Multivan sunroof - Question from a Newbie

[X1er]

Hi

New member here with a Multivan question.

With three growing boys we’ve decided to purchase a people mover as three in the back of a normal car has become too stressful to consider any decent trips. We think a used diesel Multivan is the best option for us. I’ve researched all the pros and cons of the various people movers including this website which was very useful in terms of benefits of the vans, comparisons, other options and mechanical issues etc.

I’m drawn the recently superseded T5 model due to its simpler set up in terms of the engine and gearbox - 5 cylinders with one turbo and non DSG gearbox as I’m intending to keep the van for at least 10 years.

There aren’t many options locally but I’ve managed to look at a few and I’m now trawling through the various for ‘cars for sale’ websites looking at interstate options.

Now onto the question……..

Some of the potential interstate options have the sunroofs.

I’m 6ft 3 all body and short legs (I get closer to the roof than someone of the same height with a short body and long legs) so sunroofs have never been an option in any vehicle I’ve owned as I would be either wedged against the roof or every bump driven over is followed by my head whacking on the lowered roof line.

How much lower does the Multivan roof line get with a sunroof? I’m kind of hoping there’s enough space for it not to be an issue?

and…

Are there any members with Multivans with sunroofs in the Canberra region that I could try on for size so I can be sure there’s enough head room before I go to the hassle of venturing interstate to check out potential purchases. The two VW dealers in Canberra have some of the new 2010 Multivans in stock but none with a sunroof as yet.

Thanks

[coastie]

I can't comment on the sunroof in the multivan as I don't have one but the seats in the van are very adjustable vertically in the front row. I have two sons who are 6'1" and 6'3" and they fit quite well in the back of the multivan with not much problem for headroom when seated.

[shogun2]

The roof line is very high. You won't have any difficulties. The sunroof doesn't take up any room like in other vehicles due to the "thinness" of the design. I'll measure from the floor to ceiling tomorrow if you like.

[X1er]

Thanks for the replies.

Shogun2 - With the drivers chair in the lowest verticle position but still reasonably upright my head is probably about 3-4cm from the roof lining of a multivan without a sunroof. so I'd be very interested to see how much you reckon the roofline lowers with the inclusion of a sunroof, even with the thinness of its design. I suppose I could always tilt the backrest further back to make more head room but there's only so much you can do that without it becoming uncomfortable.

I'd also be interested in yor offer re the floor to ceiling measurements in a few places so I can go down to the dealer and take the same mesaurements in the new non sunroof ones they've got as demos.

Thankyou for your assistance

[X1er]

I’ve just spoken to an interstate dealer who owns a Multivan with a sunroof and he reckons that the roofline is lowered by at least 1 to 1½ inches (say 2.5 to 3.8cm) with the inclusion of a sunroof and that the edge of the sunroof (lowest point) is unfortunately directly above the drivers head.

So in the meantime I’ll have a go at measuring the gap in a non-sunroof version and even then I should try a sunroofed Multivan on for size before considering committing to any significant travel to inspect/purchase a used van that has a sunroof.

So I’m very interested to hear from any Canberra based sunroofed Multivan owners willing to let me sit their van so I can confirm for sure if there is sufficient head room.

Thanks

[4wheels]

I guess the Multi doesn't come standard with the swivelling front seats, but if you order them you lose the height adjustment (at least that's how it was on my 2007 Trakka camper). The default position is then 'high' (to allow for the swivel mechanism, I guess), so that would be an option you don't want. If I was ordering again I'd only have the swivel on the passenger side.

Brian

[rob64981]

Brian (4 wheels),

If you ever consider selling the swivel from the drivers side i am sure there are many on here that would swop or part ex your swivel for a standard base.
I would be one of them when i find a multivan to purchase.
Please think of me if you ever decide to do this.
Thanks Rob

[Sunny43.5]

Hi there I know its a little late to reply to this one , but I thought this may helps others . we have 2 T5s and my son a T4 all of them have the Hollandia 700 series sunroofs fitted to them , its the same as was fitted by GMH to all commodores etc also to Fords . Fully built in style tilts up at the rear and slides back inside all by a one touch electric switch also close automaticly when the engine is switched off . There is only minimal headroom loss as the normal hood trim is already 35 ml from roof skin and the sunroof comes down another 20 ml or so so clearance is no problem . Sunny