What family car to get?

[get657]

So our car next year has to go back (it's on finance) it's also too small- it's a polo, we are currently a family of 3 with a toddler and also a Labrador. We are trying for a second child too, so ideally need a big enough car for 2 adults, 2 car seats, a Labrador and a pram in! Any suggestions?

I don’t know about the dog, but we’re a family of 4 and I really like our Skoda Octavia. It’s got a huge boot and it’s good to drive.

Thanks @FourEyesGood

I second the Skoda Octavia. We had the estate version, the boot is massive! Plenty of room for a pram or buggy, kids things, suitcases if you're travelling, and the dog as well. They're reasonable priced too, they are essentially VWs with a different badge and lower price tag

I came on to say Skoda Octavia. It’s a big boot anyway, but fine models have a false boot floor which yiu can take out and make it deeper.

Thanks- sounds like the Octavia is the way to go

• fine - some!

I’ve only got experience of the TDi model, but we had 3.DH gets a new car for work every 3 years , and every time we could never find a better car for his car allowance.

I was looking at suvs but don't know if they are bigger than estates

A Polo is plenty big enough already for you now. However if you plan on having a dog and a double buggy in the boot then an estate would be generally better than an SUV as you could partition the boot easier to keep the dog safe.

Generally estates will offer more boot space than SUVs, unless you get a really big SUV, which will cost a lot more.
If you really want an SUV then take a look at the Skoda Kodiaq. Like the Octavia it has a huge boot, but with the benefit of the higher driving position.

@Evilwasps thanks will look at estates then!

SUVs tend to be physically bigger, but offer smaller internal space.

We have a Skoda Kodiaq and I’m actually in love with it (and I’m not a car person). Enough boot space for the shopping even with all 7 seats.

Peugeot 308 SW (estate). Roomy and reasonably priced. More space than SUVs.

If looking at SUVs be aware that internally they can be really small, and are often difficult to fit child car seats in. e.g. qashqai and duke.

We had this dilemma last year. I wanted an estate, dh wanted an SUV. We went for a Honda CRV in the end, it's got the roominess of an SUV but with a huge boot.

Another vote here for the Octavia estate. I have two teenagers and no dog but we do like to go camping and it means we always have space for a friend each as I am a lone parent.

We have a Passat Estate which is virtually the same as the Octavia with a different logo and it is really spacious.

Saying that, don’t you need a proper separation for the dog? Most people I know with larger dogs keep either a crate in the back or have the boot properly seperated for the dog and this goes better with a SUV.

We just returned from a week self catering, just 3, no car seat anymore and we had plenty of space for everything and no need for DD to share the back seat with tons of luggage which I had to do as a child with a smaller car. So maybe take into account how you spend your holiday as well.

Kia Sportage !!

Another vote for Honda CRV - great boot space and 4WD (we get snow and ice so it’s great in winter)