Been eyeballing weird gas sippers myself lately- xB, Cube, and Soul. However I really want an element. Glad to hear you guys like them. I hear they have awesome headroom and rubber floor for quick hose-outs. I kinda like the Boba Fett color scheme ones and think a 3-4 year old model could be found for a decent deal.

Currently running an E-150 w/ a V6. Its a 2002 and decent on gas. The bulkhead door was awol when purchased but has plenty of space with street and curb boxes. I'm tired of tooling around in a van though:), and I want something nerdtastic!

Element. 73" Mitsu fits out of box. ladder rack clears under 7ft for parking garages. 2nd one for me and I would buy a third when the time comes.

I just saw a pen like that in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.......

Look at the Ford Transit. We have one very cool vehicle with lots of options. One model has a built in PC in the dash and printer in the glove box. Great for service calls. Also have RF ID tagging system for tools pretty awesome.

You may want to check with your accountant, the Canadian CRA have very restrictive regulations on what you can count as a business vehicle, and I know the IRS is no better to deal with regarding tax and expense deductions. Using a car for business may be a problem, so do your homework first before purchasing, unless you are prepared to have part of the cost and expenses of ownership split between you personally and the business.

I see a lot of companies using the Honda Element in NY. It's great on gas, has great storage space and is designed to be rugged and take some abuse inside.



Thank you,
Damon

Really? My fleet is a E-250, Vibe, Honda Oddessy, and a Chevy C1500 Pup. I know the IRS is a PIA but I doubt they can dictate what my business buys for vehicles. I know Canada is moving toward communism/socialism so that may be true up there. I still doubt it tho...I have only been there twice but both times I saw cars with business logos on them.

Used to use a BMW 3 series, but I got some odd looks....lol



I think the Chevy HHR Panel LT w/1lt would be a good choice.

Better than average fuel mileage, good warranty (3 year/36K bumper to bumper, 5 year/100K powertrain) and it's a panel, so your stuff is out of sight.


Want cheap? Kia soul....

Fun? Scion XB with a standard shift.



If you do buy something with windows, get reverse cut lettering, install the lettering on the inside, then paint the glass black. Your lettering will look perfect as long as it's there, and it's easy to remove down the road.

I have to agree with this.
The OP asked about service call vehicles that were good on gas. If you are hauling TVs in your service vehicle then you shouldnt call it a service vehicle. My installation vehicles are full size chevy vans and I could not operate out of anything less. Our service truck is a Chevy Astro and its more than we need it to be.

To the OP, You can use pretty much anything as long as its comfortable, holds the basics and looks good with logos.
I am currently getting ready to replace an Astro with a Hundai Sante Fe. This vehicle will be gutted of all rear interior an outfitted with the basic tools and supplies generally needed in service situations. We will also be outfitting it with an on board office complete with printer.

As I said above, a service vehicle doesnt need all that much.

I have been looking at all the boxy cars myself. Kia Soul, Scion, Nissan Cube etc. I like the HHR a lot but im a little reluctant to get sucked into buying another American money pit.

Another vehicle you should look at is nissan versa. Its surprisingly big inside. Here is a side by side comparison of most of the vehicles talked about here in this thread. Most pricing came from kbb.com but i had to go to the websites for others. Pricing is MRSP of the cheapest automatic model.

http:/

While it does not have the "nerd appeal" of the utility boxes you are looking at, IMO you cannot go wrong with a 95-05 2wd Toyota Tacoma.

Pretty close in gas mileage to the trucklets you are looking at, is a real truck and when outfitted with a camper shell will have a ton more storage room. They are small enough to be manageable in an urban enviornment too.

Plus you don't have to listen to all your tools and parts clattering around as you drive.

They are dead nuts reliable, mine has well over 200k on it and I would not hesitate to drive it cross country on a moments notice.

I understand the tax benefits to buying new vehicles but often wonder if things like finance charges as well as higher registration and insurance costs offset the financial gains of having $20,000 to $50,000 wrapped up in a work vehicle. Not to mention the added stress of having yet another payment hanging over your head every month (making slow times a little more nail biting then usual).

I buy em cheap, pay cash, keep them maintained/clean/presentable and drive them till they won't go anymore.

You can choose any vehicle you want including a car, however you must be able to prove what portion of mileage is used for business and what is used for personal. In Canada, even if you work for a company and drive the vehicle home you will have to pay to drive it home as as personal use.

This happen to me years ago working for a large multi-national company. I was taxed on the mileage to and from home, it was small, but I was taxed even though I had my own personal vehicle. I filled out mileage charts everyday for my vehicle and still do for my own company vehicle. It keeps the tax collectors happy.

GMC Safari / Chev Astro AWD

If you want an eye catching vehicle and can hold out for a little bit longer the new Mini Countryman releases first quarter 2011 nice space, fun to drive, Eyecatching and you can get it in 6speed =)

Lettered up it can be very successful! man i miss my 06 mcs

[Link: motoringfile.com]

This concept car might make it into production. Not neccesarily a great delivery vehicle but pretty cool. Kia Soul'ster