Opel Zafira Vs Mazda 5 vs Renault Grand Scenic

AFK123

Hi Guys,

As the title suggests, I am trying to decide between these 3 cars and looking for advice opinions.

I would be looking at from 2010 onwards diesel and spending 10-15K

Is there anything I should be aware of with them. Looking for a 7 seater that will be pretty trouble free and easy on the pocket

Thanks in advance

ltdslipdiff

Of the three there is no doubt the Grand Scenic (2010->) is the most versatile and true 7 seater. The Zafira is quite dated now but in its defence the 1.7 CDTi is a decent machine and can be well spec'd too. Not as versatile as the Grand Scenic. The Mazda is a strange one. Not a real 7 seater as the middle seat in the middle row is far too small for all but an infant. Most of them were 1.8 petrols up to 2008, then there was a 2.0TD but I believe it was never sold in Ireland because the tax was way too high on emissions basis. There was a lull until the new model in 2010 was brought in with an ultra-low emission 2.0TD but that would be out of budget I'd imagine.
My money would be on a well spec'd Dynamique/Tom Tom Grand Scenic 1.5 dCi 110 bhp. In fairness reliability has been well sorted and the economy is good too. There was a changeover to DPF in late 2010/early 2011, if you're doing lots of start/stop driving might be worth getting the pre-DPF model. Check inside drivers door and on bonnet slam panel for the DPF Symbol, if its not there it doesn't have it. May be worth considering a C4 Grand Picasso of similar year. A VW Touran would probably be out of budget for the year also.

AFK123

ltdslipdiff wrote: »

Of the three there is no doubt the Grand Scenic (2010->) is the most versatile and true 7 seater. The Zafira is quite dated now but in its defence the 1.7 CDTi is a decent machine and can be well spec'd too. Not as versatile as the Grand Scenic. The Mazda is a strange one. Not a real 7 seater as the middle seat in the middle row is far too small for all but an infant. Most of them were 1.8 petrols up to 2008, then there was a 2.0TD but I believe it was never sold in Ireland because the tax was way too high on emissions basis. There was a lull until the new model in 2010 was brought in with an ultra-low emission 2.0TD but that would be out of budget I'd imagine.
My money would be on a well spec'd Dynamique/Tom Tom Grand Scenic 1.5 dCi 110 bhp. In fairness reliability has been well sorted and the economy is good too. There was a changeover to DPF in late 2010/early 2011, if you're doing lots of start/stop driving might be worth getting the pre-DPF model. Check inside drivers door and on bonnet slam panel for the DPF Symbol, if its not there it doesn't have it. May be worth considering a C4 Grand Picasso of similar year. A VW Touran would probably be out of budget for the year also.

Thanks for all da info. Brother has 09 grand scenic nd was thinkin that way myself so what ur saying confirms my thoughts.

Interesting about da dpf. They seem to b more trouble than they are worth so if I can get a car without dpf all the better

NIMAN

Most diesels have DPFs unfortunately.

Do you need a diesel? What sort of mileage and motoring will this car be doing?
If its to be mainly used for dropping kids to school and going to the supermarket you might want to consider petrol?

roadsmart

Out of that list I'd pick the grand Picasso or Peugeot 5008:D

AFK123

Yeah I know most diesels have dpfs but there are a few. Currently have 08 ceed estate that doesnt have dpf:-)

It would b the main car so would b looking at 25k miles a year easy so diesel makes sense. Herself doesnt like grand picasso. Thinks boot is too small when seats are up. All boots are small in that situation but cant make her believe that

NIMAN

BEfore I bought my Honda FRV I very nearly went for a Mazda 5, like the look and sliding doors. Would have been very handy for the kids.

bazz26

The DPF will be fine as long as the car is driven as intended i.e. plenty of open road rather than all stop/start short trips.

AFK123

bazz26 wrote: »

The DPF will be fine as long as the car is driven as intended i.e. plenty of open road rather than all stop/start short trips.

The car would b doing either a 80 or 140km round trip so lots of long drives

vienne86

I have a grrand Cmax which is very similar to the Mazda 5 - sliding doors which are very handy, but not a real 7 seater as already pointed out. I'm changing for a new car in January so have been out test driving. Mazda 5 was a nice drive, but seemed a bit dated and will be revamped soon, I would say. I would say the Renault is the best of these 7 seaters, but I have had Renaults before, and they are very hard to trade in - no one wants them....they have a reputation for being unreliable, and I had trouble with both of mine (Laguna and Megane, both bought from new).

Moonbeam

If I had that budget for a 7 seater I would not be looking at any of them.
I would get a VW Sharan,Ford Galaxy or Seat Alhambra.

AFK123

Moonbeam wrote: »

If I had that budget for a 7 seater I would not be looking at any of them.
I would get a VW Sharan,Ford Galaxy or Seat Alhambra.

Yeah the ford nd seat r da biggest nd I like them but dont get covered in my budget

vienne86

Moonbeam wrote: »

If I had that budget for a 7 seater I would not be looking at any of them.
I would get a VW Sharan,Ford Galaxy or Seat Alhambra.

These are bigger budget cars. Daughter of a friend of mine has a Zafira - two baby seats and a large dog. Seems happy with it for space.