7 Seater cars - any recommendations?

[pinkmama]

It is time for my dh to get new lease car through work. Think we could do with 7 seater, but restricted to under £20K. Don't really want a big MPV. Could do with extra seats for ferrying around dd's friends and we have a lot of visitors by train, so would be useful, but not necessary every day as we only have 2 kids and one on way. Seem to be loads of options, anyone got any experiences to share?

oops sorry pinkmama, for some strange reason i didnt read the opriginal message and justvread lou's

hope you find something you like

I'd never had a Toyota before and I have to say was fairly reluctant to buy the Previa.

I can honestly say I'll never have anything else now! Lovely to drive, VERY reliable and well-made.

whats a C8?

Jampots

It's a Citreon

here

I'm absolutely useless at doing links

look at this

The Fiat Panda has 2 extra seats - but it's very small (and not auto) We got a Fiat Uylesse which is fantastic - sliding doors boot space for 2 double buggies, auto,I love it

Couldn't stand the other Fiat (Multipla?) but the new model is a bit better

pinkmam or anyone else who has seen a Verso in the flesh - do the 6 and 7 seats live in the car and then fold away when not needed and could you just put one of them up, so then you get some boot space and just one spare seat in the back???

yes beachyhead, they do live in it, but fold completely flat into the floor, and you can put one down at a time. Very flexible I have to say. Sound like an add now!

Are you due in August too? We are in EXACTLY the same position as you!!!!!

I've got a renault grand espace. I think its fab, but it is huge. I still manage to fill it though! I've got the old style, its about 4 years old and I think its nicer than the new version.

Everything else being equal I would buy a Toyota over a Renault every time. But the Renault is a lot bigger...

Clarkson's review of the Verso . Note what he says about the Grand Scenic!
Ch 4 Grand Scenic review . Has pic of rear seat access - very neat.
Ch 4 Verso review

If we could afford one I'd be v tempted by the Grand Scenic...

Hi beachyhead, I am due on 29th july, so quite likely an august baby. Whens your due date?

27th, but likely to arrive early either by accident or by choice (not mine, doctors....) so I reckon 1st week of August....

Think Jimjams has a Grand Scenic - she is around atm !!

We have a Zafira at the moment but dh has been tempted to buy a Jeep Cherokee that a relative is selling for an amazing price. It's a very nice car but the boot isn't as big as the Zafira and worried about giving up the boot space and two extra seats in the back (which we've never used - but nice to have). Does anybody else have a Jeep?

I tested nearly every mpv on the market & finally chose the peugeot 807. It's basically the same car as the c8. We used to have a bmw 5 series (basically a big estate). The length isn't hardly any difference, it's a bit wider & a lot higher. The extra headroom is fantastic, so much easier to get the kids in & out. the boot is huge when only 5 seats & still a good size with 7. The electronic slidey doors are fab, honestly don't know if I could get another car without them. I didn't like the previa - too flimsy & just not as good. I found the Grand Espace just not very well designed inside and not so easy/comfortable to drive. To be absolutely honest if you have 3 kids , well, 2 + 1 on the way, and often have visitors, I'd definitely not rule out an mpv. That way you have the boot space and a much more comfortable ride. I find the mpv (peugeot 807) much better then the bmw estate. We'll be getting a new car in a year, so will look at a few again to compare, but fully expect to get another 807

Does anyone know if the Subaru Legacy has extra seats in the back? I really like the Verso, but it doesn't really have a lot of poke and after driving our slug of an Audi for three years, I need some Speed!!!!!! So which of the below, and not the big MPV's has the best speed.....

I don't think there is a 7 seater Subaru. Friend just had to trade hers in cos she couldn't get 3 seats across back of it easily , although I think it was an Outback, and couldn't get an alternative so got a Volvo instead.