1998 Ldv Convoy reviews

LDV Convoy LWB/HR 400 2.5 Di (Banana) 1998

Having seen LDV’s in the service of the Post Office and Royal Mail in UK, I got to drive my first 400 in Munich, Germany. There they are loathed, preferring (naturally) their own Mercedes Sprinter, which is considerably faster, quieter, more comfortable, better built, more refined, and two or three times as expensive. I drove my first ’wide’ LDV from Munich to Berlin to Hamburg to Munich, round trip approx 1000 miles. At first I really didn’t fancy the trip in this vehicle, I doubted it would make it back as it was far from new! Anyway, fully loaded and dragging a twin axle trailer I set off. Immediately I knew it wasn’t going to break any land speed records but it didn’t seem to lack in the grunt department. Loaded, it was comfortable, in a basic sort of way. The basic radio/cassette kept me ’entertained’. (the speakers need better quality - mine were very tinny). It settled down to a steady 50 mph, (the German Police - the B.R.G. are very hot on truck speeds so you don’t push your luck). Even over the really big hills on the way to Berlin the LDV showed lots of effort, but that growl from the 2.5 Di is pain. Economically though, I was pleasantly surprised, the same trip a week earlier in a Sprinter returned approx 18-20 mpg, the LDV returned 24, not much to write home about but over a thousand miles thats a big saving. I had a full bulkhead so draughts were not a problem, those vans with half or no bulkhead can be very cold and the heater is pathetic. After a few years experience there are a few points worth mentioning: Maintenance is everything, especially with LDV’s, neglect it at your cost, keep it maintained and it will serve you well. 1, The steering is c**p, it wanders around with a mind of its own, and it has never improved on any 400 that I have driven. 2, The brakes are not the best, they will stop you, but you need a good heart and plenty of boot. (on a trip to Piacenza, Italy over Europa Brucke and down the massive pass to Bolzano I thought a few toilet rolls would have been a good addition to my overnight bag!) 3, The 2.5Di (Banana) engine is a good reliable lump, keep it well maintained and it will do a million miles, and never let you down, fast it ain’t, but it’s bullet proof. Pity it didn’t have a turbo. 4, L.D.V. stands for Lousy Dented Van - according to my German friends, can you imagine the look on their faces when their broken down Sprinters were dragged home by my van? LOL, it was a joy to behold. 5, If its cold outside, dress well, the heater is next to useless. 6, A bigger fuel tank would have been useful. 7, The LDV is a working van, it’s robust, has no frills, bells or whistles, it will serve you well if you take care of it. I am happy to say my workhorse is a ’W reg’ LDV 400. I wouldn’t change it for anything. And BROWN needs shooting for killing the company.