Should I give in to an S-max?

[ms00skr]

We have a 4 year old and are due twins in March. We need a car that can accommodate 3 kids in the back. Not just any 3 kids: 2 babies in maxi cosi's with isofix and a group 3 high backed booster (we're going to get a narrow booster which measures 41cm at the back and 43cm at the front.

I really don't want an S-max/MPV but little else gives me the guaranteed space. I need clarity!

This is mumsnet right?

[fb2]

Short answer is yes.

We have twins (5 yr olds) and a 2 yr old and have had ours since the thrird arrived. From a functional point of view it's perfect and it's neither expensive to run nor nearly as awful to drive as you might expect.

It does take a change in mindset though, it's purpose is to safely carry your family, not be a great driving machine.

[anonymous-user]

No. Range Rover.

Or Disco if want 7 seats.

[bga]

I had same dilemma a 5 y/o with twins on the way. Smax made sense and still does a couple of years on. I would like a Discovery but that will probably wait until the twins go to school.

[PorkFan]

surely a 5 series/E class/A6 estate could take 3 car seats comfortably and you have a wide range of year/price/engine etc to choose from

[dave_s13]

PorkFan said:

surely a 5 series/E class/A6 estate could take 3 car seats comfortably and you have a wide range of year/price/engine etc to choose from

No, they just don't unfortunately.

Disco is a cooler, more characterful car but probably cost twice as much to run.

Can't go wrong with the Smax/galaxy.

[Willy Nilly]

Can't think of a single reason for the OP not to buy one. Had a ride across country in a Galaxy with 4 mates and a load of luggage a few years ago and it was a lovely car to be a passenger in.

[caelite]

Zafira VXR, pal has one after being whipped by his wife into replacing his car with a 7 seater (because her clio was more important than the Focus ST that has been his pride and joy for years but idk) and he actually loves the thing to bits, its an absolute hoot to watch hoon down country roads & outdrags an embarrassing amount of hot hatches.

Just an idea if you want something fun, they are getting a bit long in the tooth (think they stopped in 2010) but there are plenty of immaculate examples about and the values are holding pretty consistent, Vauxhall definitely have a monopoly on the very niche market of fun family buses.

[trev540]

I hired a Galaxy last year to take the 4 grandkids on holiday with us and was dreading it. Have to admit that it was a nice drive with lots of toys for me to fiddle with,nice seating that could be moved about to suit your needs and as it was a hire car I expect it was not the top line model.

[Trabi601]

In the interest of tradition, I'll recommend what I bought recently.

A Japanese import Toyota Alphard.

They may not feel great value on first look - you're looking at 10-14 year old cars for £8-£10k.

However... they're really high spec., incredibly well built, absolutely vast inside (yet smaller on the outside than my 5 series) and come with a Lexus 3.0 V6. Get it LPG converted and you'll see the 'cost equivalent' of 46mpg.

I adore ours, never thought I'd say that about an MPV!

[jimmytheone]

Our old a6 my11 would not have fitted 3 cars seats across the back, even a slim adult struggled between 2 maxi cosi's.

We finally gave in to an smax, its been brilliant. Rarely use all 7 seats but its v handy if kids invite friends home from school or the grandparents join us on a day trip.
When its just the 4 of us there's plenty of space, middle row of seats slide so you can push that all the way back and then the urchins cant kick the seats in front
When its just me i can bring out my inner van man, either loading it to the hilt with stuff or using the driving position to make progress

Fwiw ours is a 170bhp tdi with powershift/dsg and whilst it isn't a rocket ship it goes well enough and is quite fun to punt around. Its less dull than previous Audi a6
Also has the most comfy seats, heated too

[Joe M]

Got a new model s-max 1.5 petrol this year and its just the perfect family 5 seater, with the bonus of the extra 2 seats for rare use. Do it.
Also got an M3 for less practical use.

[ZX10R NIN]

Another option is to buy a Multimac unit they're around £1000




So now you don't have to get the S Max although it is a good car.

[rallycross]

If you are buying used then yes the S-Max is the best choice - great to drive and does not feel like a big wobbly people carrier - it's just like a Mondeo to drive (ie very good).

Brilliant for long trips as very good driving position and loads of room in the back.

Relatively cheap to buy and cheap to run.

Don't let anyone put you off just because of the Ford badge - the S-Max is a brilliant all-rounder if you need lots of space but still want to enjoy your driving.

[junglie]

I was in the same position recently - needed 3 full size car seats that won't fit across the back of a Mk3 Mondeo or E39 and did not want to get one of the special fit seats.

We now have a Mercedes R500 as our number 3 car and it is great!

[stumpage]

ZX10R NIN said:

Another option is to buy a Multimac unit they're around £1000




So now you don't have to get the S Max although it is a good car.

That won't work with two baby seats for new born.

[Rtype]

My brother in law has had this exact predicament, last month in fact. He was resigned to the S-max however, the new VW Tiguan fitted 2 car seats (for a 1 yr old and 2 yr old) & then a baby seat in the back row.

[jamiem555]

As a parent of twins, we have since become friends with other families with twins. The most popular car amongst the other twin parents who have an extra sprog is the S Max.

Our twins are our first and definitely our last children.

[Grunt Futtock]

What about the version of the S-Max with the 2.5T Focus ST engine in? http://www.evo.co.uk/ford/s-max

[bga]

TBH may as well go for the diesel. The 2.5T is a nice engine but you'll not really find yourself enjoying it with the family in the car as it needs to be worked a fair bit to get the best out of it.