7 seater. Economic and reliable.

JimiTime

Hi Guys.
Just got news that baby number 3 is on the way, so its time to trade up the car I have a 06 1.4l Opel Astra Estate with 62000 miles on it. Great boot space, but the cab is the same as a normal astra, and is not going to be practical going forward.

So what do I want?

I want a car that will comfortably fit 3 kids, mammy, daddy and all the paraphernalia that goes with it (Buggies etc.) I'd love to have room for 1 or two extra passengers too, but thats not absolutely essential. So what I'm looking for?
I want the lowest tax option I can realistically achieve (A 1.6??). Best fuel efficiency I can realistically achieve, and it has to be reliable (No Renault or Peugeots ). Style is of little or no concern, nor is extra's. I just want a car that will run forever, cheaply, and give me no jip. Is that too much to ask??

Budget wise, it really depends on how much I get for my Astra estate. I could likely add some cash to the money I get for my astra, but I want to get the best deal I can (Well duhh says yee). Has anyone any advice? I saw some other threads asking generic, 'Best 7 seater' questions, but what I'm seeking above is more specific that that I think, in that it tells you what is best to ME.

Any help appreciated.
Thanks.

CiniO

If I were you I would get Mazda 5 1.8.
While engine is bit beyond your limits, but difference in tax is not that crucial.
Besides it's very reliable and comfortable car that should fulfil your requirements. Has 7 seats out of which the most rear two can be folded for big boot space which will easily hold your strollers, shopping, etc..
Only negatives of this car is higher tax and higher fuel bills than astra, however it won't be easy to find 7 seater which would be cheaper to run.

Bpmull

My parents had a 00 diesel opel zafira for years. It was a great car economical too. They have a good 7 seat system as the two rear seats easily fold flat into the floor and are a good size. They are reliable. I know a guy with a 2005 1.6 petrol one and he loves the car but hates the engine it's underpowered and thirsty in saying all that it wouldn't be anyworse than your current astra. The 2006 new model is nicer specially on the inside but is more expensive. All in all I think the zafira would be a good choice new or old model preferably diesel.

colm_mcm

Honda frv

3 child seats will go in the back, middle front seat for emergency

Saab Ed

colm_mcm wrote: »

Honda frv

But you'll need one of these ....

colm_mcm

Had a 1.7 for a week, they're not that bad.

TGi666

Ford galaxy or a s-max? depending on budget

JimiTime

Thanks for the responses guys. I heard the Galxies are alco's for the petrol. Anyone confirm this?

deandean

Best Wishes OP!

You don't need a 7-seater.

The family will consist of Mum, dad and three kids.

A Mondeo Estate or the likes (i.e. a full size family car) will do you just fine. You'll fit three kids across the back, and you'll have a normal car to drive as opposed to a bleedin' bus.

(note, there are concessions re: reality of three child seats across the back etc etc - look it up.)

JohnBoy26

Saab Ed wrote: »

But you'll need one of these ....

Totally untrue. These come with highly efficient vtec engines which give reasonobly good mpg for the size of vehicle they are powering. http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/honda/fr-v/hatchback-2004/29762/

Zubeneschamali

JimiTime wrote: »

I just want a car that will run forever, cheaply, and give me no jip.

You want a Toyota Verso.

Yawlboy

If you are looking for a new car, the new Kia Carens is due in March and looks great (IMO) and will have a 7 year warranty.

zizou_

colm_mcm wrote: »

Honda frv

3 child seats will go in the back, middle front seat for emergency

After 07 the only petrol engine in the FRV is the 1.8 i-vtec. We have an 08 petrol and it averages about 9l/100km made up of mostly short journeys. On the motorway it does about 7.5l/100km. These numbers are pretty much the same as the 1.4 focus we had before that used in the same conditions.

gallag

Got my wife a s-max, she really likes it. Best looking and sportiest 7seater available imo.

Zubeneschamali

gallag wrote: »

Got my wife a s-max, she really likes it. Best looking and sportiest 7seater available imo.

I'd agree: I drive an S-Max myself! The Verso is very, very dull in comparison but it's big enough for the OP, reliable and cheaper to run.

JimiTime

gallag wrote: »

Got my wife a s-max, she really likes it. Best looking and sportiest 7seater available imo.

looks mean pretty much nothing to me. Don't get me wrong, It'd be great to have a nice looking car, but value, reliability and being as cheap as possible to run are the qualities Im looking for.

JimiTime

Ok, after a bit more research, there are a few things I'd like your advice on.

1. Anyone know anything about the Seat Alhambra?

2. Like in the Seat Alhambra, does anyone know of cars with 3 full size seats in the back that isn't a 7 seater? It would have to have big boot space too?

