Good value low running cost family car

timbotambo

Volvo XC60 or post 2012 V70. I've had both and loved them both! Currently have a fully loaded 2012 V70 and it's luuuuush. Don't ve afraid of high milers, mine is 135k and caused (touch wood) zilch issues so far.

interstellaflyer

worried_jim wrote: »

But how confident would you be every time you turned the key and drove away? It would always be on my mind.

Lots of cars have had safety recall notices for one reason or other including catching fire, as long as the work has been done, I'd be no more worried than driving any other car, stop believing the media hype, there are lots of these cars on the road and I've yet to see one in flames. Also, not all models are affected.

[Deleted User]

interstellaflyer wrote: »

So you might just as well buy an Astra Estate then (or an estate in that class)? You don't need those extra seats for a family of 5, all you are doing in loosing your boot space if you do use them, that means no room for luggage and as the OP states that they spend a fair bit of time driving from one end of the country to another to visit relatives, they will need boot space for luggage and pushchair etc.

I think you miss the whole point of compact 7 seater cars. They re not designed for permanent 7 seater use. They are like the emergency chairs you have at home that you get out for parties and big family dinners. You don't need to use them all the time but are super handy when you also need to take the mother in-law for a hospital appointment or you need to pick up your friends child from school etc.
I would not go on holiday with 7 people in the car as I know you would not get the luggage in however for occasional use you can still get a bit of shopping in and even a buggy etc.

Rolandtheroadie

Bamba wrote: »

Thanks for your thoughts, some cars we hadn't thought of there, bit more research to do today before getting out to see some tomorrow. It had crossed our minds to get something a bit bigger than the polo for the next couple of years on a smaller budget and then change cars again if/when baby number 3 comes along. maybe able to get towards a Volvo by then, always been impressed by their safety ratings.

That would be your best bet, I bought a mondeo when we discovered we were having number 3.
After the first scan, we discovered number 4 was in there too. Tried to trade the Mondeo back in and it was 2k down in 2 months. Ended up keeping that but bought a 7 seater as well.
So if number 3's on its way, wait till after the first scan before you decide.

interstellaflyer

Deleted_User wrote: »

I think you miss the whole point of compact 7 seater cars. They re not designed for permanent 7 seater use. They are like the emergency chairs you have at home that you get out for parties and big family dinners. You don't need to use them all the time but are super handy when you also need to take the mother in-law for a hospital appointment or you need to pick up your friends child from school etc.
I would not go on holiday with 7 people in the car as I know you would not get the luggage in however for occasional use you can still get a bit of shopping in and even a buggy etc.

So pay the extra that these cars command over the hatchback and estate versions for the sake of transporting other people's kids around, not very money saving is it?

[Deleted User]

On a £10k budget there's not much in it. Instead of a 2015 Astra you can have a low milage Zafira 2014 model. Much more practical and will depreciate less and will not be outgrown. Fuel, insurance and servicing costs are very similar and It will be less than a Mondeo estate for example.

Herzlos

interstellaflyer wrote: »

So pay the extra that these cars command over the hatchback and estate versions for the sake of transporting other people's kids around, not very money saving is it?

Much cheaper than taking a 2nd car.

interstellaflyer

Herzlos wrote: »

Much cheaper than taking a 2nd car.

The OP wanted a car that would carry what in 4 or 5 years time would become a family of 5 currently they have one child, no mention of any need to carry additional passengers

[Deleted User]

interstellaflyer wrote: »

The OP wanted a car that would carry what in 4 or 5 years time would become a family of 5 currently they have one child, no mention of any need to carry additional passengers

Yes but the OP wants to keep the car long term so buy right and buy once which is very money saving. From my own experience of expanding family life, in hindsight I would have bought a compact 7 seater when I started out and would saved my self a packet in swaping cars over the years. Well done to the OP in doing their research and planning ahead.