Which large 7 seater?

M7roadrunner

My wife is looking to replace our Zafira B with something slightly bigger we have been researching Ford Galaxy sized cars. She is a childcare professional and will have other children in the car very often, so we need a full time 7seater.
Our budget is roughly 12-15k and we would have no problem buying in the UK.
Has anyone got any real world experience with the Galaxy, Sharan or Alhambra from 2010 on? Or any recommendations on what to watch out for?
I have read that the Galaxy mk3 has PSA engines fitted, so that has put me off them slightly.

bazz26

Yep, I'd imagine insurance will be expensive given you will be looking for public liability type cover similar to a taxi driver if your wife is transporting other people's children in conjunction with her profession. I'd also advise not hiding this fact from your insurance company either, god forbid your wife had an accident with someone else's children in her car, you can be sure your insurance company will start asking questions and digging around when faced with large medical bills from the parents of these children.

M7roadrunner

Thanks lads, but she has the required insurance on her current Zafira, I don’t think a change of vehicle will affect that?!
I am more looking for information from people who have/are currently running cars of this type.

kerten

M7roadrunner wrote: »

My wife is looking to replace our Zafira B with something slightly bigger we have been researching Ford Galaxy sized cars. She is a childcare professional and will have other children in the car very often, so we need a full time 7seater.
Our budget is roughly 12-15k and we would have no problem buying in the UK.
Has anyone got any real world experience with the Galaxy, Sharan or Alhambra from 2010 on? Or any recommendations on what to watch out for?
I have read that the Galaxy mk3 has PSA engines fitted, so that has put me off them slightly.

Don't worry about PSA engines other than Pre-2012 1.6 Diesels which I doubt found its way into a galaxy.

Shefwedfan

We have Galaxy. Ours is 2014 model, just before the new model came in, which I think was 2015.

We wanted automatic so ended up getting from UK to get automatic and decent spec. Problems, we had a wheel bearing issue, only 50k miles on it. Lucky we got extended warranty from the garage so that was covered. Apart from that it is great. it is like driving a transit.

The Seat is probably a better drive but it is smaller. The space in the Galaxy is brillant. Like we done a trip to UK recently and only half filled it, before we had SMAX and you couldnt see out the back.

The Seat spec in Ireland is shocking. We could not find a decent spec and to bring in from UK was more expensive to the Galaxy and we couldnt get one. So we left it.

My mate had Galaxy, swapped it for the VW Sharen(same as Alhambra). Hates it. Would swap back to the Galaxy tomorrow but he bought brand new.

Would we buy Galaxy again? maybe. We would probably like a Seat for a change. The integrated boosters would be ideal if Ford done them. The sliding doors might be useful but not a big change. We did talk about swapping to Seat this year, went over to test one and Misses wouldnt even sit in it because of the spec.

Oafley Jones

Shefwedfan wrote: »

We have Galaxy. Ours is 2014 model, just before the new model came in, which I think was 2015.

We wanted automatic so ended up getting from UK to get automatic and decent spec. Problems, we had a wheel bearing issue, only 50k miles on it. Lucky we got extended warranty from the garage so that was covered. Apart from that it is great. it is like driving a transit.

The Seat is probably a better drive but it is smaller. The space in the Galaxy is brillant. Like we done a trip to UK recently and only half filled it, before we had SMAX and you couldnt see out the back.

The Seat spec in Ireland is shocking. We could not find a decent spec and to bring in from UK was more expensive to the Galaxy and we couldnt get one. So we left it.

My mate had Galaxy, swapped it for the VW Sharen(same as Alhambra). Hates it. Would swap back to the Galaxy tomorrow but he bought brand new.

Would we buy Galaxy again? maybe. We would probably like a Seat for a change. The integrated boosters would be ideal if Ford done them. The sliding doors might be useful but not a big change. We did talk about swapping to Seat this year, went over to test one and Misses wouldnt even sit in it because of the spec.

