Large 7 seater options?

Shefwedfan

Looking to replace our family car, at the moment it is 08 SMAX Automatic. It is titanium so has that couple of extras....which we all like

I am just looking at what is available. Plan was new 5008 but not sure if it will cut the mustard in size, have requested a test drive

Plan is to keep the car for 10 years at least, so buy now correctly and then dont have to change. It will need to fit at least 4 growing kids(3 currently but potential for another)

Requirements:
Automatic, cruise control, bluetooth with ability to stream spotify off phone

My car has ability to slot in SIM and then create Wifi for car, if this was available that would be great

Any recommendations? Staying with newer SMAX is also option but will it give us the space?

Budget will be circa 20k plus trade in. Might increase if right car.

Also should I really look at UK instead of Ireland? Is there better value over there in these types of cars?

frash

As one who is looking albeit with a smaller budget it sounds like you need the Ford Galaxy

Biggest boot with all 7 seats up unless you want to to into the VW Caravelle territory

R.O.R

VW Sharapova and the SEAT Alhambra are the only other 2 full size mpv models on the market today so worth a look as alternatives to the Galaxy.

TheShow

Hyundai Santa Fe,
Skoda Kodiak,
Nissan X-Trail?

b318isp

Galaxy and S-Max are effectively the same car. The Galaxy gives you more headroom, but is more expensive.

If you like the S-Max, then there is not a lot to be gained in changing models - its a great car.

That said, the headroom of the galaxy is handy when putting in infants to car seats, or if the rear seats are used regularly. If that's of interest, it may be worth the extra money. You could always look for a 1 year old model to save some cash.

Shefwedfan

TheShow wrote: »

Hyundai Santa Fe,
Skoda Kodiak,
Nissan X-Trail?

Kodiaq is too small and so is X-Trial. Like the look of both but not really the answer with 4 kids...we had Qashqai and I wanted X-Trail when swapping. The back seat is same size as Qashqai....

The Santa Fei is surprising small inside once you get into it. The back seats are for small kids at best. I plan on keeping till the kids are older so it would do now but I would end up swapping in 5 years which is hassle

draiochtanois

This post has been deleted.

TheShow

c4 picasso

Shefwedfan

draiochtanois wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

I can only dream....having 2 electric cars would be perfect but the bank balance would not be

grogi

R.O.R wrote: »

VW Sharapova and the SEAT Alhambra are the only other 2 full size mpv models on the market today so worth a look as alternatives to the Galaxy.

Sharapova?!

Shefwedfan

grogi wrote: »

Sharapova?!

Sharan I guess

grogi

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Sharan I guess

Funny how auto-correction works. It usually learns from what you have written before too


Sharan, Alhambra and Galaxy will be bigger than S-Max. C4GP, 5008, Grand Scenic, Kodiaq, Santa-Fe, X-Trail will all be smaller than S-Max. You also have XC90.

All of the above can be bought with reasonable automatic gearboxes now.

Nuw

XC90 seconded

wersal gummage

Xc90 has 2 isofix points if that is important with 4 kids. Middle row is 2.5 seats (40/20/40??). Third row has plenty of room for kids, or even small to regular sized adults. I think the Q7 has 6 isofix points

Shefwedfan

wersal gummage wrote: »

Xc90 has 2 isofix points if that is important with 4 kids. Middle row is 2.5 seats (40/20/40??). Third row has plenty of room for kids, or even small to regular sized adults. I think the Q7 has 6 isofix points

XC90 is lovely and SUV type vehicle which Misses would love

Issue I have with them is that I don't know why people would buy a 90k car and have for 3-4 years and only put 20k miles on it? I just have a fear of clocking

Also would you get a 4, 2 and baby in back seats?

grogi

Shefwedfan wrote: »

XC90 is lovely and SUV type vehicle which Misses would love

Issue I have with them is that I don't know why people would buy a 90k car and have for 3-4 years and only put 20k miles on it? I just have a fear of clocking

Someone else would ask 'how someone could spend €30k on a car and put 20kkm on it in two years?'.

