Vans/people carriers

[mybrainhurts]

Looking into a nine seater LWB van based people carrier.

I've driven a Transit Tourneo nine seater and it drove like a van, being pretty choppy unless fully laden.

Anybody with experience of the Renault Traffic/Vauxhall Vivaro, Merc Vito and VW Transporter and recommendations regarding handling, comfort for passengers, reliability, known problems, comparative running costs and how they cope with snow please?

[v8will]

I spent a few weeks back in January on a driving course, driving a Tourneo and a Vivaro back to back. I preferred the Vivaro. Felt a bit more refined and more comfortable as a passenger in the back.

Can't speak for ownership prospects though.

[mybrainhurts]

Thanks..

[spikey78]

I've got a Mercedes Viano which is basically a posh Vito.. I think one of the things which makes it 'posh' is self levelling rear suspension and the ride is pretty good (considering it is still a van basically) whether its full or empty.. Its only 8 seats though-im not sure if a 3 seat front is available as it is in a Vito, but then I don't know if you can get self levelling on a Vito..
Its a 2.2 diesel Auto (you can't get a manual Viano) and does about 29 MPG most of which is in central London. Up to 38 MPG on the motorway..
Servicing costs are mental-i get the basics done and do any extras myself

[Flyin Banana]

i work for merc at the moment and have worked for VW in the past, the VW shuttles are ok to drive but its a van with seats in it, not the most confortable thing in the world, the Vitos are much more car like and have a better finish inside,

if your in the worc/glos area your more than welcome to come and have a look around a vito and take it for a drive, if your quick i have a VW shuttle at the moment thats come in as a PX

Cheers Rob

[MarshPhantom]

As one of the posts mentioned, the Vivaro shouldn't be overlooked. It's comfy and not a bad place to be for long journeys. Plenty of space/storage in the cab too.

I have a Vito at the moment. It's certainly better built than the Vauxhall and more car like to drive, but I find the cab cramped (I'm about 6ft and can't get the driver's seat back as far as I'd like. The storage is crap, the heater is pants in very cold weather. They also appear to be very easy to break into.

I don't think I'll have another Vito TBH.

[mybrainhurts]

Thanks for the feedback...

[MarshPhantom]

If you're after a people carrier the Toyota Previa is worth a look. Do they still sell them new?

[mybrainhurts]

Need 8 passenger seats.

[Brite spark]

mybrainhurts said:

Need 8 passenger seats.

Are you aware of the potential licence implications of this?

[mybrainhurts]

Brite spark said:

mybrainhurts said:

Need 8 passenger seats.

Are you aware of the potential licence implications of this?

Yes, thank you...

[mph1977]

Brite spark said:

Are you aware of the potential licence implications of this?

What licence implications ?

8+1 Is still cat B to drive and PHV for hire and reward...