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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Calling all those who own 7 seaters.. tell me what you have and why you love it.

37 replies

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 10:47

I need a new car, 4x4 has 7 seats but middle seat doesn't have seatbelt so only 6, and I need 7!

I ideally need it for both stage 2 and booster seats. I don't care how massive it is or what fuel it takes! I just need it for myself and six children between 0-8.

Many many thanks xxxx

(crace here)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Original poster

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 10:48

Oh, budget is £3500-4000 - definitely not brand new, just new to me!

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Original poster

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 10:56

Oh, and what's the law/rule on airbags? I see lots about side and passenger but thought they weren't allowed?

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lollipopmother · 07/04/2011 11:14

I think if you can turn the front airbag off that's ok? Most new cars have the function already, or you can get one fitted.

I have a VW touran, I love it as can get 3 seats (2xBritax and a Maxi Cosi) into the middle row easily enough. If using the back seats too then there is only a tiny boot, can fit an umbrella folding pram in but not much else so if you are planning for 7 kids plus bags and pram I don't think it's the car for you. I think a Ford Galaxy or Grand Voyager would be worth looking in to as they are much bigger.

IloveJudgeJudy · 07/04/2011 11:58

I have a Zafira, but it wouldn't be big enough for 6 DC between 0 and 8. I don't think each seat would take a booster/carseat. Also, the boot is big enough for us now DC bigger, but quite small if you've only got small DC. What about a Kia Zadona? My DB's got one. They like it and it's very roomy.

Danthe4th · 07/04/2011 12:52

If you are only changing because of the seat belt, I presume you know it only costs about £150 to have the middle seat belt converted to a 3 point.

I have a fiat ulysee which has been fab but is currently having a new fuel pump fitted. The RAC man told me that the most reliable 7 seater is a Seat Alambra if thats any help!!

vicki2010 · 07/04/2011 13:19

yes seat alhambra,ford galaxy and the sharan!(they are all identicle) we have the galaxy and did about 6 months research into which car......it can fit the biggest of car seats in all seats and when back seats are up i can fit my double pushchair and a single on top of that plus everything else like scooters and when seats are down can fit the bikes!,there is masses of leg room and in the boot seats too! i love it and it is very reliable and really nice and easy to drive because of the shape...happy hunting!!

kellykateneedsaholiday · 07/04/2011 13:24

Ive got a Seat Alhambra.ive had it for about six years and I love it for the same reasons as vicki loves hers ford galaxy.

Needanewname · 07/04/2011 13:26

I have a grand scenic and love it, seats at the back are big enough for kids (or small adults for short journeys!) fold away easily giving a huge boot.

Middle seat in the back is a little on the small side though but overall we've been very happy with it, had it nearly a year now.

Gwendolinemarylacey · 07/04/2011 13:31

SIL raves about her C4 Grand Picasso. She says it's easier to drive than the Peugeot 307 that she had previously and it seems to fit the three children and all her crap very easily :o

CointreauVersial · 07/04/2011 13:31

I had until recently a Hyundai Trajet. Cheap as chips to buy, and you might get the tail-end of the warranty too (5 years).

It was quite thirsty, and not exactly nippy, but I think that's true for all people carriers.

We've recently downsized to a Kia Carens - it has the 6th/7th seats under the boot, but wouldn't be big enough for 7 people plus kiddy clobber (ours are bigger now). But we bought the Kia for the same reasons - untrendy brand, so cheap, but with a warranty if anything goes wrong.

Danthe4th · 07/04/2011 14:04

Just another thought you can get car seats that can be fitted with just the lap belt, it use to be the britax prince and there is another but I can't rememberthe name !!

Original poster

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 14:36

I am really loving the look of the galaxy/sharan etc car. Proper seats and still enough room in the boot!

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pinkhebe · 07/04/2011 14:43

We have an alhambra. it's great although i don't regularly have all 6 seats with car seats. But they are all full size seats so there wouldn't be a problem

Frimblypoo · 07/04/2011 14:46

Grand Scenic, love it for 5 but as seats 6&7 are fold down ones in boot I wouldn't personally like to use them on a daily basis

nbee84 · 07/04/2011 14:58

These are expensive, but may be worth the investment. They look great, but I don't have first hand experience of using one.

fyrtlemertile · 07/04/2011 15:14

nbee84, those are fantastic! I'm expecting DC4 and the financial strains of getting a new car were stressing DH and I out but the 4 seater thingy looks great, I can get 3 tiny baby seats in too! I think you might have made my day! :)

nbee84 · 07/04/2011 15:43

glad to have helped

Original poster

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 18:53

Wow, how fab are those seats!!

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Original poster

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 18:57

So those with Alhambra are relatively happy with it? Is the Galaxy or Shana any better/worse?

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Original poster

QueenandKingMum · 07/04/2011 18:57

Ahem, Sharan I meant

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Ripeberry · 07/04/2011 19:34

Those seats look great but what about the original seat, do they give it back to you to get it fitted again? And what if you need to carry adults in the back?

nbee84 · 07/04/2011 20:15

From looking at the pictures on the installation bit, they fit over your existing car seat. I can imagine they would be heavy and awkward to put in and out so probably not suitable for someone that needs to change between child and adult often.

nbee84 · 07/04/2011 20:20

The ford fiesta on page 2 has some good pictures

looneytune · 07/04/2011 20:21

I LOVED my Sharan!! R reg so old but bloomin reliable and great for space. I'm only selling it as had to upgrade to an 8 seater very recently! I used to fit a triple buggy AND single buggy in the boot with plenty of foot well space for bags etc. I know it sounds mad as really mine's a banger now and my nice newer car is lovely but I will really be sad to see my lovely Sharan go!! I can highly recommend! Mine had a lap belt in the middle seat (middle row) but those are fine with certain car seats.

Good luck with whatever you decide to by :) x

p.s. nice to see you back on here over the last few days!

looneytune · 07/04/2011 20:22

decide to BUY I meant!

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