Bit different - minibus
Bit different - minibus
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Discussion

bigandclever

Original Poster:

14,328 posts

267 months

Friday 6th November 2020
quotequote all
As part of my mid-life crisis and change in career direction, I’m looking for a minibus for airport shuttle runs (<3 hours) and trips into the Pyrenees (<1 hour) for up to 6 passengers and their stuff, in comfort, all year round. Right now I’m stuck on variants of Mercedes sprinter and Ford transit but there must be others.

Musts
6 passengers in comfort, plus driver plus dog somewhere.
Towing (small trailer) capability.
Aircon in back.
Removeable seats / changeable configuration.
<£40k brand new

Nice to have but not essential
<£30k brand new.
Luggage for 6 capacity in van (otherwise trailer/roof).
4x4.
Capable of 50k miles a year.
Not ‘3 seats abreast x 2 rows’ more 2 seats x 3 configuration.

Must nots
Terrible reputation for reliability.
Terrible reputation for build quality.

Will be LHD for Spain, but don’t worry about whether your options are available in Europe, and I’ve said brand new but that’s not hard and fast .. will be a 10 year purchase though. Just some vans and links and then I can refine my requirements. Ta!

ZX10R NIN

30,497 posts

154 months

Friday 6th November 2020
quotequote all
I'd say the Transit or Mercedes are the best bets but there are alternatives:

Hyundai i800 these with their long warranty will be good for you & your intended usage.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009093...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009173...

Nissan Elgrand but a petrol may not suit

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-Nissan-Elgrand-3-5...

Vivaro Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007271...

Fiat Talenta

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202009294...

bigandclever

Original Poster:

14,328 posts

267 months

Friday 6th November 2020
quotequote all
I’m glad you’re here smile

Will take a look.

Quick look... crew vans and double cabs won’t work; not enough seats. The Nissan is getting there but, again, not enough seats in the right configuration. The Hyundai is a new (and terribly boring looking) option to me, so will check those out.

Petrol vs diesel vs electric ... don’t care.

Edited by bigandclever on Friday 6th November 21:51

bristolracer

5,948 posts

178 months

Friday 6th November 2020
quotequote all
If you are in Spain then Citroen/Peugeot has to be in with a shout

Peugeot traveller looks good

Russ T Bolt

1,759 posts

312 months

Saturday 7th November 2020
quotequote all
bristolracer said:
If you are in Spain then Citroen/Peugeot has to be in with a shout

Peugeot traveller looks good
Also the Toyota variant which presumably has a five year warranty.

They (Toyota/Citroen/Peugeot) are available in three lengths, haven't looked at them in person but the 'long' version looks to have decent load space when all seats are used.

SlowAndDull

516 posts

109 months

Saturday 7th November 2020
quotequote all
Cost would be higher, but an XLWB V Class? 6 seats in the rear and luggage space (if you choose the XLWB)?.

dai1983

3,183 posts

178 months

Saturday 7th November 2020
quotequote all
7 speed auto Vito Tourer or if you fancy more chrome and a nicer dash the V class is more expensive.

bigandclever

Original Poster:

14,328 posts

267 months

Monday 16th November 2020
quotequote all
Lots of food for thought, thanks.

This is sort of what I had in mind....

https://www.hqcustomdesign.com/gallery/1/1/5/113/1...

Based on the Mercedes sprinter.