Hybrid between car and Van?

FurBabyMomma

I don't know anything about vans but I'll most likely to be in the market to buy a smallish second-hand van to transport equipment for a small business next year. I'd also possibly be looking to install a couple of dog cages in it.

I'd be buying this van instead of a second family car. However with 2 very young children needing car seats, I'm wondering would I be shooting myself in the foot? Is it possible to drive a van with one or two car seats? Would I be better off buying a car with easily foldable back seats? I don't imagine that would be practical for my business though. Is there anything out there that's like a hybrid between a family car and van? Thanks for any pointers.

colm_mcm

You could look at a crewcab van.

Some vans have 3 front seats too.

Crew cab VW Transporter, seats are a bit crude and it's essentially a van. Not sure of Isofix is present either tbh.

FurBabyMomma

Thanks folks, I hadn't heard of a crew cab before but googled them there and would definitely be an option. The Transporter looks good. Was hoping I'd get away with a 1.6l engine, but looking at the option means I'd probably have to go 1.9?

colm_mcm

If it's for business you'd be taxing it commercially and engine size wouldn't be a thing.

do you have a budget?

gctest50

make sure it has stability control if it's one of the small ones :

FurBabyMomma

colm_mcm wrote: »

If it's for business you'd be taxing it commercially and engine size wouldn't be a thing.

Well I'm not going to apply for VAT until I'm earning over 32 grand. I thought you couldn't tax commercially any more without a VAT number? Correct me if I'm wrong though, as only in the early stages of research.

FurBabyMomma

gctest50 wrote: »

make sure it has stability control if it's one of the small ones :

Thanks gctest, that's interesting to know. A Citroën Berlingo is one of the models on my radar so will look into that

colm_mcm

You'll find it hard getting stability control on a van unless it's very new.

Truckermal

Is it true you cannot carry kids in a commercial vehicle??

colm_mcm

Oh, that old chestnut. A quick search says you can. But also you can't. Ad nauseum.

commited

Something like a Skoda Roomster or a Berlingo might suit you well - cheap to run and decent amount of space but back too if you need them.

Staph

What about an estate? You can get a boot liner to protect the carpet if you're carrying animals in the back.

FurBabyMomma

I currently drive an Octavia estate and while it's great for the dogs it wouldn't work for carrying my equipment. Drove a Roomster before and that's definitely not going to suit. I'm thinking I'm going to have to research a suitable crew car or else go for a Berlingo or similar.

colm_mcm

Would you need space for kids and dogs at the same time?

FurBabyMomma

colm_mcm wrote: »

Would you need space for kids and dogs at the same time?

No, I'd either be carrying the kids or equipment / dogs.

colm_mcm

Then maybe something like a berlingo multispace/partner tepee/kangoo kar/caddy life would fit the bill. 1.5/1.6 diesel mostly. Vans with 5 seats. Classed as a private vehicle.