looking for a people carrier

wazza

hi, i am looking for a people carrier that will handle 2 adults and 7 children. looking to buy one 2nd hand for less than £6000

rdwarr

I think the 9-seater requirement puts most traditional people carriers out of the frame. Some of the big 4x4s (the Isuzu Trooper springs to mind) did have a rare 9-seat variant but it involved seating four in the "boot" so would only suit small children.

Other than that I'd consider a Transit minibus. You can get the smallest of the range to seat nine, can tax and run as a car, and they're relatively cheap.

DavidHM

That, and a VW Caravelle are more or less your only options (well, there may be some dodgy old Land Rovers and Japanese market imports).

The Caravelle is probably slightly more car-like than the Transit. Most of these will have done well over 100k miles as shuttle buses and your budget will probably only get you a six to ten year old example.

If you don't need seats 8 and 9, look at a smaller people carrier if you possibly can.

nej

A Land-Rover Defender can seat up to 10. How comfortable they'll be is another matter.

Have you considered a Routemaster?

vansboy

You'll really be looking at minibusses, rather than people carriers.

The hardest thing will be insurance. Most on line insurers won't be keen - Minibus Plus, is a company that usually end up providing cover.

Even if you're looking only to use as a family vehicle, do get some quotes, before buying.

Think on LDV Pilot 12 seaters, as a budget bus. OK mechanics - but not nicest thing to ride a long way. Otherwise Transits, next best value.

Beware ANYTHING which is a conversion - seats & belts, should be installed to meet proper requirements & you're into a minefield, convincing insurers, that it is a 'proper' job, without full documentation.

VB

rrockettman

You might have to check that your driving licence will allow you to drive a 9 seater. I have a feeling that 8 seats is usually the limit on a standard car licence these days, unless you took your test before the written part of the test came in. Pre '98 I think.