Oh and thanks for all the input, it is being put to good use

dgt

I'll run away now..........

Zubeneschamali

JimiTime wrote: »

2. Like in the Seat Alhambra, does anyone know of cars with 3 full size seats in the back that isn't a 7 seater? It would have to have big boot space too?

The Multipla, Scenic, Picasso and 307/308 SW are all French or Italian.

The older Zafira has a bench seat, and two folding seats in the boot. If you keep them folded, it's a big boot.

The C-Max has two and a half rear seats. The Opel Meriva maybe? I haven't been in one of those, I think it is probably too small.

JohnBoy26

dgt wrote: »

I'll run away now..........

Id hate to be a backseat passenger in that, facing directly at the car behind.

dgt

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Id hate to be a backseat passenger in that, facing directly at the car behind.

Yes, neither would I....

Qwerty?

Would you not consider a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. LOADS of space, very economical to run and cheap to Tax. And a hell of a lot cheaper then a Galaxy/S Max (which would counteract any possible repairs the Citroen nan-sayers will start on about)

Cee-Jay-Cee

I may be in the same position next year and I already have it narrowed down to two cars.

1. Honda FRV 1.8 (06 onward model) ultra reliable engine and build quality. 40mpg easily achievable.

2. Toyota Corolla Verso 1.6 petrol. My sister in law has one and only dies very small mileage (sub 6k a year) and hers still manages 42mpg on average.

langdang

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Id hate to be a backseat passenger in that, facing directly at the car behind.

Kids seem to have great craic with it, making faces etc.
It's the person driving behind that starts wishing they were somewhere else...

Seweryn

zizou_ wrote: »

After 07 the only petrol engine in the FRV is the 1.8 i-vtec. We have an 08 petrol and it averages about 9l/100km made up of mostly short journeys. On the motorway it does about 7.5l/100km. These numbers are pretty much the same as the 1.4 focus we had before that used in the same conditions.

Honda petrol engines are one of the most efficient in its class.

ml100

JimiTime wrote: »

Ok, after a bit more research, there are a few things I'd like your advice on.

1. Anyone know anything about the Seat Alhambra?

2. Like in the Seat Alhambra, does anyone know of cars with 3 full size seats in the back that isn't a 7 seater? It would have to have big boot space too?

Oh and thanks for all the input, it is being put to good use

any answers to above, I'll be in the same situation this summer!

colm_mcm

I'd assume you know the Alhambra is a badge engineered vw sharan or ford galaxy.

Only viable one IMO is the 1.9 tdi.
They are quite an old design (1995) but the drivetrain is quite robust.

ml100

what cars will fit 3 child seats (2 babies + 2 year old) in the back, non MPV's or are MPV's the only real option?

shedweller

ml100 wrote: »

what cars will fit 3 child seats (2 babies + 2 year old) in the back, non MPV's or are MPV's the only real option?

Mondeos have a wide back seat if i remember correctly.
http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transport/reviews-ns/child-car-seat-fitting-problems-explored/child-seats-in-large-cars/

zizou_

shedweller wrote: »

Mondeos have a wide back seat if i remember correctly.
http://www.which.co.uk/baby-and-child/baby-transport/reviews-ns/child-car-seat-fitting-problems-explored/child-seats-in-large-cars/

New mondeo is very tight for 3 car seats. When you have a class 1 seat on the outside there is hardly any room left for the middle seat. You might fit a small booster but that's about it. Even if you squeeze them in getting at the buckles is gonna be a pain.

Furp

We had a Skoda Roomster for a number of years when the kids were 2-5 we managed to fit the 3 in the back in 1 car seat and two booster seats. It was a tight squeeze but doable plus lots of space in the boot. It was a good car built well and reasonable to run.

However we have now moved up to a Ford S-Max as we needed more seats, and this car is much bigger and more comfortable.

lacreme

I would highly recommed a multimac. I have 4 year old twins, 3 year old and 9 month old in the back of my 02 BMW 316 saloon, no problem and can reach everyone. Boot takes double buggy plus scooters etc.

I have even been known to fit husband in front seat with retriever and mongrel at his feet, now there is a sight when we pull up to the park

JimiTime

lacreme wrote: »

I would highly recommed a multimac. I have 4 year old twins, 3 year old and 9 month old in the back of my 02 BMW 316 saloon, no problem and can reach everyone. Boot takes double buggy plus scooters etc.

I have even been known to fit husband in front seat with retriever and mongrel at his feet, now there is a sight when we pull up to the park

Have to say, that Multimac system looks fantastic! Never heard of them. The thing is though, the price (1300 sterling) is a bit OTT. Though it would mean I'd still be able to just keep 1.4, low tax, economical to run car. Might see if there are second hand ones about, as I really don't think I could part with that kind of money for one. It just seems wrong

thomasm

Have S-Max which along with Galaxy and Honda FRV are some of the very few cars that have 3 full sized seats in the second row. By not having to go into third row with child seats you have decent boot space.

