Need help choosing a non-merc work horse for dad's business

[Fais]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, really appreciated!!

why Non-merc: simply because a merc would be too nice for how it will probably end up being treated, not to mention the cost of buying something like a vito is expensive to begin with.

Estates - don't see the point - restricted on height, despite the length being the same...

Can't go for a van as he would need five seats so he can use it for everyday use - making a transit not too versatile. I don't expect beds would be moved everyday -i'm using it as a benchmark as that is an item that transported sometimes.

Galaxy seems to be really cheap - you get a lot for your money:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280035836849

 

[BTB 500]

The Galaxy is cheap because there are loads of them around, probably the best value in your price bracket. The SEAT version was supposed to be best value new. They're not really that huge though, so make sure it's big enough.

Plenty of vans have (removable) 2nd row seating BTW, and will carry up to 6 people. They generally have windows in the side doors and 'solid' sides behind. Or there are minibus versions, glazed all the way back and with 3 rows of seats - rear 2 normally removable. You'd easily be able to pick up one of those within budget, and it would be a whole lot bigger inside than an MPV.

 

[benny]

a VW or AUDI estate