Little and Large?
Discussion
Evening all,
Just looking for some friendly advice, hope this is the correct place to ask.
We are a family of four (ages 11 & 8) with baby on the way. We are in the market for a large car capable of transporting the (soon to be) five of us comfortably. Having read up extensively, it seems that the S-Max could be our best and most practical option (still open to suggestions, though). We have also looked at the 7-seater Hyundai Santa Fe as we live in a very rural area (the "main road" is a single track lane, off a single track lane) that receives fairly copious amounts of snow in Winter. I think, though, we would prefer the S-Max with winter tyres for this, as we rarely need to drive "off road". We think we need a 7 seater as we will probably need the option in case the kids have friends round etc (open to suggestions on this also).
Other than some advice on the former, I also wanted to hear people's opinions on whether it might be worth getting a second vehicle for myself, my partner and baby to run around town etc. in during the week. Perhaps something a little more fun, practical and economical than the S-Max to drive on a daily basis.
Any input greatly appreciated!
Just looking for some friendly advice, hope this is the correct place to ask.
We are a family of four (ages 11 & 8) with baby on the way. We are in the market for a large car capable of transporting the (soon to be) five of us comfortably. Having read up extensively, it seems that the S-Max could be our best and most practical option (still open to suggestions, though). We have also looked at the 7-seater Hyundai Santa Fe as we live in a very rural area (the "main road" is a single track lane, off a single track lane) that receives fairly copious amounts of snow in Winter. I think, though, we would prefer the S-Max with winter tyres for this, as we rarely need to drive "off road". We think we need a 7 seater as we will probably need the option in case the kids have friends round etc (open to suggestions on this also).
Other than some advice on the former, I also wanted to hear people's opinions on whether it might be worth getting a second vehicle for myself, my partner and baby to run around town etc. in during the week. Perhaps something a little more fun, practical and economical than the S-Max to drive on a daily basis.
Any input greatly appreciated!
I always recommend a C4 Grand Picasso in these threads. They're cheaper than the S-Max and a softer more comfortable ride, especially with the rear pneumatic suspension. Ours is 5 years old now, and has been perfect for family duties and has never gone wrong.
The S-Max is more of a drivers car though and you can get a turbocharged 2.5 litre one, but it depends what you're after.
The S-Max is more of a drivers car though and you can get a turbocharged 2.5 litre one, but it depends what you're after.
ModernAndy said:
Does the S-Max appeal because of its 'more sporty than the average MPV' nature?
Yeah, I'd say so. I have driven the C-Max in the past and found that not too bad in driving terms, closer to what I'm used to than the less sporty MPVs.. can't imagine the S-Max is much different? TheTurbonator said:
I always recommend a C4 Grand Picasso in these threads. They're cheaper than the S-Max and a softer more comfortable ride, especially with the rear pneumatic suspension. Ours is 5 years old now, and has been perfect for family duties and has never gone wrong.
The S-Max is more of a drivers car though and you can get a turbocharged 2.5 litre one, but it depends what you're after.
I hope I haven't missed a million similar threads that probably answer this question?! I will have a look at the C4GP. I think we'd be most likely to consider the 2.0 TDCi.The S-Max is more of a drivers car though and you can get a turbocharged 2.5 litre one, but it depends what you're after.
Forgot to mention has to be automatic.
fritzolaf said:
TheTurbonator said:
I always recommend a C4 Grand Picasso in these threads. They're cheaper than the S-Max and a softer more comfortable ride, especially with the rear pneumatic suspension. Ours is 5 years old now, and has been perfect for family duties and has never gone wrong.
The S-Max is more of a drivers car though and you can get a turbocharged 2.5 litre one, but it depends what you're after.
I hope I haven't missed a million similar threads that probably answer this question?! I will have a look at the C4GP. I think we'd be most likely to consider the 2.0 TDCi.The S-Max is more of a drivers car though and you can get a turbocharged 2.5 litre one, but it depends what you're after.
Forgot to mention has to be automatic.
fritzolaf said:
Yeah, I'd say so. I have driven the C-Max in the past and found that not too bad in driving terms, closer to what I'm used to than the less sporty MPVs.. can't imagine the S-Max is much different?
