I'm looking for a large car/van that can take six people, as well as large pieces of furniture - what do you advise?
I'm looking for a large, economical car/van that I can have up to six children in, as well as bikes, dogs etc. I also need to use it for transporting my furniture to sell at fairs. I've been looking at Volkswagen Transporters. My budget is £13,000. What would you recommend?
Asked on 18 June 2018 by Jane
Answered by
Dan Powell
Nothing beats a van-based MPV for space. Unfortunately, when it comes to the largest vans, they’re highly sought-after by taxi firms and a budget of £13,000 might limit your options to old and unloved vans that might provide more mechanical problems than they’re worth. For me, the Ford Transit Custom is the best van-based MPV you can get, owing to the fact it’s large, easy to drive and promises up to 43.5mpg according to the official figures: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/tourneo-cus.../
The Volkswagen T5 Caravelle is a good van, but has lots more reported problems compared to the Ford. With a budget of £13,000, I’d be tempted to look at something a bit smaller like the Grand Tourneo Connect or Volkswagen Caddy Life. Both are efficient, practical and have seven seats. Admittedly, you might struggle to carry six children and bikes at the same time, but you could get around that by investing in a good bike carrier: kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-thule-easyfold.../
For all of the best van-based MPVs, see: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-van-based...s
The Volkswagen T5 Caravelle is a good van, but has lots more reported problems compared to the Ford. With a budget of £13,000, I’d be tempted to look at something a bit smaller like the Grand Tourneo Connect or Volkswagen Caddy Life. Both are efficient, practical and have seven seats. Admittedly, you might struggle to carry six children and bikes at the same time, but you could get around that by investing in a good bike carrier: kit.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/review-thule-easyfold.../
For all of the best van-based MPVs, see: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-van-based...s
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