best car... family 4 + dog
Discussion
Hi
We recentely became a family of 4 and have a dog, and currently have a Toyota Auris.
I have been looking at mid size 4x4 VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga and the likes also the big car/MPVs the Toyota Verso, Ford Grand Cmax and estates VW passat, Toyata Auris etc
I have an affordable budget but cant look at mercs, audi or BMWs so above styles only really.
Anyway the 2 main things I really need is enough room in the back for 2 car seats (2.5y/o and 3 month, room for another adult in the back i.e Grandad and secondly a boot good enough to be split in half, one half for the dog the other half for buggie and day bags etc that go with kids day outs!!
We really struugle with the Auris as we cant get anyone else in the back, grandard takes his car at the moment but would be nice to go all together. Also with the dog we cant take him and the buggie, which means we also need to take another car, or if just going a short trip he can sit in the front footwell, but hes a choc lab and absloutly hates this spot in the car!!!
So what would people recommend big enough for 2 car seats and adult in back, boot big enough for day trips with the dog and some day packs?
I realise that a roof top box is going to be a must for anytghing overnight or longer, but for now just going away with the dog and kids for the day and grandad all together would be great.
We recentely became a family of 4 and have a dog, and currently have a Toyota Auris.
I have been looking at mid size 4x4 VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga and the likes also the big car/MPVs the Toyota Verso, Ford Grand Cmax and estates VW passat, Toyata Auris etc
I have an affordable budget but cant look at mercs, audi or BMWs so above styles only really.
Anyway the 2 main things I really need is enough room in the back for 2 car seats (2.5y/o and 3 month, room for another adult in the back i.e Grandad and secondly a boot good enough to be split in half, one half for the dog the other half for buggie and day bags etc that go with kids day outs!!
We really struugle with the Auris as we cant get anyone else in the back, grandard takes his car at the moment but would be nice to go all together. Also with the dog we cant take him and the buggie, which means we also need to take another car, or if just going a short trip he can sit in the front footwell, but hes a choc lab and absloutly hates this spot in the car!!!
So what would people recommend big enough for 2 car seats and adult in back, boot big enough for day trips with the dog and some day packs?
I realise that a roof top box is going to be a must for anytghing overnight or longer, but for now just going away with the dog and kids for the day and grandad all together would be great.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Any reason you are ruling out a Volvo XC90.
Designed and built to do specifically the jobs you describe, no 'bad' image, a bit of 4x4 capability and just about the safest car on the road.
Not to mention can be had with the D5 engine, much better than the 4-cyl units in the competitors. And a great interior.Designed and built to do specifically the jobs you describe, no 'bad' image, a bit of 4x4 capability and just about the safest car on the road.
To the OP, congrats on the new arrival.
We went through this recently (2yo and 7 months) and wanted a one car option. (No dog though).
Ended up with a touareg and a 5 series estate.
Both cars take the family just fine. The problem comes when you add the third person (ie, grandparent). The 5 series is fractionally too narrow to be comfortable in the back in the middle. also, the boot space is slightly smaller than the VW.
The Toe rag is brilliant. comfortably fits 2 kids seats and an adult in the back and the boot is plenty big enough for dog, buggy and more besides. Looked at the XC90 and whilst its was OK, interior is robust but horribly drab. also, with the final row of seats up (which don't have isofix) you lose virtually all the boot space. with 2 kids seats in, you also cant really access the back seats without first taking out one of the kiddy seats.
I would suggest that an older 4x4 or an MPV is where your best bet lies. We didn't fancy an MPV (and again, with all the seating in use, check just how much boot space there really is) so went the 2nd hand 4x4 route.
Its no grand prix car, but its perfect for what we (and I suspect you) want to use it for.
We went through this recently (2yo and 7 months) and wanted a one car option. (No dog though).
Ended up with a touareg and a 5 series estate.
Both cars take the family just fine. The problem comes when you add the third person (ie, grandparent). The 5 series is fractionally too narrow to be comfortable in the back in the middle. also, the boot space is slightly smaller than the VW.
The Toe rag is brilliant. comfortably fits 2 kids seats and an adult in the back and the boot is plenty big enough for dog, buggy and more besides. Looked at the XC90 and whilst its was OK, interior is robust but horribly drab. also, with the final row of seats up (which don't have isofix) you lose virtually all the boot space. with 2 kids seats in, you also cant really access the back seats without first taking out one of the kiddy seats.
I would suggest that an older 4x4 or an MPV is where your best bet lies. We didn't fancy an MPV (and again, with all the seating in use, check just how much boot space there really is) so went the 2nd hand 4x4 route.
Its no grand prix car, but its perfect for what we (and I suspect you) want to use it for.
