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Saloon/Hatch/Estate for 3 kids in back..

  • 22-02-2018 11:46am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553
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    Ok so I currently drive a 2010 Mazda 6. Lovely car but we have a third child coming in June so may have to change the car to ideally fit 3 car seats.

    I don’t want to go the MPV route. It’s depressing.

    I have a 3 and 5 year old so high back boosters are fine now and then a baby seat beside those which is chunkier.

    So far I reckon the only viable options might be:

    A6
    5 series
    E class
    Superb

    These seem to be the widest but I’m yet to do the acid test and take my seats out to a dealer and try them in each example. I will do this but any others I should be considering??


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 Nuw
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    I think Superb is the way to go, but you might be able to fit them in a Pug 308 estate (most likely to be cheaper to buy and run) or maybe something from Volvo, like the V60?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    Nuw wrote: »
    I think Superb is the way to go, but you might be able to fit them in a Pug 308 estate (most likely to be cheaper to buy and run) or maybe something from Volvo, like the V60?

    Hadn’t thought of the 308 estate although that said I’m not gone on them.

    The V60 I thought would be similar to my Mazda albeit in estate format but maybe I’m wrong there.

    I’d consider the S80 though. Forgot to put that on the list.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 Nuw
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    I was under the impression the V60 had more spacious back than the Mazda but maybe not, didn't measure to be honest... I guess it depends on your budget at the end of the day. The 308 is actually not that bad a car to drive, had a rental of one last year and was quite surprised by its dynamics (latest model that is, the one before that was awful), should be safe too, I'm not sure how the 508 fares in the space-in-the-back department but they're a lovely car as well, quite underrated so you can probably get a very good deal on them.

    If you can stretch to a S80 then I'd definitely have a look at one, they seem to be lovely to sit in and drive.

    Completely different beast, but wouldn't a subaru legacy fit the bill? It goes everywhere, it doesn't break down (at least the petrol doesn't, not sure about the diesel), have a little bit of poke for the days you're alone in it... I don't have first hand experience with them though, maybe someone else can pitch in?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,663 pah
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    You seek the mythical unicorn my friend. From someone who had 3 and now 5 the car you search for does not exist.

    You might get something nice and wide that gets your fingers trapped between belts and seats less often than another model but trust me, belting 3 carseats abreast, full or booster in a saloon, estate or hatch several times a day is nothing short of a ****ing nightmare.

    This has peaked my interest in the past but they're very pricey.
    https://multimac.co.uk/home


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 Zubeneschamali
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    I don’t want to go the MPV route. It’s depressing.

    Depressing will be trying to fit 3 kids worth of seats, buggies and bags into a car that is too small.

    Go and look at the S-Max - I had one for 10 years when we had 3 kids, and the sheer space is the real luxury. Could fit them, all their crap and the dogs cage. Could pack up and head to the south of France for 2 weeks without a roof boot.

    And it still drove pretty well - I have replaced it with an Octavia now the eldest is off to college and the younger ones are teens, and it is neater, faster, more economical, better equipped and still cheaper to buy - but it is not any more fun to drive.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,663 pah
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    Go and look at the S-Max - I had one for 10 years when we had 3 kids, and the sheer space is the real luxury. Could fit them, all their crap and the dogs cage. Could pack up and head to the south of France for 2 weeks without a roof boot.

    And it still drove pretty well - I have replaced it with an Octavia now the eldest is off to college and the younger ones are teens, and it is neater, faster, more economical, better equipped and still cheaper to buy - but it is not any more fun to drive.


    Can't say enough good things about the SMAX, sold our 2006 last year and brought in a zafira tourer from UK. zafira much smaller and middle seat of 3 narrower aswell. The 3 seats of the SMAX move individually and are wider than the carseats you fit so just reach between seats to belt in but no trapped fingers etc. A very decent car to drive also. I'll be going back to one before the end of the year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,872 Fann Linn
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    Mondeo estate, Citroen C5 Tourer or 508 SW.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    I appreciate the replies on the mpv v saloon debate but it’s not a debate in my mind. MPV’s are depressing things and I just can’t bring myself to do it.

