Thanks for all those replies. Jen, I read yours after looking around this afternoon and thinking that the VW Transporter seems the ideal size and not as boxy as the transits. They're about the right price and, if your experience of driving yours is as good as you say, I'll be test driving one v. soon. Had to drive my Freelander back here though and can't yet manage the gears with my left hand. Was having to lean across to change gear with my right so I'll be waiting a few days before test driving any, it seems.
I'm now hooked on the idea of a Red VW Transporter with the double doors. Camper vans, transits and cars like the Espace will only come into the equation if I don't rate the VW when I test drive it.
[Edited on 28-3-2005 by Redruth]