Thinking I can manage a combi van?

[cultkid]

Hey I've not driven a van before but I'm a very comfortable driver except in a multi story car park

I drive a big car and always have

We now have three kids

I have seen a really good deal for a vw transporter combi so it's got 5 seats two in the front three in the back and a big boot
I think I should get one for my car

Only worry is that I won't have vision through the back so I'll have to use just the mirrors and sensors
I am really into using my middle mirror and I wondered if I would feel suffocated without it

What do we think? It's cheaper then a discovery or an xc90 to lease and also has more space...

I am not worried about the size it's the mirror thing

Thank you

Just to say I also have a high line kombi and it’s absolutely fine in regular parking spaces and standard barriers in multi stories etc. if you add roof bars you may be a little tight in some lower barriers, but as standard you’ll be fine. It’s no more difficult to park than a large car and the visibility is generally excellent.

The dual sliding doors are fantastic and I regularly remove the rear seats when I need to pick up building materials. It may not be of interest to you, but the lack of bulkhead means that sheets of plywood etc fit lying flat.

My bastard husband will no doubt use it to collect things even though he has a crafter!! I'm sure he will come up with a spiel about it using less fuel then his van and so he should use that if he can!!

Eeek I've booked a test drive, can't believe the deal it's so good.

No pipe tubes going on this one, although I imagine a roof rack with a box for holidays, in which case there are always plenty of other choices to park, we don't really go on holiday in cities so it isn't that we really have to park in one

This is the SWB and the dimensions are almost identical to my car the Audi A6 which yes fills out a space and hangs out the front sometimes but it's still in the space! I'm interested in sliding doors I hope we don't catch any fingers!

G x

It's so cheeky isn't it they also like to watch me park my car and then when I get out of it (5ft 1) that's a big car for you etc etc etc or a thumbs up when they see me park

I have driven massive cars since I passed my test at 21 and it's always been a hot topic for strangers in the road .. young to have that car... big car for a small person...

Think these are the same people we have to watch try four times to get into a space eh!

I'd check the fuel consumption

Just one thought - do check the charges if you enter cities. Whilst cars are sometimes exempt, diesel vans are not and they count as vans. Friends got caught out a couple of weeks ago. It may not be relevant to you but where I live charges now apply

I've driven DHs LWB transporter vans over the years. You need to be aware of your height but it fits into standard carparks and parking is a skill you soon pick up. Make sure you get one with a decent engine it will go on for ever.

If you’re worried about losing your rear view mirror, you can buy digital rear view mirrors specifically for band or people towing caravans, etc.

They use a rear mounted camera, similar to a dash cam, and project the image onto a ‘mirror‘ installed where you’d usually find it. I haven’t used one myself, but they’re only a couple of hundred quid to buy and get installed (cheaper if you can install it yourself).

Test drive will help you decide. I drive my FIL camper van sometimes with no middle mirror or sensors - I’m fine driving but find parking hard. But I rarely drive as don’t have my own car so am less confident Anyway because of that