You just don't make enough to understand it. No pun intended.

wersal gummage

Shefwedfan wrote: »

wersal gummage wrote: »

Xc90 has 2 isofix points if that is important with 4 kids. Middle row is 2.5 seats (40/20/40??). Third row has plenty of room for kids, or even small to regular sized adults. I think the Q7 has 6 isofix points

XC90 is lovely and SUV type vehicle which Misses would love

Issue I have with them is that I don't know why people would buy a 90k car and have for 3-4 years and only put 20k miles on it? I just have a fear of clocking

Also would you get a 4, 2 and baby in back seats?

I just bought one and don't do big mileage. Because I don't drive all the time should I drive around in a duster? Also I think the mpv is more of a "missus" car than the Volvo. Personal taste of course.

Super hoop

Honda stream??

Shefwedfan

wersal gummage wrote: »

I just bought one and don't do big mileage. Because I don't drive all the time should I drive around in a duster? Also I think the mpv is more of a "missus" car than the Volvo. Personal taste of course.

Did I insult someone or something here? Everyone getting a bit touchy

I was referring to the amount of second hand XC90 all with low mileage.

The percentage seems high compared to other cars. If I take the Q7 as a comparison which is in same class as XC90 the mileage is alot higher on Q7 models in same year etc

Am I incorrect?

Oafley Jones

Shefwedfan wrote: »

XC90 is lovely and SUV type vehicle which Misses would love

Issue I have with them is that I don't know why people would buy a 90k car and have for 3-4 years and only put 20k miles on it? I just have a fear of clocking

Also would you get a 4, 2 and baby in back seats?

We've a 9 month old, 2 and 3 and half year old. We looked at pretty much everything that that had a wide second row/independent seats and every 7 seater. Went for a Sharan in the end. The van doors swung it over the Galaxy. It's not sexy, but it's ridiculously practical for our kids.

SmithySeller

TheShow wrote: »

Hyundai Santa Fe,
Skoda Kodiak,
Nissan X-Trail?

All too small...

b318isp

Shefwedfan wrote: »

XC90 is lovely and SUV type vehicle which Misses would love

Issue I have with them is that I don't know why people would buy a 90k car and have for 3-4 years and only put 20k miles on it? I just have a fear of clocking

Also would you get a 4, 2 and baby in back seats?

Issue I have with the XC90 is the repair costs - transmissions, suspension and engine mounts give trouble after a few years, and are costly to repair. They are a great car otherwise.

Shefwedfan

Oafley Jones wrote: »

We've a 9 month old, 2 and 3 and half year old. We looked at pretty much everything that that had a wide second row/independent seats and every 7 seater. Went for a Sharan in the end. The van doors swung it over the Galaxy. It's not sexy, but it's ridiculously practical for our kids.

I like the sliding door on Sharan and Alhambra alright

grogi

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I like the sliding door on Sharan and Alhambra alright

Get a 2.0 TDi plus DSG DQ250 then. You'll be more than happy.

Oafley Jones

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I like the sliding door on Sharan and Alhambra alright

You'll like them a lot more when someone parks on top of you, and you can actually get the likes of a maxi cosi in place without moving the car.

Oafley Jones

grogi wrote: »

Get a 2.0 TDi plus DSG DQ250 then. You'll be more than happy.

It's grand. If you want to feel like you've some power, you'd probably want to go for a 210 AWD Ford.

wersal gummage

Shefwedfan wrote: »

wersal gummage wrote: »

I just bought one and don't do big mileage. Because I don't drive all the time should I drive around in a duster? Also I think the mpv is more of a "missus" car than the Volvo. Personal taste of course.

Did I insult someone or something here? Everyone getting a bit touchy

I was referring to the amount of second hand XC90 all with low mileage.

The percentage seems high compared to other cars. If I take the Q7 as a comparison which is in same class as XC90 the mileage is alot higher on Q7 models in same year etc

Am I incorrect?

You suggested that people spend 90k on a volvo, keep it for 3 years and then clock it....

Maybe you are right. I just pointed out that I am one example of a person who bought a volvo and won't be doing huge mileage.

No issue with comments about suv being liked by women, of courses they are very popular with women and mothers bringing kids to school etc. Was just saying that that the same can be said about an mpv.

frash

b318isp wrote: »

Galaxy and S-Max are effectively the same car. The Galaxy gives you more headroom, but is more expensive.