Think the S-Max is a great drive and a lovely car, Costs about 85-90 to fill it and that gets you circa 900kms.

ml100

Several people have mentioned the S-Max to me, what engine is the one you have 2.0 TDCI ? I have read that the tyres are expensive and only last 10-15,000 miles ?, another option is a VW Touran, I had a quick look at one when I was getting my own car (Golf) serviced, it didn't look that big in the back, 2.75 seats rather than 3.

I'll have to borrow a few child seats and try them for size, test drives will never be the same again!

JimiTime

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd assume you know the Alhambra is a badge engineered vw sharan or ford galaxy.

Only viable one IMO is the 1.9 tdi.
They are quite an old design (1995) but the drivetrain is quite robust.

You assume too much of my knowledge When you say its a 'badge engineered', are you saying its the 3 are basically the same car?

Also, why is the 1.9 tdi the only viable one?

doulikeit

Got a Mazda 5 1.8 last year for 6500 was 06, 70k, and a years warranty of malones in navan loads of room fairly easy on the drink even though its 1.8 petrol 4 kids 2 adults and buggies and you could add a roof rack if u wanted but here's the best part back sliding doors u only realise how handy they are when u have them should have a look at them

The_Honeybadger

OP I was in the exact same situation a while back. I went for the xsara Picasso 1.6 petrol, cheap to buy, cheap to run, 3 full seats in the back and lots of boot space. The diesel model would do up to 50 mpg if you do alot of miles. I know french cars get alot of hate but in 30,000 km it has given me no trouble. It ain't a looker but like you I just wanted a cheap A to B motor at the time. The newer model C4 Picasso (07 onwards) is a better car if you can stretch to it.

The multimac is also an option, I know it's expensive but it should have good residual value in a few years when you are ready to sell it on.

JimiTime

If I were to look at the Xsara picasso and C4 Picasso, what should I expect in terms of problems?

Someone mentioned earlier that the trouble I'd get from one will be offset against the cheaper tax and running costs compared to something like a Galaxy. The thing is, the inconvenience of breaking down (especially with a car full of kids :eek: ), or having to book into the garage etc would be a real pain. Not to menton that I have some money at the mo for upgrade etc, but in a year I might not have cash to repair any serious issues.

Anyway, I'm rambling So yeah, if anyone can give me an insight into the issues that I should expect from a picasso, it would be appreciated, and again, thank you all for the input.

The_Honeybadger

Well like I said I've covered 30000km without a bother. The 1.6 Diesel engine is also meant to be a good unit. If you get one that has been looked after you should be fine. Any car can give trouble including a galaxy and other more expensive cars.

JimiTime

mickeyk wrote: »

Well like I said I've covered 30000km without a bother. The 1.6 Diesel engine is also meant to be a good unit. If you get one that has been looked after you should be fine. Any car can give trouble including a galaxy and other more expensive cars.

Yeah, I understand that. Its just about minimising the risk for me really. I know people who love their Renaults, and swear by them, but many others who have awful trouble with them. As someone who's not into cars, I kind of rely on other peoples experience, and the reports they give. So far, the majority would say keep away from them. I just want to know what it is that I'm being asked to avoid. If its a case that its serious or expensive issues that are likely, then I just wouldn't take the risk.

The_Honeybadger

Citroen tend to be tarred with the same brush as renaults, however I know plenty of Citroen drivers who are very happy with their cars and have no issues out of the ordinary. Just make sure you get one with a service history that has been minded if you do decide it will do the job.

lacreme

Well Jimitime it worked out bout €1800 for multimac have it nearly two years now, lot cheaper than changing to 7 seater plus didn't fancy having 4 year old in boot, which is only way 7 seater would work with four seats.

Will keep you in mind when I am selling mine ha

derry

My Brother bought a 07 seven seater Mitubizi SUV thing 2500 petrol engine
Its a absolute must with three kids
Its heavy on fuel, car tax deprecation, brakes and tyres . But other than the consumables it goes well tows stuff as well has roof rack and take everything including the kitchen sink and me if i tagged along.
Once the two the kids grew up in 2011 got their own cars he bought the small KIA 1000CC and the larger car doesn't do much these days .
If your doing a lot of town running the Diesel 2500cc version doesn't save much on fuel it seems from other users

I figure Bite the bullet allow for any unexpected extra family arrivals to have a seat too so get the larger SUV things seven seaters and have the space you will need .Then later when they leave the nest downsize


Derry