Cheap 7 seater options??

[Davey Blueeyes]

So five of us are away for over three weeks to various parts of the UK in August and looking at the cost of hiring a seven-seater for the best part of a month has got me thinking about buying a cheap one for the trip and selling it when we are done! Hiring is well into 4 figures, although will be a no hassle option, but expensive.

Am I mad? I see some of the early XC90's are pretty cheap these days. Beyond that, I haven't got a clue about such things as seven-seaters!

Who has the inside track on cheap big old lumps???

[MrAverage]

Best bet has got to be an old galaxy or Toyota estima

Reliable old boats

[RazerSauber]

The Zafira seems to be fairly omnipresent. If not, try S-Max/Galaxy?

Citroen Picasso's seem to be popular near me too, and look quite funky by comparison. VW Touran maybe?

For sheer sale-ability, I'd go for Zafira. Seem to be cheap and plentiful. Spend an hour or 2 cleaning it when you want rid and should get what you paid for it without too much hassle I would suspect.

[Plate spinner]

We had a VW Sharan for a few years.
A bit van-like to drive but was great for Euro trips. There was only 4 of us so the huge boot was great for camping.

[LarsG]

Get the bus

[Stridey]

A Previa.

It’s mid engined.

Nice Hoovies review... https://youtu.be/70mWGEzHakw

Edited by Stridey on Monday 13th May 18:59

[ZX10R NIN]

Grand Voyager/Espace/Galaxy/Zafira etc.

[Down and out]

Zafira is a bit cramped for 5, 3 of the seats are small, better off with a Galaxy all seats are pretty much adult sized.

[Davey Blueeyes]

Thanks all, much appreciated. Five decent size seats would be good and a decent chance of getting most of the money back would be the way to go I think!

Never thought about the Galaxy (durr!) or the Estima. See loads of old Estimas still about, must be a decent old bus

And thanks to the mods for moving to the correct place, apologies!

[GreatGranny]

Galazy?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Espace!

Brave pills included

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Sharon

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Sedona

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ulysse :-)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[feef]

I'd look at a C4 Grand Picasso

If you can get an exclusive with the air suspension it's impressively comfy (there have been issues with the air bags losing pressure, but if it's good when you get it, and it's only for short period, then you'll probably be okay). But the normal sprung ones are fine. I do find the stock seat in the VTR model a little lacking in lumbar support, but again, find one with the better seats and you're sorted

unlike some 7-seaters, the back 2 seats are actually usable by an adult, and there's still a little bit of boot space behind them. Loads of light with the long windscreen,

[Down and out]

feef said:

I'd look at a C4 Grand Picasso

If you can get an exclusive with the air suspension it's impressively comfy (there have been issues with the air bags losing pressure, but if it's good when you get it, and it's only for short period, then you'll probably be okay). But the normal sprung ones are fine. I do find the stock seat in the VTR model a little lacking in lumbar support, but again, find one with the better seats and you're sorted

unlike some 7-seaters, the back 2 seats are actually usable by an adult, and there's still a little bit of boot space behind them. Loads of light with the long windscreen,

The two seats are not useable as an adult unless you're 4ft. Far too small and about five inches deep of footwell.

[feef]

Down and out said:

feef said:

I'd look at a C4 Grand Picasso

If you can get an exclusive with the air suspension it's impressively comfy (there have been issues with the air bags losing pressure, but if it's good when you get it, and it's only for short period, then you'll probably be okay). But the normal sprung ones are fine. I do find the stock seat in the VTR model a little lacking in lumbar support, but again, find one with the better seats and you're sorted

unlike some 7-seaters, the back 2 seats are actually usable by an adult, and there's still a little bit of boot space behind them. Loads of light with the long windscreen,

The two seats are not useable as an adult unless you're 4ft. Far too small and about five inches deep of footwell.

I'm 5'8" and they're far more usable than the ones in the Zafira for example.
Wouldn't want to do a long journey in them, but they're better than most 7 seaters of this size

[TwistingMyMelon]

Whats your budget?

Id buy a Caddy maxi life, long van version of Caddy, turned into a MPV

No nonsense and tough, there cant be too many hidden surprises (unlike other MPVS I saw)

You might have to travel quite far to get one, then sell it locally , people arent aware they exist and like the idea. Having said that they dont really start below 5k, so depends on your budget

It depends on your budget really.

Otherwise id be tempted by a petrol Galaxy: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Galaxy-ZETEC/18380...

Be aware, MPVS out of all cars are often run to the ground as white goods, so at the lower end of the market aim for the simplest edition (id be wary of diesels) as they lead a hard life of often short journeys and then sold when a big bill approaches

Personally I prefer van based ones, as they start with a tougher platform

Id run a mile away from XC90s , the only worst option on a budget would be a LR Disco. Both great cars, but they can bankrupt you very quickly

Edited by TwistingMyMelon on Tuesday 14th May 14:13

[NervousEnergy]

Down and out said:

feef said:

I'd look at a C4 Grand Picasso

unlike some 7-seaters, the back 2 seats are actually usable by an adult, and there's still a little bit of boot space behind them. Loads of light with the long windscreen,

The two seats are not useable as an adult unless you're 4ft. Far too small and about five inches deep of footwell.

Usability of the back seats in a lot of these is as much dependent on the age of the adult I think. My 18yr old son is taller (6' just) than me and happily (well didn't complain) sat in the back of an S-Max for three days of driving (his choice, younger siblings more than willing to swap). They also have barely any footwell. He was fine - I'd have been crippled for life.

[Davey Blueeyes]

I don't really want to shell out more than £2k for what is basically a hire care! C4 Grand Picasso is a good shout actually, there's a few under that limit. Not sure about air suspension though, things in cars love blowing up when I buy them!

Been offered a Kia Sedona for 500 quid! I could buy that, and if it lasts the three odd weeks I would have saved myself about 600 quid on renting one!

[GreatGranny]

Go for the Sedona for £500!

It doesn't have to last very long and it's a decent size inside.

[Plate spinner]

Personally I’d not take a £500 Sedona abroad, the hassle of a major breakdown could ruin the trip.

The trouble with cheap 7 seaters is that they are always popular and in demand - people with big families & small budgets and also people putting them to use as work vehicles (deliveries, dog car, tip runs etc). I sold an ageing VW Sharan with issues openly disclosed - I was staggered it sold for a shade over £1,500.

So I’d be tempted to think a £500 Sedona is spares & repairs territory. I’d not entrust my annual family holidays to one.

Spend more and due to the popularity you may get all of your money back.

IMHO.

[ManorParker]

We popped on a booze cruise with five blokes in an Alhambra which as you know is a sharan.
The middle seat moves forward so that all our shoulders weren't squashed. It was more than comfortable for a Euro trip. And the comedy size boot. Not sat in the back row though. Would recommend it though

[Christmassss]

VW touran