Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Almost all vans are bought primarily as a tool, a device to get people, materials and tools to and from a job site. Even a quickly-repaired breakdown can cost thousands of pounds in lost work and missed deliveries. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the most reliable vans currently available in the UK.

Many of these long wheelbase vans have a load length of over 4m, and can be specified with the high roof, giving an enormous amount of room. 

The Sprinter is considered the gold standard for LWB vans, with its dependable 2.0 diesel engine and over 1,200kg carrying capacity. In 2024, the Sprinter made no.2 on the most reliable van list, the first time in a decade it didn’t win 1st place!

If diesel feels a little old-fashioned for you, Mercedes offers a fully electric version, with up to 272 miles of range from its 100 or 150w motor. Need even more hauling capacity? The EV version of the Sprinter can tow a 2,000kg trailer, too.

Alongside the Sprinter, the Transit is one of the most common LWB vans in use on UK roads. Between the options of wheelbase, height and bed type, and drivetrain, there are dozens of options available for the Transit, so there’s sure to be one to suit your business’s needs. 

Now available with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 6-speed unit, but most are likely to be optioned with the traditional 6-speed manual. 

In addition to the two above, which are also available as short-wheel-base versions, these vans are medium-sized panel vans that give a large amount of space, whilst being easier to park. They are a favourite of tradies and those looking to build a campervan.

In 2024, the Transporter took the top spot for reliability from the Sprinter, in a bold move from second place for a number of years. Its reliability is said to stem from its dependable time-served diesel engines and robust build quality. 

The Transporters of 2025 and onwards will be replaced with badge-engineered Ford Transits, which typically place much lower, so be quick to buy if you’re set on a VW.

Inside the van, the VW has everything you can expect in a modern commercial vehicle, DAB and electric windows as standard, with a whole host of additional safety and convenience features on the higher trim levels. 

As it’s been on our roads now for nearly 25 years, the Vivaro is almost as well-known as the Transit for being a tradesman's van of choice. Since 2019, Vauxhall's partnership with Renault ended, and the new vans were based on a Stellantis design, being shared with 4 other marques.

Despite this cost-cutting measure, the Vivaro still regularly places around 5th in the reliability rankings, strangely 4 places above one of its sister vehicles, the Toyota Proace. Despite the new design looking slightly smaller than the old one, the Vivaro can carry an impressive 1,384kg, and has a choice of two diesel and one electric powertrains.

These small vans are ideal for those needing a dedicated cargo area, but without the need to carry particularly long or large items. Often using the engines and suspension setups from medium-sized passenger cars, they tend to drive better than larger vans, too. 

Landing at number 3 on Fleet News’ reliability ranking, the Caddy is just as reliable as its bigger brother, the Transporter. The current model, released in 2021, is based on the current model of Golf, meaning it offers great ride quality and comfort. 

Payload weight is limited, at only 780kg, but the clever floor design gives a very low floor in the back, making it easier to load heavy items by hand. From the driver's seat, it’s hard to tell you’re in a van, with premium materials, an appealing steering wheel and a usefully large infotainment screen. 

Ford Transit Connect - from £23,500 + VAT

Launching in 2021, the current generation of Transit Connect is a re-badged Volkswagen Caddy, another aspect to the Ford-VW deal we discussed earlier. Styling is, therefore, very similar, with the two being almost indistinguishable from the rear.

This means the new Connect has roughly the same load area, payload and specs as the Caddy, although it is a little cheaper to purchase. One notable difference is the presence of a plug-in hybrid option for the Connect, which is not offered alongside the VW-badged van - something to consider.

Have Your Van Fixed at Zero-Percent interest

Regardless of make, model or size of van, Bumper's 

 lets you split the cost of repairs into monthly payments, completely interest-free. Available at a wide selection of commercial repairers across the country. Apply online before your visit on the Bumper website.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

The UK’s Most Reliable Vans

How well do you know your popular cars? Who doesn't know their Polos from the Pumas? Or their Corsas from their Qashqais? It's time to find out, as we prepare to play, guess the car from the car part! 

And that concludes our car parts quiz. How did you do? Now that you've finished, count up your points, refresh the page and pass to a friend to see who gets the best score.