Alhambra/sharan are almost identical in size (plus or minus a few mm) as the galaxy. Same inside, ones bigger (boot space) with seats down, up with with seats up. We’ve a sharan and think it’s great. Sliding doors and integrated boosters sold it for us over the galaxy which we also looked at. Of course these are less important if you’re dealing with older kids.

M7roadrunner

We like the sliding doors of the Vag cars, and the intergrated booster seats would be handy.
Has the rear seats of the Galaxy got isofix?
There seems to be very little new shape Seats 2010 -2014 on the market atm.
Someone has recommended the Caddy to us but I’d be wary about something based on a van.

bazz26

Have a look up in the North:

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2011-Seat-Alhambra-2-0-CR-TDI-ECOMOTIVE-S-5d-140-BHP-211246344?keywords=&make=27&model=1210&fuel_type=0&trans_type=0&age_from=2010&age_to=2014&price_from=0&price_to=0&user_type=0&mileage_to=0&location%5B%5D=0&homepage_search_attr=1&search_type=1&car_class=

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2014-Volkswagen-Sharan-BLUEMOTION-TDI-DSG-217947680?search_type=1&make=32&fuel_type=0&age_from=2010&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=3296&trans_type=0&age_to=2014&price_to=0&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&car_class=

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2013-Ford-Galaxy-2-0-TDCi-Titanium-5dr-17-Alloys-Bluetooth-213317238?search_type=1&make=7&fuel_type=0&age_from=2010&price_from=0&user_type=2%7C4&model=4033&trans_type=1&age_to=2014&price_to=0&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&car_class=

M7roadrunner

Thanks Bazz, I’ve been investigating that Sharan, I think it looks good. I’m not too sure about the DSG tho.
We will probably go to view some cars more local to us over the weekend to get a better idea of what might suit.

phobia2011

We’re looking for something similar, 7 seater Nissan xtrail. Is there a relevant guide to importing on boards? I’m on phone so can see one, if so a link greatly appreciated. Reason for asking is a dealer told us we need to tax our vehicle before export?

Shefwedfan

phobia2011 wrote: »

We’re looking for something similar, 7 seater Nissan xtrail. Is there a relevant guide to importing on boards? I’m on phone so can see one, if so a link greatly appreciated. Reason for asking is a dealer told us we need to tax our vehicle before export?

Xtrail is not really a proper 7 seater



The back 2 seats are small and the second row can't accomodate 3 isofix.


They are in different category



Not sure what they mean by tax before export?

akasudonim

M7roadrunner wrote: »

We like the sliding doors of the Vag cars, and the intergrated booster seats would be handy.

We got a Sharan from UK. Late 2015, DSG 2.0 150bhp diesel. They changed it in 2015 from the previous engine which was 140bhp. Anyway I brought it in from a main UK VW dealer in 2016. Actually had a deal done on an Alhambra but was sold 'inadvertently' by the dealer - different story.

The Sharan has been great - without a doubt the best car my wife has driven and her first auto, but now a convert. The sliding doors are excellent, though ours are electric, which I wouldn't recommend. It's a very easy drive, good visibility, high, but not SUV high. The boot space is huge, though hard to close - even if you're tall (an Alambra SEL has electric tailgate - very worthwhile - I have even considered a retrofit electric tailgate recently).
Bad points - heavy on fuel, especially for short hops, which tends to be the case for these; school runs, training etc.. Also very heavy on tyres; our 3rd set need replacing; original Continentals lasted about 30km, next Michelins about 17km, and current Bridgestones 15km - not ideal.

If you're getting one in from NI or UK, try get an SE, preferably an SEL, in Alhambra or Sharan, note the Alhambra has a few extra features in the SEL than the Sharan, though the Sharan is supposed to have better sound insulation and finish, but I couldn't see much of a difference.

We've had two problems; first was the electric parking wouldn't engage, apparently dirt under the switch, very minor. Second was just last week when the battery died and it stuck in gear in traffic. New battery required. Difficult situation.

