8 seater troopy

A troopie would tick the boxes for you and yes they can be converted to 8 seats with belts.
Side door conversions look like this:EO Blog

Cheers
Dave

Always worth while to look at a Mitusbishi delica?
The latter the better.

http://www.delicaclub.com/

Honky

Hi

It would be worth looking into the recent road rule changes regarding children and child seats. I recall they have to be in forward facing seats, among other restraint requirements. Make sure the vehicle that you get complies or find out the cost to make it comply

CJ

Thought about a 200 series? A new-ish troop carrier with 3 door and bench-seat conversion is going to run up to similar dollars, I would think.

A 200 wouldn't have quite the same space inside but I guess you might need a trailer even with the troopy if you have 4 kids.

What about a good 100 series or such with the seats folder down?
everyone gets some space.
And have a good/well set up camper trailer.
Maybe easier??

Cheers Ian.

With a standard troopie aside from the child restraint issues the other issues would be tripping over the groceries or luggage to get to the kids and vice versa, that's why we sold our troopie after we had the first kid and we moved onto an 80 series. We entertained buying an ex miner at the time, didn't really consider a conversion for some reason (we were in Perth but moving to the NT) but I think like you in the end we weren't that keen on an ex mine vehicle I think.

We only ended up with two kids so the foldable seats in the 80 were ripped out in favour of a draw system and fridge so I can't tell you how well they might have worked.

The thing is as much as you can be sure that this is going to be "the car" and it's safe to sink all your money into it because you will keep it for Xyz years, well ideas do change.
I would seriously weigh up the cost of converting a troopie and then take into account that it still won't appreciate much value due to the converion, and good luck trying to get it insured for the full value you believe it's now worth. This vs spending the money as suggested on a 100 series or 200 series and at least having a standard car which shouldn't give you any problems should you decided to move interstate etc. and will depreciate as normal.

For example if you move to NSW you might find because Troopies have all the extra seats they're considered commercial vehicles or something silly and your rego is a lot dearer than any other 4x4 or standard family vehicle. That's just an example.
Not to mention the expense of engineering certificates should you move states because the one from WA won't necessarily be accepted by NSW or QLD authorities and vice versa.

My point is do your research well and check out all the legalities first, throw in some "what if's" like moving states if you think it's a possibility, or otherwise consider the insurance and resale value.

I would tend to agree with a few previous posts, you would most likely end up towing a trailer anyway so you might as well go for the 100 or 200 as you're basically looking for an extra seat and a bit more room.

We're down south WA but have had a few engine conversions done and lived in a few different states before finally settling here.