Recommend me a cheap 6/7 seater

[jerrytug]

To the OP, I would be looking for an older simpler vehicle, with zero computers. Classic insurance, easy to fix etc. You will never beat built-in obsolescence etc of newer ones. Look for an old Tranny minibus with a basic Pinto engine, or the Renault version. Obviously nothing fashionable like VW etc. It will hold its value as well.

 

[stuvy]

To the OP, I would be looking for an older simpler vehicle, with zero computers. Classic insurance, easy to fix etc. You will never beat built-in obsolescence etc of newer ones. Look for an old Tranny minibus with a basic Pinto engine, or the Renault version. Obviously nothing fashionable like VW etc. It will hold its value as well.

transit mk5 rust and when the pump goes its costly for an old slow van

if it was my money I’d be looking at the hiace, did I say that already...?

 

[ronan]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes...340214?hash=item3b489d5236:g:YXwAAOSwe7peZUff

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

would make a nice camper van that ambulance ronan....but would you sleep well at night thinking about the past occupants I wonder?

Too much bad kalma for me!

 

[jerrytug]

transit mk5 rust and when the pump goes its costly for an old slow van

if it was my money I’d be looking at the hiace, did I say that already...?

I was thinking of going back even further in time, although I haven't looked into it in detail regarding vans/minibuses. My mate had a 70's Merc 508D which was built like a tank, zero chance of pump failure I promise you.
I don't understand why an injector pump should fail, I have had some quite old engines, eg 1950's Ford 4D, 1950's Rustons and 60's Listers, and my present 68-yr old Gardner 4LW, they just dont give trouble. And the pumps are available, servicable, and a recon. one will outlive most of us..
Plus, old stuff has a certain vibe about it which goes deeper into the soul, than an extra 10 mpg.
( Probly not helping the OP, just my feelings and experience, I dont like being angry or frustrated with carp which is designed to fail, rather than old school stuff which is designed and built to not go wrong..)

 

[jerrytug]

would make a nice camper van that ambulance ronan....but would you sleep well at night thinking about the past occupants I wonder?

Too much bad kalma for me!

At least the passengers were on their way to hospital. A hearse could be worse

 

[stuvy]

I was thinking of going back even further in time, although I haven't looked into it in detail regarding vans/minibuses. My mate had a 70's Merc 508D which was built like a tank, zero chance of pump failure I promise you.
I don't understand why an injector pump should fail, I have had some quite old engines, eg 1950's Ford 4D, 1950's Rustons and 60's Listers, and my present 68-yr old Gardner 4LW, they just dont give trouble. And the pumps are available, servicable, and a recon. one will outlive most of us..
Plus, old stuff has a certain vibe about it which goes deeper into the soul, than an extra 10 mpg.
( Probly not helping the OP, just my feelings and experience, I dont like being angry or frustrated with carp which is designed to fail, rather than old school stuff which is designed and built to not go wrong..)

I now work for a classic mercedes specialist the pumps need rebuilding periodically.

Will ask the boss tomorrow as there similar Bosch Ve pumps

 

[angellonewolf]

Were they 8 or 16 valve? ^
Ours was 16 valve and it did go very well and returned 40mpg but the reliability........

not to sure for the age i assume 16v it was diesel went well and done ok on fuel for the year

 

[nickk]

How big are the very rear seats? I wonder it the dogs cage would fit in the boot?

This ,we’ve had lanky adults in this seat,not much space left though,only a hairdressers dog cage.
What about looking for an old Peugeot 504 familae 7 seats,great ride useable on rough ground,good old simple old style Peugeot diesel,well capable,but where can you find one,remember they rusted so bad from the OUTSIDE,cos they forgot to prime the steel.

 

[stuvy]

This ,we’ve had lanky adults in this seat,not much space left though,only a hairdressers dog cage.
What about looking for an old Peugeot 504 familae 7 seats,great ride useable on rough ground,good old simple old style Peugeot diesel,well capable,but where can you find one,remember they rusted so bad from the OUTSIDE,cos they forgot to prime the steel.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/87/504/

rare as hens teeth

a Volvo estate or merc will not fit 7 adults comfortably

 

[angellonewolf]

zafiras are only 4 adults the rest are kids defo the last 2 seats in the boot as no leg room

 

[Turbo]

I can recommend a Ford S-max. BIL is on his 2nd one, both have proven very reliable, very nice to drive, loads of room inside & even with the 3rd row of seats up you still have good boot space. 6 of us toured around Scotland with all our luggage & nobody felt squashed.

If you can get one go for the 2l diesel, the 1.6 is a bit under powered.

 

[winchman]

What about the C4 Picasso? Lots about under 2k?
1.6 or 2.0 diesel? Auto or manual?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

6 pages in - have we narrowed down the list of possible contenders yet?

 

[jerrytug]

6 pages in - have we narrowed down the list of possible contenders yet?

I'm not optimistic..

 

[nickk]

Oops left off the photo on post 109.@winchman

 

[winchman]

Yes just bought a 2008 VW Touran, took the two 6ft kids with me to test for size