But all in all, so far, very good car. Would recommend. I've even used it to collect Kayaks with from passenger seat flat and all other seats down, like a van!! And the main driver loves it! Also the kids also get used to the space - so much so that any other non MPV cars are cramped and you get the whinging!

Good luck with your search. BTW UK is prob best route - not so much choice here and savings still good.

Shefwedfan

The Galaxy is similar in regards to fuel and tires

We do mostly school runs etc, she drinks diesel. Would love a PHEV version

Tires, we have gone through a set already, not huge mileage....

M7roadrunner

Thanks very much for your detailed reply, that’s exactly the information I’m looking for.
Did you consider the Galaxy at all?
It’s looking like the uk will be our best bet alright, very little to consider this side of the water.

akasudonim

No probs. No I didn't consider the Galaxy or S-Max, but because primarily of my own bias against Fords. I've had a few and always had trouble, maybe because they were well run in when I got them! But after a gap away from Fords we bought a relatively new C-Max some years back and it too gave some problems - not major ones, but enough to remind me that I wasn't going back to Ford again (mind you I wouldn't say no to a new GT if offered!)

Also a pal had a previous version of the Galaxy (maybe two versions back, or more, I think an 08) which gave him no end of trouble - head gasket, steering column, crankshaft issues, sensors all over the place - I'm not saying the current versions are trouble or problematic, I don't know (sounds like Shefwedfan is happy with theirs) - but was not for me.

And don't get me wrong, not a VAG fanboy, but for space for full size MPV it was down to the Sharan or Alhambra for us.

iamtony

Have you looked at a vw caddy maxi life? Or the ssang Yong 7 seater(rodios I think it's called) ? Both have 7 proper seats and are comfortable.

uck51js9zml2yt

phobia2011 wrote: »

We’re looking for something similar, 7 seater Nissan xtrail. Is there a relevant guide to importing on boards? I’m on phone so can see one, if so a link greatly appreciated. Reason for asking is a dealer told us we need to tax our vehicle before export?

Sticky at top of this forum

ShayK1

I have a 2013 Galaxy. Its was imported from the UK by the previous owner.

I bought it in April and I love it. It has everything we were looking for.

My mechanic works his day job in a ford garage and he told me if I was going for a Galaxy to get a 2L as the 1.6 and 1.8 do give a bit of trouble.

So that's what I did.

The sliding doors and rear isofix seats in the Alahambra are two extra features that would be nice to have but we preferred the Galaxy

spongbob

I have a 2015 zafira, have it about 18 months now
a superb motor, tics all our boxes

I'll be upgrading in the next few months to a 172 / 181, as we tend to keep up with the years

I'll definitely be buying another zafira 2.0 diesel again

Shefwedfan

ShayK1 wrote: »

I have a 2013 Galaxy. Its was imported from the UK by the previous owner.

I bought it in April and I love it. It has everything we were looking for.

My mechanic works his day job in a ford garage and he told me if I was going for a Galaxy to get a 2L as the 1.6 and 1.8 do give a bit of trouble.

So that's what I did.

The sliding doors and rear isofix seats in the Alahambra are two extra features that would be nice to have but we preferred the Galaxy

The 1.6 is underpowered for the size of the car. I would never buy it. The 2.0ltr as a minimum.

Zubeneschamali

I owned an 08 S-Max from new until last October - mechanically the same as the Galaxy. It had one problem in 400,000 km - a bent inner driveshaft which cost €900 to fix at the main dealer.

M7roadrunner

Just to update this,
We had a look at both the Sharan and the Galaxy side by side to compare them and my wife was really impressed with the Sharan.
The sliding doors, the 5 isofix seats, the ease of movement in the middle seats for access to the rear and the deeper boot really impressed. I found the Galaxy’s interior to be a bit cheap feeling, lots of loose/broken bits of trim etc. but that could be just this particular one.
I will track down an Alhambra to have a look at in the coming days and will probably make a decision then.
We will probably have a look at a Caddy maxi life too but we both don’t like the look of them, and the fact they are derived from commercials.

bazz26

Sharan and Alhambra are the same vehicle except for the different badging.

