Is a commercial double cab van suitable as a family car?

You see a company bus with double cabin more and more often on Dutch roads. Not only loaded with tools or building materials, but also with children, groceries and prams. More and more families are wondering whether such a vehicle can also function as a family car. The answer is nuanced and depends on your specific situation, budget and daily use.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the double-cab van as a family car. From the practical layout to the cost and the tax picture: after reading, you will know exactly whether this type of vehicle suits your family.

What exactly is a commercial double cab van?

A double-cab commercial van is a van or company bus in which the cab is extended with a second row of seats, so that the vehicle offers multiple passengers as well as cargo space. It combines the transport capacity of a commercial vehicle with the seating space of a multi-row passenger car.

In practice, this means you have a normal driver's cabin up front, and behind it a second row of seats with their own doors. Behind that second row is still a fully-fledged cargo area. This makes the vehicle particularly versatile: you transport people and goods in the same vehicle.

How is it different from an ordinary van?

A standard van usually only has a driver's cab with up to two or three seats in the front. With a double cab, two to three additional seats are added at the back. The cargo space is slightly smaller with the double cab than with a standard version, but for many entrepreneurs and families this is an acceptable compromise.

Well-known examples of double-cab commercial buses include the Volkswagen Transporter Double Cab, the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer, the Ford Transit Custom Double Cab and the Renault Trafic Combi. These models are popular with contractors, installers and healthcare transporters, but are also attracting increasing numbers of families looking for a double-cab van which is multifunctional.

How many people fit in a double cabin?

A double-cab commercial bus typically fits five to six people, depending on the model and configuration. The front row seats two or three people, including the driver, and the back row accommodates two or three additional passengers.

For an average family with two adults and two or three children, this is more than enough. Larger families or groups can sometimes go for models with an extra-long wheelbase, where the second row is just a bit more spacious. Be sure to check the official registration of the number of seats on the registration certificate: the vehicle must be legally approved for the number of people you want to transport.

Is the legroom in the rear sufficient for adults?

This varies from model to model. In more compact variants, rear legroom can be tight for tall adults, especially on longer journeys. In models with a longer wheelbase, space in the rear is comparable to that of a spacious MPV or estate car. For children, space is more than adequate in almost all cases. If you want to use the vehicle regularly for longer family trips, a test drive with the whole family is highly recommended.

What are the advantages of a double cab as a family car?

As a family car, a commercial double-cab van offers a unique combination of advantages that you won't find in an ordinary passenger car. The biggest pluses are versatility, cargo space, robustness and, in many cases, favourable tax benefits for entrepreneurs.

• Large cargo area: Prams, bicycles, camping equipment or building materials: the cargo space behind the second row of seats offers space that a standard family car cannot offer.
• Dual use: Use it for work during the day, for family at night and on weekends. You drive one vehicle for two purposes.
• Robust construction: Commercial vehicles are built for heavy use and therefore often last longer than an average passenger car.
• Tax breaks for entrepreneurs: If you use the vehicle for business and it is in your company's name, you can reclaim the VAT and deduct the cost. This makes the total price significantly lower than for a private car.
• High seating comfort: The higher seating position gives you a good overview of the road, which many drivers find pleasant.

For business owners who also have a family, this makes the double cab a smart financial choice. You combine business utility with private use in one vehicle, which can reduce overall mobility costs. Especially when you also consider electric commercial vehicles, where monthly costs are easy to plan.

What are the disadvantages of a double cab for daily family use?

A double cab also has distinct disadvantages as a family car, and these are important to weigh up fairly. The vehicle is larger, less manoeuvrable and more expensive to operate than an average family car. Moreover, there are tax rules that you need to know well.

Parking and manoeuvring in the city

A double-cab van is considerably longer than a passenger car. In crowded cities, narrow streets or crowded car parks, this can cause problems. Some car parks have a maximum height or length above which commercial buses are not allowed. If you drive in an urban environment on a daily basis, this is a serious concern.

Driving comfort and fuel consumption

Although more modern models are becoming increasingly comfortable, commercial buses drive differently from passenger cars. Suspension is often stiffer, steering feel less direct and fuel consumption higher. On motorways and country roads this is not too bad, but in town you will notice the difference. In this, electric variants increasingly offer more comfort and lower running costs.

Tax restrictions on private use

If you use the vehicle for business but also privately, you will have to deal with an additional taxable benefit. Different addition rates apply to company cars than to passenger cars. Moreover, there are strict rules for proving private use versus business use. Get proper information on this from a tax advisor before making a decision.

What costs are involved in a double cab as a family car?

The total cost of a double cab as a family car includes purchase or lease, insurance, fuel or energy, maintenance and any road tax. For business owners, some of these costs may be (partly) tax-deductible, making the vehicle more attractive than it seems at first glance.

Purchase or lease

New double-cab commercial buses typically cost more than comparable passenger cars in the same segment. Used ones are a lot more affordable and often offer years of reliable use. Leasing is a popular choice for entrepreneurs, as you can plan your monthly expenses well and handle the vehicle on a business basis. With financial lease, you are the owner at the end of the contract; with operational lease, you always drive a current vehicle with no ownership risk.

Insurance and road tax

Commercial vehicles fall into a different insurance class than passenger cars. The premium depends on the use (business, private or mixed), weight and value of the vehicle. Road tax for company cars in the Netherlands is usually lower than for comparable passenger cars, which can be an advantage. Always get a quote from several insurers to find the best price.

Fuel and maintenance

Due to their higher weight and larger engine, most commercial buses consume more fuel than a family car. Electric variants offer an alternative here: energy costs per kilometre are lower and maintenance is easier due to the smaller number of moving parts. Maintenance of a commercial bus is generally well organised through specialised commercial vehicle dealers, and service intervals are similar to those of passenger cars.

When is a double cab yes or no suitable as a family car?

A double cab is suitable as a family car if you also use the vehicle for business, need a lot of cargo space or live and drive outside the city. It is less suitable if you park daily in a busy city, have no business use or mainly value driving comfort.

When is it a good choice?

• You are an entrepreneur and want one vehicle for work and family.
• You regularly have large items to transport (sports, hobby, construction, camping).
• You live in a region where parking space is not an issue.
• You want to benefit from tax advantages as a business driver.
• You are looking for a robust vehicle that will last.

When is it not a good choice?

• You drive daily in a busy city with limited parking options.
• You have no business use and therefore miss out on tax benefits.
• Ride comfort and agility are high on your list of priorities.
• Your family consists of more than five people and you need nine seats.
• Your budget does not allow for the higher purchase and running costs.

In doubt? Then an honest conversation with a specialist is the best step. Not every vehicle suits every family, and vice versa: for many families with a business background, the double cab is just the smartest choice they can make.

How we help you choose the right commercial double cab van

At Van den Hurk Bedrijfswagens, we understand that choosing a double-cab van is not only a business decision, but also a personal one. That is why we help you step by step, from initial orientation to delivery.

• Wide range: We have a large, diverse stock of double-cab commercial buses, both new and used, including electric variants.
• Personalised advice: Our advisers will discuss your situation honestly with you: business use, family size, budget and driving habits.
• Flexible financing: Whether you want to buy, financial lease or operational lease: we will think with you about the most advantageous construction.
• Stock alert: Is the model you are looking for not listed right now? Through our stock alert service, we will let you know as soon as it becomes available.
• More than 60 years of experience: Our regional knowledge and long track record in North Brabant guarantee reliable advice without surprises afterwards.

Want to know which commercial vehicles the best fit for your family and business? Then contact us or drop by in Helmond. We will be happy to help you with honest, tailor-made advice.