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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To buy a Range Rover sport with potentially three children

116 replies

Overthinkingalways · 12/03/2021 07:46

Posted elsewhere but added to AIBU for traffic as got no responses. I know mumsnet typically hate 4x4s and their drivers but hoping my hybrid choice softens the blow!

Changing my car shortly. Ideally want a RR Sport but whilst we only need to fit two car seats for now, baby 3 isn't totally off the cards. Would an XC90 be the more sensible option? Or has anyone got 3 seats across a RR Sport? Preference is to rear face as long as possible however eldest would be 4/5 should we have a third so potentially ready to move into a HBB. Car would be new so latest models.

Other options would be a Disco but i want hybrid and they haven't bought a hybrid model out yet. Obviously can't look in show rooms right now but need to make a decision soon!

These are the only models i like following all my research. Can’t afford the standard RR and not ready to convert to a mum wagon/bus yet! Will have the XC90 if I have to but whilst it’s a perfectly nice car I find it a bit less aesthetically pleasing/luxurious.

Can anyone tell me about successfully having a RR sport with three young children.

AIBU
YES - no way will it work get the xc90
NO - I’ve had 3 littles in a RR S and it’s fine!

OP posts:

queenofarles · 12/03/2021 08:07

Which RR? I suppose you can fit in , will be very snug , be prepared for nonstop squabbling!

You can fit a third row on The LR. Discovery and defender, though it’s a beast on the road!

Throwntothewolves · 12/03/2021 08:21

Perhaps branch out a little.
Look at Skoda Kofiaq, the 7 seat variety. Or a VW Toureg. Or the Volvo. Or a Ford S max (people carrier, but a bit more sporty looking), Audi Q7, Ford Edge, and so on (disclaimer-I don't know if any of these have hybrid models)
I'd prob go for a 7 seater for the extra space it will give everyone rather than having the kids a squashed in the back seat.

I think a RR Sport is aimed at people who want the kudos of owning a RR but can't really afford it (No offence if that's not you OP). They're not the most practical size wise, especially with three kids.

LAgeDeRaisin · 12/03/2021 08:31

This.

Why not buy a low mileage second hand rather than new, then you could afford a more practical car?

NormanStangerson · 12/03/2021 08:36

RR are top cars to drive and very comfortable if you currently only have two child seats. Don’t buy new, buy approved second hand. The new Defenders are horrific and the Discos don’t offer much more in the way of practicality if you’re towing.

LikeSilentRaindrops · 12/03/2021 08:42

We’ve got 3 littlies and looked at the Range Rover, then discounted it on space. Don’t underestimate how much junk you end up carting around with that many children! The other thing I didn’t realise until now is often we give lifts to people and a 5 seater car doesn’t give you that option.

We’ve gone for a Q7 - fits all the kids, with two spare seats for friends and ample boot room for dog, house and kitchen sink. The extra space has made travelling with 3 SO much easier.

SendMeHome · 12/03/2021 08:42

I wouldn’t put three kids in a RR Sport.

Lovely cars, but it’ll be a squish throughout, and that will damage your enjoyment of the car.

The XC90 isn’t my type of car, but a friend has one and it’s spacious and suits her kids well.

stealthbanana · 12/03/2021 08:46

Have you considered an x5? Loads of space, fab car to drive and you can (just) get 3 car seats in. We have the hybrid.

underneaththeash · 12/03/2021 08:53

DH has a sport and you couldn't fit 3 car seats in the back - the middle section is raised. Now the kids are older, it's a squash to get all three in the back even without car seats.
We have a Discovery as well.
I test drove an XC90 and it seemed fine, although only one of the models had enough room in the third seat in the back.

CMOTDibbler · 12/03/2021 08:57

@NormanStangerson its not everyones cup of tea, but I bloody love my new Defender. Its an incredibly practical car (hosing down the floor is fab) but also has better features on reversing cameras etc than the other RR/LR cars and is a very comfortable drive. Looks best with the adventure roof rack on imo. But so not a prestige car/ chelsea tractor look, though people come and admire it all the time.
We have previously had a Disco 4, and the new Disco is tiny inside in comparison

Twisty333 · 12/03/2021 09:01

I would scrap the hybrid idea and go with the Disco! All of the young fancy mums at my kids private school drive one and they have 2/3 children in there comfortably. RR is usually for the older mums who only have 1 kid.

mum11970 · 12/03/2021 09:02

Don’t think you can fit 3 car seats across the rear, have you thought of a 7 seater RR Sport? There will be someone at your local LandRover dealership who you can speak to over the phone as they are still open, just not the showrooms.
Do your research and pick a vehicle that you like and fits all your criteria whatever make it is. Take onboard the genuine spec advice you’ll get and ignore the stupid put downs that always come when you mention any large 4x4 or performance vehicle.

