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http://www.cargiant.co.uk are the Decathlon of cars
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Ford S max
Ford Galaxy
Sharan and Touran are a bit pricey but maybe I get luckyI don't know about the others, but I remember when shopping around (for the same reasons) that these all have 3x separate sears in the rear, meaning loads of space for child seats.
I've had a mk1 Touran for 4 years now and it's decent IMO. You can also take out the 3x rear seats and it'll swallow so much stuff. You also get the SUV driving height without the cunt status, and it's only marginally longer than a Golf I believe. The only thing I really hate is the lack of spare wheel, so now I have a spacesaver bungee-strapped in the boot. -
Buy my Honda civic estate. Will do all the above.
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Y u no Berlingo ?
Vans are great for hauling families.
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The Zafira is the one with pressed steel dropouts in the decathlon range. But probably sufficient and the bangernomics choice.
I'd go for the Ford or VW. Have a look at them in person and make a call on what you need irl. My BiL who is very research orientated and shops keenly, bought one of the Ford something-Maxes. That's a massive ✅ in my book. He also bought a Yeti before they were cool.
Octavia is Golf sized so won't resolve your back seat issues. Superb is the same as a Passat, so you could add that. Although the Superb should be cheaper you'll struggle with no-diesel options so it's good to have a wider net.
Given you're talking about adults in the back though I think you need an MPV.
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I loved my old SMax ‘van’ the convertible rear seats are great.
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I'd definitely avoid ULEZ friendly diesels, the emissions stuff is just too complicated and unreliable. Unless you're doing lots of miles, I'd go for an older non-turbo petrol and something with 3 proper seats, since an Octavia or Superb will still be tight in the back. Something like this should be pretty bulletproof
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Just do Berlingo, get something with low miles, and get it serviced annually. AA cover is cheap if you want it. Easy as.
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From your list I would avoid the Vauxhall Zafira like the plague. Horrible things and very underpowered. Plus they are something of an orphan now that Vauxhall/Opel is part of Stellantis and not General Motors anymore.
I would also not bother with the Octavia or Superb. A baby seat is going to be about the same width as an adult. I've tried it and 3 adults even in the back of a Passat is a tight squeeze, and the Skodas are no wider. I think you need to look only at the MPVs on the list.For me the best one on your list would be the S Max. Big enough to do the job, small enough to not feel like a bus.
I wouldn't touch the berlingo, as it is homologated as a van (which of course it basically is). According to Citroën's website:
"Petrol & diesel versions of Berlingo are homologated as light goods vehicle under 3.5 tonnes, due to having a mesh bulkhead. Therefore:
Like LCVs, this vehicle will be subject to a speed limit of 50 mph on non-residential single carriageways, 60 mph on dual carriageways, and 70 mph on motorways.
The vehicle will show as an LCV on the V5 registration document. Customers may also be required to pay the higher LCV toll road charges (where appliable). For example, the VED will be charged at the fixed rate per year in line with other light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, rather than being based on the CO2 rating.
Berlingo will have a mesh bulkhead behind the second row of seats. This will result in a slightly steeper backrest angle for the row 2 seats as compared with ë-Berlingo passenger vehicle (18º vs 23º)." -
Dacia Jogger
Loads of space
Not an SUV
Comes in a small petrol engine
The interior is quite pleasant to be in
Theres an optional extra camping bed for inside -
will factor in AA inspection
Cant help from a car choice perspective but I thoroughly recommend these inspections to anyone looking to buy from a private seller (even one you know/trust). Saved me thousands in stopping me buying a LEMON audi estate once. Definitely worth the couple hundred quid for the inspection
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@amey
Whats DHB/Decathlon of cars?
My purpose is to haul family of 5 (parents, us and a child) for longer trips. I currently own a Fabia estate, absolutely amazing car except when 3 people have to sit at the back; very narrow with a child car seat. Its primo bangernomics, bought for £2k pre pandemic and had 2 owners and 95k miles on clock, its been absolutely fine.
I am looking for a similar economics; i know I cant get anything for £2k; can stretch to £10k. need to be slightly wider at the back with no compromise in boot space, the Fabia I have has 480 litre boot. I was looking at:
I know nothing about cars so I would buy from a dealer OR if its a really good deal with a private seller will factor in AA inspection.
What else should I look at? Are the cars on the list absolute shit?
Pls help.