Posted by John Kennard on September 27, 2004, 2:54 pm, in reply to "People carriers"
Hi Derek, I have owned 2 people carriers over the last 5 years. A VW Sharan Carat 2.0 (still in service with my accountant) and a Late Renault Espace 2.2 diesel. We do a lot of people carriers in the workshops as a local dealer imported loads of these to the town and went bust after 5 years of trading.
My advice is all people carriers are heavy on the jungle juice so only go down the diesel route. Also our experience of the Japanese Grey imports in the workshops is great for us but dismal for the customer it seems not one leaves with out a £1000.00 bill whenever they come in for repair. Just look at doing a timing belt! We've had Turbos blow on the diesels, just getting at the mechanics is half a days job of stripping the interior getting grubby marks on seats & carpets if you are not ultra careful. I don't know why but I question the mileage on imports as the equivalent UK spec vehicles do not give any where near the trouble that the grey imports do.
Also talking of swivel seats Have you tried doing this, you need to clear the vehicle and spend half an hour working out the correct position of seat in relation to seat belt etc to start working the seat into the desired position after the first attempt I can guarantee you wont ever try it again.
My choices would be the Sedona Diesel followed by the Chrylser Diesel then the Ford/VW/Seat Diesel. Good Luck.