QUIZ TIME: Guess the car from the car part

Until a few years ago, the only place you’d see a pickup truck in the UK was on or near a farm. But since various manufacturers started making them more luxurious and comfortable, and their tax status has made them very attractive to business owners, they have exploded in popularity. 

That tax situation has since changed, with double-cab trucks now being classified the same as private vehicles, but this just means the market is great for private buyers. Here are some of the best pickup trucks on sale today. 

Heralded as one of the most reliable vehicles of all time, in part thanks to a classic Top Gear episode, the modern Hilux is a capable, 1-ton carrying pickup that has all the bells and whistles of many modern SUVs. 

The current new model was facelifted in 2020, but has been using the same drivetrain and chassis since 2015, meaning parts should be easily accessible, and the drivetrains and design well tested. It’s available with a 2.4 or a 2.8-litre diesel engine, and can tow 3,500kg.

Its load bed is 1555mm long, which is decent, but not class leading. The Ford Ranger beats it by over two inches, but the Isuzu D-Max extended wheelbase is the truck to get for load bed length at over 1800mm.

The Ranger is one of the UK’s most popular pickups, well reviewed both as a comfortable cruiser and a useful work vehicle. There are quite a few engine options available, ranging from a modest 170hp diesel, up to the most powerful version - the plug-in hybrid. This offers nearly 300hp and an electric-only range of 26 miles. 

The current shape of the Ranger is clearly inspired heavily by the American versions, with large chunky bumpers and quietly flared arches. Something particularly impressive is the generator function of the PHEV Ranger. A standard 3-pin socket in the bed allows the use of small hand tools and charging of power tool batteries.

The astute driver would probably notice that the Amarok is very similar to the Ford Ranger in power and driving dynamics, because they share the same underpinnings. Despite VW’s success with the first-gen Amarok, they paired with Ford to cut costs on the development of the new one - this isn’t a bad thing, though. 

Despite the underneath being similar, the body and interior of the Amarok are completely different. The front and rear aspects are decidedly Volkswagen, with the grille lines blending into the headlight shape. 

Inside, the Amarok features a few more steel-edged controls and leather coverings than the Ranger, but they’re both clearly well-thought-out products. Unsurprisingly, the bed length is around the same as the Ranger at 1600mm give or take. Its carrying capacity is 1130kg.

Unlike the rest of the cars on this list, Isuzu don’t make any passenger vehicles anymore, focusing solely on commercials and pickup trucks. This makes sense when you look at the base “utility” version of the D-max. That said, the DL20 model being discussed here is very much a player in this SUV-like Truck sector.

This is mainly due to its alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay with an 8” touchscreen and a plethora of assist features like a reversing camera, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring. It still maintains usability, though, especially the extended model with its 1800mm bed length.

The T90EV is currently the only fully electric pickup sold in the UK. It has a claimed range of 200 miles and around 200hp from the single, rear-mounted electric motor. Ride comfort and handling are described as not as good as the competition, but the feature list is reasonably long with things like a backup camera and a large infotainment screen. 

The bed is a reasonable length at 1,485mm and can take a one-ton payload. One of the upsides of having a pickup truck over a van is the off-road capability - unfortunately, due to the T90EV’s rear wheel drive and lack of ground clearance, it’s probably best kept on the road.

A rebrand to KGM should help the Ssangyong’s image, as some may remember previous vehicles such as the Rodius, as being not particularly good or easy on the eye. The New Musso truck, however, is not too bad to look at and comes with some impressive features, for the price. 

The long wheelbase version has a bed of around 1,300mm in length, and can carry over 1,200kg. Inside, there is an infotainment screen, but smaller than those found in the Ranger, etc, flanked by physical buttons, something that could actually be an upgrade, especially for a work truck. 

Once you're sorted and on the road with your pickup, it's essential to keep your new vehicle in top shape with regular maintenance. Thanks to Bumper's 

, you can easily spread the cost of repairs into interest-free monthly payments. Apply online before your visit and choose from 1000s of repairers across the country. 

Best Pickup Trucks on Sale in 2025

If you’ve experienced losing control of your car, you’ll know how unsettling it is, regardless of where it happens and at what speed. 

Whether you've encountered this feeling or are simply trying to avoid it in the future, this article will help you understand the causes and how to avoid them. We’ll also give a brief overview of what to do if you find yourself skidding

What Exactly Is Skidding, And What Causes It?

