Large family car recommendations

emma.cook3

We had a zafira and absolutely loved it but it was not so reliable and we had to scrap it aged 9. We want another car with as much luggage space as the zafira because we camp and have 3children. I want something safe and reliable but my budget us only around £5000. Any ideas? There are so many options, I don't know where to start

tanith

I have had 2 Zafiras and its the most reliable car I think I've had and its cheap to run too why don't you buy another they are good value for money. As you've found out plenty of room for luggage and those 2 extra seats come in handy now and then my grandchildren loved riding in them at the back.

forgotmyname

Mondeo estate...

gilbert_and_sullivan

Might be interesting to self examine the reasons for scrapping the Zaf, and work out whether you could have prevented the reasons for scrapping by extra care during your ownership or by better selection when buying, Zafs are very good value new and used.

If there was any neglect that caused the relatively early failure then its entirely possible the most reliable alternative make in the world could suffer exactly the same fate unless cared for better.

Alternatives are Kia Carens/Sedona...Honda FRV (6 seater)...Toyota Verso, there's loads of other possibles.

roonaldo

Mondeo Estate would get my vote. Large, cheap and reliable.

emma.cook3

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Might be interesting to self examine the reasons for scrapping the Zaf, and work out whether you could have prevented the reasons for scrapping by extra care during your ownership or by better selection when buying, Zafs are very good value new and used.

If there was any neglect that caused the relatively early failure then its entirely possible the most reliable alternative make in the world could suffer exactly the same fate unless cared for better.

Alternatives are Kia Carens/Sedona...Honda FRV (6 seater)...Toyota Verso, there's loads of other possibles.

Long story, it had a crash and had a 'reconditioned' engine which was not very well reconditioned and shortly after the timing belt snapped and smashed the engine, it was sort of my fault, I had no idea I had to change the timing belt. The car had done only 63000, the engine must have done a lot more. Should have scrapped it after the crash really. The new engine was nothing but trouble.

emma.cook3

I have heard other stories about zafiras dying young. If it's not true, I I'll probably just get another one.

emma.cook3

Verso looks great. Will check the others thanks

[Deleted User]

I would get another Zafira. They really do tick all the boxes. Get a petrol one though

reeac

My son has had a 1.8 petrol Zafira from new- about 7/8 years ago now and finds it very good. Plans to keep it a few more years. It's a second/third car in their family (jag.xf and a mini. Are the other two).

tanith

emma.cook3 wrote: »

I have heard other stories about zafiras dying young. If it's not true, I I'll probably just get another one.

Emma its no wonder you doubt the longevity of the Zafira after that experince but by your own admission not having the timing belt replaced was an error on your part... and after that sort of crash its no wonder thing went awry.

I've had nothing but excellent reliability from both my Zafiras the one I have now is 10 yrs old and with regular maintenance has never let me down has no rust, it always starts first time even in wet and cold its a no brainer just buy another one as it ticks all your boxes..:T:T:T