Transport options (again)??

[yourdj]

Hello,

I know this has been covered before, But I have found myself in a position where having a larger car/van would be of greater benefit and was hoping for some fresh opinions. I have 2 large dogs, 2 children and a larger amount of kit than I used to have - which makes my Zafira a bit of a pain as I have to fold the seats back every week to get child seats in. We have an insignia estate, but its nice to take the dogs and babies out at the same time (they are not allowed in the Insignia).

In an ideal world I would get a mid section seating area and a waterproof rear section. The setting area can be used to house the kids and photobooth etc. and the rear section the dogs and main kit for Djing. Job done. I can also easily fit everything in a partner/Berlingo so dont need too much space, although having the dog section separate is a bonus as you get hair everywhere and they stink.

My main question is what is the law regarding van insurance and what are the price differences these days? Also I have seen loads of vans with seats/windows that have bags of room and are not classed as vans. It would be dead handy to have transport with 7-10 seats with 2 children & friends.

Also if I got a camper, will this be more expensive as i guess you need specialist insurance? I like the idea of a camper as we can also explore the UK on holidays. The bongos and transporters can look quite smart also so wont look out of place parked in front of my hotels. I could always get a shuttle type van and build a back waterproof cab section using wood/vynal - That would be the cheaper option.

I did want to get a Ghibli and a large people carrier, but i think thats a very expensive luxury, so may just opt for a decent van and the insignia, or perhaps a VW Eos or similar (as i miss having a reasonable car for meetings/social use).

Here are the options in picture form - opinions appreciated and any other ideas?

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[soundscapes]

Im reliably informed by a mechanic friend that the bongos are excellent especially if you get the "bongolow" version with the extending roof. They are also mechanically identical to the ford freda so parts are easy to get hold of. Only drawback is that they stopped making them a few years ago.
Ive had an imported nissan and they are a world of pain when it comes to repairs.
The VW will hold its value better than any of them.

[Excalibur]

Well if we're using piccies, having taken all your requirements into account, I believe something along these lines would tick all your boxes, Toby.
1) Plenty of seats, and extra storage in the trailer.
2) The fun option. A Harley, with added capacity.

[yourdj]

Im reliably informed by a mechanic friend that the bongos are excellent especially if you get the "bongolow" version with the extending roof. They are also mechanically identical to the ford freda so parts are easy to get hold of. Only drawback is that they stopped making them a few years ago.
Ive had an imported nissan and they are a world of pain when it comes to repairs.
The VW will hold its value better than any of them.

Thanks there is some great advice there. Cheers. Like the term bongalow, although i think the kids will be in a tent out of the way! I think there are better options that a VW as they are very expensive. Yes agree with the Nissan jap imports, will avoid them. I liked the look of them really, and saw about 20 in my Tesco carpark one morning (I live next to the Beaulieu motor museum). The reason I wanted the diesel Ghibli as it is so different to the Merc Jag and audi's out there, but it's £30,000 s/h which would be better off being put to savings as cars (especially Maseratis) depreciate quickly. My Spider must have lost about £5,000 a year! I was looking at Infiniti saloons but feel that will be the same. :(


Well if we're using piccies, having taken all your requirements into account, I believe something along these lines would tick all your boxes, Toby.
1) Plenty of seats, and extra storage in the trailer.
2) The fun option. A Harley, with added capacity.

Very helpful. The second one has Steve written all over it. :steve::sj:

[yourdj]

I am going to add the Grand voyager in there as its so large! I also forgot to add that a low ground clearance is a bonus as I have a decrepit dog and a bit flight case to hall up.

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[ukpartydj]

Van insurance for me is around £100 more than a smallish (vw golf or similar car). It was loads more a few years back, not sure it anything changed or I just got more experience points :).

[ppentertainments]

Out of interest Why are the dogs and babies not allowed in the insignia ?

To me it is a no brainer - have a family car for, well family.
Have a van for work purposes.

The options you have chosen will likely all need quite a bit of jiggling about with the seats, so can't see the attraction myself.

Or even : Family car - Runaround - Van. That's what I have, then everyone is happy :D

[Excalibur]

Out of interest Why are the dogs and babies not allowed in the insignia ?


I think Toby's embargo on the Insignia only applies to the canines. I'm sure he's prepared to take his children with him sometimes. :D

[yourdj]

I think Toby's embargo on the Insignia only applies to the canines. I'm sure he's prepared to take his children with him sometimes. :D

Of course the kids are allowed in the insignia. ;) - I bought it for my wife and she hated having hair and the smell in the old one. Also the roof it a lot lower and they would pebbly not even fit in the back anyway. If I got a van it would be a world away from the Berlingo crap I had before, it would have to drive nicely as my zafira is really nice. Either that, or an A-B van and a third car wen we move. Interesting about van insurance, I need to get some quotes and see as it used to be double what it was when i went back to a zafira. I would have zero no claims to start so it will be expensive. :)

[Corabar Steve]

The second one has Steve written all over it. :steve::sj:
Nah, I'm getting one of these.


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[yourdj]

Nah, I'm getting one of these.

I think i have dejavu. Sure we had the same the last transport thread :D

I had a look at an Alhambra today at childcare and that would actually be large enough. I use the insignia quite a bit now, if my wife goes back to work then having a van would mean also getting a third car which will add expense as I look after kids in the day, so will need something with permanent rear seats. I really need to get out and test rive some options to see. I bet vans with cabs dont drive too differently to a Zafira.