    The missus will be carting the three kids in her Corolla most of the normal week. She’ll put one in the passenger seat. Seemingly this is ok with airbags etc turned off and strapped in to the high back booster.

    So my dilemma is only for the odd family trip on weekends and holidays where we’ll all be in the one car.

    So back to actual car options. Sounds like the Superb and maybe S80 could be the ones to look at.

    Budget wise I’ll be looking at list prices of €15-€17k and hoping to get about 5-7k for my own within that trade, ie I’ll be putting about €10k into this transaction.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 551 elbyrneo
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    With three kids height helps too. You can squeeze two high back boosters and one infant car seat into most large saloons (partic with slim boosters) but it's not fun leaning across, manoeuvring etc and safety can be compromised if not fitted correctly. When it's three boosters and the kids are a bit older and can belt up themselves, it's easier mind.

    Instead of an MPV, what about an SUV? I have the new Xtrail shape, it managed your scenario fine (1 infanct car seat, 2 hbb's, a little tight, but verymanageable) and since all my three are on high back boosters now it's easy peasy.

    The height makes such a difference getting everyone sorted, and the open space takes away the claustrophobic feel of a saloon with 3 squished kids .

    A large open boot for the all the paraphanalia that goes with any journey is a godsend too.
    We went to France in ours, boot full of luggage, was perfect, never felt squashed at all.

    Lots of choices in biggish SUVs Xtrail, santa fe, Sorrento and newer more expensive 5008, kodiaq etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,663 pah
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    So back to actual car options. Sounds like the Superb and maybe S80 could be the ones to look at.


    Have a look here then, you can determine the widest car models and go from there

    https://www.automobiledimension.com/car-search-engine.php

    An XC60?


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  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,861 Henry Ford III
    Mod ✭✭✭✭


    Back in the day 3 kids would have fitted in the back seat of an Escort MkII. Might not have been ideal in the event of a crash but we all survived.

    Cars have gotten too big and heavy imho.

    p.s. What about something like this? https://multimac.co.uk/p/superclub_3_seater_1200


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 551 elbyrneo
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    pah wrote: »
    Have a look here then, you can determine the widest car models and go from there

    https://www.automobiledimension.com/car-search-engine.php

    We looked at a similar site when searching before. Was quoting exterior width and some measurements even included side mirrors. Usable interior space is very different. In mpvs / suvs the usable space can be far greater than a standard saloon that is on paper wider. Good starting point but before committing, op should bring car seats along and test (ideally in the cold and rain, with three screaming kids hehe)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    elbyrneo wrote: »
    With three kids height helps too. You can squeeze two high back boosters and one infant car seat into most large saloons (partic with slim boosters) but it's not fun leaning across, manoeuvring etc and safety can be compromised if not fitted correctly. When it's three boosters and the kids are a bit older and can belt up themselves, it's easier mind.

    Instead of an MPV, what about an SUV? I have the new Xtrail shape, it managed your scenario fine (1 infanct car seat, 2 hbb's, a little tight, but verymanageable) and since all my three are on high back boosters now it's easy peasy.

    The height makes such a difference getting everyone sorted, and the open space takes away the claustrophobic feel of a saloon with 3 squished kids .

    A large open boot for the all the paraphanalia that goes with any journey is a godsend too.
    We went to France in ours, boot full of luggage, was perfect, never felt squashed at all.

    Lots of choices in biggish SUVs Xtrail, santa fe, Sorrento and newer more expensive 5008, kodiaq etc.

    If I had the budget I’d probably go for the Kodiaq but I’ll probably end up sticking to a saloon for now.

    The boosters we have are q bit wide. You mention slim ones. Any suggestions on slim boosters anyone?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    elbyrneo wrote: »
    With three kids height helps too. You can squeeze two high back boosters and one infant car seat into most large saloons (partic with slim boosters) but it's not fun leaning across, manoeuvring etc and safety can be compromised if not fitted correctly. When it's three boosters and the kids are a bit older and can belt up themselves, it's easier mind.

