I had a crafter for a good few years, it was a Luton work van. It was probably the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It never missed a beat. I sold it to a mate about 18 months ago and he's turned it into a camper and living in it full time.

It wasn't as expensive as any other vehicle for parts, servicing etc. Normal insurance also.

 

Hi.
If you need any help with insurance at all for whatever model you're looking at then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

 

How old a crafter are you looking at?

The current modelis a joint venture, ground up design partnering with MAN, so more VW than before.

I say ‘than before’ as previous models have been designed and manufactured by Mercedes, as the sprinter, and had VW engine and drivetrain assemblies fitted, sometimes resulting in not the most favourable relationship (e.g. not the most optimum location for the emissions components in relation to the engine size and location possibly compromising dpf regeneration on vans fitted with these as the vans body/chassis was primarily developed for installation of the Mercedes’ power train.

there are millions out there, all putting in the miles, with only the ‘usual’ issues and ware and tare.

if it’s a newer model van you’re choosing, and you’re main dealer servicing orientated, check out their pricing structure first.

also, I know this is a VW van forum, but if you are seriously looking at alternatives, you can buy an MAN TGE van in a better spec than a VWCrafter for ALOT less cash (I know, I’ve had quotes from the dealership) and unlike the previous ‘Mercedes relationship, the MAN TGE /Crafter development was ‘ground up’ without the compromise of trying to get something to fit into a finished Mercedes design.

If it’s an older model, and you’re working on it yourself, or having a trusted local independent maintain it for you, I don’t think there’s much of a parts cost consideration, as they’ve all got an ‘economy of scale’ with oem, branded (Bosch etc) and pattern aftermarket parts readily and inexpensively available.

Hope this helps

 

How old a crafter are you looking at?

The current modelis a joint venture, ground up design partnering with MAN, so more VW than before.

I say ‘than before’ as previous models have been designed and manufactured by Mercedes, as the sprinter, and had VW engine and drivetrain assemblies fitted, sometimes resulting in not the most favourable relationship (e.g. not the most optimum location for the emissions components in relation to the engine size and location possibly compromising dpf regeneration on vans fitted with these as the vans body/chassis was primarily developed for installation of the Mercedes’ power train.

there are millions out there, all putting in the miles, with only the ‘usual’ issues and ware and tare.

if it’s a newer model van you’re choosing, and you’re main dealer servicing orientated, check out their pricing structure first.

also, I know this is a VW van forum, but if you are seriously looking at alternatives, you can buy an MAN TGE van in a better spec than a VWCrafter for ALOT less cash (I know, I’ve had quotes from the dealership) and unlike the previous ‘Mercedes relationship, the MAN TGE /Crafter development was ‘ground up’ without the compromise of trying to get something to fit into a finished Mercedes design.

If it’s an older model, and you’re working on it yourself, or having a trusted local independent maintain it for you, I don’t think there’s much of a parts cost consideration, as they’ve all got an ‘economy of scale’ with oem, branded (Bosch etc) and pattern aftermarket parts readily and inexpensively available.

Thank you Nik. It is going to be helpful information for me.
By the way I might go for old vans like reg 14 or 15