Used Vauxhall Combo Cargo for sale: everything you need to know

Vauxhall is a dependable and much-loved brand in the UK and, aside from its sizeable range of car options, the vans it produces are similalrly popular. The Vauxhall Combo Cargo is no exception and has to be one of the best small van options out there thanks to being comfortable to drive and offering generous levels of cargo carrying capacity.

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo comes in both diesel and electric variants too, both of which meet the needs of a wide variety of buyers, from in-town delivery drivers through to tradespeople who need to notch up longer runs via motorway miles. There are decent trim options too, meaning the Vauxhall Combo Cargo can be had in a basic edition for rough and ready everyday use, or the specification can be beefed up if you're expecting to spend many hours in it on the way to job sites.

Now that Vauxhall is part of the Stellantis group the Vauxhall Combo Cargo is built using many of the same parts as seen on vans from Peugeot and Citroen. That should mean that spares are easy to come buy and getting the van serviced will be fuss free too. You can buy the Vauxhall Combo Cargo in three different trims levels, while the body comes in short wheelbase and long base variants, with a Crew Van model to top it all off.

If you like what you see from the Vauxhall Combo Cargo then close relatives like the Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner vans will also appeal. Again, those are available in both diesel and electric variants, meaning there's more choice than even when it comes to small van options. The Toyota Proace City Electric is another one to consider if you're looking to go green and don't need to handle long distances during your daily duties. 

Should you buy a Vauxhall Combo Cargo?

Anyone happy to stick with diesel instead of electric will find any of the powertrain options from the earlier Vauxhall Combo Cargo vans agreeable. They make a great alternative to the likes of the Ford Transit Connect or Volkswagen Caddy. In fact, buy one of these vans and you can look forward to frugal running costs of up to 67.3mpg. 

There's also the model type flexibility too, with standard or XL variants to choose from, depending on your requirements. Either way, this small van has been cleverly designed to accommodate all kinds of cargo, and people too. Adding to that appeal is the array of on-board tech that comes fitted, sometimes as standard although the really good stuff comes with models higher up the trim line.

You also get the benefit of car-like driving and performance, with decent handling and lots of practicality being more of the Combo Cargo's strongpoints. It's easy to get in and out of tight spots, feels confident on longer runs and, if you're spending long days and lots of time in the cabin, it's a comfortable and easy environment to get on with. Buy one of the electric models and you'll get rewarded with a calming and very quiet ride quality too, which is another bonus.

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What’s the best used Vauxhall Combo Cargo model to buy?

Deciding which is the best used Vauxhall Combo Cargo small van to buy is largely down to what you plan on using it for. There's a standard edition if your needs aren't too excessive, but there's also an XL edition of the van too, which obviously means more space. Head for the Crew Cab model if you need to carry people around meanwhile. 

Whichever body style you choose, expect decent fuel economy from the 1.5 or 1.6-litre diesel engines. Increasingly though, the electric edition is starting to make more sense, especially for any company or fleet drivers who have cheap and easy access to charging both during the day and overnight. Any level of trim will work for most people, but some of the extra frills that come with the Prime edition are worth paying for, though for secondhand buyers they might be in your model of choice without having to pay too much for the privilege.

With fierce competition in the small van marketplace you're not exactly stuck for choice when it comes to making a decision. The Vauxhall Combo Cargo offers plenty, with an almost saloon car drive, great interior and either diesel or electric variants to choose from. However, also vying for your attention, alongside the close relation Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo are Renault's Kangoo, the Nissan Townstar or, perhaps, the Volkswagen Caddy if you're happy to stick with diesel over electric. Ford's Transit Courier is also another failsafe  one to keep an eye out for if none of the above hit the spot.

Used Vauxhall Combo Cargo fuel economy and performance

There are numerous powertrain options for the Vauxhall Combo Cargo, although increasing numbers of short haul buyers are choosing to head in the direction of the electric variant, for obvious reasons. Diesel fans will probably prefer the current 1.5-litre Turbo D Blueinjection model if they want to get optimal fuel economy.

