MPVs: Scenic, Meriva or X.picasso? C.Max?

peachespeaches

We had a bad experience with a Mazda, (used to have a 626) on board computer failure which was difficult to track down and it cost us £s£s£S. I will never have another, even though they are at the top of most reliability tables. It was also not that comfortable and I had to get rid when I hurt my back.

Mind you, Im seriously confused now. I would really like a Scenic, but with all the associated problems I have read about, I would be bound to get a Friday afternoon one. It is quite difficult to track down an automatic in any of the others though.

vansboy

If you would consider buying in Auction, the VERRRRY best selection of genuine owner autos, is the Motability sections, within the sales.

You'll have a good choice of PICASSO & ZAFIRA as they are popular choices, on theis fleet.

There are other posts about www.auctionview.co.uk which allows you to search - for a small fee - the auction stocks.

You won't see a small engine version, though - 18 2litre models available at the moment.

Sorry you won't buy Mazda, it really is worth a second chance!!

VB

peachespeaches

The thought of buying from an auction scares me, perhaps because I havent done it before, but mainly because Im absolutely pants at making decisions quickly.

vansboy

You can engage the services of an auction buyer - then you say what YOU want & your budget & let themm source the vehicle for you.

I offer this service, to my customers, but not wishing to try to look like an advert, do check to www.honestjohn.co.uk you'll find other reputable names who can also help you.

Clik The Backroom clik Discussion & search there, for independent coments regarding this sort of facility.

It could save you considerable £$£$ as well as lots petrol & days out looking for a car!

VB

peachespeaches

I am thinking about going with the Zafira now. Any feedback?

Extra seats useful as elderly inlaws nearby and ATM we can only give them lifts to hospital etc if someone else has kids.

oldagetraveller

As mentioned in my previous post, I had a test drive in a 1.9 Diesel Zafira and was quite happy with it. As stated it is a bit too big for personal needs. I drove a few MPVs before deciding to buy a Meriva. Also it is available in "real" auto version with both petrol and Diesel versions. The boot is very big, smaller of course with the rear extra seats in place but they fold away under the boot floor anyway. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Obviously have a test drive, even if that means a main dealer. You might find an automatic difficult to find for a test and/or second hand. A main dealer will be more expensive but their used Vauxhalls usually come with a Network Q warranty which is allegedly one of the best and most comprehensive available for a second hand car, mine additionally included 12 months cover provided by the AA. A 2004 example would be just about out of 3 year new car warranty anyway.
"A" pillar (killer pillar) vision was a slight problem but nowhere near as bad as a C Max!!
Have a look here http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk/index.php in the car related section to see what sort of problems drivers have been experiencing with their Zafiras. However, you might change your mind??:p

vansboy

oldagetraveller wrote: »

. Seats are supportive and comfortable. Obviously have a test drive, even if that means a main dealer.

& this shows how some people like a hard bed, some people like a soft bed - 'cos the seats in previous generation Zafira & Astra do my back in, really badly!!

Like someone holding a fist in the centre of my spine, really hard.

& I still know I've been in one for days after.

So do check this aspect, of otherwise a pretty good car!

Newer models & sport seats are much better!

VB

peachespeaches

Test driving as many as I can muster on Sunday. Thanks everyone!

wadewade

The seats in the Scenic are very comfortable (in my opinion having owned one for 8 years) but the back three are built like armchairs and are quite heavy if you wish to remove them.

peachespeaches

Thanks everyone. I still really fancy the Scenic, but might get a Zafira so I can ferry the oldies about too.