Large Van Buyer's Guide: Crafter, Boxer, Relay, Ducato

SEVEL large-van family (the same van): the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay are the same vehicle with different badges, front-wheel drive, huge load space, and the UK's default motorhome base (most coachbuilt motorhomes sit on a Ducato). Big, light-steering, economical for the size, with 2.2 BlueHDi/MultiJet diesels. The older Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master were related in earlier generations; the current Master/Movano are the Renault-based pairing.

VW Crafter (2017 on) / MAN TGE: the same van as the MAN TGE, modern, car-like to drive, available FWD, RWD and 4MOTION, with 2.0 TDI engines and an auto option. The premium-feeling choice alongside the Sprinter.

Renault Master / Vauxhall Movano: Renault's big van (and its Vauxhall twin), strong payload and a popular Luton/box base, with 2.3 dCi diesels.

Iveco Daily: the heavy-duty specialist, a truck-derived chassis that goes beyond 3.5t into 3.5–7.2t, RWD, the go-to for the biggest Lutons, tippers and heavier motorhomes. 2.3 and 3.0 diesels.

• SEVEL 2.2 BlueHDi / MultiJet: 120/140/165/180PS, the 140/165 suits loaded work; economical for the size.
• VW Crafter 2.0 TDI: 102/140/177PS, refined; pick 140+ for heavy loads.
• Renault Master 2.3 dCi: single- and twin-turbo; the twin-turbo is stronger for weight/towing.
• Iveco Daily 2.3/3.0: the 3.0 for the heaviest work and biggest conversions.

• Conversions first: most large vans are Lutons, tippers, dropsides or motorhomes, inspect the body, bed, tail-lift, hydraulics and habitation area (damp, electrics, gas) as carefully as the van.
• SEVEL (Ducato/Boxer/Relay): reversing-gear/clutch wear on some, DPF/EGR on town use, and front tyre wear from the big FWD payload. Generally dependable.
• Crafter 2.0 TDI: check DPF/AdBlue and service history; DSG/auto service if fitted.
• Master/Movano 2.3 dCi: injector and DPF checks on high-mileage vans.
• Iveco Daily: truck-grade and tough, but check driveline, clutch and any tipper gear on worked examples.
• Rust: check chassis, sills and body mounts on older/worked vans and motorhome bases.

• Full service history; on motorhomes, the habitation service record too.
• Weight rating & payload, crucial on large vans; confirm the plated weights suit your load (and licence).
• MOT history; conversion plating and any tail-lift/LOLER paperwork.
• VAT status and HPI/finance check. See buying with your head not your heart.
• Driving licence: vehicles over 3.5t (some Iveco Daily) may need a C1 entitlement, check before buying.

SEVEL vans are cheap to run and fix with parts shared across three badges and the motorhome world; the Crafter feels premium and holds value well; the Iveco Daily is the durable heavy-duty pick but costs more. Motorhome bases (especially Ducato) hold value strongly. See the van finance guide if spreading the cost.

Broad guidance, compare across the badges:

• SEVEL trio (Ducato/Boxer/Relay): shop all three, same van, different prices; best value in the class.
• VW Crafter: a premium for the badge and drive.
• Master/Movano: keen pricing for the payload.
• Iveco Daily: priced for its heavy-duty capability and conversions.

Compare Crafter, Boxer, Relay, Ducato, Master and Daily.

With the New Forest nearby, Hampshire has strong demand for motorhome bases as well as trade large vans. Browse vans in Southampton and filter to your model, or compare the model pages by distance.

For maximum volume, buy value in the SEVEL trio (Ducato/Boxer/Relay, identical, so pick the best one), step up to a Crafter for the nicest drive, or an Iveco Daily when you need heavy-duty or 3.5t-plus. Inspect every conversion as closely as the van, and always check the plated weights against your load and licence.

Find yours: Crafter · Boxer · Relay · Ducato · Master · Daily. Also see the Mercedes Sprinter guide.