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Thinking about replacing my Mk7 golf with a van. It needs to be suitable for 3 child seats in the back, and I'd would make things much easier to have sliding doors on both sides. My preference would be to keep it as car like and comfortable as possible, although I know it's never going to be the same as it is a van. But individual front seats would be a good start with the option of heated seats too. LED or Xenon lights are a must for me, and I'd like it to have a tailgate instead of the barn doors.
I don't expect most people to have tried more than 1 of the usual options, however what have you got, why did you pick it and what do you like and dislike about your van?
Just bought XLWB Merc citan, same criteria as you, can't get tailgate door though, due to 4.7m length I'd imagine.
As per other thread, look at the JDM people carriers. They do boxy “van” style MPVs with loads of space, tailgates, sliding doors and all the comfort of a car.
Standard Transporter themed response from me.
I’m now on my third having started with a simple ex-RAC Kombi conversion, all short wheel base.
My current van was a culmination of preferences from what I’ve either had it felt the need for based upon based on 6 or so years experience.
I now have twin captain seats in the front with 2+1 bench in the back. Twin sliding doors is brilliant and I’ve always had a tailgate rather than barn doors. All of these are now minimum requirements for me.
For this van I also opted for the mid bulkhead. Based on the amount I see for sale these don’t seem too popular but certainly make the seating area more van like. It is a compromise though and I’ve lost the ability to put 3m long timber and wotnot. I'll probably end up buying roof bars in the next few days to get a surfboard packed for this years holiday. So far the compromise has been worth it with the car like feel being improved.
Sound deadening is worthwhile too. I’ve not lined the floor as I have done previously but the roof and door inners have been done and it is a worthwhile improvement.
I ended up going without front seat heating which wasn’t ideal but there is the option to have an oem kit fitted at some point.
Lowering helps to reduce body roll and (if you get the right setup) comfort. I wouldn’t want a standard height van again.
Had Transit Custom DCiv LWB.
Transporter T5 Kombi
Now have Transit Custom Sport SWB after looking at T6's as a replacement for the T5.
For me , the Transit drives much better than the VW and is quieter in off the shelf spec. (test drove both)
The bulkhead can be a pain if wanting to carry long stuff , but you can put a flap etc in it or put stuff on the roof ( has fold down roof bars).
I went with SWB due to parking at home, not really missing the 400mm the LWB offers to be honest.
With a family, doors on both sides are a must ( option on the VW) and the Tailgate is better, but you need to allow the room to open when parking etc.
The Transit cost me around £29K + VAT, and has all the toys bar satnav. The Bi-Xenons are very good. Similar spec T6 was coming out around £34 + VAT.
If you are planning to keep longer than 3 years, and worry about residuals etc then go with a VW.
Up to that age, there isnt much in it for what its depreciates over that time.
Do you actually need a van or just a big space?
Have a look at the S-Max/Galaxy, you can get a lot of crap in them and will take 3 car seats in the back. Bonus of being more mainstream is it will have toys for you and them.
Thank for the replies. I like the idea of a van, with the extra width in the rear, easily allowing 3 baby seats. I've got no doubt that a galaxy or s-max would accept them but does the extra space not allow for it to be easier for the kids to get in and get seatbelts etc? Also the idea of being able to out the bike in the back and for it to be hidden from sight, or being able to get changed in the back is appealing.
I tend to keep my car's, and wouldn't plan for the van to be any different. I do think the transporter is the nicest looking of the lot, but the price is a big factor. I'd be looking at buying second hand, although the transit custom and trafic etc. are considerably cheaper.
I have no need for a LWB other than being able to wheel bikes straight in, so I'd settle for a SWB for the convenience of parking in the drive etc. and the slightly shorter dimensions would make it a little easier for the white to drive.
A bulkhead is one thing I am not sure about, ideally if want one that was removable, but these seem to be few and far between. Being bale to transport longer items would be a great benefit, but I guess cutting a hatch in it would be a reasonable option.
We ended up buying a Tourneo Custom LWB on impulse as a black Friday deal 2 years ago. Came with all the extras. No regrets yet.