I can't believe I'm asking this - good recommendations for 7 seaters..

[Redwood]

Guys,

So, after our second child came along at the begining of December the missus and I have spoken about getting a second car (something small) and keeping the Passat.

Now, having lived practically for over a month with two child seats and a dog, we're thinking we may need something bigger than our Passat estate!!!

Anyone got any good recommendations\first hand experience of good people carriers\ 7 seaters?

Not sure how much we have to spend yet, but ideally would just like to trade up our 57 plate 2.0 TDi Passat Estate with not too much extra outlay.

Cheers

 

[coolhand]

Vauxhall Zafira.

We've got a 56 1.8 Club we paid £8k for a year ago and it's a great (if boring) compromise – it’s fine for the school run yet, has loads of room in 5 mode, the rear seats are perfect for kids then eats the motorway miles on our regular trips to Ireland and France.

 

[ADB]

Redwood

I ran a 2.0 TDI '07 reg VW Touran until very recently and couldn't really fault it. I wrote a short review in a post started by thecraw a little while age

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk//showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/297314/an/0/page/4#297314

HTH

 

[Smiffy]

I would recommend the Zafira too. But not the 1.6 version. It wouldn't pull granny off the pot fully loaded and quite a few of them have issues with clutch judder. It was only the 1.6 versions that suffered from this.
Alternatives are Renault Grand Scenic or Citroen Grand Picasso. One of those in diesel (preferably) would do you fine. I wouldn't touch a Ford Galaxy with a very long bargepole.

 

[brendy]

Redwood, off on a tangent, We had a leon cupra and an octavia vrs when we had our first two girls, when the third came along, neither of the cars were big enough and decided to get something large enough to take 3 child seats in a row.

Strangely the best car for the job is an X5 with one of the widest rear benches in a car on UK roads. We discussed a 7 seater and after driving the mother in laws 8 seater, just didnt like how it drove and wasnt fantastic in the crash stats.
I ended up part exing the Leon towards an X5 and wouldn't change it for the world, its got a lot of legroom front and back, big boot (for the dog we will eventually get) and the three car seats fit fine. Barring a gearbox niggle on our particular model (4.6v8) it has been totally hassle free motoring for over a year and a half so far. The 3.0 Diesel is a pretty handy engine too and I wouldnt write it off too quickly especially when tax is the same as a similar year mondeo or focus etc (215 for pre 2006)

 

[Redwood]

What sort of price would I be able to expect on my VW, Rob?

It's in good nick, done 38k? Rough idea? About 8k?

 

[vig]

We hired a Zafira for Scotland last year and I wasn't impressed.
Go for an SLK and a 5 berth caravan

 

[kinhell]

Is the zafira a true 7 seater?? Its no bigger than a passat is it? The missus has a 2.2 Citroen C8. Loads of room and plenty of power. Does about 47-52mpg on a motorway run but if its around town so don't expect more than 24mpg. I drive a newish mondeo estate (larger than the older mondeos)and has loads of room for 3 kids, golf clubs etc

 

[Smiffy]

Is the zafira a true 7 seater??

It is. But like most, there isn't a great deal of room behind the rear seats. Going on holiday using them all you'll need a roof box.

 

[kid2]

Redwood,
im a little confused mate......Why do you need 7 seats for 2 kids.....
Im not being nosey but if its only space your after and alot of comfort....Check out the Renault Espace, or the Crew cab versions of these
( Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro, Nissan Prima Star) these are structurally the same van just different badges...

Also there proper 6 seaters with plenty of room for adults and are very high on occupant safety!

 

[Snelly]

Land Rover Defender 110. A design classic with bags of style. And you will never been stuck in bad weather or off-road again!

My kids love mine! That said, a bit rough and ready for any motorway driving!

 

[G1BB0]

had a zafira as a company car, 1.6 petrol, why the hell a 1.6 petrol is even available in a car that size is beyond me.

the S-Max is a nice 7 seater but possibly over budget

volvo xc90 is 7 seats and is currently on my next car list as they are lovely inside and with obvious volvo build quality.

a friend has a c4 grande, I think it is in diesel, 7 seats but like the zafira he uses a roof box for holidays and has 1 rear seat down to get the shopping in as with the extra 2 up theres sod all boot

also a mercedes ML270 is available as a 7 seater but not my cup of tea

a fair few to think about for you

 

[AuburnWarrior]

I've got a 1.6 Zafira.

NO power!!

You need at least 1.8 - I'd say 2.0 to be safe.

I'm happy with mine though otherwise.

 

[cm_qs]

I love my Nissan Pathfinder.

Proper manly, hairy chested, aggresive, boxy off road looks

Takes 3 child seats across the back, plus extra 2 proper foldy seats in the massive boot. Hardcore offroad ability. Simple bombproof mechanicals. Fully loaded with leather, sat nav, keyless entry, reversing camera et al.

All for half the price of a discovery or X5.

Downsides - £435 a year road tax. A bit agricultural to drive about town. The wife will hate it.....until it snows.