    Instead of an MPV, what about an SUV? I have the new Xtrail shape, it managed your scenario fine (1 infanct car seat, 2 hbb's, a little tight, but verymanageable) and since all my three are on high back boosters now it's easy peasy.

    The height makes such a difference getting everyone sorted, and the open space takes away the claustrophobic feel of a saloon with 3 squished kids .

    A large open boot for the all the paraphanalia that goes with any journey is a godsend too.
    We went to France in ours, boot full of luggage, was perfect, never felt squashed at all.

    Lots of choices in biggish SUVs Xtrail, santa fe, Sorrento and newer more expensive 5008, kodiaq etc.

    If I had the budget I’d probably go for the Kodiaq but I’ll probably end up sticking to a saloon for now.

    The boosters we have are q bit wide. You mention slim ones. Any suggestions on slim boosters anyone?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 uck51js9zml2yt
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    I had an Octavia Estate with 2. Best thing I ever did. I'd never get a saloon again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,696 drunkmonkey
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    Have you thought about a Volvo with the family pack, it's in saloons as well as the estates and jeeps, it's got 2 x 2 stage booster seats on the outher sides.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    Have you thought about a Volvo with the family pack, it's in saloons as well as the estates and jeeps, it's got 2 x 2 stage booster seats on the outher sides.
    ]

    The baby will have to go on one side though being isofix so I wonder how that’d work. Worth thinking about though. Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 Zubeneschamali
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    MPV’s are depressing things and I just can’t bring myself to do it. .

    You need an S-Max + Prozac.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    You need an S-Max + Prozac.

    You really like your s max.

    Prozac yes please.

    MPV not a hope.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,138 Gregor Samsa
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    Superb is narrower than a Mazda 6. I had a 6 that we could just about squash 3 kids into (two in high back boosters, and one in a backless booster). We rented a Superb estate in Iceland, and we could only fit the eldest one in the middle on an inflatable BubbleBum seat.

    We went with an S-Max to fit the 3 of them (and all their stuff) comfortably. 3 full sized independent seats in the middle row. Edit: I just saw you said not a hope on an MPV. fair enough, but the S-max is actually a very nice, powerful car.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 Zubeneschamali
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    Back in the day 3 kids would have fitted in the back seat of an Escort MkII.

    Road deaths these days are a quarter what they once were even though traffic is way up. No way would I risk my kids lives the way my own life was risked back in the day (not blaming my parents, that was the way it was then).

    But this doesn't affect the OP - either the kids in proper restraints fit in the back or they don't. They certainly won't fit in a Focus.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,138 Gregor Samsa
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    Any suggestions on slim boosters anyone?

    This is the slimmest booster I can find that has armrests to hold the seatbelt.

    https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/car-seats-and-bases/car-seat-boosters/mini-uno-comfort-group-3-car-booster-seat-grey/p/154446

    I know you won't be using 3 of them but to give you an idea of what "slim" means, 3 of these will not fit across my Volvo v50 (same width as Focus). I have 2 of them in that, and one in the S-Max. 3 would have been a squash in the Mazda 6, but you could have make them fit.

    The very narrowest are something like these:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/BubbleBum-Inflatable-Booster-Group-Black/dp/B0092MB0O2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519307131&sr=8-1&keywords=bubblebum&dpID=41DvDhLFsJL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

    or these:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Panorama-psp-2088-1275-Booster-Seat-Red/dp/B00DN713F8/ref=pd_bxgy_75_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NCV0W5GWXJ36QPK3ZBGC

    But I wouldn't use either for proper daily use or long journeys. The second one has no mechanism to attach to the seatbelt, so they risk sliding out from under the child. The first can be attached to the seatbelt, but it's awkward.