Galaxy has a bigger boot with all 7 seats up

codrulz

The second I saw the title, XC90 was what sprang to mind.
Would tick all boxes and could have a nice powerful 4x4 as opposed to an mpv.

Shefwedfan

wersal gummage wrote: »

You suggested that people spend 90k on a volvo, keep it for 3 years and then clock it....

Maybe you are right. I just pointed out that I am one example of a person who bought a volvo and won't be doing huge mileage.

No issue with comments about suv being liked by women, of courses they are very popular with women and mothers bringing kids to school etc. Was just saying that that the same can be said about an mpv.

I mentioned I would have a fear of clocking, this was in reference to the high proportion of low mileage XC90. As I explained below the percentage seems high compared to similar vehicles.

It of course could be every XC90 owner is like yourself and does low mileage but this seems unlikely. That is why I suggested I would be afraid someone could be clocking.

If I am incorrect I have no issue admitting I am wrong.

I do love the XC90....

In terms of reference to my wife, she would of course prefer a SUV over an MPV. But majority of SUV have limited space for larger family so practicality rules and you go for MPV. This will be the family car, our other car is e-Golf for doing the running around but for family journeys this will be vehicle of choice

wersal gummage

I would imagine a galaxy would be more practical and better mpg? It's very early days for me, but mpg in the xc90 (D5 awd) is nowhere remotely near claimed figures. Of course I'd researched before buying and expected that.

Shefwedfan

How is XC90 in terms of diesel? majority of driving will be around city and small trips to shops etc....I know not the best for diesel but not really an alternative out there

We will use electric for majority of those journeys but I would say 80% of its life will be smaller journeys

wersal gummage

Shefwedfan wrote: »

It of course could be every XC90 owner is like yourself and does low mileage but this seems unlikely. That is why I suggested I would be afraid someone could be clocking.

No idea really. Would the Volvo traditionally have an image of safety? (not saying it is safe, or any safer than any other car). I think there's a perception that a volvo is a very safe place and maybe more of them end up bringing kids to school / hobbies etc? The Q7 I would associate more with a builder, the Volvo with a mother. Of course just wild generalisations and prejudice!

wersal gummage

Shefwedfan wrote: »

How is XC90 in terms of diesel? majority of driving will be around city and small trips to shops etc....I know not the best for diesel but not really an alternative out there

We will use electric for majority of those journeys but I would say 80% of its life will be smaller journeys

I'd say (not scientific) about 30mpg. That is 80% long runs and the rest short hops.

Shefwedfan

wersal gummage wrote: »

I'd say (not scientific) about 30mpg. That is 80% long runs and the rest short hops.

Just a clarification and thank you for information. In regards to long runs would they be 100km +? Thanks

Gwynston

Shefwedfan, I know you followed my progress when looking to upgrade our 08 S-Max earlier this year. I came to a lot of the same conclusions as you, and we only have the 3 kids (albeit slightly older than yours, IIRC). I went down the road of a more stylish, SUV-type car but even the supposedly large ones - Santa Fe, X-Trail etc. are all a step down in size from an S-Max, particularly in the middle row. I would even question whether an XC90 or Q7 would fit the bill, big as they are.

I was holding out hope for the new 5008 and Kodiaq, but once I'd seen the latter in the flesh, I realised it suffered from the same middle-row width problem. The new 5008 might be better, but couldn't be sure without seeing one.

As you know, in the end I went full-circle and ended up with a year-old new model S-Max, although I think that might be out of your 20k (+ trade-in) budget? We're very happy with it - it meets all our requirements. But I think if you're likely to have a 4th child, then practicality and space for car seats etc. will be a higher priority for you.

Which really only leaves the full-size MPVs - Galaxy, Sharan, Alhambra. And if you're looking for value and choice, definitely consider the UK. There is WAY more choice and spec. I suspect that as these types of cars are pretty-much the most expensive 'regular class' family cars, that most used models available here will be entry-level engine choice and probably spec too.

But of course if you import, you'll have the hassle of selling on your old car privately - which is the reason in the end I didn't import (and cos I managed to find a rare, very high spec S-Max at a dealer here)

jimmycrackcorm

Shefwedfan wrote:

I was referring to the amount of second hand XC90 all with low mileage.

