7 seater around 3000

Poncke

Looking for a family car. But now the missus mentioned we should look at 7 seaters. What is the space like in a 7 seater? I have the idea that the boot is not spacious? Collapsible seats? Pros and cons between estate and a 7 seater?

And what model should I consider? Affordable in maintenance. Reliable. Etc.

Or are there estate models with collapsible seats in the boot?

Budget is around 3000

Thanks

colm_mcm

You can split 7 seaters into three groups

5+2 seaters where you have 2 smaller seats in the back that fold down into the floor
Corolla verso, Zafira, Touran, Grand Scenic, Stream

7 seaters where you have 7 good sized seats, the back 2 usually are removable
Galaxy, Sharan, Alhambra, Espace, Previa, Avensis Verso, Grandis

Estate cars with 2 extra seats, often rear facing,
Volvo V70, Mercedes E Class, Renault Lanuna, Peugeot 307 SW.

How often you need to use the seats, and whether you need 7 seats and a bott at the same time would be e main deciding factor.

Poncke

Do avensis or corolla estate have rear facing seats?

colm_mcm

No. All are regular 5 seaters. There are Verso versions of the Corolla and Avensis that are 7 seaters,
Corolla Verso (04 onwards) is smaller obviously, but is actually based on the 03 onwards Avensis, most of these are 1.6 petrol manual, but the Irish ones have a 1.8 automatic option which is best avoided. U.K. Models have a 1.8 manual option, you might see a few of these around.


With these, you can slide and recline the 3 middle seats independently of each other. The rearmost seats fold into the floor. The boot space with the seats up is very small.
These have good safety on them, 5 star NCAP, 9 airbags standard, passenger airbag deactivation, ISOFIX, 3 point seat belts all round,

Access to the rearmost seats is by tilting and sliding either middle row outer seat. It's simple to do, much like in a 3 door car. Not so good if you have a child seat in the outer middle row seats.

Avensis Verso is based on the older 97 model Avensis, has 7 seats and a boot, but being an older design isn't as safe, minimum engine size on these is 2.0 petrol or diesel. At your price level and usage, the petrol is the one to get.



With these, the spare wheel is stored under the front passenger side floor, so there's actually a boot that goes all the way down to the bottom of the rear bumper, so you can put push chairs and stuff in standing up.
You can reconfigure the seats too, so you can make it a 6 seater, 2&2&2, you can remove the centre seat, then move the outer seats closer to the middle of the car - leaving a gap so that you can climb into the rearmost seats from the middle without folding any seats down.
All 5 rear seats can be removed from the car if needs be.
Access to the rearmost seats in 7 seat mode is a bit more cumbersome than on the Corolla verso, you fold the seat back flat, then tumble up the seat frame. It's not very user friendly, and there are a lot of sharp points exposed when the seat is tumbled forward. Older design, you'll have that.

Poncke

Yeah you are both right. Don't need 7 seats. It's just to pick up family from the airport or when we have friends over and want to go somewhere

colm_mcm

The Corolla Verso would still be worth getting though. You can just fold down the rear seats and use it as an estate car. Engine size isn't too big either.
I had one years ago as a company car before I had any kids, and they're a great all rounder, driving position is good, would prefer one to an Avensis probably.

Example

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla-verso-1-6-petrol/12216135

Poncke

colm_mcm wrote: »

The Corolla Verso would still be worth getting though. You can just fold down the rear seats and use it as an estate car. Engine size isn't too big either.
I had one years ago as a company car before I had any kids, and they're a great all rounder, driving position is good, would prefer one to an Avensis probably.

Example

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla-verso-1-6-petrol/12216135

A woman on DD is selling the Verso because she needs bigger boot space because she is having baby nr2 and need space for bigger pram. I have 2 babies and a big pram. So now I am confused. Is the boot not spacious?

I saw this one though.
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla-verso/12607326 very cheap no?

colm_mcm

People lose the run of themselves when they have kids, the fact that she bought a 7 seater for 1 kid, and now needs a bigger one for 2 kids suggests she's doing it wrong!

Poncke

Thanks Colm. I missed your edit. That corolla verso looks good.

Poncke

From what year should I look? And are there any other makes just as reliable?

colm_mcm

Autumn 04 onwards really. They didn't really change them for about 4 years after that so they'll all the same.
I'd always avoid the Terra model as it has no aircon. Luna is the one to get.

Should go without saying, but get a mechanic to give it the once over before buying.

They don't really give trouble, but you know yourself.

bazz26

I'd look at the Mazda 5 also, tend to be cheaper to buy than Corolla Versos.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-5-1-8-litre-petrol/11517009