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Cars for family of five (3 isofix points)

16 replies

Tftpoo · 29/07/2015 15:01

I'm sure this has been asked before but we are expecting our third child and are looking to replace our car. When no 3 arrives we will have three under three (first two are twins) so ideally are looking for something with three isofix points. We thought the s-max fitted the bill but went to look at one today and it only has 2 isofix points. Does anyone have any recommendations? Or experience of two isofix and one belted seat - is it a pain to get the kids in?

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Motortrader · 30/07/2015 12:37

There are very few cars with 3 Isofix seats in the rear. The Honda FRV was one and (IIRC) the latest Renault Scenic is another.

Some of the latest Peugeot/Citroen models have two in the back and one on the front passenger seat, if that helps. (The 3008, 5008, C4 Picasso, Berlingo and Partner).

Two Isofix and one belted seat in the middle is a PITA. Better to use one of the Isofix seats, a belted stage 1 seat in the middle (which needn't be removed) and a belted rear facing baby seat on the other side. We use this arrangement successfully in a Volvo V70 and a Fiat Doblo. (But note that these are both wide cars. You need the width across the rear seat!)

pickles184 · 30/07/2015 12:42

I was just going to suggest the new Renault Scenic, along with 3 isofix points, it is well kitted out for it's money and a surprisingly nice drive too.

HolidayHeidi · 30/07/2015 12:43

We were also in the same scenario (3 under 5) and did the same as above one middle belted stage 1 seat and 2 isofix either side. This then does not limit your choice of car so much.

tomatodizzymum · 30/07/2015 12:46

We have a Chrysler/Dodge caravan that has 4 isofix points, both middle seats and two of the three back seats have them.

Tftpoo · 30/07/2015 12:47

Thanks, that is very helpful. We were hoping to use the two maxicosi milofix (isofix) seats that we have for the older two plus the cabriofix (isofix or belted) for the baby but we might have to re-think seats. It's probably cheaper to look at buying new seats than limiting our car choice to one or two models. Will definitely go and have a look at the Scenic although we have the added problem that my husband is 6 foot 5 and doesn't usually fit in French cars as the drivers seat doesn't go back far enough.

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pickles184 · 30/07/2015 13:03

Could be worth looking at the Skoda Superb in that case Tft , immense leg room and plenty of width for 3 car seats if you are happy for one to be belted. Are you thinking new or second hand?

chocolatechipcookiedough · 30/07/2015 14:51

our VW sharan has three isofix points. and a few more here -www.carwow.co.uk/blog/cars-3-isofix-child-seat-points-970

Tftpoo · 30/07/2015 15:32

We are looking at second hand. We've got a mondeo estate (59 plate, 35,000 miles) to trade in plus somewhere in the region of £2-3k to spend.

We had a look at a car supermarket this afternoon and seem to have narrowed it down to the Galaxy, 5008, Picasso (7 seats) and Insignia if we are insistent on 3 isofix points. DH did not fit in the Renault. The choice is obviously a lot wider if we decide to go for 2 isofix plus a belted seat. We have had skodas before and loved them so the superb might be a good option, thanks for the suggestion.

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Tftpoo · 30/07/2015 15:34

Thanks for the link chocolatechip. It was that article that made us look at an s-max but they only have two isofix points, not three as it says in the article. The rest of it seems accurate though.

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AliceMum09 · 31/07/2015 22:59

The Peugeot 5008 has isofix on all three of the middle row seats.

We have one, it's a really nice car. The only isofix seat I've ever had though is a Britax Kidfix high backed booster, all the others are seatbelt fitted. Isofix is just a simpler method of fitting child seats, not a safer one, and very annoyingly most big family cars have those stupid underfloor storage boxes which cause no end of complications with the support legs on isofix seats.

Bikegirl77 · 01/08/2015 22:08

We have a 60 plate s max and it definitely has 3 ISOFIX points in the back. We have 2yo twins and an 8 yo in a hbb, all ISOFIX seats.

MyNameIsFled · 01/08/2015 22:11

my dads 58 plate qashqai has 3 isofix points in the back

Helish · 01/08/2015 22:12

We have a Seat Alhambra, we have a three year old and twins so needed the isofix points as well. It has three full seats across the middle and we can easily get three car seats in. Recommend the sliding door model, it's saved us a few times with small spaces/inconsiderate parking

Tftpoo · 02/08/2015 09:20

Thanks again for your suggestions. It looks like some s-maxs have 3 isofix points and some don't. Maybe it's an optional extra? I quite like the look of the s-max, not as big as the galaxy and relatively cheap to buy and run. We'll have to keep an eye out for ones with 3 isofix points.

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AliBingo · 05/08/2015 17:39

Another vote for the VW sharan. The 3rd row also has isofix so you get 5 isofix seats altogether. Likewise the Seat Alhambra which is the same car rebadged.

PennilynLott · 05/08/2015 17:50

Picasso c4 grande has three in the back. Not sure if the front passenger is.

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