👷 Builders across Merseyside, Liverpool, and the wider North West rely on their vans for more than transport — they’re mobile workshops, tool sheds, and client-facing billboards. With so many options on the market, how do you know which van strikes the best balance between payload capacity, price, and day-to-day practicality?
Let’s break down three of the top choices that local builders swear by.
🚐 Ford Transit Custom – The All-Rounder for Heavy Loads
💪 Payload: Up to 1,459kg
💷 Price Range (used): From £12,000–£20,000 depending on age/trim
🧰 Why Builders Love It:
The Transit Custom has been a best-seller for years — and for good reason. It combines serious payload with wide load access, making it ideal for transporting plasterboard, timber, and bulky kit. Awarded International Van of the Year 2024, it also boasts strong resale value.
If you’re looking at making your tools last as long as your van, our van security tips for 2025 are a must-read to protect your gear while on site.
👉 Thinking of comparing it head-to-head with a Vivaro? We’ve done just that in our Ford Transit Custom vs Vauxhall Vivaro showdown.
🛠️ Vauxhall Vivaro – Efficiency Meets Practicality
💪 Payload: Up to 1,400kg
💷 Price Range (used): From £11,000–£18,000
🧰 Why Builders Love It:
The Vivaro is slightly smaller than the Transit Custom, but still manages impressive payload figures. Builders working across Liverpool city centre or Manchester clean air zones love its Euro 6 compliance and excellent fuel economy of nearly 48mpg. The Vivaro-e (electric) also offers a green alternative for trades tackling mostly local jobs.
👉 Discover more about ULEZ-compliant vans in 2025 if your work takes you into expanding Clean Air Zones.
🔧 Renault Trafic – The Spacious Workhorse
💪 Payload: Up to 1,280kg
💷 Price Range (used): From £10,000–£17,000
🧰 Why Builders Love It:
If you need a bit more room to move, the Trafic stands out with its generous load volume of 8.9m³. Builders carrying ladders, long pipes, or bulky insulation rolls appreciate the extended load length. Inside, the cab doubles as a comfortable office with clever storage and ergonomic design.
⚖️ Which Van Wins for North West Builders?
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For maximum payload and towing power: go for the Ford Transit Custom.
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For best value fuel economy and urban compliance: the Vauxhall Vivaro edges ahead.
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For load space and comfort on longer jobs: the Renault Trafic delivers.
The right choice depends on your trade setup — but all three are proven workhorses across Merseyside’s building sites.
📍 Local Insight: Why Used Makes More Sense in 2025
With new van sales down 12.3% this year and factory delays dragging on, many North West builders are turning to the used van market for immediate availability and better prices. At Merseyside Van Sales, every vehicle undergoes multi-point checks so you can drive away the same week — no waiting around for factory orders.
For more trade-focused buying advice, don’t miss our guide to the best vans for mobile trades in 2025 — covering plumbers, electricians, and builders alike.
👉 For a broader market update, read our latest van market check.
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