I looked at transporters, they are about the same size (although less space in the "trunk"/back) but much more expensive to purchase. Almost exclusively diesels are available (with some rare exceptions), and their taxes are even higher than mine! Don't get me started on the VW Multivan or similar - beautiful cars, but extremely expensive.

VW Caddy we looked at and almost bought, but we had many bad encounters with dealers and instead bought from the private market.

The Kia Carnival was our weapon of choice in the USA, but that’s partially because at five kids (we’re winning!) you really want that eighth seat, and the Chrysler fold in floor (really nice) isn’t available on the hybrid.

From there you have to go to transit van or other commercial offering, but then nobody cares about you anymore because they assume you’re a private bus.