The low mileage is explained by the primary purpose of most XC90s being to do the school run.

Funmum05

I upgraded from a 2010 S max to a new 2017 Smax. Like Gywnston I spent months looking at 7 seaters. The XC90 was on my list but its only a half seat in the 2nd row and as I've 4 kids this wouldn't work. The booth is also quite small. When we were originally looking back in 2010 my requirements were to ensure I could fit a double buggy and 4 car seats, 2 of which were maxi cosi type ones. The S max was the only 1 to fit the bill. With all 7 seats up I could get a bugaboo donkey into it no problem. It wouldn't fit into the galaxy though and I didn't like the look of the Alhambra and Sharan although I do like the sliding doors. I also like the look of the S max as I don't like the mummy look and wanted a sportier looking car. A member of family drives a Q7 and its much smaller on the inside then the Smax.

Shefwedfan

Funmum05 wrote: »

I upgraded from a 2010 S max to a new 2017 Smax. Like Gywnston I spent months looking at 7 seaters. The XC90 was on my list but its only a half seat in the 2nd row and as I've 4 kids this wouldn't work. The booth is also quite small. When we were originally looking back in 2010 my requirements were to ensure I could fit a double buggy and 4 car seats, 2 of which were maxi cosi type ones. The S max was the only 1 to fit the bill. With all 7 seats up I could get a bugaboo donkey into it no problem. It wouldn't fit into the galaxy though and I didn't like the look of the Alhambra and Sharan although I do like the sliding doors. I also like the look of the S max as I don't like the mummy look and wanted a sportier looking car. A member of family drives a Q7 and its much smaller on the inside then the Smax.

I would have thought the Galaxy would have bigger boot to the SMAX? interesting if not.

I was considering the Galaxy over the SMAX as I thought the boot space would be increased for the lovely buggy plus the other 101 things

wersal gummage

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I would have thought the Galaxy would have bigger boot to the SMAX? interesting if not.

It does... And the xc90 has a considerably bigger boot that the s max !

Smax with 7 seats = 258 litres
Galaxy with 7 seats = 300 litres
XC90 with 7 seats = 451 litres





Edit : I'm comparing the current models. I see the person above is talking about 2010 models.

I would still think the s max is more practical with 3 equally sized seats in the middle, especially if you regularly have the car full. The xc90 is obviously a far nicer place to be if you don't need the 3 equal sized seats in the middle. The middle of an s max looks like a bench, whereas the middle row of the xc90 (on outer seats) has almost same seats as the front

wersal gummage

Shefwedfan wrote: »

wersal gummage wrote: »

I'd say (not scientific) about 30mpg. That is 80% long runs and the rest short hops.

Just a clarification and thank you for information. In regards to long runs would they be 100km +? Thanks

Yeah, generally

Shefwedfan

What is tax on older model XC90?

Oafley Jones

Never was in the old model, but had a loan of the new one for almost two weeks. Stunning car which I just love, but it doesn't hold a candle to an MPV for practicality.

Fian

I love my galaxy. First car i have enjoyed since i had to abandon an opel omega for a 7 seater. The turbo diesel comes in two engine varients, the high powered one has serious poke in it. Acceleration is fantastic, car is comfortable, 2 parents, 4 kids and 2 dogs can all fit in.

SmithySeller

Kinda slowly turning away from the idea of an SUV at all myself, although far from definite. A top or high spec S-Max is definitely an interesting proposition, particularly a two year old one with powershift.
Does anyone know if the digital dash can be completely changed to KM? Secondly what is the pan-european warranty on these if importing from the UK?

Shefwedfan

Tax is 1200 per year for XC90

That kind of rules that out

Already paying nearly 800 for SMAX so want to reduce that cost

Gwynston

SmithySeller wrote: »

Kinda slowly turning away from the idea of an SUV at all myself, although far from definite. A top or high spec S-Max is definitely an interesting proposition, particularly a two year old one with powershift.
Does anyone know if the digital dash can be completely changed to KM? Secondly what is the pan-european warranty on these if importing from the UK?