Skidding is when your car's tyres lose grip with the road surface, and instead of rolling along in the intended direction, slide across the road, either forwards or sideways. 

Skidding can happen on any surface, regardless of its level of friction, and there are very few surfaces, with the right tyres and driving style, where skidding cannot be avoided. 

In most situations on the road, skidding is caused by one of the following situations:

It’s always a dangerous situation to lose control of your vehicle, regardless of how or when it happens, so it’s essential to know how to prevent a skid before it happens.

Excessive braking or harsh inputs to the steering wheel don’t give the tyres enough time to adjust to the desired direction or speed, and as such, can easily cause them to lose traction.

You can see this when watching rally drivers take corners; they use harsh braking and steering to make the rear of the car lose traction, enabling them to take the corner faster. I wouldn’t recommend trying this yourself, though!

The tread on your tyres enables them to grip even through wet or loose surfaces. If you don't replace them when they are worn out, the lack of tread depth will drastically affect their grip.

The law states you should not drive with tyres that have a tread depth below 1.6mm, but the recommended point to change them is 3mm. It’s also important to select the right tyre for your car and driving style.

For more information on tyre types, find the 

For an easy way to break down the cost of tyres, check out our 

If you manage your speed according to the road conditions, it should be possible to avoid skidding. Make sure to leave plenty of space behind the car in front, and slow down more for corners and roundabouts.

Did you know that your car’s stopping distance roughly doubles in the wet? Wet and especially icy roads can have much less grip than dry roads. Similarly, mud or gravel on the road can easily cause a loss of control if not accounted for.

Take into consideration also the type of road you are on; a single-track country lane adjacent to fields is much more likely to have mud and debris on it compared to a main road. Similarly, a road that passes by a building site may well have loose sand or gravel present.

In some cases, the road condition can be unexpectedly poor, or you may need to make an emergency manoeuvre that results in a skid. It’s important to remember the key steps on how to control a skid and minimise the danger:

How To Stop Your Car From Skidding And What To Do If It Does

Bumper has identified a shift in customers choosing to pay repair bills outside of dealership opening hours.

Over two-thirds (67%) of customers using Bumper’s PayLater service, where bills are split into interest-free monthly payments, are completing transactions remotely out of hours. 

While 33% of PayNow transactions, which facilitate direct payments via card or Pay by Bank, are also happening when dealerships are closed. 

Bumper’s analysis identified that most of the repair work is driven by customers authorising Vehicle Health Check (VHC) advisories with link

"By expanding the number of rooftops utilising our services and integrating with more dealer systems, we're seeing customers embrace the ability to authorise and pay for repair work at their convenience,” said 

Daniel Christie, Bumper’s Head of Sales.

“VHCs are proving to be a game changer for remote payments, giving customers instant access to the information they need. 

Consequently, most transactions now occur in the evening, when car owners are at home and have time to make informed decisions and without the pressure of in-person upselling. This move

drives conversions, making aftersales transactions more profitable. 

“These automated out-of-hours payments are also helping to streamline dealership operations, freeing up valuable resources to be used elsewhere by allowing teams to focus on 

Last year, Bumper facilitated £300m worth of transactions and is on track to exceed £1.1bn this year. 

Bumper identifies shift in customers paying VHC repair bills outside dealer opening hours

Noticing that your car battery keeps dying is never pleasant. There’s nothing worse than turning the key and hearing that dreaded clicking sound, or worse, nothing at all.

However, there are a few common reasons behind this situation and, more importantly, a few ways to prevent your car battery from draining quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

Common reasons your car battery is draining quickly

Noticing your car battery draining repeatedly? It might be because of these reasons. 

Popping to the shops might be more harmful than you think. 

Starting the engine draws a significant amount of power, and if the alternator doesn’t have enough time to replace that energy, your battery may gradually weaken. 

This means that if you regularly drive short distances, your battery may not have the opportunity to fully recharge. 

Car batteries don’t last forever. On average, they need replacing every three to five years.

If your car is struggling to start or if the lights seem dimmer than usual, your battery might be on its last legs.

Forgetting to turn off your headlights and interior lights or even leaving a USB charger plugged in can drain your battery overnight. 

