Short list

TDMum

I think hubby and I have managed to compile a short list of cars and I was wondering if anyone would care to give an insight or recommendations. We have horrific luck with cars so would like some outside help this time A few points to bear in mind

*We have 3 kids who are all in car seats - a Britax evolva 1-2-3 and 2 booster cushions
*We would like a car no older that 2006. Would prefer one a bit newer but if it's going to be reliable then that's more important.
*Our regular journeys are mostly short trips through housing estates/town. My husband's work is around a 20 minute drive down a dual carriageway. Once a week we drive to the Inlaw's 20ish miles away, all dual carriageway. We do like taking the kiddos slightly furthere afield if we're ever lucky enough to have the same day off.
*There is a stepchild in the picture so a 7 seater would be beneficial but not essential as they're of the age where going out as a family "isn't cool" . On the odd occasion they decide they want to come I'm sure we can work something out with the grandparents.

*Budget £5,000

So far we like the look of:
Mazda5

Practical head says:
Grand Scenic
Scenic
C4 Picasso
Grand C4 Picasso
Zafira

Opinions or alternative suggestions greatly appreciated. Fiats have been vito'd by the husband as have citroen berlingos

gabitzul

From the list, neither; maybe Mazda 5 though.

I would look into a Ford Grand C-Max or an estate with the option of 7 seats (Volvo V70?).

JonathanA

That's going to be challenging i think! I would say definitely petrol with the mileage you're doing, for the age of car you are looking at a diesel could have some larger costs of maintenance. From your list and budget, I'd probably say go and look at the Zafira, but make sure you can live with the folding middle seat given your child seats as every time you want to get to the back two seats, you;ll have to move the child seats from the middle row.

You may also get a Toyota Verso within budget, may be worth looking at. The Mazda 5 is more of a 6 seat option, and if you don't need the 7th seat, the Honda FRV might be worth looking at too.

You need to try then and see which you prefer realistically. Personally I wouldn't go with the french cars as their seats and ride tend to be softer and I've got a bad back, so a firmer seat is a must for me, but then lots of people swear by their French cars. Our neighbours have a Picasso which has been a fantastic car, not let them down once in 10 years..

Rain_Shadow

I hate people carriers.

But, from your list, the only one I'd seriously consider is a petrol Mazda5.

Strider590

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

I hate people carriers.

But, from your list, the only one I'd seriously consider is a petrol Mazda5.

Me too, they're utterly pointless. Often no bigger inside than a regular hatchback. I'd say my Vectra matches the Zafira on space, and I reckon the Vectra estate would make it look like a shoebox.

Back in the day (of the Renault Espace), these things were big, but now I struggle to see the point.

I think people get this "we've got a family now, we either need a 4x4 or a people carrier" idea into their heads and all logic just flies out of the window.

oliverr

Don't really like the look of anything on your "practical" list, not a fan of the Zafira - it is a popular car so there should be be plenty around though and quite cheap. I would leave the Scenic as a sub 5 grand Scenic will not be brand new and I would be wary of French cars that age (generalising here, people). Same thing goes for the Grand Picasso but if I had to choose between the 3 it would be that one.

You should be able to get a Ford S-max in budget, a better car imo. Or as you say 7 seats isn't a necessary, have a look at estates like the Octavia estate.

7 seaters like the Zafira, Scenic and S-Max are ok if you want to transport 7 people and limited luggage or 5 people and luggage, if it is the latter then I think you would be better off with an estate like an Octavia or maybe a Mondeo.