Which? Minibus Peoplecarriers Need Not Apply

Rolandtheroadie

I had so much fun with my last post with regards to running a minibus as a private hire vehicle, I've decided to start another.

Just to get started, growing family, soon to be 6 of us, looking for a vehicle big enough not just for running around, but also for our holidays.

So basically, what we're looking for is a minibus. We want to be able to carry 6 people in comfort, and also at least 4 full size suitcases (like you'd take on your hols abroad that can handle 20kg.

Also something that is good for towing (incase we decide to buy a touring caravan at some point in the future).

Budget? Anything from approx 2k to 10k, probably aroundabout the 8k mark.

My initial thoughts are caravelle, torneo, trafic, vivaro. The Vito has already been discounted due to loads of bad press (this forum, AA patrol man)

Anyone any other alternatives? Or information on the shortlist?

As the title says, Peoplecarriers need not apply as they are either good for seats OR luggage, not both (the grand espace was a consideration at one point).

Thanks in advance.

MX5huggy

Got to be a long wheel base (110) Landrover defender. Seats 12 so should be bigger enough for a few more years!!

Dire seats, hard work to drive.....I could go on but its a LANDROVER

Like this http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/LAND+ROVER+DEFENDER/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294965966-4294967210/advert.action?R=200849112341643&distance=92&postcode=SA71+4JS&channel=CARS&make=LAND+ROVER&model=DEFENDER&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=&vehicleRegLetter=G

Rolandtheroadie

MX5huggy wrote: »

Got to be a long wheel base (110) Landrover defender. Seats 12 so should be bigger enough for a few more years!!

Dire seats, hard work to drive.....I could go on but its a LANDROVER

Like this http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/LAND+ROVER+DEFENDER/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-240-4294965966-4294967210/advert.action?R=200849112341643&distance=92&postcode=SA71+4JS&channel=CARS&make=LAND+ROVER&model=DEFENDER&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=&vehicleRegLetter=G

Absolutely excellent suggestion, I love it. Countryman? The rear bench seats are a problem with child seats tho (in the ones i've seen). And the wife says no (i've tried before).
I've a rangerover in the drive (which she loved) and she loves the discovery (back to the 7 seats no room for luggage). She just sees the 110 as too country.

Theres a 1997 landrover at my work (not moved for a while) with a cherrypicker on the back of it (professionally done). I'd like that also to clear my gutters.

Bart

Hi as I said in your other thread the i800 will win for value over most if not all that you listed. The i800 is the Caravan club under £20,000 class winner and will tow a caravan up to 2300 Kg. I would recomend having a test drive in one, I think you would be impressed. See here http://www.hyundai.co.uk/newCars/i800/

Rolandtheroadie

Sorry, i'd meant to reply to that in my previous thread.
I'd actually seen one of them in a school car park a few days before my original post.
Look great, probably too new (i've only seen '08 plates so I'm assuming they're brand new and the cheapest one i've seen is still 15000 second hand.)

Bart

Hi yes they are new, I think it came out in June or July this year. I would still recomend a test drive. I found one on Auto trader for £14,000 I dare say that some haggling would get it cheaper, not sure about £4K though. Still with times as they are you never know!!;)

jeannieblue

Toypta Granvia. Lots of room and lovely big seats. Its an import - and if that scares you, it shouldn't!

Rolandtheroadie

I saw an article in the paper a few months back about imported peoplecarriers. A family had been wiped out in one.
Basically, at the public enquiry, the judge had said that these vehicles were ok for travelling around cities in (Japan?)but were not built for motorway speeds.
I have no idea what vehicle they were travelling in, but this is why I'd avoid an imported people carrier/minivan.

pianeet

if your not worried about looks a ssangyong rodius has seven seats and loads of boot space plus a 3.5t towing capacity,a lot of taxi drivers around near me caught on to this fact and they are great for airport runs

Rolandtheroadie

From the only picture I could find showing the boot space, it looks good. I'd have to see if thats because the rear seats move forward leaving no legroom for the passengers.
Looks wise, it's not too bad.

jeannieblue

scotsman4th wrote: »

I saw an article in the paper a few months back about imported peoplecarriers. A family had been wiped out in one.
Basically, at the public enquiry, the judge had said that these vehicles were ok for travelling around cities in (Japan?)but were not built for motorway speeds.
I have no idea what vehicle they were travelling in, but this is why I'd avoid an imported people carrier/minivan.

Huh????

What planet are you from? Basically you would prefer, say, a Yaris built in Europe to a Yaris built in Japan?? Do you not know that (sadly) the quality of Japanese build is far better than European? Plus they hardly rust - due to lack of salt and lord knows what on our roads...

A Granvia is pretty much a Hiace in disguise. They are good and solid and very spacious and comfortable. Generally bought for travelling in ....

You are scaremongering.. better not buy any car - gosh it could be made anywhere. Lets face it, not many vehicles are made in UK these days, so they are all imports :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I recommend that you do not comment unless you know what you are talking about.