Best 7 seater for family with 5 kids

lacreme

Up to now we have managed with a multimac, allowing us to keep our saloon and astra despite 4 children 5 and under

However with a surprise arriving in early August we need to change our Opel Astra and give in and get a 7 seater.

The problem is a lot of 7 seaters are not really made to have the 7 seats up all the time and you have no boot. Money is very tight

I am thinking the best option is a Ford Galaxy but they are pricey, however maybe an 06/07 would do the job for a few years

Anyone any other suggestions?

R.O.R

Galaxy is the best of the full size 7 seaters (in my opinion). Other options to consider are the Puegeot 807/ Citroen C8, VW Sharan (more expensive than the Galaxy though)/Seat Alhambra or a Renault Espace/Grand Espace.

Hyundai Trajet is big, should be cheap, but is a bit unrefined in comparison to the European offerings. Kia Carnival (or whatever it was before the Carnival) is a decent bus, but only a 2.9d, so high running costs.

I wouldn't even look at the Chrysler Voyager / Grand Voyager due to it's NCAP results.

PaddyFagan

Hi

Probably the right size alright - the Galaxy, the Seat Alhambra and the VW Sharon (I think that's the model) are all the same basic car with different badging and trim - it might be easier to get a cheaper option in the Seat - not sure of your budget, but this 08 one looked nice enough?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/SEAT/Alhambra/1.9Tdi-R/42713939387337960/advert?channel=CARS

Paddy

jlm29

I know someone who bought a Kia caren, or whatever it is, in 07, because she could still fit a double buggy in the boot, even with all the seats up

Tea 1000

Toyota Verso's seem decent enough too.
How about something like a Verso and using the multimac for the middle row and just one of the back row seats set up?

irishgrover

like all things, it's down to personal preference.... we have four kids and went for grand espace, and it has performed wonderfully....main reasons for this were....
1.) 7 full size seats, no folding / smaller seats....all proper full size,and all on sliders
2.) good leg room for all passengers
3.) Still plenty space in the back for double buggy's all all that sh!te
4.) You can one or more of the back five seats out. Very handy for a.)extra space, if going on holidays b.) if you need to turn yourself into "white van man" (although getting them in and out is not easy - there are really heavy)
5.) General space - this is loads of it

There are "nicer to drive" cars, newer models etc. But if you have a load of kids then space really is the main consideration, then I have yet to find a car that provides that level of space and comfort.
Again, just my 2c
best of luck

R.O.R

Also worth considering something like this - http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2006-vw-transporter-caravelle/6439196

Plenty of space to keep the kids from fighting with each other, as well as having space for all the bits and pieces that go along with a family of that size.

Not too bad to drive either. Has the good points of a van's high seating position, but also all round visibility.

lacreme

Thanks for all the replies and detail

few others certainly to consider, never saw myself as a van driver but the Caravelle doesn't seem totally crazy, could even fit the dogs in with that

Multimac will be staying in my car, as we need 2 cars that can carry all the kids, work opposite shifts etc. then the 7 seater will be used when we are all out together if that ever happens!!!!

deandean

I apologise to all boardsies for posting this :P but, have a look at the Ssangyung Rodius if you want bang-for-buck. I was in one and it's gotta have the largest interior of any car on the road!

http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Ssangyong/Rodius/270-TD-5/27613427355645620/advert?channel=CARS&featuredListingClickThru=true

lacreme

lot of road tax though deandean

Moneymaker

The Volvo XC90 might be worth considering too if you're willing to spend the money.

Will seat 7 no problem, good build quality, very comfortable and very safe.

The D5 diesel is the one to buy, you should get over 40mpg and 180bhp and lots of torque.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-xc90-d5-awd-6speed-manual/6566369

Ford Galaxy and C4 Picasso would be more affordable, but don't have the class the XC90 does imo.

If money is the most important consideration i'd look at some Picassos.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-citroen-grand-picasso-1-6d-7seater/6587720

bbam

We have a C4 grand Picasso and I don't think it's big enough for a family with 5 grown kids.

lacreme

you are rigth bbam, the citroen ha sno boot once 7 seats are up, barely get the wheels of a buggy in never mind the rest of it

The Volvo is out of our price range.

Think it will be the Galaxy, if the bank agrees!!!