best 6/7 seater under £2000-£2500 help! !

[pinkfluffyslippers01]

Im looking for recommendations on a 6 / 7 seater that I would be able to buy second hand for under £2000 preferably but could maybe stretch to £2500

Dcs will be 5 3 2 and newborn so all in carseats

Main thing im looking for I think is 'proper' seats iykwim.

Theres alot of nice ones ive seen when researching but all out of my price range

Any other things I need to think about? Any advice
Thanks

[thereisnoeleventeen]

Citroen come up quite cheap and have separate seats. I would have thought at that sort of price you'd need a good small garage or a private sale. Have you looked on auto trader?

[pinkfluffyslippers01]

Ive looked on autotrader and it seems the only ones in my area around that price range are run down zafiras (cheaper end of budget) or Renault grand scenics or mitsubishi pajeros just in budget not sure how suitable these are though. Im in no rush to buy as still saving but would like to in the next 6 months so looking for advice on whats the best to keep my eye out for.
Slightly worried due to it being first car dont want to be stung too much by insurance.
Will keep an eye out at small local garages but its weeding out the dodgy ones as there are a few in my area

[ImBrian]

I got a fiat multipa, 6 seats and I love it.

[DrownedGirl]

Toyota previa

[RandomMess]

My mechanic recommened a sharan/galaxy/alhambra - the older ones are all the same car just with different finishes and badges.

However it needs to be a manual, diesel. Shame I just part exchanged mine for that sort of money now I can downsize - would have rather passed it on as a bargain!

A diesel engine should last forever - like 150k miles. The automatic gearboxes wear and are more expensive to run hence getting a manual.

The seat alhambra will probably be the cheapest because of the brand.

[QueenofKelsingra]

we have a Toyota previa - not sure what condition it would be at that price though as we paid a fair bit more for ours. I love it though, it is brilliant. main thing being the decent boot space even with all 7 seats in use.

our mechanic also recommended the galaxy and a friend has one and loves it.

we had a Renault scenic before (5 seater one) and as a car it was really really good so possibly the grand scenic may work for you?

[HolidayCriminal]

I think that you will struggle to get anything reliable for that price. Running costs are high, too. Will this be the only car in your household?

[Shosha1]

Mazda Bongo. 8 seats, can get a single plus a double buggy in the boot. Fantastic car.

[pinkfluffyslippers01]

Thanks for replies and advice,
Yes will be only car in household and will be first car.
Mechanic costs can be kept low as possible as dp has mechanical experience and can do the labour so that side of things will hopefully be ok.
Budget would have been lower due to it being my first car but im hoping with this budget to be able to get something in better condition wise as although dp can do repairs etc I would prefer to not have to spend lots replacing parts etc within first few months of buying.

I would save for longer to be able to afford better but ideally need within next 6 months as will provide better opportunities for us with easier travel etc

Will take a look at ones suggested to get an idea of insurance quotes as will be new young ish driver

[DoNotDisturb]

Honda frv. Reliable and 6 proper seats. An older one may come within budget. Fairly cheap to run.

You get three proper child seats in back and one in between driver and passenger. Boot is great. We love ours.

[pinkfluffyslippers01]

I really like the look of the honda frv had seen one when looking dont think there will be many in my area but will keep an eye out but I think the insurance on one would be higher for me

[RandomMess]

Mechanic really rated Hond FRV too however when I looked into it the insurance was high but it is on all people carriers? Def worth getting one if you can though.

[DoNotDisturb]

My insurance didn't go from a civic to an an frv as the frv was a few years older... Def worth looking into!

[DoNotDisturb]

Didn't go up that should say..

It's a people carrier but smaller than the others