    (I do have a BubbleBum for the V50, but it's only used in the rare occasions that all 3 of them have to be in that car, and it would only be short trips around our town).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 Zubeneschamali
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    You really like your s max.

    I really liked it better than a Picasso Grando or whatever, but I sold it and bought an Octavia when I no longer needed it.

    But when you need one, you need one.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,032 colm_c
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    I would switch around the cars.

    Get an MPV for your wife, so you don't have to drive it, then get something you like for your commute / day-to-day driving.

    As you say, if it's only being used by you once a week, then it makes more sense for you to drive something normal, and leave the MPV for kiddos.

    It'll also save you swapping out car seats etc.

    Other option, which I've seen when dropping off at creche, is two kids in the back, one in the front and the mum squashed in the middle between the two kids, some aerobics to get out, but doable if you've got a fairly small person in the middle.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 Zubeneschamali
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    colm_c wrote: »
    mum squashed in the middle between the two kids, ... doable if you've got a fairly small person in the middle.

    Careful, now!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    You need an S-Max + Prozac.

    You really like your s max.

    Prozac yes please.

    MPV not a hope.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,663 pah
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    phutyle wrote: »
    This is the slimmest booster I can find that has armrests to hold the seatbelt.

    https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/car-seats-and-bases/car-seat-boosters/mini-uno-comfort-group-3-car-booster-seat-grey/p/154446

    I know you won't be using 3 of them but to give you an idea of what "slim" means, 3 of these will not fit across my Volvo v50 (same width as Focus). I have 2 of them in that, and one in the S-Max. 3 would have been a squash in the Mazda 6, but you could have make them fit.

    The very narrowest are something like these:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/BubbleBum-Inflatable-Booster-Group-Black/dp/B0092MB0O2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519307131&sr=8-1&keywords=bubblebum&dpID=41DvDhLFsJL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

    or these:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Panorama-psp-2088-1275-Booster-Seat-Red/dp/B00DN713F8/ref=pd_bxgy_75_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NCV0W5GWXJ36QPK3ZBGC

    But I wouldn't use either for proper daily use or long journeys. The second one has no mechanism to attach to the seatbelt, so they risk sliding out from under the child. The first can be attached to the seatbelt, but it's awkward.

    (I do have a BubbleBum for the V50, but it's only used in the rare occasions that all 3 of them have to be in that car, and it would only be short trips around our town).


    On this - I have been on the quest for narrow car seats - i have the mini uno and the panorama and neither will fit in the centre of the bench on my DS5 my mk4 golf before it, my mother in laws 04 accord or any other saloon/hatch belonging to family that have taken the kids.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 bazz26
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    You really like your s max.

    Prozac yes please.

    MPV not a hope.

    It seems the Nile is not just a river in Egypt. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 459 Paranoid Mandroid
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    Lot of love for the Smax. Don't want to generalise but I'd imagine most trips are short school runs, local activities, shops with these type cars. A 2l diesel, short runs, isn't that bad news?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,519 Oafley Jones
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    Lot of love for the Smax.

    Everyone I know who has an S-Max loves them. It's the same with most good MPVs. I'm the same with the Sharan, it's far from sexy, but it's ridiculously practical and decent to drive. When my Discovery was spending some more time in rehab last year, I'd a loan of the mother in laws XC90 T8 for just over a month. A stunning car. 400bhp. Incredible interior. All the toys. Brilliant to drive. I'd buy one tomorrow if I won the lotto. But it wouldn't replace the Sharan. The sharan was always the car I picked when I had to bring the kids. Once you get over your own insecurities, you realise how much easier life is with MPVs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
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    Once you get over you're own insecurities, you realise how much easier life is with MPVs.

    This is nothing to do with insecurities. Personally I just couldn’t wake up every day and drive an MPV. I’d be depressed looking at it never mind driving it. Good for you if you can.

    I’ll personally accept the toil of having less space and harder to fit and buckle car seats. Its just about getting the widest car and slimmest car seats. It has to be possible. Not simple but possible.

