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Original poster

Please help me find a new to me vehicle that seats 5 adults comfortably.

30 replies

CarSpotting · 02/04/2024 16:52

Hi,

I currently drive a VW Caravelle (7 seater) but need to sell this due to reliability issues.

This is my ideal vehicle but its replacement probably doesn’t need to be as big as it is my day to day car also and often only has myself as sole occupant.

I need a vehicle to comfortably seat 5 adults as my kids are all tall, long legged teens. And probs 2 extras just incase.

We enjoy active holidays so need tons of boot space for tents/paddle boards etc.

I am used to an automatic although also drive manual.

The van is diesel although the majority of my driving is short local journeys bar maybe 10 long journeys a year so maybe petrol would be better this time?

I don’t like cars that look like the C Max or Picasso.

I need leather seats.

Budget £15-20K. The newer and the lower mileage the better.

Please help me!!

OP posts:
PotatoPudding · 02/04/2024 17:14

Toyota Rav4

xyzandabc · 02/04/2024 17:17

We have a leather seated VW Touran, sounds like it would fit the bill. Or does it look too much like a cmax/picasso?

cuckyplunt · 02/04/2024 17:18

Grand C max

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bluecomputerscreen · 02/04/2024 17:23

hyundai kona
the boot of the e version is very small though.

Sportycustard · 02/04/2024 17:34

A friend's Kia Sportage is very spacious and easily seats three tall teens in the back..would imagine there's a version with leather seats

Mairzydotes · 02/04/2024 17:37

Skoda Octavia or superb.

Original poster
CarSpotting · 02/04/2024 17:48

Thanks for these suggestions so far. I prefer the 4x4 look rather than car/estate if that helps.

OP posts:
OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 02/04/2024 17:59

Not 4*4 look but the S Max swallows stuff. Family of 5 here too with teens and everything just vanishes in to the boot including SUP, inflatable kayak etc. No need to anybody to have feet on stuff in their foot wells. Plus 3 full size seats in the back which all move independently so you can off set them slightly so no bumping shoulders or anything.

Cofaki · 02/04/2024 18:05

Ford Galaxy. Five decent seats and a huge boot. Looks like a van/SUV.

alahanscornershop · 02/04/2024 18:20

Mini countryman

Bluevelvetsofa · 02/04/2024 18:55

Skoda Karoq or Kodiaq

Favouritefruits · 02/04/2024 19:02

We have the Ford Kuga Vignale and it’s super comfortable and massive! Has front and rear heated seats, so definitely created with adults and backseat passengers! Had to be the Vignale edition

Topofthemountain · 02/04/2024 19:12

SMax.

Do not go for the BMW Grand Auto, the middle seat has really restricted legroom. As the shorty of the family I end up having to sit there on long journeys.

bigboots4 · 02/04/2024 19:29

I drive a12 year old VW California T5. It's the top end of your budget, economical for its size and I have two extra seats I put in (heavy work) when I need them. I never worry about space and it is fab for camping holidays, carting kids about, plus their friends, plus their stuff. I had a Touran previously and loved that too, but the extra room in the T5 is a winner. Can be abugger in multi-story car parks as at 2m high it it's too high for some.

Original poster
CarSpotting · 02/04/2024 20:17

bigboots4 · 02/04/2024 19:29

I drive a12 year old VW California T5. It's the top end of your budget, economical for its size and I have two extra seats I put in (heavy work) when I need them. I never worry about space and it is fab for camping holidays, carting kids about, plus their friends, plus their stuff. I had a Touran previously and loved that too, but the extra room in the T5 is a winner. Can be abugger in multi-story car parks as at 2m high it it's too high for some.

I’m not sure if you read my OP. I have a VW Caravelle currently but trading in due to reliability issues. Going to have a wee break from VW T5s now!

OP posts:
TeaandHobnobs · 02/04/2024 20:49

SMax

Taxidriverinfront · 02/04/2024 20:50

Discovery, in 5ft9 and I fit in the back (6/7 seats) with no worries.

Leftleg · 02/04/2024 21:10

Ford Smax

ChateauMargaux · 02/04/2024 21:31

I had an SMAX and two years ago, got a 7 seater Renault Espace - I love it!! It's not a 4x4 but it is comfortable and spacious. We are a family of 5, teens aged 15 to 19. I had 6 15 year olds in the car two weeks ago - it is a bit squished in the third row of seats but it works!

NaiceUser · 02/04/2024 22:48

Kia Sorrento

Spanglybangles · 02/04/2024 23:02

I’d suggest Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorrento, Nisssn XTrail. Maybe VW Touarag, Audi Q7 or Volvo XC60/XC90 if budget allows.

Panicmode1 · 03/04/2024 07:00

We have 4 teens, all over 6ft, and a golden retriever...we have a VW Sharan and it's great. I drove 6 adults to the airport the other day, and they all said how brilliant it was (and between them they have a Disco, an X7 and a XC90).

We used to have a Renault Espace which was better for space but hideously unreliable unfortunately!

We didn't like the Disco, they look huge but the back two seats didn't have enough headroom for tall people.

DH really wants a Caravelle, but our older two are at uni now so we don't really need a huge car any more, so I shall tell him they are unreliable 😁

Panicmode1 · 03/04/2024 07:02

Oh and DH is 6ft 6 so any Japanese/Asian cars we tried were out because he was too tall to comfortably sit behind the wheel and have another tall person behind.

boredybored · 03/04/2024 07:05

Kia sportage had the biggest seat pitch when we were looking and most comfy. I had one for 3 years and loved it until dd started driving so didjr need it

Toooldforthis36 · 03/04/2024 07:20

Skoda kodiaq or subaru outback (massive in back!)