To ask how big of a car I need for 3 children?

[NKfell]

It hits me sporadically through the day while I'm at Mumsnet...I mean, work...I need a new car. It's got the point where I push it out of mind.

So, I have a Fiat 500 for my current 2- almost 6 and 2.5 but now with this one due in a month(!!) I need another car.

I don't want a big car because a small car is very convenient where I live and drive to. I've managed perfectly comfortably with the 500 for 4 years but baby number 3 really pushes it.

I have a little bit of equity in this car to part ex so I'll be spending up to £15k absolute maximum.

Help?

My Zafira is actually smaller and easier to drive/park than my Mondeo was!

I agree with BrieAndChilli - my Mondeo died when my youngest was about 2, and we got a Zafira. It's shorter and narrower than the Mondeo, but easier to fit three kids into (and easier to park because it's so flat at the front).

The neighbours, who also have three kids, have a C-Max and that seems to work well for them.

My sister-in-law has four kids and a Sharan: seven full (adult) sized seats. I imagine it's more expensive though.

We have almost the same ages (nearly 7, 2.4 and newborn) and went from a Polo to a Kia Carens. It doesn't look like a 7 seater and we rarely use the extra seats but they are there if we need them for grandparents, friends etc. I was worried about parking it (no off-road parking) but it has been fine and has lots of great extra features.

I think the Yeti seems the best for us- it's actually shorter than the A3 and although a touch wider it was fine- the salesman let me drive it home and back!

I managed to squidge 3 car seats in the back and with the roof being high strapping our toddler in should be easier than normal.

Now it will all come down to the deal they can do!

Thank you everyone for your help; it's been much appreciated. I hadn't even considered a Yeti before this thread, so thank you!

We fit 3 in the back of a golf and my bugaboo bee fits perfectly in the boot with shopping. It can be a bit of a squeeze but we really couldn't afford a new car at the time DC3 arrived. DH has now decided to go for an Audi estate as we our eldest is getting very tall and it's going to be too uncomfortable for her soon but it has been manageable up to now.