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Original poster

PEOPLE CARRIER/MPV ADVICE

44 replies

loopyredangel · 23/04/2007 10:43

We are expecting our second child in November and my humble Astra will be too small to fit more than one other adult in the car! Thinking of getting a 7 seater, any recommendations please?

OP posts:
BethBoo · 23/04/2007 13:54

Congratulations! We had a similar panic dd2 due in July and we finally decided on Renault Scenic. I didn?t want more than a 5 for us but you can seat 7 in a Renault Grande Scenic
Renault site
Its really comfortable economical and has a fantastic safety record. On the downside my DH does insist on calling it the mummy wagon! I think that the Renault Espace can seat 7!

Good luck

Loopymumsy · 23/04/2007 19:47

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swedishmum · 23/04/2007 20:10

Congratulations! I didn't give in to the MPV until no. 4 but we now have a Chrysler Grand Voyager - not cheap but space for loads of people plus pushchair and shopping. I still feel old with it - have a little Mazda sitting outside but now rarely get to drive it

SoupDragon · 23/04/2007 20:11

Why do you need a 7 seater for 2 children??

ComeOVeneer · 23/04/2007 20:14

We hiresthe Toyota corrolla verso last year on holiday and it wasfab. It isa 7 seater 5=2 like the ford s max, but I comfortably sat in the back fold up seat for a journey over an hour and I am 5ft 6. Folded flat the boot is huge and it is lovely to drive. We will be trding in our car for one very soon. I agree if you are expecting no.2 a full blown 7 seater is a bit unecessary.

theslownorris · 23/04/2007 20:23

Exactly what I was thinking Soupdragon. We managed with a VW Golf for 3 children (2 of them twins). It's only now that no4 has come along we've gone for an MPV.

improvingslowly · 23/04/2007 20:23

we have a hyundia trajet - 7 seater, cheaper than many other mpvs, excellent all round and 5 yr warranty

PeachyChocolateEClair · 23/04/2007 20:25

Don't think you really need a 7 seater for 2 kids but if there are factots here we don't now about (eh we have 3 kids in ours which gets us ranted at but apart from the SN stuff, we use it to ferry my aprents who don't drive and Mum isn't very mobile).

Anyway. I have a Renault Espace (ancient model LOL), its great, we're really pleased. OWuld have thought a Megane might be more up your street- but if you're set on the 7 seater (and if you need a new car and are planning no 3 quickly for instance it might be a good option). Anyway, Dh says he'd always buy raenault after this one if thats any good.

theslownorris · 23/04/2007 20:27

OK fair enough Peachy

PeachyChocolateEClair · 23/04/2007 20:38

Did I sound stressy? Sorry didnt mean to- 5 exams today (timetabling error at Uni grrrrr).

We found a proton persona great fro 3 kids.

Original poster
loopyredangel · 23/04/2007 22:52

Hiya Soup dragon - I need a seven seater for me, hubby, 2 kids, my mum, pair of crutches, double buggy, and paraphanalia that comes free with a family. LOL!

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Original poster
loopyredangel · 23/04/2007 22:55

Also - hubby is over 6ft, I'm 5ft9, need the leg room - ooh and possibly a wheelchair for when I become a cripple again thanks to my dodgy pelvis.

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Busybean · 23/04/2007 22:59

surely something like a picasso would be more beneficial?-5 seats, 3 full size back seats and a hugggggggge boot

Original poster
loopyredangel · 23/04/2007 22:59

hiya peachy, know what you mean - my mum doesn't drive, and I will need some support when I become wheelchair bound again. I also have very close elderly grandparents who are quite poorly. God, this family sounds like its falling apart.

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Busybean · 23/04/2007 23:00

have a look on ebay to see how big they are inside

Original poster
loopyredangel · 23/04/2007 23:01

Thanks everyone for the info x

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SoupDragon · 24/04/2007 11:32

I'm surprised you can fit all that (minus one child) in an astra

PeachyChocolateEClair · 24/04/2007 15:04

Soupy ypu'd be amazed! We used to cope with everything for a weeks camping plus all 5 of us in pur Persona LOL! How I'll never know- the Renault is a blessing!

FioFio · 24/04/2007 15:07

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SoupDragon · 24/04/2007 15:39

LOL! I'm a shallow kind of person, I buy my cars on looks alone

Original poster
loopyredangel · 25/04/2007 11:37

I must admit I like the way a car looks, thats why I am finding it so difficult to find a nice looking MPV. They either look like vans or taxis!

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poppyh · 25/04/2007 11:42

I have heard really good things about the fiat multipla. Very economical and has extra seat in front. If you can get over its funny look I imagine these are good!

PeachyChocolateEClair · 25/04/2007 12:07

We dor efer to ours as the van, and joke that Dh could use as a taxi if we're broke anytime.

The Fiat Multipla is an option, as poppyh said. Also Volvo do a 7 seater estate, though I'd check boot space etc.

DH thinks the Chrysler one is the best looking, with the Kia (I think?) second.

poppyh · 25/04/2007 12:20

I have an ancient renault megane scenic and 3 kids and it has always provided enough space. My dh loves his scenic, it will have to die a horrific death before we would part with it!

imnot27 · 25/04/2007 12:23

Hi, I've done years of research into MPVs (honestly!), made a big mistake getting a Zafira, we now have an S-MAX, and LOVE it! It's so comfy and easy to put seats up/down, literally 10 seconds. Lots of issues put me off others, eg Espace is the most unreliable people carrier on the market, Kia Sedona and Chrysler Voyagers don't do well in the euro NCAP safety tests, Fiat notoriously unreliable! parkers.co.uk is really good website to lookk at, too.