DFSK DFM V27 Mini MiniVan

[blakegeee]

This Chinese company DFSK aka DFM (one of the biggest in China) makes 2 of these tiny vans. The regular more common one with BMW grills in the front is sold in a lot of countries so I can get some information about them. Sounds like they are ok in the city for work but you wouldn't want to go very far in one.
 

But, I can't find any english language reviews about how the more boxy, slightly larger V27 model (black one pictured below) is, which has a Hummer style grill. It "looks" like it would be a bit more plush, maybe intended more as a family van than just an agricultural very basic work horse?

 

 

I need a tiny van for moving big but light boxes regularly, and for moving the odd motorbike. Both models should be up to the task. But if the V27 is comfortable too, and can handle driving between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai once in a while, then I would spend the extra money on it and make it my only car. I'd prefer not to have 2 cars anyways. If the boxy V27 is also a chore to drive, then I could just get the cheap basic one for 40-50% of the price just for in the city, and keep another vehicle for getting out of town. A well-used basic BMW style-grill one can be had around 60-80K baht and a nice V27 is around 150K baht, both only 3-4 years old. 

Other option would be the Suzuki APV van, but I have to spend upwards of 200,000b and get one that is at least 10 years old for that price. Surely they are better quality and probably handle well in the mountains, but I'm getting a much older vehicle for more money. But it may be my only option if I want a vehicle that will do all the above. 

 

So, has anyone ever used a V27? Ever got out of town in one? Any feedback about them would be very helpful! Thanks a lot.

[JaseTheBass]

Get the Suzuki.

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer

[blakegeee]

3 minutes ago, JaseTheBass said:

Get the Suzuki.

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer
 

As I said, that is an option. Do you have any input as to "why"? Have you driven the V27?

[JaseTheBass]

As I said, that is an option. Do you have any input as to "why"? Have you driven the V27?

They're rubbish. The Suzuki is a much better vehicle.

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer

[blakegeee]

3 hours ago, JaseTheBass said:

They're rubbish. The Suzuki is a much better vehicle.

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer
 

So you have experience with the V27? To elaborate, they just have too many problems, such as? They handle really bad??

[Rotweiler]

 

I believe the question asked by the OP was "Has anyone ever used a V27?".  I don't recall the question including "What's you OPINION of other similar vehicles!"

 

No, I have not driven the V27 nor do I know anyone who has. 

 

My Thai brother-in-law has a DFSK closed van that he used to haul his tools from job to job.  He says it is not the nicest running/handling vehicle, but for the price, not too bad!

 

4 hours ago, JaseTheBass said:

They're rubbish. The Suzuki is a much better vehicle.

Sent from my Cray II supercomputer
 

 

[JaseTheBass]

4 hours ago, Rotweiler said:

 

I believe the question asked by the OP was "Has anyone ever used a V27?".  I don't recall the question including "What's you OPINION of other similar vehicles!"

 

No, I have not driven the V27 nor do I know anyone who has. 

 

My Thai brother-in-law has a DFSK closed van that he used to haul his tools from job to job.  He says it is not the nicest running/handling vehicle, but for the price, not too bad!

 

 

So, I am to say "Yes, I have experience of the V27, but I'm not going to share my opinion"?

 

Uh, OK.

 

They're poorly built, mechanically below average, not particularly economical, nasty to drive and backed up by a dodgy dealer network.

 

Or, in other words, buy the Suzuki if you have any sense. If you do end up with the V27, please post your horror stories on here.

[Rotweiler]

So...in short - you know nothing about the topic but are more than willing to give your UN-informed opinion about something totally different.  Just for the heck of it.

 

Based on your response, I will assume you are involved in a Suzuki dealership; or; got stuck with one and are now desirous of sucking others into that crap.

 

Nuf'said.

 

1 hour ago, JaseTheBass said:

So, I am to say "Yes, I have experience of the V27, but I'm not going to share my opinion"?

 

Uh, OK.

 

They're poorly built, mechanically below average, not particularly economical, nasty to drive and backed up by a dodgy dealer network.

 

Or, in other words, buy the Suzuki if you have any sense. If you do end up with the V27, please post your horror stories on here.

 

[VocalNeal]

That vehicle would seem to suit the OP stated needs. I would however measure the ceiling height in a van . Motorbikes are taller than they might seem.  

 

Downside? The AC has to cool the whole van. Unlike say the old Isuzu van which had a separate cab. I suppose one could stick something onto the grille to separate but...

 

Neither quick or for status but if that is what you think you need why not? 

 

[blakegeee]

Thanks for the input guys. The one with BMW style grills are quite common, but the V27 is not nearly as common. I am wondering if the V27 is more comfortable, better in any way.

 

Jasethebass - Which one have you used? 

 

Rottweiler - Do you know which one your BIL has?

As for size, I read that the back door opening (on the basic one, smaller than V27) is over a meter wide and about 1.5 meters high so should easily fit a bike. 

[Rotweiler]

He has a Model 21 flat-back.

[fullcave]

Go for it. Treat yourself. You deserve it.  

[madmax2]

What about dealer network and spare parts supply, could be a problem with a oddball vehicle, you may have to wait weeks for parts, i know from personal experience with another uncommon make of vehicle i bought years ago 

Suzuki have dealers in most major cities and lots of them on the roads even as tuk tuks so parts should be easy to get anywhere in Thailand like Toyota parts

[blakegeee]

The DFSK parts are really cheap. The BKK dealers really promote the parts service including fliers with random cheap parts listed. They promote "24 hours" but I don't know if that means your parts will be delivered within 24 hours or they just answer the phone 24 hours a day...

Anyways, I just got a good deal on a 2007 Suzuki APV but I am still looking to hear more about the V27 and I'm sure others are too since this seems to be the only english language thread about it I can find online. 

 

Both Rottweiler and Jasethebass were referring to the V-series also so I do get the idea that they aren't that much more plush than the slightly smaller "BMW-grill" ones. Wonder why they even offer both then...

[JaseTheBass]

On 19/09/2017 at 6:01 PM, Rotweiler said:

So...in short - you know nothing about the topic but are more than willing to give your UN-informed opinion about something totally different.  Just for the heck of it.

 

Based on your response, I will assume you are involved in a Suzuki dealership; or; got stuck with one and are now desirous of sucking others into that crap.

 

Nuf'said.

 

 

Yes. I own Suzuki.