[Closed] Dear God help me - tell me about people carriers....

Ford S-Max, Vauxhall Zafira, Renault Grand Scenic. Looking at those options myself at the moment and leaning heavily towards the S-Max.
It's a fantastic car to drive for what it is.

Avoid: citreon c8. too many electrical things and too many problems with mine. got rid after less than a year.

A friend has a kia something or other, great deal on a year old car and its a nice to be in.

this one

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/kia/carens-2006.aspx

Ford Galaxy?

Had use of one recently, ok, it was the 'older' shape, but 7 seats, & a multitude of options/configurations with the seats. The rearmost row doesn't fold flat to the floor, but its literally seconds to remove them completely.

Don't know if the latest style Galaxy is any different though.

I can only tell you to avoid the voyager like the plague!

had a vw touran loved it for that and had no issues whatsoever for over 60k miles

Transporter too big? Utter cack - the visibilty is so good that it is easier to park than our Honda FRV was (Golf size).

I've got 3 kids and we're taking them to France next week - 5 bikes + luggage + kitchen sink + huge amount of (wife's) make up. Try that in a Zafirarara.

We've got a Shuttle - full aircon etc, 2 years old, about £12k. Bargain.

And is the touran 7 seats. Enfact if were suggest cars which arn't 7 seats my note does 60mpg

I was in the same boat as you swadey when sprog number 4 popped out, had to get rid of the accord tourer which I liked (great for carrying mates and bikes!) and plumped, with a heavy heart, for a Citroen c4 picasso, I was underwhelmed when it was dropped off, but after a couple of months I love it, I've got a tow bar mounted bike rack on it and it ferries five bikes (3 on rack, 2 in boot) and five blokes plus associated stuff up to Scotland and back effortlesly, the guys in the back said they could happily have gone to the Alps and back.
It's swifter than it has a right to be, comfy, economical (48mpg) and pleasant to drive.
Recommended!

We've had 4 Galaxies and now an SMax as our seating requirement has shrunk. All diesel/auto/cruisecontrol armchair-on-wheels drives. SMax works a treat and carries loads of gear, almost as much as the old Galaxy used to do. For example, it's packed tonight for a trip to the Alps, there are two dark side bikes plus all the bags in the space normally taken by the rear two seats, two mtbs on a carrier on the back, and there's three free seats in the middle that we'll offer to some of the other family travelling with us. When needed it fits seven ok, as long as it's kids in the back row, but no real luggage space then. And it also works as a windsurf van for me with space for one/two passengers.

I used to have the old style (52 Reg) Galaxy. Bought it because the family was about to become 6 and had "no choice" and traded in my beloved hot hatch. As a lifelong petrolhead I found the whole experience thoroughly demoralising and hated it. I actually had a lump in my throat driving it away from the dealership having just bought it (and I should be ashamed at how shallow that sounds I know). It just totally lacked any style, soul, pizzaz and bored me to tears. BUT, now that it's long gone I have to admit that it was a very sensible car (if that's what you want). Would easily manage 50mpg (115PD Tdi) on a long drive in comfort and was relatively cheap to service. Aircon a known weak point though. It was also useful when shifting "stuff" too big to get into a normal car. Swivelling seats were handy for having picnics when it was raining outside. I found it a bit of a marmite car - there are those that love them and others that don't. I'm in the "don't" camp. I occasionally looked at a Galaxy forum when I had problems (not often) and was forever amazed at how enthusiastic others were about theirs - nothing wrong with that, mind. We're all different. Vive la difference!
Unless you have a penchant for driving round in a wizard's hat or genuinely need the extra seats, I'd go for an estate any time. Lots of people rave about the S-Max, though. (Just don't get me started on Ford dealerships...could be the longest rant ever)

Also got the C4 Grand Picasso, Had it for 3 years and done 52K. It a great car, diesel 52k miles, automatic, suspension self levels, seats fold level with floor.
Its loaded up at moment with a full boot and four bikes on the towball to set off to Bike Verbier in 2 hours time

Tracey

I have a Touran, I love it and intend to drive it into the ground, 7 seats, DSG, decent to drive for what it is.

Only other ones I'd consider would be a Honda FRV or maybe an SMax, but I'd be a little reluctant to buy a Ford, though they do drive well.

Had a newish galaxy as a hire car the other week and was gob smacked. V economical comfy and had some guts too. It had done 88k and was still like new to drive. I fancy an s max myself my cousin has one and it is v nice.

I have an old style Galaxy (02 reg). It's parked outside with everything we need for a week's holiday. This includes three kids bikes and my road bike, all inside the car. There's room for a case or more of wine on the way back too.

It is an immensely practical machine that takes us to work, to school, to the grandparents, to the Alps and back twice a year etc etc. It's also a thoroughly boring drive (in a good way). I enjoy driving my other car (Saab turbo) but with the Galaxy we get in, listen to some music and get out again. There's nothing to love, hate or even remember about the actual drive.

