MERCEDES-BENZ VIANO 2.2 CDI Ambiente [Long] 5dr [150] Tip Auto (2004)

Mahooosive box for getting equally large family from A to B in style

For a few years we had an old customised Transit van to shift our brood around in, but to be honest it just felt unsafe, like if we crashed then there wouldn't be much left of it, or us. We found the Mercedes Viano after a lot of searching for a better alternative. In the end we picked the Viano 2.2 CDi because it seemed to have good mpg for such a big car, and also didn't look as dorky as a Caravelle (so said the older kids).

We got the eight seater version cos of the kids, which meant that it didn't come with the interior table (you either get eight seats or the interior table). Mind you, the boot is still pretty big with the eight seats in there. We usually get all our stuff in for day trips, including the two buggies for the youngest, but we use a trailer for when we go to Centre Parcs.

Thinking about towing, it's worth mentioning that the 2.2 diesel is totally capable of lugging all of us and a trailer of luggage. I reckon it would carry more as it goes, and obviously the shape is good for a caravan.

The Mercedes Viano is a stylish way to travel for sure. We got darkened windows at the back, party for privacy, partly for security. The only down side of that is that it makes it quite tricky to park when it's dark out, since you can't really see what's around you. The parking sensors help, but it's always nice to be able to see around you. As for seeing around generally, you're right on top of things sitting in the Viano, right up above all the traffic, very easy to see everything. Parking generally is a pain though, it's an enormous vehicle after all.

It's not the quietest of cars, but then we're not the quietest of families lol.. The engine is a bit grumbly, not like it's dying, but just obvious that it's been adapted, or not adapted, from a van range. Still it's quiet enough once you're on the road.

Repairs wise we've had a few things go wrong, but the warranty covered them. They seemed like things that wouldn't go wrong again, like little electrical faults, and some insulation needed replacing under the bonnet, nothing really serious or ongoing.