The new model S-Max didn't really appear here until 2016, but you might find some in the UK from late 2015. As far as I can tell from mine, most digital things can be switched between miles and km, but even though the actual speedo needle itself is an animated graphic, the numbers round the outside are not! And from pics I've seen of UK models they have mph, so won't be changeable. I'm not sure I've found a digital display setting either that shows the current speed in real time - if there is, I'm sure that could be set to km/h.

You should be OK with Ford warranty working across Europe but watch out for any extention being dealer specific. I imported my old 08 S-Max from UK and it came with a 3-year warranty, but I believe only 2 years of that was actually from Ford, while the extra year was a free dealer add-on so wasn't valid in Ireland.

Our new 2016 S-Max has a 5-year Ford warranty and I believe they started doing 7-year warranties on new 171 models this year. So I'm not sure when the 5-year ones were introduced, but you should be able to ask any UK Ford dealer how long the warranty is on a 2015 model.

SmithySeller

Thanks for that Gwynston. Its a 161 I'd be after early in the new year. Looking at what's available in Ireland, I'd say I'd have to go to the UK. I seen a few 5008 SUVs in Spain. Looks like from a size perspective and layout, its kinda what we thought ala Current Grand Picasso. You mentioned yours is high spec, I assume given you have a 5 year warranty its an Irish car then?

Gwynston

Yeah, I was very frustrated at the start of the year trying to find a good 2016 S-Max. Our old 08 import was a 140bhp Titanium, so I was reluctant to take a step down in engine and spec. But new ones were scarily expensive and used ones practically non-existant, plus I was getting paltry trade-in offers. So I spent a lot of time marveling at the huge choice and great spec in the UK, but faced the prospect then of having to sell our old one privately. But that was daunting as it needed a lot of work to bring up to standard.

I was checking the car sites weekly and started noticing in the Spring that quite a few dealers round the country were bringing in UK imports themselves and offering them for sale - high spec and power too. Obviously they were adding some margin on top of what I could manage myself, but then the hassle of sourcing, traveling, importing, taxing etc. is taken away, plus there's the option of negotiating a trade-in. So there is at least more choice now.

Then I had a stroke of luck - a top-spec, ex-demo 161 with 180bhp and sports kit (which had been used by one of Ford Ireland's directors) suddenly became available online. It was a lot of money, but a similar price to the 150bhp regular Titanium imports, and on top of that, when I inquired over the phone, I was offered by far the best trade-in price for my old car that I'd had. So it was a tempting offer and the only real question mark was its colour - white!

While thinking it over a for a few days, the dealer called me back and said he had two offers to buy the car over the phone unseen, but was giving me first shout if I paid a deposit and could bring my car in to confirm the trade-in offer. I know he could have been bullshítting me, but it literally was the only car in the country with that engine + spec, and I'd been the first to answer the dealer's ad, so I actually believe him.

Anyway, from the photos the Mrs. (who's opinion is most important ) didn't mind the white colour and surprisingly loved the sports kit! So deposit was paid and I drove all the way down to Killarney from Galway and did the deal on the spot!

The new model comes in 120, 150 and 180bhp. The 120 would be hugely under powered and even the 150 is rated slower than my old 140. So the new model must be quite a bit heavier - it feels it and even our 180 doesn't feel much quicker than our old car.

But we're delighted with it - we have the familiar comfort and car-like experience as the old S-Max, but with more space than an SUV. And the sports body kit really makes it stand out from other 7-seaters - even S-Max's.

So we were kind of lucky to find such a good 'un - and Irish too, but there's definitely more choice now than when I first started looking.

Shefwedfan

After a think I am looking at Alhambra v Sharan. The reason is the sliding doors

I know engine wise etc are the same so I am just wondering in terms of spec is the Seat better value for money?

Gwynston

Yeah, I'd say the Seat should be better value than the VW , comparing like-for-like spec. I think they're made in the same factory, so if you don't care about the badge, they're almost the same car!
Used models, that price difference might narrow a bit and you're reliant on whatever spec you manage to find available.

When we were looking, I took the kids into the Seat dealer and they liked the Alhambra in the showroom. They looked right past the boxy exterior and loved the plush, spacious interior. It was a top spec model with tan leather etc. though!

But I'd say you would definitely appreciate the space, and the practicality of the sliding doors with small kids and car seats.