My ex wife has a nissan almera tino, she reckon's other than being a bit "lardy" in corners, it's the dogs doodads, fairly cheap to pickup and owner reviews reckon they go on for ever. Personally I think it looks like a turd on a roller skate but hey ho 🙂

If you buy a new one, kids will demolish all the trays,fittings and cup holders etc. that move within hours anyway, so you may as well buy pre trashed.

I've got a VW Sharan and it's been brilliant, so much so I'm just about to get a newer one so if you want a cheap Y reg one give me a shout! It's great for 3 kids, tents etc and lots of bikes. Couldn't recommend it higher!

Nearest 7 seater to a proper car is a Honda Stream, but they stopped making them a few years back, and petrol only. Wish they would import the new one and I'd buy one. You'd struggle to get 40mpg plus from them and the 2.0 VTEC one goes v quick for a seven seaters. S-max are great and if fuel economy isn't your thing there are a few 2.5 V6s around. Other options are Pug 307 family estate, and both Volvo V70 and Merc E-class estates both have optional pair of rear facing seats. Or the Fiat Uglipla.

I got rid of my VW Sharan 110TD1 last year (scrappage scheme), after 12 years and 128,000 miles, it averaged between 40 & 42 mpg over its lifetime and never once let me down. I miss it, but with the kids grown up I found that most of the time I was driving around on my own in an empty 7 seater.

Does anybody still make a 7 seater estate car anymore? Volvo and Renault used to, and of course the granddaddy of them all the mighty Citroen CX -

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Simply the most mahoosive car I've ever sat in. From the back you need to phone the driver to talk to them 😉

This type of car seems to have died a death these days, unless I'm very much mistaken?

I spent a looong time looking into this when our third kid came along. Ended up with the S-max and it is a great car.

It has a reputation of being the only people carrier that you want to own, rather than have to. It drives really well, I think it is based on a Mondeo chassis. Rear seats are flat most of the time and fold away completely. Even when rear seats are used, boot is still okay, you can get a buggy and a couple of bags in it. When the seats are flat it is massive!

I'm 5'11'' and can lift bikes onto the rack without a step ladder.

I can't fault the car, really good drive and great from a boring practical point of view.

S-Max is a really nice car. First one for a while that I wouldn't want to be without.

Nice to drive, great feel of space in the cabin with the big front window, decent performance (even though we've only got the 1.8 TDCI), 50+ mpg on the M way, 45+ as a general average.

Few minor niggles on build quality and dealer service. Clutch went at just over 20k and turbo pipe at 40 odd. Both done under warranty though, and without too much haggling

ETA - We'd previously had a mixture of hatches and estates. Althought he estates offered sufficient space, it really was the grandparent visits that swung it for the S Max. Very anti-social inviting them up and then going everywhere in two cars...

Ford S-Max if you can afford

Vauxhall Zafira - if you cant

Agree on the T4/T5. Its just too big for everyday living.

Merc E class estate 7 seater, great bit of kit, go for a very long time, we have had 3 slightly 'older' ones - all been exceptional

S-Max or new Galaxy are the pick.

Avoid the Zafira. apart from reliability issues, the back seat is narrow because it slides back and forward. You'll struggle to get 3 child seats across the width. Same with Mazda 5.

If you are buying new there is a new VW Sharan on the way in the next few weeks. soon after the Seat (Dusty Volkswagen) which will be the same but a few thousand pounds cheaper.

S-Max if you need 7 seats and luggage. The Toyota would be worth a look too ,can't remember what it's called.

Budget option would be a Mazda Bong import.

Cost no object option, Landy Disco?

If you can get away with 6 real seats, there's the MAzda 5 (limited luggage space though but I really liked it), Honda FR-V (likewise, discontinued), or that gopping french thing that looks like a frog.

All the 7 seater estates I've looked at suffer the same problem - no way would I want to put my children in the boot where they are most likely to get hit by an idiot tailgating (i.e. virtually everyone behind you these days).

S-Max every time.

S-Max every time.

AGREE. Not cheap though. I'd love one of those. Touran etc pale interms of what they can do etc compared.

When we went through this we ended up getting a Volvo XC90. even with all 7 seats in use there is still a boot that is usable and the fuel comsuption on the D5 is no worse than the petrol estate i used to have. They feel very much like an estate to sit in as you sit in them rather than on them like a lot of the people carriers plus you can lots of toys if you want them as mine has an uprated dolby pro logic stereo, sat nav, RSE etc.

Had a Toyota Lucida (diesel version of Previa), replaced for a Renault Grand Espace, more room than you should ever need this side of a Luton van.
(She'll get use to the size of it, honest!)

Do Mitsubishi still make the Grandis?? That's a fairly large wagon in a pretty sleek 'S-Max' style.

