Which japanese mpv to replace my scenic?

Red_Cat

Mazda share certain Ford components too.
The argument about Nissan and Renault sharing engines is true, but not (yet) as common as one might think. I think Renault dci diesel engines are used in Nissans.
For my money, a Toyota Corolla Verso (or is it an Auris now?) is a good Japanese choice.

Thomas_Crown

Red_Cat wrote: »

For my money, a Toyota Corolla Verso (or is it an Auris now?) is a good Japanese choice.

A good choice, Red Cat. It's the Toyota Verso (formally the Corolla Verso).
The Auris hatchback is a new model.

Kez100

The Bongo is such fun.

The Mazda Bongo AFT doesn't have to be a personal import. We bought ours two years ago from local import garage (who services and maintains them). For support we use the online fan website. We camp in her - all 4 of us- use her as a van, and also as an 8 seater when required. She is a bit thirsty on fuel (27mpg) but I think all big vehicles are quite heavy on fuel - we have an ikkle Aygo car for cheap local motoring. Best of all, she hasn't depreciated since buying her for 5k. They are becoming very common down here in the Westcountry.

I also like the Versos, seem pretty practical and when we were looking came in different sizes (Yaris Verso, Corolla Verso and Avensis Verso - I think some have stopped being made now). We also like the Mazda 5 which was new when we were looking. They were just all too expensive for our budget.

Off to google the Mazda Secret Hideout...pity it didn't take off, sounds cool! Oh my, what an odd shape (says she owning a Bongo and a Aygo!)

nanker

Have a look at the Honda FRV or read about it at honest john or somewhere similar. We have one and love it. 6 seats arranged in 2 rows of 3 like the fiat multipla. Better looking car, Japanese build and the centre seat on both rows push back further for comfort. Big boot too.

piggybankrupt

Just had a look at the Honda frv - looks nice & hardly any negatives on honestjohn - worth considering thanks! also extra seat always a bonus - is the extra seat in the front with the driver? just asking because we need loads of bootspace - hubby is a drummer!

nanker

Yes, 3 seats up front. Isofix mountings on front centre and rear outer two seats. We bought one as when our daughter is ready for forward facing car seat, she can go up front with us and see whats happening ahead. If you have more than 1 child, there could be arguments over who gets this seat though.

Diesel is very good and we get about 44mpg on local A and B roads. Not done many motorway miles yet, but are going on big European tour soon. Boot is quite large and positively cavernous when rear seats are dropped.

Have had 4 adults,2 kids and buggies etc in no problem.

wazza

in2deep wrote: »

The Mazda 5 is a beautifully styled mpv IMHO not a huge bus and not to small...I love it.

Same here. I am happy with mine and feel it handles better than Zafira.

cyclonebri1

Not much use to you know but I think you picked the worst engine in the Renault range, the diesels and the 2ltr petrol don't seem to suffer the same issues as the 1.6vvc. Expect to replace one or more coils per year. Also even if they have been replaced don't rile out the fact that I could still be faulty. It would be prudent to carry a spare and even now change them 1 by 1 to see if the low speed running issue improves.

Better look with the next choice, if I wanted an MPV the latest Zafira definately looks the part.;)

piggybankrupt

We have a spare coil in the boot now just in case!

In fact looking on ebay last night I could get a set for more or less what I paid for one! - might be worth other renault owners carrying them around!

For the uninitiated they run on pairs so if no1 goes you should also replace its pair No4 then no 2 & 3 work together also.

wazza

vansboy wrote: »

The Zafira - current model - is selling exceptionally well & certainly looks much more modern than previous one. It is now getting its first facelift, so reasonable value for money used...

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TRhe Mazda 5 is also a pretty good vehicle - again facelift model in the showrooms currently. Worst thing with the earlier ones was the rapid front tyre wear, supposedly sorted now.

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VB

Regarding the Zafira i have one as a courtesy car. It is a 1.6 and find the Mazda a better car to drive. Although i like the firmish ride and good handling of the Mazda 5. Those who like the softer ride may prefer the Zafira. One reason why Zafira is common because it is popular with hire/lease/mobility customers so there is plenty of them on the used market hence you can pick up a good one at a reasonable price. There is very few Mazda 5 on the roads. I have only seen 6 so far.

Regarding the tyre wear issue of Mazda 5. It is a known problem which, according to Mazda forums, only applies to the Sports model which is equipped with low profile tyres. It is not common on the TS and TS2 models which have the 'normal' tyres. Advice to go for the TS2 model which is well equipped.