There are definitely cars that drive as well but not many with the sporty styling. Pug 5008? Qashqai+2? Chelsea Tractor?ModernAndy said:
There are definitely cars that drive as well but not many with the sporty styling. Pug 5008? Qashqai+2? Chelsea Tractor?
Looked at the Qashqai+2 but thought not big enough - not enough boot space with rear seats up and not enough middle seat space with rear seats down. Would rather not have to use the extra seats unless for emergencies (transporting kids friends etc.) and so probably need 3 proper seats in the second row. It probably wouldn't be so confusing if we didn't have a child who is practically out of child seat territory as all the threads discussing this on other forums seem to be concerned with fitting three child seats rather than child seats and one normal passenger..TheTurbonator said:
The C4GP auto is an automatic clutch system and also can be switched to semi-automatic mode and is called an Efficient Tronic Gearbox. Some complain of jerkyness but this was mainly a fault with early cars. With a budget of £30 000 you'll be able to afford the newest facelifted models so shouldn't have any problems. If you are buying second-hand though make sure you test the gearbox thoroughly.
I will definitely take a closer look. Think it looks like a good possibility.kapiteinlangzaam said:
Considered a Volvo XC90?
£30k will get a very nicely specced brand new car, or spend £20k on a lightly used one.
7 seats, 4WD, automatic, huge and practical, all the toys, good image (IMO), and a general all round good-egg.
I agree that the XC90 is a good car but I'd go for a used one as it is on its way towards an update and I personally wouldn't spend a lot of money on a new one just for it to look quite dated in a year or two. There are very good lease deals on them I believe£30k will get a very nicely specced brand new car, or spend £20k on a lightly used one.
7 seats, 4WD, automatic, huge and practical, all the toys, good image (IMO), and a general all round good-egg.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Id take lightly used as well, but the new option exists for those who must drive it off the forecourt 
Just looked at your profile, I see what you mean. Did you know the first ever shipment of XC90's to the UK (I think it was the first lot anyway) ended up at the bottom of the sea? My friends mum had one on order, got a full 6 months of ripping the piss out of him till their replacement one arrived.yo are nothe first asking this.... 
we are a family of 5 (2,4,6), we run 2 daily cars..
a lease 308SW which is OK..
and my Impreza WRX wagon.
now the 308SW will take all 5 of us (2 full kiddie chairs and a booster in back)
but most days we run with myself + eldest in the Impreza to school and other 2 with mum to kindergarden. Mum collects all 3 end of day with eldest in the front and 2 in back.
This makes it easiest for us time wise in the morning.
Also the few time we all go somewhere, we can get in the 308SW without issues. Getting all 3 in the back, whilst NOT a squeeze, is not roomy.
Your ledest will be 14 in 3 years, so pretty much full grown (boy?) so maybe a 2 car option might be a better bet, we dont do alot of big journey/holidays in the car, so no 4 hour trips squeezed in the back. So the cost of traveling to same place if we wanted to in 2 cars is not a big issue..
in which case, just go n choose 2 cars that will fit 4 or 5 in a squeeze.
NB: make sure the cars can disable the front airbag for the baby seat.
The 308SW might not have been our first choice, but it was available within days of the request.. newish alternatives are
Toyota Verso.
Pug 5008 (we liked this,7 seat an option)
Citroen/Pug Berlingo/Partner (cheap but roomy+Flexi seating, so 2+2+1 an option).
Citroen C4 Picasso
VW Touran,
Honda FRV (3+3 seats) is liked by many here but newest is 2009.
then the MPV's (more $$, more space) Seat Alhambra, Ford Galaxy...
Vik
we are a family of 5 (2,4,6), we run 2 daily cars..
a lease 308SW which is OK..
and my Impreza WRX wagon.
now the 308SW will take all 5 of us (2 full kiddie chairs and a booster in back)
but most days we run with myself + eldest in the Impreza to school and other 2 with mum to kindergarden. Mum collects all 3 end of day with eldest in the front and 2 in back.
This makes it easiest for us time wise in the morning.
Also the few time we all go somewhere, we can get in the 308SW without issues. Getting all 3 in the back, whilst NOT a squeeze, is not roomy.
