi 80 E18,150

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