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Original poster

Suggestions for an (automatic) car with a large boot and high headspace

27 replies

thesugarbumfairy · 07/08/2025 11:30

At the moment, I have a Fiat 500L MPW (7 seater) I don't actually use the last row of seats, but I like the large boot space because I have a lot of shit but also do craft fairs sometimes so need that space. I like that its nice and high up and the boys have plenty of space in the back (18 and 15) I like how it looks mostly, curvy not boxy, but I have to push that to the back of my mind.

I am totally happy with this car, but I really want an automatic. I have osteoarthritis, and its affecting my left side, so I'd be a lot more comfortable with not using my left leg and minimal use of left arm. This is also the reason I like a 'higher up' car - its easier to get in and out of.
They don't do an automatic version of my car as far as I can see - only for the 5 seater.

My limit is £10k - that's more than I want to pay but I would go there. I don't particularly want a car older than mine (10 years) or with more mileage than mine (about 100k) and I'm not going electric.

Throw some suggestions my way please!

(also if it helps - Cambridgeshire area)

OP posts:
BetweenTwoFerns · 07/08/2025 11:33

A Nissan Juke?

Tiredofwhataboutery · 07/08/2025 11:37

I have a Toyota Alphard which I bought as a grey import ( second hand from Japan) it’s really flexible 7 seats back can be a bed or all seats can be folded away so it’s like a Van or just back row for massive boot space.

Original poster
thesugarbumfairy · 07/08/2025 11:44

Thanks. the juke looks too small - not enough boot space.
i have never seen an Alphard before. Its slightly bonkers looking but I like it. Possibly a bit TOO big!

OP posts:
BillStickersWillBeProsocuted · 07/08/2025 11:54

We have a Peugeot 3008 which I think would fit the bill quite well.

My main criticism is that it's an "Electric Manual" rather than a full auto, which means the gearbox is quite unresponsive especially when you need to get away quickly at a roundabout or something. Otherwise it's a good family car. I'm not sure if there are proper auto versions available
We did look at the 500L too and that was also an electric manual, so might be that you’re already used to those

I saw what you said about the boxy looks, the 3008s have gotten less boxy as the models have progressed, but they also have less of a boot as the styling cuts into the space to make them less of a big rectangle!

Mudflaps · 07/08/2025 11:55

I'd recommend looking at a few skoda models. I've driven Octavia's for years and now have a Superb estate, the boot is huge, the leg and head space great and its very reliable. It may not be high enough for you but check out other models.

MrsAvocet · 07/08/2025 12:13

I drive an automatic Skoda Kodiaq which might suit you.
I've also got problems with my left leg and regularly transport large stuff and it's been ideal for me. The other thing I like about it is that though it's a big car the sill isn't ridiculously high and even though I'm really short I can lift things in and out quite easily.
I looked at a lot of similar styles of cars when I was shopping for this one and found that most of them had seats that didn't lie completely flat when you folded them down so the load carrying space wasn't actually that great, or the door/hatch aperture wasn't big enough or the sill was too high. The Skoda range was good on all fronts and there were some Subarus I liked too. My Kodiaq is 4 wheel drive as we live a bit off the beaten track but I think there is a 2 wheel drive version - no point in getting a 4x4 if you don't need it, just adds expense and complexity.

Branleuse · 07/08/2025 12:14

I've got an automatic mini cooper clubman. Its huge and lovely to drive.

Original poster
thesugarbumfairy · 07/08/2025 16:51

BillStickersWillBeProsocuted · 07/08/2025 11:54

We have a Peugeot 3008 which I think would fit the bill quite well.

My main criticism is that it's an "Electric Manual" rather than a full auto, which means the gearbox is quite unresponsive especially when you need to get away quickly at a roundabout or something. Otherwise it's a good family car. I'm not sure if there are proper auto versions available
We did look at the 500L too and that was also an electric manual, so might be that you’re already used to those

I saw what you said about the boxy looks, the 3008s have gotten less boxy as the models have progressed, but they also have less of a boot as the styling cuts into the space to make them less of a big rectangle!

I've had a 3008 in the past but we had a lot of issues with the gearbox so I'm reluctant to go back to one!