    That’s what this thread was meant to be about. Not an MPV conversation that I said I didn’t want. I thought I was quite clear on that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,663 pah
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    Its just about getting the widest car and slimmest car seats. It has to be possible. Not simple but possible.

    I wish you luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,519 Oafley Jones
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    This is nothing to do with insecurities. Personally I just couldn’t wake up every day and drive an MPV. I’d be depressed looking at it never mind driving it. Good for you if you can.

    I’ll personally accept the toil of having less space and harder to fit and buckle car seats. Its just about getting the widest car and slimmest car seats. It has to be possible. Not simple but possible.

    That’s what this thread was meant to be about. Not an MPV conversation that I said I didn’t want. I thought I was quite clear on that.

    Fair enough but to be honest, it's not like you're giving up an exotic two seater. There's very little out there that'll do. Also, had the previous gen Superb combi. It's a narrow car inside.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 459 Paranoid Mandroid
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    Lot of love for the Smax.

    Everyone I know who has an S-Max loves them. It's the same with most good MPVs. I'm the same with the Sharan, it's far from sexy, but it's ridiculously practical and decent to drive. When my Discovery was spending some more time in rehab last year, I'd a loan of the mother in laws XC90 T8 for just over a month. A stunning car. 400bhp. Incredible interior. All the toys. Brilliant to drive. I'd buy one tomorrow if I won the lotto. But it wouldn't replace the Sharan. The sharan was always the car I picked when I had to bring the kids. Once you get over you're own insecurities, you realise how much easier life is with MPVs.

    Personally I couldn't care less what a car looks like, mpv or not. I actually think the Smax looks alright, sure my wife drives the cmax out the breastfeeder as I call it. The cmax ticks a lot of boxes for me except is a large diesel and she does very few miles. Sorry op, moving off from point a bit but I'd like to see opinions on a Smax for small mileage? #3 due yesterday.... The breastfeeder (cmax) will have to do for now but it's so under powered.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 832 studdlymurphy
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    pah wrote:
    This has peaked my interest in the past but they're very pricey.


    The multimac 4 seat option in the back, how does insurance work on it as the car wouod have came off the production line a 5 seater and this addition makes it a 6 seater. Do you need engineers reports or has the seat been approved? Do you need to inform the insurance company amd if so does the insurance premium increase?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,639 Zoney
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    That’s what this thread was meant to be about. Not an MPV conversation that I said I didn’t want. I thought I was quite clear on that.

    Fair enough. Based on looking for the same thing, looked like superb was the best option. Vast boot. Back seat OK if you have the right combo of seats and slimmer ones.

    If you do have to go MPV, I can attest to getting top spec model with all the options and a big engine going a long way to mitigating it. Also not all MPVs are the same, didn't like Renault scenic even though one test drive with the three seats converted us to the practicality. Went for C4 grand Picasso, more style and so airy inside with great visibility due to panoramic windscreen and sun roof.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 Zubeneschamali
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    Zoney wrote: »
    If you do have to go MPV, I can attest to getting top spec model with all the options and a big engine going a long way to mitigating it.

    Went for C4 grand Picasso, more style and so airy inside with great visibility due to panoramic windscreen and sun roof.

    I bought back in '08, and you couldn't get better than a 1.6 diesel in the Picasso at that stage. (Also my sister in law had one, and bits kept falling off. One of the seats fell off its rails - not what you want in a kid-carrier).

    And to the OP: I do understand your dislike for MPVs - I am the same with SUVs, I'd rather walk than buy one no matter how popular they get.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,694 NIMAN
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    I can feel the OPs pain, and at the same time understand the love people have for beasts like the SMax.

    I also have 3 young kids. Used to own a Honda FR-V.

    It was both fantastic and soul destroying at the same time.

    Brilliant car for moving the family around, reliable, roomy, quiet, comfortable.

    But as dull as dishwater to drive.

