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Original poster

can you recommend a BIG hatchback?

20 replies

Cha · 02/01/2006 10:40

We have a Zafira at the moment (7 seater, 2 of which we hardly ever use) and after paying the full wack for its tax, am feeling guilty that we have such a big, fuel uneconomic, planet unfriendly vehicle when we don't even use it properly. We have 2 kids, but often an older stepson so need three proper back seats. We also have a very large dog which goes most places with us so he needs to have space to sit in the boot.
Things I have looked at passing in the street(without researching) are VW golf, renault scenic, ford picasso (though think that is as big as the Zafira, if not with 7 seats) and ford focus. But this is just what they look like on the outside, no idea what they drive like or whether they are any good. Do you have a car you could recommend (or warn against)?

OP posts:
GoodKingWestCountryLass · 02/01/2006 14:11

Well I have an Astra and I will probably get one again as it was not too expensive to buy, has been ever so reliable and is nice to drive to boot. On the subject of boots, it is ever such a good size, I can get two buggies in there and the majority of a weekly shop

hercules · 02/01/2006 14:13

I love our 7 seater volvo. Feels very safe too,

Original poster
Cha · 03/01/2006 17:23

I saw an Astra the other day and I thought they looked nice. What 'tax band' is it in? I want a more planet friendly car next time. 7 seater is just too big.

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iota · 03/01/2006 17:27

how about an estate car - I have a VW Passat

chicagomum · 03/01/2006 17:30

Funnily enough we have a ford focus but are looking to change to a vauxhall zafira as with 2 car seats, pushchair buggy board etc plus frequently going away for the weekend (so luggage for 4) we find it isn't big enough. Other than that I love it, can fit 3 people in the back reasonably comfortably (without carseats), boot is good enough for an umbrella fold push chair plus a big shop (but not huge), it is a very comfortable and easy car to drive. Have lent it to several friends all who have commented on what a nice car it is to drive. I think a large dog would be comfortable in the boot but don't have one to test it out with

Tommy · 03/01/2006 17:41

we have a Citroen Berlingo which has a huge boot - can fit a double pushchair and two tripp trapps in it no problem. Seats 3 across the back no problem.
It's not very "cool" though...

Original poster
Cha · 03/01/2006 17:45

I was just looking at Focus on the dvla website for 'tax bands' and it came out quite well. We are just about out of a pushchair (I wish!) so it is just the dog we need to accommodate. Don't want an estate - too big! Live in London and parking is a nightmare with Zafira - it is like parking a space ship compared to the Polo we had before! Still, a good car if you need a big one. Only problem is the spare tyres keeping getting nicked (£100 for a new one, we lost 3 already) so check that they have proper lock fitted underneath! Also, don't let it run on almost empty - they don't like it and will not start if parked on a hill or even a slight camber. This has happened to our Zafira twice and also to a friend's.

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chicagomum · 03/01/2006 17:55

Just out of interest what reg is your zafira and how much are you considering selling it for?

Original poster
Cha · 03/01/2006 17:56

Just looked up the Berlingo - sure it is great car but I KNOW dp will have a major tantrum if I suggest it...

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Tommy · 03/01/2006 18:11

must admit cha - we're always a bit embarrassed if it's just me and DH driving around in it

QueenVictoria · 03/01/2006 18:29

We have a citroen xsara picasso.

It fits 3 people in the back comfortably. In fact it currently fits our 2 baby seats in the back with enough space in the middle for someone to sit.

Its nice to drive (high driving position which i like) and the boot is HUGE.

I can fit my weeks shopping and my stadium style double pram in the boot (with a bit of juggling).

One other important thing for me was aircon for in the summer too.

They cost £10k with all discounts etc brand new.

bunyanvillas · 03/01/2006 19:28

I'm reading these posts with interest - we need a new car URGENTLY (old one got written off - flooded!) - and dh and I are currently arguing about a suitable replacement! He wants a Ford Fusion - I am NOT keen! I want a Renault Scenic!! Anyone have any experience of driving these cars?

GoodKingWestCountryLass · 03/01/2006 20:58

Have no idea wht tax band it is, sorry It is cheap though! I pay £28 per month (5 years + no claims though).

jura · 03/01/2006 22:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Cha · 04/01/2006 19:08

Jura, how is the Scenic more expensive? Just in initial outlay or in petrol, tax etc? How much tax do you pay a year for it? The Zafira is the top band - F? - nearly £200 a year basically because it is so polluting . Also, isn't the picasso the same length (wheel base or whatever it is called - front lights to back lights) as the Zafira? My friend's have a Picasso and they had lots of probs with it cutting out but maybe this is just their car.

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QueenVictoria · 04/01/2006 21:58

Never had any problems with our picasso. Had it since beginning of April 2005.

Mumfun · 05/01/2006 15:31

Hi

Bought Ford Focus C-Max in September and very happy with it. It is a stretched Focus - so a bit longer and taller. Good storage room, 5 seats, drives very well. Happy to write more if that would help. They retail at circa £15k but we got it a lot cheaper on a Dagenham Motors special deal - in fact as cheap as a second hand one (I was NOT looking for a new car) HTH

Original poster
Cha · 05/01/2006 17:39

Our new one will have to be second hand - a trade in for 2001 Zafira and hopefully without paying anything! Does anyone have an Astra? Zafira also Vauxhall so could do a dealer swap. There seems to be a 'saloon' type looking one (that has a boot that dog could sit in and not be locked away) and a hatchback version. They are not exactly pretty but are they any good??

OP posts:
Janh · 05/01/2006 17:55

Astra quite good I believe, Cha - Zafira is the same length as the hatchback though you know !

Parker's review for 98-04 model .

Original poster
Cha · 07/01/2006 10:38

Thanks Janh. Wow, saloon quite pricey... It might have to be a clapped out old Golf after all. sigh.

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