7 seaters, which one is the best?

Beta Ray Bill

So my circumstances have changed a bit over the last couple of months and it looks like I might need to change the car.

Currently in a 2008 Mazda 6 estate 2.0 Diesel.

The circumstance change is "I'm going to be able to start doing track days again on the Motorcycle". This normally means a Van, as I've have a heap of spares.

The issue is I have a kid, and I need a car.
My car sits in the driveway Monday to Friday, so I'm not keen on buying a van too, and having 2 vehicles sitting there doing nothing.
I was thinking a tow bar and trailer, but I've to much in terms of spares, tools and gear for the Mazda.

So now I'm thinking 7 seater with fold down seats and a towbar.
Thing is I know nothing about them, I couldn't even tell you the models other than Ford Galaxy. (hence this post)

Towing capacity will need to be least 600kg
Budget will be about €10,000 I'd say, I'd spend less if I could.
Not pushed on Diesel or Petrol, I don't do huge mileage.
Don't wan't to pay huge Tax
I do not want another Mazda.
I don't mind if it's an SUV type vehicle, so long as the 7 seats fold down.
Automatic would be nice.

Any tips/suggestions?

colm_mcm

What are you planning on putting in the back?

A lot of vans have 3 front seats.

Beta Ray Bill

colm_mcm wrote: »

What are you planning on putting in the back?

A lot of vans have 3 front seats.

My son is 4 so I need a booster seat for him

Why do you need a 7 seater when there's one kid?
Or is it you just need something larger then an Mazda 6 estate?

I've a Kia Sorento, it's bigger than most estate cars and easier to load as it's a little higher but it's not way bigger. The extra space is in the height really and maybe in the width, the actual floor carrying length isn't much bigger then say a Superb estate.

Beta Ray Bill

Augeo wrote: »

Why do you need a 7 seater when there's one kid?
Or is it you just need something larger then an Mazda 6 estate?

I've a Kia Sorento, it's bigger than most estate cars and easier to load as it's a little higher but it's not way bigger. The extra space is in the height really and maybe in the width, the actual floor carrying length isn't much bigger then say a Superb estate.

Hmm
So basically my thinking is something to function like a Van and a Car.

Might not be possible though

colm_mcm

You have to load and unload a car I guess. That’s where a van would be better.

oinkely

Crew cab van? Primastar, Traffic, Vivaro? I have a traffic and love it. Kids, sports gear, firewood, everything fits!
Downside is big tax (cc based).

colm_mcm

Very hard to get crewcab tax as a first timer though?

CharlieCroker

What about a Berlingo Multispace?

Van based, huge space, rear seats can come out

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-berlingo-multispace-1-6-hdi-75hp-vtr-5dr/24324446

ml100

Buy one of those box trailers, lots of room for some tools and a bike.

nu_90

Can your son not sit in front of the van ? Some vans have isofix in front seat. Also a belted car seat or booster seat should be fine as long as passenger airbag is turned off.

pm.

I don't think any 7 seater will fit a motorbike, I don't think they will have the height. I'd say your best option is a crewcab van

Hyundai Trajet?

bigroad

Fiat doblo or an seat Alhambra.
Seat would be the most comfortable but a few years older than the fiat.

GerardKeating

CharlieCroker wrote: »

What about a Berlingo Multispace?

Van based, huge space, rear seats can come out

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/citroen-berlingo-multispace-1-6-hdi-75hp-vtr-5dr/24324446

Berlongo MultiSpace is massive, we used to have a Mazda 5 (6.5 seater) and the Berlingo with beat the Mazda (with the third row of seats down) for boot space.