Can any suggest a good people carrier?

slscarborough

I currently have child number three on the way so do need to start looking into people carriers. My other children are 12 and 1 and would like something that is not built like a tank and with only a budget of roughly £5000 would like some suggestions. Any help would be much appreciated.

lic

i've just got rid of a Renault Scenic. It was a very good car, I can recommend them.
My father in law has a Piccasso, and loves it.

Sarahsaver

We used to have a toyota super extra town ace, it was so called as it had a fridge in the front, was automatic, aircon, curtains, many skylight type windows, diesel fuelled, plenty of space seating wise and many combinations of seating arrangements. These are within your price range and often come over imported from Japan and have usually been well looked after beforehand. Also theres enough space to get shopping or luggage in if it is filled with people. The back seat is not right next to the back door, as it is in many other people carriers where theres only an inch or two between your beloved kids and the fools on the road!

slscarborough

Hi Lic - not sure the renault scenic would be big enough for 2 car seats plus a 12 year old though. do you have any experience of this?
Hi Sarahsaver - just looked at a pic and think this would be too big but thanks anyway.
My OH is in favour of a Zafira at present but not sure this is within budget.

Sagaris

Vauxhall Zafiras are not always the easiest of cars to fit child car seats in, due to the long length of the buckle end of the seat belt in the rear of the car. Scenics and Picassos are easier to fit car seats in but try them in the car before you buy!

Dan29

In (my) order of preference:

Volkswagen Touran if you find an extra couple of grand down the back of the sofa

Vauxhall Zafira - definitely within budget.

Ford Focus C-Max - you might find one or two within budget but only seats 5, not 7 like the Zafira.

Citroen Xsara Picasso - loads within budget but again only 5 seats.

Daewoo Tacuma if you really want to save the pennies.

Alternatively you could look at whether something like a Ford Focus estate would offer you the same benefits for less money.

Fruity1

Hi I have a Zafira I absolutely love it. You can comfortably have 2 child seats in the back plus an adult/older child inbetween. The extra 2 seats in the boot are brilliant for fitting little friends in aswell. If you want lots of boot space its great as the rear seats also move further forward, and can be split. The boot is a good height for putting buggies kids stuff in. If I needed another car I would get the same again. I find it easy to handle and can park it quite easily. Mine is a 1.6 year 03 model which I have had from new. Have a look at What Car website which will tell you on valuations what you can afford. Yr best just test driving and seeing what suits you.

tanith

I too advocate the Zafira , I am on my second one and find it excellent for carting around a variety of grandchildren and adults, its an excellent workhorse, with plenty of room for all the kids and various childseats, also excellent for airport runs with loads of space for luggage if you are not using the 2 rear seats, its economical too and the kids love it and prefer to travel with me than their parents when we go on holidays... I have taken 7 adults on short runs although you need to be fairly agile to sit in the rear seats but they are not uncomfortable once you are in....

slscarborough

Thanks for all your advise - think at the moment looks like a zafira for us - although I was hoping we could find a five seater that has 3 full seats in the back.

vikingaero

slscarborough wrote: »

Thanks for all your advise - think at the moment looks like a zafira for us - although I was hoping we could find a five seater that has 3 full seats in the back.

If you want 3 full seats then the Picasso comes closest. And for £5k budget you'll get a decent one. I own a Zafira and it's not brilliant seating-wise.

julesgr

I'd recommend the Picasso , I can get my Nephew (13) Niece No1 (7) and Niece No2 (6months) easily in the back with a 6ft 4 O/H in the front lol. Nephew loves it because he pulls his seat forward. Get all sorts of accessories in the boot as well as pram so plenty of room.