Some newer cars turn lights off automatically, but it's always worth double-checking when you leave your vehicle.

Faulty charging system (defective alternator)

Your car relies on the alternator to keep the battery charged while driving. 

If the alternator is faulty or the drive belt is slipping, your battery won’t receive the power it needs, eventually leading to a flat battery.

A local garage can help you resolve this problem, and 

 from Bumper can help you split the costs.

Notice that your car battery keeps dying when the weather changes? Well, that’s because very hot or freezing weather can impact your battery’s performance.

In the cold, the battery has to work harder to start the engine. In contrast, excessive heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage.

Even when your car is switched off, certain systems, such as alarms, clocks, and infotainment units, continue to draw a small amount of power. 

This is known as a parasitic drain, and although it’s typically minimal, faulty components or aftermarket parts can sometimes cause excessive draw, leading to a flat battery.

How to prevent your car battery from dying 

These days, you don’t have to put up with your car battery draining quickly. Use the tips below to prevent future frustration.

When you park and lock up, make it a habit to switch off the headlights, interior lights, and unplug any accessories before leaving your vehicle. It only takes a few seconds, but it can save you from a flat battery.

If you mainly take short trips or don’t drive daily, you may want to try going for a longer drive once a week. 

Of course, this won’t be possible for everyone. In this case, consider investing in a trickle charger or battery maintainer to keep your battery topped up when your car is parked for long periods.

Don’t ignore dashboard battery warnings. Take action if this appears. 

These could all be early indicators of a dying battery or charging problem, and you can prevent a dead battery by acting fast.

Extreme temperatures can cause dead batteries if your car is left exposed.

Parking your car in a garage helps protect it and extend battery life. If a garage isn’t available, try to park in a shaded or sheltered spot.

Sometimes, there are no signs before a car battery dies.

A quick battery health check can identify potential issues early. Many garages will test your battery and alternator for free or at a low cost. 

It’s best to check before winter or long road trips.

Why your electric car battery keeps dying 

Just like petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles are susceptible to battery drain when left unused for an extended period.

Some reasons for poor EV battery health include:

Preventing fast EV battery drain is also preventable. 

If you’ve noticed your EV battery keeps losing charge, start with the following strategies:

Whether you drive a petrol car or an EV, a car battery that keeps dying is never fun.

But with a bit of regular maintenance, attention to warning signs, and smart charging habits, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve your car’s health.

Empty batteries are just as frustrating as last-minute repair costs.

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

Why Your Car Battery Keeps Dying & How To Fix It

Congratulations to Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford. The East-London-based site has been recognised as Bumper’s next Dealership of the Month. 

The team use Bumper’s PayLater option to split the cost of customers’ bills into interest-free monthly payments. 

Feedback from customers using the interest-free option at Kia Romford has been overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.9 out 5. 

One customer wrote, “Fantastic service, 0% for spreading payments over 3 months - service personnel were amazing, helpful, informative and a credit to the company.” 

Another described their service from Bumper following their visit to the dealer. 

They said, “Left a call back request to clarify payment plan. Bumper operative reverted quickly and resolved the issue." 

The Glyn Hopkin group also use Bumper at their contact centre to introduce payment flexibility earlier in the customer journey. 

Recent research from Bumper revealed a 17% increase in average invoice value from initial application to final payment when PayLater was used at the contact centre. 

When asked about the win, Natalie Barnes, Branch Manager at Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford, said, “A huge well-done to the team on this outstanding win. 

“We started using Bumper just over a year ago and we’re pleased to say, the impact on our customer experience has been tremendous. 

“The option to split the cost gives customers that extra peace of mind, knowing that no matter the size of their bill, there won’t be a negative impact on their hard-earned savings or any interruptions to their priority bills. 

“We’ve already seen happier customers who are more likely to return thanks to the option to PayLater.” 

Congratulations to Bradley, Natalie, Samantha, Sian, and all the Kia Romford team.

Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford celebrated as Dealer of the Month

The best sounding cars of all time aren’t always the largest. 

In a world of quiet electric vehicles, the roar of an engine stands out and is often missed by car enthusiasts. While EVs are a noble cause and at the forefront of technology, sometimes, you just want to hear an engine sing. 

Below, we’ve singled out the best-sounding cars of all time. Trust us, you won’t miss these if they pass you on the street.