Hmmm, doesn't seem that it's rated too highly.....

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/mitsubishi/grandis-mpv/summary/25369-7

Remember if you plan to keep it a while VW's age better than Fords, Toyotas etc.

Get your mrs a drive in a VW T5 she should change her mind then.
My mrs was dead against it untill she realised how easy they are to park etc.

Went through this process myself, and was dead set on an S-Max. Looked at a few, and just couldn't bring myself to buy something with no spare wheel at all, not even a space saver - also thought my kids would destroy the interior of the S-Max. Eventually bought a new shape Hyundai Santa Fe with 7 seats.

Plus points:
Big, comfy, quiet, much better economy than my previous large petrol estate (only a 2.2 diesel, so low road tax compared to XC90 or Discovery), full size spare wheel, seats fold flat into floor, still has LW on the radio for the cricket, 5 year unlimited mileage warranty

Minus points:
Cabin a bit plastic, radio a bit rubbish (other than LW), need a step to get bikes onto roof, doesn't drive as well as a car, badge not the best (if you care)

Hi,
We have just got rid of a 53 Peugeot 307SW Hdi. (with extra seats)..
Up until 140k we thought it was great, versatile, cheap(ish) to run etc..but
gearbox went at 145k and then various other bits..after we did the sums transpired that in the last 25k (14 months) we had spent 4,000 plus on repairs and servicing..so we've gone back to subarus, not 7 seats but hard as nails..have you considered transit/mercs..they drive like cars, there are some good second hand deals around, and they (the mercs) have street cred,
Best of luck.

I had a Grand Senic for 4 years, Petrol bottom of the range version and it was ok. The two pop up seats in the back were very small. Once i'd gone over 100,000 miles it started to fall apart, costing an average of £200/week for 3 months before i could get rid. Some of the issues are now covered by a call back - The electronic dashboard packing in (No Speedo etc), Electronic handbrake locking on.

I'm now on a VW Touran (Bottom of the range, see a theme forming). The pop up seats are huge, we easily fit adults in the back. 51,000 miles and it's still good. it's the diesel version and i'm getting 42mpg, even with my lead foot.

Get something with sufficient vertical height, not an estate car, if you want to make carrying bikes easy.

Espace is still my favourite. Multipla for a smaller and useful mpv (3 seats across the front).

And get yourself a toy for when you want to be "sporty".

S-MAX here too, very good at doing what it says on the tin. prefer it to the Mondeo estate I had before.

To the people who always say 'get an estate', I have had loads of 'sporty' estates, I like owning an MPV as they are so easy to own and use, I have to make no compromises with it. I couldn't give a toss about the 'image', and if that bothers you then I'd suggest your own self confidence is a little lacking...

Now I have kids and bikes, I can't see myself going back to a conventional car anytime soon..

Cheers for a lot of thoughtful and useful info.

I am on my second new shape Galaxy,the last one did 130k in 28 months.

It had a clutch at 128k but nothing else went wrong, it is a company car, used to ferry various industrial Espresso machines and equipment about all week!
It is fast enough (never thought it lacked power anyway) very comfortable, and averaging 45mpg from the 2.0 tdci.
The present one will be replaced with a new shape VW Sharan in December (providing they are released in the Autumn as planned) but to be honest i wanted another Galaxy.

The previous Sharan's and Tourans we had on the fleet(50 cars) were unreliable and spent most of the time waiting for new gearboxes due to the "2nd gear crunch" which seems to happen to most of the VW's (including the Transporters and Caddy's we have)

If a Mk3 Mondeo Estate such as mine can be said by the enthusiastic driver to handle 'well with a comfortable ride', how does the equivalent S-Max handle (body control, road-holding, bump absorption, steering feel etc.) in comparison?

Have got a Caddy Maxi window van at work, ours is specced as a 5 seater, but they do a 7 seat option too as well as a domestic version with carpet and stuff. Like a Caddy, but longer. With just the 5 seats it is very kit swallowing.

I have no idea how the seats fold in a Smax, but the reason I bought (2) Zafira's was because the seats really did 'vanish' into the floor when not in use unlike the Galaxy where you had to store the seats somewhere before you could use the load space, now I know it sounds as if it shouldn't be a problem, but once you end up continually picking your kids up from activities/parties & you get the call to get someone else's sprog/s, or the dreaded 'please can they come back to our house for tea' then you'll be thankful. The other big plus is that they are pretty small, so easy to park & manoeuvre around town etc.
The downsides are the weedy petrol engines & the massive A pillar that can kill pedestrians on zebra crossings, but the 'normal' day to day aspect of the car & its size generally make up for it.
I must say they drive quite well too, I'm used to quite quick cars, but great fun can be had hustling these boxes into submission.*

* Times may of changed since I bought my last Zafira in 2006, just looking to buy an estate diesel for camping duties to replace it now we no longer have the need for 7 seats 🙂