Totally different cars, cannot decide!

[ChoccyJules]

We are looking to replace our rusty Estate car.

We have narrowed it down to two automatics, both MPVs, the Ford CMax and the Citroen C4 grand Picasso. Both would be abt 3 years old so the version before the current ones.

CMax has the headroom and bootspace and drives perkily (DH likes this). But realistically only fits one extra body next to a car seat.

C4Picasso has three full seats across the back (and the grand is only a few cm longer for two spare seats) and seems to have lots of fun spec but semi-automatic gearbox.

Note we only have DD but feel it would be useful to have the option of transorting other people if necessary. DH also likes the space an estate gives him for going to the tip etc.

Today we test drove the Picasso and last weekend the CMax. CMax 2L auto had lots of nippiness but boring inside. Picasso today 1.6L auto I felt struggled a bit to pull away (though DH the person who loves driving didnt mind it) but has so many zippy gadgets!

Really stuck....and of course money-wise it's a BIG decision.

Any reviews from your own experiences very welcome. We are looking at 2009 models.

I like the look of the Citroen, but when they go wrong they're expensive to fix. I'd go for the Ford, having driven a C-Max and liked it. It doesn't feel like a big car IFKWIM.

We both commented that the C4 surprisingly didn't feel too big but it is a strange driving experience, very high up and feels miles from the windscreen. But the CMax as you say didn't feel odd at all. More like a car in fact (rather than a lorry!).

Was it a brand new one you drove? We are looking pre the latest model change, so around 2008/9 age.

It was the 2009 model, on a 59 plate.

Cheers.

DH really not convinced by the C4 driving position ans as we're looking at around 1.5 - 2K difference in price, we think we are going to get the CMax.

Just a shame to lose the option of better seating, ie this will give us 4.5 seats again...

I'd say get the Max, mainly because fully loaded you're going to want that 2l engine. It'd be 'lean for speed' in the Citroen (ask me how i know ] )

I would say go for the Cmax.
My brother has had nothing but trouble with C4 since the warranty ran out.

OK, that's three votes, I'm getting the message!

(fingers crossed for a groovy colour now)

Gotta love a unanimous MN decision! :o

DH is now looking at the new C Max Grand. On some sort of financey thing. Hmm...

I'd get a Ford over a Citreon. I had a Cmax and loved it.

And we're still deciding, but the field is widening. DH has decided he definitely doesn't like the c4 so that's out, though you get good spec I reckon.

Today we test-drove a zafira, which was fine apart from we both felt the accelerator pedal was so far towards the driver (and I'm not tall) that we were operating it with the arch of our foot. Dunno if that's just something to get used to...Also the second row out of three is a fixed unit rather than three separate seats, which gves less options.

I just read about the Mazda5 on here! Quite excited about that but hardly any automatics near us.

Grand C Max is out of our price bracket, as is the S Max (which is too big for our needs).

I quite like the Mazda, not driven one but very similar to the Cmax inside. Sliding doors would be a bonus!

Yep, I do like the sliding doors idea :-)

Looking at Autotrader online there are only 10 Mazda5 automatics for sale in the country!

I am going round in circles. I officially hate car buying. But I have to be there to reign in DH..!

Well, we test-drove a c max today in highest spec for that age. DH didn't like how poorly the bak seats folded away and we were surprised that the back seats couldn't move back or recline as many others do.

Drawing board again, then.

I'm leaning slightly back towards the C4 but DH still dislikes it. He's now talking about another estate car.

Estates are better, imo. We had an estate & swapped for a people carrier, wish we hadn't.

Golf estate?

Think would look strongly at focus estate.

Have you looked at the Skoda Octavia estate? We've had one for 2 years and love it - great drive, reliable, comfortable and economical. Also, they usually have 2 years' interest free credit and 0% VAT. Basically, it's an Audi without the badge.

We had a C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 diesel semi-automatic. We both like driving it, it was economical and didn't have any trouble 'pulling' or when it was loaded up.

As you are looking at second hand, see if you can find a Citroen Xsara Picasso, they are lovely cars. We had one before the C4 Picasso, but they were phased out in about 2009/2010. You would get a lot of car for your money.

DH has talked abt the Skoda but I'm worried it's a bit too big, am not keen on huge cars. Will make sure have hecked it out though.

Will also look at the other Citroen but am fighting a losing battle there I reckon!

DH says the Octavia estate is the same size as a Golf estate; the Fabia estate is smaller.

DH had an Octavia estate and swapped up to a Passat because we felt the back seat in the Octavia was cramped with not much legroom. Fine for when they are in a carseat but not so good as they get bigger.

I have a C Max, it's great, had a Focus before then but struggled to get the double buggy in it. CMax boot is huge and v high/deep. The only things I don't like about it is the bonnet is really steep so you can't see the front of it when you park. Also, the front pillars are quite thick and I find the front/side view a bit restricted. And the mpg is a bit pants.

If Octavia backseat is no good, it's off the list (shame as I was loving all the spec!).

DH has a bit of a wishlist and isn't compromising (yet):

Decent legroom in the back for grownups (this is for MIL who has poorly legs)
Leather seats if at all possible
Huge flat bootspace
Automatic
Cruise Control (he has this now and would miss it)
Non silly driving position (ie sadly not the Citroen C4)
Approx 3 yrs old.

My wishlist is: not too big, long or ckunky round corners. A few exciting spec/gadgets. Also like the cars with three full seats across the back.

We have one DD, 4. The MIL occasionally. A very small chance of another DC appearing (but frankly we aren't buying a car with that in mind).

Today I am liking the S Max but we can't afford one (or not to DH's spec).

The Passat is quite good. I like it, and it has heated leather seats which is my second favourite gadget on a car ever, behind the heated front windscreen that is randomly on my otherwise very low-spec CMax.

Is that a saloon car?