From classic cars to modern vehicles, here are the cars known for their incredible sound.

 can help you restore your vehicle to health.

Lamborghini’s V12 beast, the Aventador, is synonymous with loud, raw sound. 

The awe-inspiring 6.5-litre V12 produces an ear-splitting wail that captures the essence of Italian supercars. 

Additionally, the Aventador’s exhaust note is a growling roar, combined with a high-pitched scream, when pushed to its limits. You’ll love the sounds of this one.

The Porsche 911 GT3’s flat-six engine is famous for its distinctive wail.

This vehicle features a motorsport-inspired exhaust note that is sharp and aggressive. But it’s also rather refined. 

The 911 GT3 delivers a sound that is as much about precision and engineering as it is about power, perfectly complementing its track-focused feel.

The Dodge Viper’s 8.4-litre V10 engine produces an enormous and unforgettable roar.

Unlike the refined tones of European sports cars, the Viper offers an unfiltered and primal sound experience.

It’s loud, bold, and unforgettable. A perfect match for the car’s robust styling and rugged performance.

The BMW E46 M3 is a fan favourite for many reasons, and its inline-six engine produces a distinctive, high-pitched exhaust note that’s both sporty and emotional.

Just like the equally loud BMW M850i, you won’t be able to ignore this vehicle accelerating down the motorway.

In addition to a gorgeous style, the Ferrari F355 is famed for its exhilarating V8 engine sound. Its high-revving 3.5-litre V8 produces a sharp, melodic scream that builds with intensity.

Plus, the iconic exhaust note perfectly captures Ferrari’s passion and precision.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s 2.9L twin-turbo V6 delivers a deep growl that turns heads with every rev. 

Its exhaust crackles and pops add fiery character, perfectly blending sporty performance with the brand’s signature Italian flair. 

This car’s soundtrack is proof that Alfa Romeo knows how to make even an SUV sound thrilling.

The classic British muscle sound of the Jaguar E-Type is rich and guttural. 

Its straight-six engine produces a deep rumble that oozes vintage charm, reminding us why this car is still one of the most beloved classics on the road.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door’s handcrafted 4.0L twin-turbo V8 unleashes a powerful song that simply commands attention. 

Though many AMG models have downsized for emissions, the AMG GT 4-Door bucks the trend, roaring loud and proud with its twin-turbo V8 heart.

Audi’s legendary 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder first made waves in the 1980s with the iconic Quattro rally car’s distinctive warble. Today’s RS3 packs 400 hp and keeps that unmistakable howl alive and kicking.

Crack the windows, hit a long stretch of road, and channel your inner rally legend with one of the best-sounding cars around.

Car enthusiasts crave V10 engines, and nothing sounds as distinct as the Lexus LFA’s snarling 4.8L beast. 

A stark contrast to Lexus’s well-known, comfortable image, this supercar screams like a vintage F1, revving so fast it required a digital tachometer. 

Now a rare classic, the V8 LC coupe is one to admire.

Ferrari often tops the list for having the best overall sound despite the intense competition.

The Italian brand’s commitment to naturally aspirated engines, precision exhaust tuning, and racing heritage results in a distinctively thrilling, high-pitched scream that’s hard to beat. 

And the others? Lamborghini and Porsche follow closely behind, each bringing their own signature roar that enthusiasts instantly recognise.

It’s challenging to provide a single answer to this question. Generally, the loudest cars tend to be those with large-displacement engines and minimal exhaust restrictions.

For example, the Dodge Viper, with its thunderous V10, is notorious for its ear-splitting volume. Other contenders include some heavily modified muscle cars with aftermarket exhausts that can exceed legal noise limits. 

While loudness grabs attention, it doesn’t always translate to a quality sound. So, the noisiest car isn’t always the best sounding.

The sound of a car is more than just noise. It’s a crucial part of the driving experience that evokes emotion and a unique connection between driver and machine.

But did your favourite cars make the list?

Car sounds should be an invigorating soundtrack, not a clunky disturbance.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

The Definitive 10 Best Sounding Cars of All Time

Find all the latest industry news and handiest car repair and service tips on the Bumper Blog. Want to get the Bumper view on something? Let us know and we’ll drop a blog post on it as soon as we can.