Shefwedfan

bazz26 wrote: »

Sharan and Alhambra are the same vehicle except for the different badging.

Some small differences in regards to interior spec and if buying brand new you pay a bit extra for the VW badge but everything else is exact same


The Sharan seems to be a rare beast

Oafley Jones

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Some small differences in regards to interior spec and if buying brand new you pay a bit extra for the VW badge but everything else is exact same


The Sharan seems to be a rare beast

I’ve said this in another thread, but I reckon If you could spec them identically (you can’t) the price would be almost exactly the same.

iamtony

M7roadrunner wrote: »

Just to update this,
We had a look at both the Sharan and the Galaxy side by side to compare them and my wife was really impressed with the Sharan.
The sliding doors, the 5 isofix seats, the ease of movement in the middle seats for access to the rear and the deeper boot really impressed. I found the Galaxy’s interior to be a bit cheap feeling, lots of loose/broken bits of trim etc. but that could be just this particular one.
I will track down an Alhambra to have a look at in the coming days and will probably make a decision then.
We will probably have a look at a Caddy maxi life too but we both don’t like the look of them, and the fact they are derived from commercials.

Yeah the caddy is a bit commercial, I drive one as a Taxi and its not that pretty or nice to drive as the others your looking at, the leaf springs are a bit rough but I will say lots of passengers really like it. If you can view a hi line one I'd have a look they are very practical with loads of space and 7 proper seats and still loads of room in the boot.

Shefwedfan

Oafley Jones wrote: »

I’ve said this in another thread, but I reckon If you could spec them identically (you can’t) the price would be almost exactly the same.

Just because you keep saying the same thing doesn't mean it's right....:P

M7roadrunner

Just to update this,
We bought a one owner 2011 Sharan with fsh privately up north afterwards, Vrt’d it on Friday morning.
I estimate we saved between €2.5k and €3k by going up north,
It is also SEL spec so it has some nice extras.
Another thing I learned is that the NCTS will recognise a valid MOT and swap it for an NCT cert, which I have yet to organise.
Thanks for all your advice and opinions.

Shefwedfan

M7roadrunner wrote: »

Just to update this,
We bought a one owner 2011 Sharan with fsh privately up north afterwards, Vrt’d it on Friday morning.
I estimate we saved between €2.5k and €3k by going up north,
It is also SEL spec so it has some nice extras.
Another thing I learned is that the NCTS will recognise a valid MOT and swap it for an NCT cert, which I have yet to organise.
Thanks for all your advice and opinions.

Best of luck with it

NIMAN

M7roadrunner wrote: »

Just to update this,
We bought a one owner 2011 Sharan with fsh privately up north afterwards, Vrt’d it on Friday morning.
I estimate we saved between €2.5k and €3k by going up north,
It is also SEL spec so it has some nice extras.
Another thing I learned is that the NCTS will recognise a valid MOT and swap it for an NCT cert, which I have yet to organise.
Thanks for all your advice and opinions.

didn't know that....interesting

M7roadrunner

NIMAN wrote: »

didn't know that....interesting

Yeah, it was news to me too.
Haven’t done it yet as the seller still has to forward me the MOT cert, but I plan to as we should get 6 months nct from it.

NIMAN

M7roadrunner wrote: »

Yeah, it was news to me too.
Haven’t done it yet as the seller still has to forward me the MOT cert, but I plan to as we should get 6 months nct from it.

Thats the CVRT though, thats for commerical vans etc.

Same rule apply to private cars?

M7roadrunner

NIMAN wrote: »

Thats the CVRT though, thats for commerical vans etc.

Same rule apply to private cars?

My reading of it says it’s applicable to both?
The staff member processing my application told me to send in the MOT cert and they would organise to exchange it.
I’ll keep you posted.