What car can you recommend

[Pimpf]

I currently have a Renault grand scenic and whilst its been great I feel I need something bigger for long journeys camping and holidays. I still want 7 seats even though I only have 2 kids. So what do you recommend? I think I'm after. Vw caravelle but wondering if I really need it, would a galaxy/space do? Dh still needs convincing!

You might want to start by checking Mumsnet Cars' 10 best seven-seaters. You don't say what your budget is but if you don't want to buy new, you can still use these recommendations and just look for used versions instead. Definitely worth getting Mumsnetters' views too though - it might help to say whether you plan to buy new or used, give an idea of your approximate budget and add any other factors that might be important to you as well as space for camping holidays.

I have an SMax which I can't fault. Not sure if it's big enough for what you want but I've found it more than ample for 1 adult, 3 children and a dog. I like the fact that it's big without being huuuuge on the outside - clearly it is big but doesn't seem it!

we have s max, with one of those roof things to put suitcases in for holiday

Grand Scenic & S-Max are the same class/size, aren't they?

Had you considered a \link{http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/ford/freda/page/1/sort/pricedesc\Freda} or a \link{http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/mazda/bongo/page/1/sort/pricedesc\Bongo}, Pimpf? Ideal for camping & holidays

(Trouble is they all seem to be quite old & high mileage...)

It might be cheaper to keep your current car and occasionally hire something bigger, when you need it?

If it is big enough for day-to-day, I'd just get a roof box for extra storage. I can't imagine using something as big as, say, a Galaxy with only 2 children on a day-to-day basis.

I still want 7 seats even though I only have 2 kids.

I'm all for getting what you want, but can you explain why you want an extra 3 seats? You're limiting the options available to you and potentially increasing running costs needlessly.

Dh was initially very skeptical re the 7 seats but agrees that they've been very useful. When his parents stay, my parents or other family members stay it means we can all go out. I need them when we have kids over after school.

Re roof box, we already have one and it gets filled! We're thinking of possibly touring for 3 weeks next year through France with our own tent, we definitely would need something bigger for that!

I will look at the car reviews and the cars mentioned - thanks

How about the Ssanyong Gran Turismo- It is the new Ssangyong Rodius. Will be a hell of alot cheaper than the other cars and 7 seats WITH a boot.

Ooooh. Looks interesting thanks

We have 3 DCs and a vw touran. Seven seater, but only if you need it, the extra two fold totally flat in the boot space and create a boot space that you could get a small orchestra into if you so wished!!

We love it, and if we change I the future, it'll only be for another touran. Ours is a 53 plate and has done 112k miles, but still drives like a new car.

Another one. To look at thanks

Volvo XC90? They have two extra seats in a massive boot which don't leave you short of boot space. You can pick them up second hand quite cheaply.

Thanks!