Does anyone have experience of these cars for a larger family?

[Fortheloveofplants]

We need to find a new car to seat 5 children and have some boot space, we don't want a standard 7 seater as they just simply don't provide enough space for the needs that we have. We are looking at the following and I'm wondering if anyone has one of these vehicles and can offer some real life experience of what they are like.

So we're looking at Toyota proace and Hyundai i800 mainly. As well as a ford torneo custom.

And if anyone happens to have one of the cars which are Japanese imports, could you also tell me about those in terms of insurance, replacing parts if needed and tax.

Thanks everyone

No experience of those but I had a 7 seater VW Caravelle which lasted 25 years, went all over Europe in it with my children, plenty of boot space and ability to remove or fold forward some seats if needed. Moved house with it too or fitted bikes in it. Cost very little in repairs beyond wear and tear like tyres, exhaust.

We have the 7 seater Tiguan and it's been the best one we've had as tried a few over the years

We have had the Toyota proace verso (9 seats) since 2017. It's been great, very reliable. Expensive to run only because it's diesel and a big vehicle, but no otherwise no real issues.

However, I am thinking to replace it fairly soon, probably with a hybrid Ford Tourneo because of the fuel issue, but not in a hurry because I don't do a lot of mileage.

No experience of those two but I have a Toyota Alphard which is also a Japanese (grey) import. No issues with insurance, bought through standard comparison site, it’s £400 a year but that includes work use and I do a lot of miles.

Someyimes it takes the garage an extra day or two to source stuff but it’s been really reliable (touch wood) so it’s just consumables. I love my car you can turn back seats into a bed for camping have to 8 seats, fold up back row or all rear seats and it’s essentially a van.

The Ford tourneo custom is amazing. Best thing I’ve ever owned. Back seats facing each other so everybody can be tended to. Just be sure to get the longer wheel base for boot storage as the short wheel base is a bit pointless unless you’re planning on one bag of shopping going in there.

I have a Mazda Biante..Japanese import 8 seater.

Absolutely love it. Don't need the seat space now so dh is part converting it into a camper van !