[ppentertainments]

Interesting about van insurance, I need to get some quotes and see as it used to be double what it was when i went back to a zafira. I would have zero no claims to start so it will be expensive. :)
I find van insurance very steep - currently pay £670 for a van, 10 years old and worth about £1200 compared to a year old car, valued at £13k where we pay £215 :mad::mad:

Never looked into it yet, but would fleet insurance or similar not work out a little cheaper ?

[Daryll]

Maybe its my age but.....................54 plate fiat doblo , fully comp , £168 and thats with Swinton

[musicology]

This is when I feel glad that I no longer have small children nor loads of kit so I stay nice and comfy in my big estate car. Aaaand relax!

[yourdj]

I find van insurance very steep - currently pay £670 for a van, 10 years old and worth about £1200 compared to a year old car, valued at £13k where we pay £215 :mad::mad:

Never looked into it yet, but would fleet insurance or similar not work out a little cheaper ?
.
I was paying about that on a £600 Berlingo & a Partner. I then got an old Astra DTI van (I drowned that it in a flood) and then was so impressed I went for the older Zafira which was £2-300 with DJ business use. I have had 2 Zafiras a MK2 Astra and now an Insignia since with similar prices.

I saw one of these today and loved the look of it. the interior also looked great and bags of room. If I could get my flight case across the van I could create an area at the back for main kit and dogs and have the middle section for children & the photobooth/extras. I need to check what the insurance will be like.

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How is this for fit for purpose?

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Had this interior - take out a row of chairs job sorted.

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Maybe its my age but.....................54 plate fiat doblo , fully comp , £168 and thats with Swinton

Nice.

the odd £3-500 is not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things really and a van is more fit for the job as it looks good and is practical. I just need to assess logistics as there are so many variables to consider. If I had no dogs (for example) my choice would be much easier as I dont have to worry about the mess and smell, but having said that loading kit inane out means that buying a top notch VW is just not feasible as it will get damaged. This is the reason i have bought old Zafiras, but they are super for someone with a sensible amount of kit that also wants a family/drive to meetings/take crap to the dump - type of car.

[TONYTIGER]

.
I was paying about that on a £600 Berlingo & a Partner. I then got an old Astra DTI van (I drowned that it in a flood) and then was so impressed I went for the older Zafira which was £2-300 with DJ business use. I have had 2 Zafiras a MK2 Astra and now an Insignia since with similar prices.

I saw one of these today and loved the look of it. the interior also looked great and bags of room. If I could get my flight case across the van I could create an area at the back for main kit and dogs and have the middle section for children & the photobooth/extras. I need to check what the insurance will be like.

18258

How is this for fit for purpose?

18260

Had this interior - take out a row of chairs job sorted.

18261



Nice.

the odd £3-500 is not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things really and a van is more fit for the job as it looks good and is practical. I just need to assess logistics as there are so many variables to consider. If I had no dogs (for example) my choice would be much easier as I dont have to worry about the mess and smell, but having said that loading kit inane out means that buying a top notch VW is just not feasible as it will get damaged. This is the reason i have bought old Zafiras, but they are super for someone with a sensible amount of kit that also wants a family/drive to meetings/take crap to the dump - type of car.

Nice,but only for a very basic set up,i would not get half my kit in.

[yourdj]

Anyone seen these in the flesh.
I have always wanted to go back to Honda after my rock solid Civic.
The best cars I have owned have been jap's, especially the subaru's.

I bet it drives well. Honda Elyson:

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Or the Stepwagon:

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[soundscapes]

Yes, looked at one before plumping for my non imported Honda frv. What put me off was partly the big petrol engine( last car was a Honda stream with a 2.0 VTEC and it was very thirsty ) and also the problems I've had in the past getting parts for rare imports. Your generally ok with brakes and oily bits as they share them with other cars but stuff like exhausts and suspension parts you will struggle with, likewise body and trim bits. Nice car though, loads of room. Should note though that it had a Jap stereo which was slightly smaller than double din and you won't get a facia for it. I really wanted a Jap people carrier so ended up getting one of the last diesel frvs made

[yourdj]

Yes, looked at one before plumping for my non imported Honda frv. What put me off was partly the big petrol engine( last car was a Honda stream with a 2.0 VTEC and it was very thirsty ) and also the problems I've had in the past getting parts for rare imports. Your generally ok with brakes and oily bits as they share them with other cars but stuff like exhausts and suspension parts you will struggle with, likewise body and trim bits. Nice car though, loads of room. Should note though that it had a Jap stereo which was slightly smaller than double din and you won't get a facia for it. I really wanted a Jap people carrier so ended up getting one of the last diesel frvs made

I am fortunate to live next to Southampton docks so there should be some decent imports kicking about. You can also buy them directly, but dont get the chance to try them first. There is a camper van place near me that has all the usual suspects (Alphard, Elgrand, Bongos & Hiaces) so will pay them a visit with my large flight case and see what fits best. They also specialise in Transporters so can also get a feel for the best (but most expensive) option. There are also a selection of Merc Vitos and the other one in the Imperial car warehouse on the way back, plus the usual suspects. Added to that there is Simply Japanese at Beaulieu near my house in July. :)

I am not over fussed with the MPG and it looks reasonable at 35 mpg. We have the Diesel Insignia for road trips.
I don't go anywhere anyway most days, plus i had 3 Imprezas and not not noticed it until i put my foot down.

This looks ideal but will cost at least £12,000 which is not far off the older AMG leather Merc offerings.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15RnDopQjCM&spfreload=10