• Vauxhall Combo Cargo 1.5L diesel: This is a dependable option if you don't need the extra grunt of the larger engine and comes mated to a five-speed gearbox, which can tend to be a little finicky according to some owners who've had to live with it over time. Combined, the 1.5 can return around 52.3mpg.
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo 1.6L diesel: This engine comes with more power thanks to 128bhp on tap, while the added appeal of this powertrain is the way it is fitted to a six-speed gearbox, which makes it better on longer runs too. Expect around 67.3 mpg
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo 50kW electric: The arrival of the electric edition of the Vauxhall Combo Cargo was important in that it allowed anyone needing to stop and start quickly on short runs to get the job done much more efficiently. And, with a range of up to 175 miles the van is a realistic alternative to diesel even if you're planning on longer daily journeys. Plus, you can charge it to full on a home wallbox in around 7.5 hours.

What used Vauxhall Combo Cargo trim levels are available?

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo offers lots of versatility and there are a range of models to suit different needs. Even in its most basic guide the compact van has a very decent specification, with trim and tech levels that are higher than you might expect. Work your way up through the range, in either diesel or electric variants and the trim standards rise accordingly.

• Vauxhall Combo Cargo Prime Diesel: Standard features include a 5-inch touchscreen radio with DAB, Bluetooth and USB connection, Vauxhall Connect, automatic lighting control with daytime running lights, steering wheel mounted audio controls, height-adjustable driver’s seat, electronic cruise control, rear parking distance sensors, remote control security alarm system, air conditioning.
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo Pro Diesel: Features over Prime include FlexCargo Pack with bench seat, 8-inch colour touchscreen multimedia, 16-inch steel wheels with full-wheel covers, electric parkbrake, body coloured fronts & rear fascia, fog lamps.
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo Crew Van Prime Diesel: Features over Prime Panel Van include two-position moveable ladder frame bulkhead, three-seat second-row bench, nearside and offside sliding side-access doors, front passenger’s airbag, driver and front passenger’s side-impact airbags
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo Prime Electric: Standard features include 5-inch touchscreen radio with DAB, Bluetooth and USB connection, Vauxhall Connect, 16-inch steel wheels with centre cas, automatic lighting control with daytime running lights, electronic cruise control, rear parking distance sensors, remote control security alarm system, air conditioning.
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo Pro Electric: Features over Prime include 8-inch colour touchscreen multimedia, 16-inch steel wheels with full-wheel covers, FlexCargo Pack with bench seat, electric parkbrake, body coloured fronts & rear fascia, front fog lamps
• Vauxhall Combo Cargo Crew Van Prime Electric: Features over Prime Panel van include two-position moveable ladder frame bulkhead, three-seat second-row bench, nearside and offside sliding side-access doors.

Used Vauxhall Combo Cargo dimensions and boot size

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4,403 to 4,753mm depending on wheelbase
• Width: 1,848mm
• Height: 1,804 to 1,837mm depending on wheelbase
• Ground clearance: 185mm 

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo’s load capacity is:

• Load length: 1527 to 1817mm
• Load height: 1236mm
• 3.3m3 to 3.9m3 (4.0m3 long-wheelbase crew van)
• Width between wheel arches: 1,229mm
• Payload 665 to 1002kg depending on model/wheelbase type

Used Vauxhall Combo Cargo road tax

Expect to pay £180 road tax for the Vauxhall Combo Cargo fitted with a diesel engine. The benefit of going in the direction of an electric powertrain is that there is currently no VED for battery-powered vans.

How much is it to insure a Vauxhall Combo Cargo?

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo in its current incarnation falls into group 31E at the lower end and 33E at the higher end, meaning older used examples should be relatively cheap to cover.

Read our full Vauxhall Combo Cargo review