Need advice on 7/9 seaters

SligoQueries

Hi, I'm looking to buy our first car in Ireland, (I've been driving for a few years and have owned cars in America), with 3 kids already and number 4 on the way, we need something big.

I know relatively little about cars in general, make/models, etc., so I need help. I do know I want either a used 7-seater, with 7 proper seats and some storage, not 5+2 seats or 6.5 seats with no storage, or a used 9-seater. Also, it has to be automatic. Budget is something under €8,000. I've tried searching some sites, but don't know where to start.

Thanks for any help.

bazz26

Probably something like this that you would be familiar with State side:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Chrysler/Grand-Voyager/2.8-LX/201416223328819/

Motor tax maybe a killer for you though.

Frankie Lee

What is your yearly mileage?

SligoQueries

Unsure on yearly mileage, our lives in general are much different than when we had a car in America.

The Chrysler Grand Voyager is something that could be an option. I also found the Ssangyong Rodius.

bazz26

Kia Sedona is well within budget:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/KIA/Sedona/2-GSE/49514005109957520/

jonno23

bazz26 wrote: »

Kia Sedona is well within budget:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/KIA/Sedona/2-GSE/49514005109957520/

I think that's only a six seater, the op needs 7/9 seater. But just wondering bazz26, as from lurking around the motors forum you are very knowledgeable about cars, if those Kias are reliable?

Apologies to the op for hijacking!

bazz26

jonno23 wrote: »

I think that's only a six seater, the op needs 7/9 seater. But just wondering bazz26, as from lurking around the motors forum you are very knowledgeable about cars, if those Kias are reliable?

Apologies to the op for hijacking!

Your dead right which makes them bit of a pig given their size. Not sure on the reliability front but I heard that a timing belt change on them is expensive. I'd probably opt for something like a Galaxy or Sharan over one.

colm_mcm

Far as I know they share the 2.9 engine with the Hyundai terracan, which had a reputation for the fuel pump disintegrating and wrecking the injectors

jonno23

Thank you both for the info, much appreciated for taking the time. The Kia and the Grand Voyager have sliding doors, very handy for access with small kids and tight parking spaces.

Back to the op, it may be worth looking at larger van type vehicles if you plan to have multiple passengers. Personally, when looking for a full seven seater, I've found it difficult to find one of the galaxy/alhambra/sharan/C8 style that had been relatively well maintained (ie annual service & the odd spring clean!) within a similar budget.

But maybe I'm too picky!

Something like this might suit?

http://www.donedeal.ie/coaches-for-sale/05-volkswagen-shuttle-9-seater/6986389

Ded_Zebra

IMO these are the nicest cars in the class. This one also has nice spec, the only thing it's missing is leather.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2006-ford-s-max-titanium-2-0tdci/6851045

SligoQueries

Thanks for the help.

The Chrysler Grand Voyager looks perfect, 2+2+3 seat format, with big storage compared to other 7 seaters. I found one on Autotrader for €2,950, but with a 3.3 engine tax would be a ridiculous €1,809. Smallest engine would be 2.8, which would be a still high €1,391. Didn't have these kind of motor taxes in America!

The Ssangyong Rodius (general opinion of "ugly", I know), is similar to the Grand Voyager, it also has the 2+2+3 seat format, which I wasn't able to find in any other 7 seaters, but an engine of 2.6 doesn't bring the tax down that much.

I'd love to get a VW Shuttle, not sure if that red 05 is automatic, but the other ones listed as automatic on DoneDeal are close to the €8,000 mark or way over. Plus 2.5 engine, tax is still over €1,000.

That Ford S-MAX is a manual, the other automatic ones are over budget. The back row of seats look small. The kids are all young, so I'll need space for car seats.

It looks like I'll have to settle for either a Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan, or a SEAT Alhambra, as these have 7 proper seats, and have an engine of 2.0 or smaller. The tax for anything bigger than 2.0 is just too much. Anything else similar to these I should consider? Or opinions on these three?

bazz26

Worth a look at:



http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/05-mercedes-vito-traveliner-cdi-111-lwb/6739566

irishgrover

what about a renault grand espace -- great for 7 full size seats...with storage behind
I've had one for the last few years and it was very reliable and trouble free (until it imploded on Monday - but that's another story)

donegal.

I had a renault espace and either i was unlucky or they're the least reliable car ever made.

Replaced it with a ford galaxy, very happy with it.

In-laws have a chrysler voyager. It has a very nice interior , very comfortable . Its a bit of a boat though and they're out a fortune on parts for it.

bazz26

I'd avoid the Espace of that vintage, they can be plagued with lots of electric issues. It's one of the reasons they are selling so cheap.