    Sold now, and the kids still tell me they miss it. Even they appreciated the space from each other!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 Shefwedfan
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    You can buy any car and fit 3 in back, just get a Multimac.....

    http://www.multimac.co.uk/

    These guys to the installation for 200 quid.

    So your looking at 2k all in.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,958 Shefwedfan
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    The multimac 4 seat option in the back, how does insurance work on it as the car wouod have came off the production line a 5 seater and this addition makes it a 6 seater. Do you need engineers reports or has the seat been approved? Do you need to inform the insurance company amd if so does the insurance premium increase?

    When you buy multimac you need to get it fitted by the company below. They charge about 200 quic. Once you get them to fit they give you certificate which means insurance sill cover it

    http://motabilityireland.com


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 sillysocks
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    We had just bought a new Tucson when I found out I was pregnant on my third. We weren’t really in a position to change the car again when it was only a few months old so did a lot of research into seats that’s fit. When the third baby was born we had a 3.5 year old and 6 year old so not far off yours.

    I knew I had to have the maxi Cosi base for the baby, couldn’t manage the school drops without it.
    For the 3.5 year old we got a Britax Advansafix II, which is a booster but you have the option of using the built in harness until the child is 25kg. This was great because it meant you’re buckling him in at the front rather than squeezing a hand down between two seats and trying to find the seatbelt holder each time.

    For the 6 year old the only booster we could find to fit in the middle then was a Bubblebum. I tried loads of other booster cushions but nothing else would fit. The bubble bum is fine but the odd time deflates randomly. Once it got a hole but bubble gum replaced it free of charge.

    If you wanted you 3 year old in a regular booster we also have a Britax Adventure which is quite narrow.

    One last thing, you mentioned having the eldest in the front with airbags off but check your car manual. As far as I know you should only turn off the airbag if using a rear facing infant seat, if it’s a normal booster which is forward facing usually the airbag should be left on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,639 Zoney
    ✭✭✭


    I bought back in '08, and you couldn't get better than a 1.6 diesel in the Picasso at that stage.

    Yeah, went for a UK import, 2.0 blueHDI. Fairly takes off and great cruiser too.

    Good luck trying to find big engines here. Even the superb you have a much smaller bunch to pick from in Ireland for the 2 litre.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,138 Gregor Samsa
    ✭✭✭


    OP, you could go with something like this if you're dead set on fitting 3 in a non-mpv without resorting to inflatable boosters.

    https://multimac.co.uk/home

    Edit: I see this has already been suggested today by everyone from the start of the thread :D

    I do have to say, I was surprised at how narrow the Superb was inside. The boot is huge, and there's loads of leg room in the back, but it is squashed. My 2004 Mazda 6 was 1780mm wide (external). The Superb is 2009mm, but the back seat is definitely narrower.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,439 Wailin
    ✭✭✭


    I had an Octavia Estate with 2. Best thing I ever did. I'd never get a saloon again.

    Not a hope would you get 3 booster seats in the back of an octavia. Boot might be huge but it's not much wider than a golf.

    OP a superb or mondeo would have massive interior space, i think you would just about squeeze 3 booster seats in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,644 sillysocks
    ✭✭✭


    Also, I’ll just add don’t trust a salesman who assures you 3 seats will fit. Bring seats and try them! We had a guy who assured us you could of course fit three across in a Tucson, fast forward to when we needed to and we realised it wasn’t an easy task at all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,663 pah
    ✭✭✭


    Wailin wrote: »
    Not a hope would you get 3 booster seats in the back of anything that's not an SMAX

    FYP :D

    I also did mention the multimac option at start of thread


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,519 Oafley Jones
    ✭✭✭


    Wailin wrote: »
    Not a hope would you get 3 booster seats in the back of an octavia. Boot might be huge but it's not much wider than a golf.

    OP a superb or mondeo would have massive interior space, i think you would just about squeeze 3 booster seats in.

