People carriers

[Jendy]

We probably need to change our car in the next year or two and have been considering getting a people carrier does anyone have any experience or advice about them, please?

Are you buying new or used? I'm told that older Espace models don't have proper seat belts in all but the front row. My neighbours have a Vauxhall Sintra which they love but it is now discontinued so they have difficulty with parts. I also have a friend who loves her Toyota Previa. I have a Nissan Terrano (same as Ford Maverick), which is a 4x4 station wagon with 7 seats (bought primarily for its towing ability so please don't hate me too much!) and we love this vehicle but the back row of seats means that you don't get any boot space which is a problem with most vehicles with more seats.

I have heard a lot of praise for the Fiat Multipla (or Uglycar as we know it) which has a small seat next to the driver in the front but I don't actually know anyone who owns one.

I think that generally people carriers are more comfortable but large 4x4s or Station Wagons tend to be better for towing and hard work.

Jendy, Take a look at this thread for some more info on people carriers.

I own a Multipla - they're fantastic , ask wahtever you want ...I'll try and answer

We own a vauxhall zafira, i think there really good value for money, there one of the cheapest 7 seaters , they have this wonderfull flex 7 seats which means all the back passenger seats can be folded down which gives you a huge boot, its makes it very usefull for big loads, we have had a washing machine and a tumble dryer in the boot at once.

I thnk I'm probably going to buy second-hand. DGH initally thought about an Espace but he says he's not sure now. I haven't heard much about the Terrano or Sintra. Thanks PamT several to look at there I also hadn't cosidered 4X4 or alternatives will maybe look in to that too.
Ta Azzie I'd initally had a look but hadn't realised another thread related to topic.
Ariel & Mabs - these are the 2 cars we have been told are probably the best in terms of value as people carriers - is that right does anyone know better? I think the M is 6 seater with luggage space and Z is 7 without luggage space (seats are child seats?)is that correct? We were going to be given the chance to drive the M but the car's gone back to London. How are they to drive, how roomy ar they inside, what's petrol consumption like and do you know what insurance band they are in. Do you know how much they roughly cost new or second-hand. I'd appreciate any advice.

Jendy - about the Multipla, 6 full size seats and a fair size boot. I love the car but you have to accept how awful it looks !

I'm not good with prices etc and fuel figures etc. but I'll ask dh. My car is a turbo diesel and I have to say its got quite a bit of ' poke'.
I would also say that , when mine went to the garage, they lent me a petrol version of same. Now I'm no racing driver in the car but it seemed really gutless to me and dh. Have a test drive and let me know what you think - where do you live ?

We have a Honda Shuttle which we love. We have a six seater version (though 7 is available) and it has a handy aisle up the middle too. The boot is pretty decent for a people carrier, and the back seats fold down into the car really easily if you want extra space. I think one in v good condition from a honda dealer would cost about 10,000 second hand. They only come as automatics though, but dh loves this, says its like sitting in an armchair watching a film outside! The one we have has air con, pollen filters, child locks , twin air bags, etc, the usual stuff I suppose. It is really easy to manoeuvre, more like a car. Apparently it is the only people carrier to be officially categorised as a car in the US I am told (though I will now be proven wrong !) because of fuel consumption etc.Hth.

I love my Previa, it has 2/3/2 seats. The middle one of the middle row has a lap belt though, my only complaint. It's a lovely car to drive, even DH thinks so! It has sliding rear doors which I find a real bonus and it has satellite naviagation. It would be great if I could work it! R

Maz - my multipla has six full seatbelts - but reading yr post, I see you need 7 - sorry , no help I'm afraid.

Just say that 20 mins after me extolling the virtues of my wonderful car on here yesterday...the clutch went on it. Certain irony eh? I was not a happy bunny, and will be a broke one soon !