LDV V80 Tipper review
Introduction
Since hitting the market in 2016, the LDV V80 tipper has been offering operators a combination of affordability, practicality and peace of mind through the 5-year, 125,000 miles warranty. Too good to be true? Liam Campbell put it to the test to find out.
Cab and interior
While the interior may be a little dated, its pleasant, spacious and offers great visibility. The dashboard is composed of hard-wearing plastics, there’s an easy-cleanable flooring and the seats are very comfortable, with the 8-way adjustable driver’s seat with armrest coming as standard.
In comparison with other 3.5t tippers, there’s a lot of spec included as standard. Air conditioning, remote-control central locking, electric windows, cruise control and electronically-adjustable and heated door mirrors are standard, while the infotainment is provided by a FM/AM radio with Bluetooth and USB ports.
Engine and driving characteristics
Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre unit developed by Italian engineering company VM Motori. The engine is only complies to Euro 5b (it doesn’t require AdBlue) but produces up to an above-board 136hp and 330Nm, and it never felt underpowered during our test – even with 500kg onboard. Over the course of our 210 mile journey, which consisted of a mixture of city and highway driving, we consumed 29 litres, which gives us a respectable 32.7mpg.
The LDV V80 tipper, like all vehicles of this type and size, lacks driving character although the suspension is quite firm and there’s very little body roll. The LDV V80 sits comfortably at 70mph thanks to the sixth gear but it is noticeably less refined than its rivals, with considerable road noise at higher speeds.
Chassis cab versions of the V80 are only available in the long wheelbase (3,850mm), and offer a load length of 3,350mm, width of 2,040mm and a side wall height of 400mm. The tipper bodies are manufactured by UK Truck Bodies of Darlington and weigh in at around 500kg which, combined with the weight of the chassis, leaves around 1,250kg left payload.
The 3-stage tipper is controlled via a remote located by the side of the driver’s seat. The cab is protected by a mesh bulkhead and all sides drop down.
Cost of ownership
Priced at just £16,995 plus VAT, the LDV V80 tipper represents huge value for money. The residual values are quite poor but, because the upfront price is so low to start with, the amount lost in real terms is relatively low.
The vehicle is backed by the respectable 5-year, 125,000 warranty, although the service intervals are short in comparison at 15,000 miles or one year. As mentioned, the real-world fuel economy figure of 32.7mpg is about average for a 3.5t tipper and it doesn’t require AdBlue.
LDV V80 tipper verdict
Apart from the fit and finish, the road noise and the dated interior, there’s not much to dislike about the LDV V80 tipper. The 2.5-litre engine is reputable in terms of reliability and performance, while elsewhere it’s comfortable, there’s great visibility, its practical, there’s a long warranty and it’s great value for money