    People keep mentioning the Superb. They're great and ours was faultless. The gen the OP would be looking does have huge legroom and massive boot, but it is a narrow car in the back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 919 Gwynston
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    OP - I know people keep hammering you with the S-Max line and you keep throwing it back at 'em... BUT with 3 kids you really have to change your prespective - you can't have everything.

    I've always been a car driving enthusiast, and in my youth was lucky enough to own some good performing machinery. But kids changed my priorities. With only two, it's still possible to have something you can really appreciate, but when our 3rd was on the way, I had to swallow my pride and find something that would fit three child seats.

    I went through the same thought process as you, and got depressed by the thought of an MPV. But the best compromise really is the the S-Max - it's less van-like than most MPVs and the most car-like to drive. So that's what I plumped for 9 years ago, and promised myself I wouldn't compromise on my driving enjoyment any more than I had to. So I sourced a top-spec, better-engined model from the UK, and honestly enjoyed my years driving it!

    So last year when it was time to replace it, and all my kids were out of seats (except one still on a booster base), I exhaustively searched round for something else. And do you know what? I couldn't find it! No saloon or hatchback or estate is wide enough for my three growing kids. I really wanted to jump on the SUV bandwagon, but even the big ones simply aren't wide enough - even the Kodiaq didn't measure up when it was launched.

    So what did we end up with? A new S-Max ;)

    I was lucky to source in Ireland an unusually extra-high spec, ex-demo, 1-y-o one with an even more powerful engine than our old one, so it has good poke. And I have to say I still enjoy driving it a year later! I still think it looks smart compared to other MPVs, and even the kids think it looks quite cool!

    So it's not all doom and gloom - you just have to change your priorities. You can still enjoy the driving experience without having a real enthusiast's car. IMO, the enjoyment you can get from carting the family around is hugely limited anyway - whatever you're driving! :D

    If you do want something different, the new Peugeot 5008 might finally be the SUV that's fits 3 in the back properly and by all accounts is a lovely place to be inside. I personally think the outside looks a bit boxy compared to other SUVs though, and even our S-Max.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 murphyebass
    ✭✭✭


    Gwynston wrote: »
    OP - I know people keep hammering you with the S-Max line and you keep throwing it back at 'em... BUT with 3 kids you really have to change your prespective - you can't have everything.

    I've always been a car driving enthusiast, and in my youth was lucky enough to own some good performing machinery. But kids changed my priorities. With only two, it's still possible to have something you can really appreciate, but when our 3rd was on the way, I had to swallow my pride and find something that would fit three child seats.

    I went through the same thought process as you, and got depressed by the thought of an MPV. But the best compromise really is the the S-Max - it's less van-like than most MPVs and the most car-like to drive. So that's what I plumped for 9 years ago, and promised myself I wouldn't compromise on my driving enjoyment any more than I had to. So I sourced a top-spec, better-engined model from the UK, and honestly enjoyed my years driving it!

    So last year when it was time to replace it, and all my kids were out of seats (except one still on a booster base), I exhaustively searched round for something else. And do you know what? I couldn't find it! No saloon or hatchback or estate is wide enough for my three growing kids. I really wanted to jump on the SUV bandwagon, but even the big ones simply aren't wide enough - even the Kodiaq didn't measure up when it was launched.

    So what did we end up with? A new S-Max ;)

    I was lucky to source in Ireland an unusually extra-high spec, ex-demo, 1-y-o one with an even more powerful engine than our old one, so it has good poke. And I have to say I still enjoy driving it a year later! I still think it looks smart compared to other MPVs, and even the kids think it looks quite cool!

    So it's not all doom and gloom - you just have to change your priorities. You can still enjoy the driving experience without having a real enthusiast's car. IMO, the enjoyment you can get from carting the family around is hugely limited anyway - whatever you're driving! :D

    If you do want something different, the new Peugeot 5008 might finally be the SUV that's fits 3 in the back properly and by all accounts is a lovely place to be inside. I personally think the outside looks a bit boxy compared to other SUVs though, and even our S-Max.

    Never, never, NEEEEEVVVEERRR!!!!


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