Nissan Cabstar quality, Volvo expertise for R. Dando & Sons

Bristol builder’s merchants R. Dando & Sons have taken delivery of their seventh Nissan Cabstar – a tipper-bodied short-wheelbase 35/13, plated for operation at 3.5 tonnes GVW. Long-time Cabstar users, they cited reliability, payload and the specialist knowledge available through their local Volvo Dealer – Wales and West Truck and Bus at Avonmouth - as key factors in the decision.

“Our first Cabstar was on a K-plate,” says Chris Dando, “and we originally chose them because of their payload; this latest one gives us 1.75 tonnes payload on a single rear axle.” Since then, they have been equally impressed by the Nissan’s reliability. “Engine-wise,” adds Chris, “they’re difficult to beat. We tend to run them on the merchant side of the business for about 100,000 miles from new – then move them over to our construction business and run them to death!” The truck will be used to deliver sand, aggregates and other bulk materials to small contractors and the DIY trade.

‘Death’, however, is slow in coming for the Cabstars; R. Dando & Sons is still running a P-plate example. Chris has tested the Cabstar personally and pronounces himself pleased with its on-road qualities. “This latest model is a really good drive,” he enthuses, “much more comfortable than older versions!”

Although the company services its own vehicles, he is also pleased to be able to buy his Nissans through Wales and West Truck and Bus. “It means you’re talking to someone who knows trucks,” he explains, “instead of a car salesman. For instance, we had one that was adapted as a timber carrier; it was so much simpler to talk to a specialist!”