OP posts:
Original poster
thesugarbumfairy · 07/08/2025 16:54

MrsAvocet · 07/08/2025 12:13

I drive an automatic Skoda Kodiaq which might suit you.
I've also got problems with my left leg and regularly transport large stuff and it's been ideal for me. The other thing I like about it is that though it's a big car the sill isn't ridiculously high and even though I'm really short I can lift things in and out quite easily.
I looked at a lot of similar styles of cars when I was shopping for this one and found that most of them had seats that didn't lie completely flat when you folded them down so the load carrying space wasn't actually that great, or the door/hatch aperture wasn't big enough or the sill was too high. The Skoda range was good on all fronts and there were some Subarus I liked too. My Kodiaq is 4 wheel drive as we live a bit off the beaten track but I think there is a 2 wheel drive version - no point in getting a 4x4 if you don't need it, just adds expense and complexity.

having a look at this one

OP posts:
Original poster
thesugarbumfairy · 07/08/2025 16:56

Branleuse · 07/08/2025 12:14

I've got an automatic mini cooper clubman. Its huge and lovely to drive.

I love the look of these - in fact they are very similar to the fiat 500Ls. But I just dont think theres enough boot space

OP posts:
mbonfield · 07/08/2025 16:59

Hi Op Have a look at a BMW 7 seater they either have 1.5 or 2 litre petrol and diesel. I have one now for a year or so and it is the best ever and that spans 45 plus years of var ownership.
IMHO they are vastly underrated and I think you could get one within your budget.

MikeRafone · 07/08/2025 17:02

lexus has a big boot and head room was good for over 2.2meters

ButteredRadish · 07/08/2025 17:02

I have an automatic Kia Sportage (new one) and the boot is huge! It’s also - and I can’t believe I’m about to say this about a Kia but here goes - extremely well built! Very solid & sturdy, like a VW. I had a hybrid as a hire car which was all flimsy and poorly built and when I got back into the Sportage it was like finally getting back into a good quality vehicle that I actually feel safe in. I highly recommend it.

MrsPositivity1 · 07/08/2025 17:04

Hyundai ioniq 5 N Line

stayathomer · 07/08/2025 17:05

Another for Skoda although they’re very expensive now

Wbeezer · 07/08/2025 17:05

I’m very pleased with my Dacia Jogger, it’s a self charging hybrid so an automatic, which I’ve never had before and love. It too is a seven seater but the last row are easy to remove so we have stored them and find the big boot v useful for moving student sons stuff etc. also fits tall adult sons in the back, not had any complaints, not quite as much room as our last car which was a Fiat Doblo but much less embarrassing according to DS3.

wantmorenow · 07/08/2025 17:06

Honda Jazz hybrid. Huge boot space, the Sportage one is higher up. I get 64 mpg from it and they are pretty much designed to last forever with minimal maintenance. The Toyota Corolla hybrids are awesome too and was my second choice. The hybrid part means no loss of fuel economy like a traditional automatic.

wantmorenow · 07/08/2025 17:07

Oops partner is 6'4" and fits in both easily.

cooldarkroom · 07/08/2025 17:08

What about a Dacia duster ?
I have a Land Rover Discovery (old model)

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 07/08/2025 17:09

I used to have a VW Tiguan which had tons of boot space and was lovely to drive, if a touch dull.

SoScarletItWas · 07/08/2025 17:10

Skoda Kodiaq or the slightly smaller Karoq.

Volkswagen Tiguan (I love mine!!)

Kia Sportage.

Basically anything called a ‘family SUV’.

27pilates · 07/08/2025 17:13

Hyundai Tucson
Yaris Cross
VW T-Cross
Skoda Kamiq

MaryGreenhill · 07/08/2025 17:21

Hyundai Tuscan, we have one and it's a dream. Huge boot , high off the ground , we bought her because we are getting older and need high seats .

BotterMon · 07/08/2025 17:25

Another vote for Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage (basically the same car). You get more bling for your money than with the German makes and they are extremely reliable.

Ladedahlia · 07/08/2025 17:34

Mudflaps · 07/08/2025 11:55

I'd recommend looking at a few skoda models. I've driven Octavia's for years and now have a Superb estate, the boot is huge, the leg and head space great and its very reliable. It may not be high enough for you but check out other models.

I drove one as a hire car and found it absolutely the best car I have ever driven. Is yours a petrol model?