Off on another 'Chinese vehicle' thread!.

I am a self employed 'reach and wash' window cleaner. My trusty Transit Connect is starting to show its age and i am aware i will need to think of replacing it in the not too distant future.

I have been aware of the DFSK/DFM minivans minitrucks for a few years now and have often wondered about the possibility of using one for my work. The thing that really appeals to me is the compact size, particularly the width (as i have recently moved to a narrow street in an old part of town!). I often find myself having to try and park in a very small amount of space in order to work. Another plus point for me, especially with all the horror stories about over complex modern turbo diesels, is the basic simplicity. Naturaly aspirated petrol engine, which i believe is based on the old suzuki unit from the carry. Payload wise, i would have to go for one of the drop side pick ups, which isnt ideal from a security point of view, but i think i could make it work OK. There are a couple of things i am worried about though. The 1st of these is the total lack of any sort of safety equipment. This wouldnt concern me too much if i worked solely in one town, but i cover about 10K miles per year, mostly on a mixture of single carriageway A and B roads. No ABS, no airbags, and very little bodywork in between the driver and the front of the vehicle. The 2nd is regarding the reliability. There is very little information out there in terms of road tests and such like, nothing on owners reviews websites that i have found. Does anyone have any experience with one of these vehicles?.

On a different note, i have also considered the current style Piaggio Porter, which although not 'officially available' in this country, can nevertheless be had as a left hand drive import. Of interest to me is that there are 2 payload options with the van, the higher of these, 750kg, would suit me fine. And whilst it also is not something you would ever choose to have an accident in, current models do at have ABS. So, at least in theory, you have a better chance of avoiding an accident!.

Thanks