Toyota Avensis estate.
sat nav, reversing camera, 6 speed, we paid £7k from a Toyota dealer with 42,000 fTsh. only last month...2010 vintage, and 4.7metres long same as a Volvo v70.
.
2 boys 9/12 and a dog, boys into cyclo-cross, so also have roof bars/bike bars
fitted.
.
3 seat belts in the back. and loads of storage under the boot floor. and the seat fold flat for tip runs...
.
all this practical stuff means I get away with my SAAB AERO rag top...
sat nav, reversing camera, 6 speed, we paid £7k from a Toyota dealer with 42,000 fTsh. only last month...2010 vintage, and 4.7metres long same as a Volvo v70.
.
2 boys 9/12 and a dog, boys into cyclo-cross, so also have roof bars/bike bars
fitted.
.
3 seat belts in the back. and loads of storage under the boot floor. and the seat fold flat for tip runs...
.
all this practical stuff means I get away with my SAAB AERO rag top...
Edited by PAUL RUN on Tuesday 9th June 13:45
S-MAX!!!
It's massive inside and can take 3 car seats abreast. Also individually folding, reclining and sliding middle seats. Third row is fine for kids (car seats can go in there too) and an adult could cope for a short trip (although maybe not an oldie). In 5 seat mode the boot is vast.
Not only does the S-MAX do all the practical stuff brilliantly, it's actually a decent drive. No, really it is. Post '10 facelift is the one to go for and I think I have the pick of the range - Ecoboost petrol and Powershift DSG in the toys - r - us spec Titanium X Sport.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/s-max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNu1NgkKHo
It's massive inside and can take 3 car seats abreast. Also individually folding, reclining and sliding middle seats. Third row is fine for kids (car seats can go in there too) and an adult could cope for a short trip (although maybe not an oldie). In 5 seat mode the boot is vast.
Not only does the S-MAX do all the practical stuff brilliantly, it's actually a decent drive. No, really it is. Post '10 facelift is the one to go for and I think I have the pick of the range - Ecoboost petrol and Powershift DSG in the toys - r - us spec Titanium X Sport.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/s-max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNu1NgkKHo
ETA also looked at Passat estate and A6 estate. both have huge boots, but you still run into the width problem making an adult in the middle rear a tight squeeze with tricky access.
the other plus about the 4x4 is the climb up makes ingress into the middle between the car seats easier.
the other plus about the 4x4 is the climb up makes ingress into the middle between the car seats easier.
Dont' get me wrong, the volvo was OK. My wife was under the impression that with the 3rd row up, she'd still be able to put eh double buggy in the boot but that wasn't the case (which I suspect will be a consideration for the OP). You're also right in that, short of a sliding door MPV, access to a third row is going to be nigh on impossible with kids seats installed.
Hi
Thanks for all the posts and comments.
Not keen on the volvo and also cant stretch to the pice, I dont want to go above £15k if I can help it, and looking to but 2nd hand 3 year old maybe.
Getting an adult in the back with 2 car seats will be a bonus but if its not possible on the budget and styles then it is what it is, but I defiently need a boot space to take a choc lab and double buggie spilt 50/50ish
What has the best boot space out of the 3 styles estate, 4x4's meantioned or MPV I cant see us ever really using the 6/7th seats to be honest
Thanks for all the posts and comments.
Not keen on the volvo and also cant stretch to the pice, I dont want to go above £15k if I can help it, and looking to but 2nd hand 3 year old maybe.
Getting an adult in the back with 2 car seats will be a bonus but if its not possible on the budget and styles then it is what it is, but I defiently need a boot space to take a choc lab and double buggie spilt 50/50ish
What has the best boot space out of the 3 styles estate, 4x4's meantioned or MPV I cant see us ever really using the 6/7th seats to be honest
Dapster said:
S-MAX!!!
It's massive inside and can take 3 car seats abreast. Also individually folding, reclining and sliding middle seats. Third row is fine for kids (car seats can go in there too) and an adult could cope for a short trip (although maybe not an oldie). In 5 seat mode the boot is vast.
Not only does the S-MAX do all the practical stuff brilliantly, it's actually a decent drive. No, really it is. Post '10 facelift is the one to go for and I think I have the pick of the range - Ecoboost petrol and Powershift DSG in the toys - r - us spec Titanium X Sport.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/s-max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNu1NgkKHo
This. I too have the post-facelift Titatium X Sport with the Ecoboost engine and DSG box and it is superb. There is a new version out later this year too so used prices should be goodIt's massive inside and can take 3 car seats abreast. Also individually folding, reclining and sliding middle seats. Third row is fine for kids (car seats can go in there too) and an adult could cope for a short trip (although maybe not an oldie). In 5 seat mode the boot is vast.
