7 or 8 Seater cars

davidjwest

We're a two car family (common enough nowadays I suspect) and both of us run fairly big cars, myself a Mondeo estate and my partner a Renault Grand Scenic, 7 seater.

We're thinking about changing to one smallish car and one large 7 or 8 seater instead, the kids are getting bigger and the Renault is not really big enough as the two seats in the boot are only for children up to around 7 years old. It would also be handy to have a smaller car for when there's less than 5 children to cart around.

Is there a comprehensive list of 7 or 8 seater cars anywhere? I've found a few 7 seaters on Autotrader but there don't seem to be many 8 seaters. We've got 5 children between us so a 7 seater is going to be sufficient but 8 seats might be more future proof if you get my meaning!

Thanks for any advice.

Edit: I've found a website that lists 7 seaters so it's just the 8 seaters I'm looking for now.

daveyjp

Hyundai i800, Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Transit Connect Tourneo, Fiat Scudo, VW Caravelle all avaialble with 8 seats.

sarahg1969

Citroen C8/Peugeot 807/Fiat Ulysse is available with 8 seats.

marlot

There are also some 4x4s, such as the 'baby' landcruiser (the bigger landcruiser only seats 7).

wba31

LDV minibus... http://www.ldvgb.com/newminibus.asp

bigjl

I am totally biased towards tge old Galaxy/Sharon. Very reliable with proper maintenance.

The new Galaxy is also a good bet. Not the biggest but a much better ownership prospect than a Grand Espace or Grand Voyager. Even thiugh the Voyager is a nice big family bus the fuel costs and parts costs make it an unrealistic buy, the same reasons for avoiding the Espace. Shame really as the Grand Espace and the normal Espace are nice lookers and very comfy.

The sensible money, read tight, would always go for the Galaxy. The sheer number being used for private hire work should give all the information you need. Many tried the Voyager and Espace, then after thebig bills arrived went back to the Galaxy. The old Sharon was a reliable vehicle for Addison Lee. The only issue was the autobox. They had them all rebuilt inhouse at 75k ish. Even with high miles they make a good buy. Addylee sell them on at 3 yrs with around 100k on them for about five or six grand. A bit more at the moment for the 08 plates the 57plates start at just over 5grand. I amwaiting for the first of the Galaxy's to be sold off as they were bought on a late 08 plate. My spies over there report no major issues. Just routine servicing.

My sister gets round the slight lack.of carrying space when using all 7 seats with a good quality roof box.

I have tried all sorts of these seven seaters and every time come back.to the Galaxy.

davidjwest

Thanks everyone especially bigjl - yes, Galaxy was one of the favourites if we go for a 7 seater - we'd need a trailer for when we go camping, that would be fun!

bigjl

The small amiunt of times you would need the extra space is more than made up for with the solid residuals and general reliability.

My NHS Trust bought 10 Galaxys in 2001/2002. Auto with the 115pd engine. Not one had a gearbox issue though they have only done 80k. They are still hanging about somewhere but are due to be scrapped soon. Mainy due to the fact that there are concerns about selling vehicles on that are recognisable as belonging to the LAS. A damage repaired Galaxy was sold to HBC salvage in Essex and some likely lads bought it, repaired it and used it as a getaway car!!

Apart from the fact they are yellow i would happily.have a high miles Galaxy or old shape Sharon, not the most up to date but solid and dependable.

If you buy an auto Sharon or old shape Galaxy, bear in mind that Addison Lee found the gearboxes needed a rebuild at around 80/90k so started to rebuild them as part of normal servicing at 75k. Though you will get mid forties to the gallon round town in a manual, but high thirties in an auto.

davidjwest

We'd probably have a budget of around £5-£6k, depending on what they'd give us for the Renault lump! Looking to buy in a few months, doing some initial analysis for now.

Thanks again!