Twisty333 · 12/03/2021 09:02

@Twisty333

Oh, and it has to be charcoal grey :)

HoppyHop · 12/03/2021 09:03

Have a look at the reliability reports before you buy. Which have done a lot of research in their car surveys. We bought a Q7 in the end and love it, loads of space but did have an S-Max when all three DC were in various types of car seats, loved that too.

NormanStangerson · 12/03/2021 09:03

[quote CMOTDibbler]@NormanStangerson its not everyones cup of tea, but I bloody love my new Defender. Its an incredibly practical car (hosing down the floor is fab) but also has better features on reversing cameras etc than the other RR/LR cars and is a very comfortable drive. Looks best with the adventure roof rack on imo. But so not a prestige car/ chelsea tractor look, though people come and admire it all the time.
We have previously had a Disco 4, and the new Disco is tiny inside in comparison[/quote]
I bet it’s a lot more comfortable than my old Defender! I like my LR leaking and uncomfortable. I also have a Series III

CMOTDibbler · 12/03/2021 09:51

I grew up with leaky Series LRs - where I grew up they got passed through families until they were suitably bad for 17 yo new drivers. Many happy memories of LRs which were more rust than anything else, and a friends one which had a large screwdriver instead of a gear stick!

The new Defender is more like the old Disco really, and much as I love Series landies, I need a rather more comfortable car to drive for work

LaNouba · 12/03/2021 10:06

I’ve had a RR sport with 7 seats and it’s plenty big enough for 3 car seats. We used 3 rows with Recaro high back boosters which are are really bulky and wide and left space for an adult to sit between the 2 seats on the middle row. I can recommend the massage seat option- absolute heaven on a long journey.

daisyjgrey · 12/03/2021 10:09

I live in the arse end of Devon, anybody in. Range Rover sport is unreasonable here. Children or not

peak2021 · 12/03/2021 10:10

There are plenty of other cars that could fit your family I would expect. Have you researched them as options? Or as suggested, a second hand car?

sm40 · 12/03/2021 10:14

Just check the xc90. Not sure you could 3 car seats along the back. It's not a big middle seat. But have the seats in the back.
I've just sold mine as we don't need 7 seats. It was very luxurious in my opinion!
Also had an smax. Very family friendly.
Unfortunately with 3 it might be substance over style!

onlythewildones · 12/03/2021 10:17

We have a hybrid XC90. When we it had to go to the garage we got given a RR sport as a courtesy car. I HATED it. Small, much harder to park, less environmentally friendly... ugh. We could not wait to send it back.

onlythewildones · 12/03/2021 10:17

And yes you can get 3 ERF seats across the back of an XC90.

Original poster

Overthinkingalways · 12/03/2021 10:33

Is this really what people think? I don't want the 'kudos' of a RR I want the luxury finish and nice drive and actually prefer the look of the sport.

RR have four different vehicles in the RR family - evoque, velar, sport and RR and they are all aimed at differing markets and driver needs - that's like saying every VW polo driver wants the kudos of a tourag but can't afford it - or maybe they just prefer a polo.

The reasons for going new are varied - wanting a hybrid for fuel economics and environmental reasons (and they haven't been around that long to get second hands that have dropped enough in value), also for work car allowance criteria around age.

OP posts:

mumumum3 · 12/03/2021 10:40

To throw out another suggestion, we have the Tesla X. It can definitely fit 3 car seats, very spacious. Lots of other families at school now have one and they equally love it.

For reference we have the X and the BMW X5 and the Tesla has loads more room

itsasin77 · 12/03/2021 10:45

I think you would be better off going for the XC90.
RR have appalling reliability, infact any across the RR brand do not fare well with reliability. Better off sticking with German or the Volvo.

Spanielsanddaughters · 12/03/2021 10:49

I have RR sport and 2 young kids. I cant imagine fitting another car seat in!

As a PP said a Q7 Audi model could be good option.
I’ve had two Audi’s previously and always liked the drive and finish.

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