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Flenix
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
 Posted - 04/08/2010 : 18:23:56
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Hey guys. Our band is looking at playing some gigs a little further from home, and we're gonna need some kind of transport for getting our gear. At the moment we play locally so we can get everything there in 2-3 trips in our Clio, but obviously if we play further we wanna get everything in in one go.
We agreed we need to get a van of some sorts, but our next big decision: Buy one or rent one? We aim to be playing 2-3 gigs a month for now because we're all still at school (although two of us can drive), we were just wondering which would work out cheaper in the long run.
We also plan on doing small tours in the school holidays, like 3-4 day runs and maybe longer in the summer.
So what you guys think, buy or rent? and how much should I be forking out either way (don't bother working out insurance if we buy, we'll do that) - and any recommendations of WHAT van to look for?
Thanks |
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Radioheading
Silver Member
United Kingdom
494 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2010 : 18:26:59
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Pre registration plate change (Y, X, W reg etc) vehicles are very often alot cheaper. Even if the difference can be as little as 6 months (Y reg / 51 reg). With that in mind I suggest getting a pre reg change Transit Van... You really cant go wrong  |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2010 : 18:45:45
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Just bought our 3rd band van..a crewcab transit T350..00 (irish) reg as in 2000 so it's 10 years old got it �2300....get a van...saves a load of hassle and damage to your car...Transits are a mixed bunch,our first one was a great van but the body started to go,the second one was a 01 reg and was a complete POS...this one so far seems like it was well looked after and so far so good..if you have somewhere safe/offroad to park it you could leave the heavier bits of gear in the van,thats what we do..i.e the PA/guitar/bass cabs and take all the more expensive bits of gear out..it also lends to the fun everyone travelling in the van but we decided for safety and basically because were kicking on that the 4th person didn't want to be sitting on an amp in the back plus we sort of have the drummers nephew with us now as roadie so there is 5 of us with the crewcab we have room for 6 some crewcabs can even can carry 7.....you can pick up vans for very little now due to the downturn especially in the building game and crewcabs because the extra space is taken up aren't as popular for someone looking to go couriering of moving stuff etc..but are ideal for bands...transits are cheap, but can be trouble so don't be afraid to look at other makes..the good part about transits is they are plentiful and easy to get parts for even from the breakers yard..
I would recommend if your not familiar with vans bringing someone who has some experience of what to look out for..maybe a mate or even better if you know a mechanic...
Be practial with your budget and don't be afraid to walk away or haggle with the seller...cash is king at the moment... remember you need cash to do the MOT,insurance tax etc..so don't blow it all on the van
our line up is pretty stable and were all in for the long haul so were happy enough in buying a van and band gear between us...if your buying a van and someone decides to leave you will have to buy them out plus will the next person want to buy in..? also taking turns driving..i drive 1 in every 4 gigs..sometimes people don't want to do their turn and try to swap...especially if there is a gig with free beer...!!! which can lead to rows...just a few things to think about..
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Edited by - FRANZONI on 04/08/2010 18:50:22 |
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Flenix
Bronze Member
United Kingdom
74 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2010 : 21:26:35
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Wow a lot of useful info there, thanks!
Our keyboardist Jim is really into cars and the like, so he'd probably be the person to bring. Another option is to get a non runner that is in relatively good condition and just needs repair, because he works in a garage and would probably enjoy fixing it up!
Also just showed our vocalist this thread:
quote:
Kurt - April 24, be there says:
sounds good
as long as i dont have to drive, im the singer, its my job to get drunk and get laid after gigs
Vocalists are so full of themselves, don't you agree? :)
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Edited by - Flenix on 04/08/2010 22:32:24 |
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DasBeef
Gold Member
United Kingdom
704 Posts |
Posted - 04/08/2010 : 22:42:54
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How many singers does it take to change a light bulb?
One. They just hold it while the world revolves around them.... |
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Mansun
Gold Member
Spain
564 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2010 : 10:10:32
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quote:
Originally posted by DasBeef
How many singers does it take to change a light bulb?
One. They just hold it while the world revolves around them....
Funny there seems to be a lot of Clio owners around here. Should we start an exclusive topic? |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2010 : 13:03:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Flenix
Wow a lot of useful info there, thanks!
Our keyboardist Jim is really into cars and the like, so he'd probably be the person to bring. Another option is to get a non runner that is in relatively good condition and just needs repair, because he works in a garage and would probably enjoy fixing it up!
Also just showed our vocalist this thread:
quote:
Kurt - April 24, be there says:
sounds good
as long as i dont have to drive, im the singer, its my job to get drunk and get laid after gigs
Vocalists are so full of themselves, don't you agree? :)
Yep......and drummers.... ...but seriously this is something to think about as it can lead to rows...you will soon find out who is serious about the band if their willing to do the day to day stuff and not just be a rockstar for a night...a simple way to focus minds is to say you will buy the van and charge them for the use and for driving to gigs.....as soon as they think it's going to come out of their gig money...
or get a mate to drive/roadie and throw them a few quid...
As for getting a non-runner....i wouldn't advise it..if it becomes a moneypit for parts and labour to fix it will also become a source of tension between you and take away for the more important thing which is concentrating on the music and gigs/recording...
Trust me No-2 Van did this with us..been there got that T-Shirt......feel free to ask any other questions if you think i can help you... |
Edited by - FRANZONI on 04/09/2010 13:04:38 |
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PaulH
Gold Member
535 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2010 : 14:25:40
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Are looking to all travel in the thing as well.
If there are more than 3 of you then you'll need more transport.
A minibus with some of the seats taken out to store your gear is a compromise.
Whatever you do, don't leave the van unattended with all your stuff in... thieves love vans. |
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 04/09/2010 : 16:06:26
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quote:
Originally posted by PaulH
Are looking to all travel in the thing as well.
If there are more than 3 of you then you'll need more transport.
A minibus with some of the seats taken out to store your gear is a compromise.
Whatever you do, don't leave the van unattended with all your stuff in... thieves love vans.
Thats why i advised looking for a crewcab van in my OP....
I don't know about the regs in the UK but taking seats out of a mini-bus to turn it into a crewcab here in Ireland is a tricky business...
first off the insurance is still for a mini-bus because thats what it's classed at on the logbook unless you get it inspected/MOT to the specs of a crewcab you will be probably be paying more..if you did do it make sure your licence covers you for driving a vechicle classed as a mini-bus ..i have a PSV licence as i'm a taxi driver so mine covers me to drive a vechicle that can carry up to 9 passengers...
secondly because your changing the designation of the van there is implications on the VRT(vechicle reg tax) with the revenue...in Ireland if your stopped with a DIY crewcab at a revenue checkpoint(they have random checkpoints to dip diesel engines to make sure your not using diesel for argiculture which has a diffrent colour and cheaper tax band)the van can be seized and crushed...
Personally like i said in my OP..Crewcabs are dropping like stones pricewise at the moment because of the state of the construction industry... plus most have a proper bulkhead to seperate the gear from the cab for safety when driving pls providing a secure area for your gear,most proper crewcabs don't have windows in this part of the van so no bogeys can look in..a minibus would have windows,even if you were to blacken them out so would be less secure in this aspect..just make sure for road tax/revenue purposes that it's on the logbook as a crewcab..and not a DIY job.... |
Edited by - FRANZONI on 04/09/2010 16:09:45 |
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Touring Transport