Not only does the S-MAX do all the practical stuff brilliantly, it's actually a decent drive. No, really it is. Post '10 facelift is the one to go for and I think I have the pick of the range - Ecoboost petrol and Powershift DSG in the toys - r - us spec Titanium X Sport.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/s-max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNu1NgkKHo
I picked up a 46k mile 2008 2.0tdi Passat Estate last year from a family friend for £6000.
It certainly wasn't my first choice of car for family/bike/dog duties but it's proved brilliant.
I wouldn't want to spend much more on a car that has to work so hard (16k miles in little over a year), particularly as the inside is covered in fur and dog slobber. I'm a keen amateur detailer and trying to keep on top of the inside is never ending, particularly throughout winter.
I would like a Mazda CX7 but at around £6k you'd only pick up a petrol one which would come with high running costs.
Spending only part of your budget on a car for all eventualities may leave you with cash for something more fun for yourself...
It certainly wasn't my first choice of car for family/bike/dog duties but it's proved brilliant.
I wouldn't want to spend much more on a car that has to work so hard (16k miles in little over a year), particularly as the inside is covered in fur and dog slobber. I'm a keen amateur detailer and trying to keep on top of the inside is never ending, particularly throughout winter.
I would like a Mazda CX7 but at around £6k you'd only pick up a petrol one which would come with high running costs.
Spending only part of your budget on a car for all eventualities may leave you with cash for something more fun for yourself...
We have a Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav, full of toys, heated leather, bags of space, 40/20/40 split fold rears seats which is more useful than you would first think, great road manners, 170bhp petrol moves along nicely while returning a pretty reasonable MPG. Really is a great bit of kit would thouroughly recomend you have a look..
I think you should stick with the Japanese as you are used to reliability and small(ish) bills.
I'd stick with an estate and the diesel one of these
http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/civictourer/
is reliable, economic and has very clever rear seats.
If moving away from Japan the Skoda Octavia estate takes some beating for size v cost.
If you have a want to become a yummy mummy with small breasts and command driving position then the Mazda CX5, though SUV's are just for show in the main, impresses the neighbours who think you have arrived in the kingdom of middle class ....
I'd stick with an estate and the diesel one of these
http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/civictourer/
is reliable, economic and has very clever rear seats.
If moving away from Japan the Skoda Octavia estate takes some beating for size v cost.
If you have a want to become a yummy mummy with small breasts and command driving position then the Mazda CX5, though SUV's are just for show in the main, impresses the neighbours who think you have arrived in the kingdom of middle class ....
furtive said:
Dapster said:
S-MAX!!!
It's massive inside and can take 3 car seats abreast. Also individually folding, reclining and sliding middle seats. Third row is fine for kids (car seats can go in there too) and an adult could cope for a short trip (although maybe not an oldie). In 5 seat mode the boot is vast.
Not only does the S-MAX do all the practical stuff brilliantly, it's actually a decent drive. No, really it is. Post '10 facelift is the one to go for and I think I have the pick of the range - Ecoboost petrol and Powershift DSG in the toys - r - us spec Titanium X Sport.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/s-max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNu1NgkKHo
This. I too have the post-facelift Titatium X Sport with the Ecoboost engine and DSG box and it is superb. There is a new version out later this year too so used prices should be goodIt's massive inside and can take 3 car seats abreast. Also individually folding, reclining and sliding middle seats. Third row is fine for kids (car seats can go in there too) and an adult could cope for a short trip (although maybe not an oldie). In 5 seat mode the boot is vast.
Not only does the S-MAX do all the practical stuff brilliantly, it's actually a decent drive. No, really it is. Post '10 facelift is the one to go for and I think I have the pick of the range - Ecoboost petrol and Powershift DSG in the toys - r - us spec Titanium X Sport.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ford/s-max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNu1NgkKHo
We've got one and if you want to fit everyone in comfortably + doggy then the extra height in the boot vs the S-Max is invaluable. They are effectively the same car bar the rear 1/4. A full size human can sit in the back of a Galaxy no bother. Just fold one of the rear seats down and pooch is good to go too.
There are a bit boring but hugely practical and mines proving to be very reliable. /kissofdeath
If I could afford an audi estate, yip I'd go for that, but I cant.
Need to try and narrow the search down to style, what is the better boot sapce for what I need and estate or s-max, c-max grand styles?
I think the 4x4 what I would call city/school run 4x4 like the Ford kuga, the boot is just not going to work for what I need?
Need to try and narrow the search down to style, what is the better boot sapce for what I need and estate or s-max, c-max grand styles?
I think the 4x4 what I would call city/school run 4x4 like the Ford kuga, the boot is just not going to work for what I need?
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