Your ledest will be 14 in 3 years, so pretty much full grown (boy?) so maybe a 2 car option might be a better bet, we dont do alot of big journey/holidays in the car, so no 4 hour trips squeezed in the back. So the cost of traveling to same place if we wanted to in 2 cars is not a big issue..
in which case, just go n choose 2 cars that will fit 4 or 5 in a squeeze.
NB: make sure the cars can disable the front airbag for the baby seat.
The 308SW might not have been our first choice, but it was available within days of the request.. newish alternatives are
Toyota Verso.
Pug 5008 (we liked this,7 seat an option)
Citroen/Pug Berlingo/Partner (cheap but roomy+Flexi seating, so 2+2+1 an option).
Citroen C4 Picasso
VW Touran,
Honda FRV (3+3 seats) is liked by many here but newest is 2009.
then the MPV's (more $$, more space) Seat Alhambra, Ford Galaxy...
Vik
My Evil Twin said:
yo are nothe first asking this....
we are a family of 5 (2,4,6), we run 2 daily cars..
a lease 308SW which is OK..
and my Impreza WRX wagon.
now the 308SW will take all 5 of us (2 full kiddie chairs and a booster in back)
but most days we run with myself + eldest in the Impreza to school and other 2 with mum to kindergarden. Mum collects all 3 end of day with eldest in the front and 2 in back.
This makes it easiest for us time wise in the morning.
Also the few time we all go somewhere, we can get in the 308SW without issues. Getting all 3 in the back, whilst NOT a squeeze, is not roomy.
Your ledest will be 14 in 3 years, so pretty much full grown (boy?) so maybe a 2 car option might be a better bet, we dont do alot of big journey/holidays in the car, so no 4 hour trips squeezed in the back. So the cost of traveling to same place if we wanted to in 2 cars is not a big issue..
in which case, just go n choose 2 cars that will fit 4 or 5 in a squeeze.
NB: make sure the cars can disable the front airbag for the baby seat.
The 308SW might not have been our first choice, but it was available within days of the request.. newish alternatives are
Toyota Verso.
Pug 5008 (we liked this,7 seat an option)
Citroen/Pug Berlingo/Partner (cheap but roomy+Flexi seating, so 2+2+1 an option).
Citroen C4 Picasso
VW Touran,
Honda FRV (3+3 seats) is liked by many here but newest is 2009.
then the MPV's (more $$, more space) Seat Alhambra, Ford Galaxy...
Vik
Brilliant, exactly the info I need. I think the 308sw has a proper seat in the middle of the second row? What is the leg room in the middle second like also? The thing about a proper 7 seater is that we are only going to be using it if we need extra space for the 5 of us, or very very occasionally to bring a friend home from school etc. seems like an estate with 3 proper second row seats (even if they are quite small) and a very large boot with the option of 7 seats occasionally might be more useful. Maybe an e class? Not sure they have three proper seats in the back, and the seats in the boot are rear facing so probably pretty dangerous?!we are a family of 5 (2,4,6), we run 2 daily cars..
a lease 308SW which is OK..
and my Impreza WRX wagon.
now the 308SW will take all 5 of us (2 full kiddie chairs and a booster in back)
but most days we run with myself + eldest in the Impreza to school and other 2 with mum to kindergarden. Mum collects all 3 end of day with eldest in the front and 2 in back.
This makes it easiest for us time wise in the morning.
Also the few time we all go somewhere, we can get in the 308SW without issues. Getting all 3 in the back, whilst NOT a squeeze, is not roomy.
Your ledest will be 14 in 3 years, so pretty much full grown (boy?) so maybe a 2 car option might be a better bet, we dont do alot of big journey/holidays in the car, so no 4 hour trips squeezed in the back. So the cost of traveling to same place if we wanted to in 2 cars is not a big issue..
in which case, just go n choose 2 cars that will fit 4 or 5 in a squeeze.
NB: make sure the cars can disable the front airbag for the baby seat.
The 308SW might not have been our first choice, but it was available within days of the request.. newish alternatives are
Toyota Verso.
Pug 5008 (we liked this,7 seat an option)
Citroen/Pug Berlingo/Partner (cheap but roomy+Flexi seating, so 2+2+1 an option).
Citroen C4 Picasso
VW Touran,
Honda FRV (3+3 seats) is liked by many here but newest is 2009.
then the MPV's (more $$, more space) Seat Alhambra, Ford Galaxy...
Vik
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