3 kids in seats
Discussion
So, our 3rd under 5 is on its way next year, and it's beginning to dawn on me that the number of family cars out there have been drastically cut down. Volvo XC 90, Audi Q7, VW Kombi, Touran and some vauxhaull. I'm not a fan of massive SUVs and the Kombi seems really pricey for a van. Can't bring myself to commit to the vauxhaull or Touran as they're outwardly at least, a bit dull.
I've been researching this for quite some time - am I missing something, or are these the only options?
I've been researching this for quite some time - am I missing something, or are these the only options?
There's quite a few of the van-derived things (Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Riftter, Torneo Connect etc.) which do the same as the VW combi for a lot less money. You'll only need the 5 seat versions as they all have three full width seats with ISOFIX in the back
They are obviously no sports car (the XC90 isn't either), but perfectly comfortable enough as family transport. I'd choose one of those over a Q7 / XC90 and spend the (more than £30000) change on something interesting to have to use when not carrying all the family at once. It's also handy to have something which is basically a van for trips to Ikea, the tip etc.
The other thing to think about is how often will you actually need two adults and three kids in the car. If it's mostly for short weekend trips out, you may be better off keeping what you've got and just taking two cars, and then hiring something properly big for the few longer trips for holidays etc. One adult and 3 kids will fit no problem in any car as one child seat can go in the front, and the oldest child will grow out of needing a car seat sooner than you think.
They are obviously no sports car (the XC90 isn't either), but perfectly comfortable enough as family transport. I'd choose one of those over a Q7 / XC90 and spend the (more than £30000) change on something interesting to have to use when not carrying all the family at once. It's also handy to have something which is basically a van for trips to Ikea, the tip etc.
The other thing to think about is how often will you actually need two adults and three kids in the car. If it's mostly for short weekend trips out, you may be better off keeping what you've got and just taking two cars, and then hiring something properly big for the few longer trips for holidays etc. One adult and 3 kids will fit no problem in any car as one child seat can go in the front, and the oldest child will grow out of needing a car seat sooner than you think.
At one point I had 2 in seats and one on a booster. Worked in my Disco 3 but when that broke (always on a holiday) we were given a Range Rover Vogue. Beautiful cream leather seats but so bolstered we couldn't get the 3 seats in the back.
Same problem with my still with me BMW E36.
When I were young my mates dad would take the whole school football team in his Cortina Estate.
Same problem with my still with me BMW E36.
When I were young my mates dad would take the whole school football team in his Cortina Estate.
Had this dilemma a few years back. I had 3 all in isofix. I got a 5008 SUV on a cheap lease. Now only one is isofix so will likely get a kuga type car for the wife when it goes back next year.
Sister in law had an S max and it was great. My wife hates them though. I'd have one every day of the week
Sister in law had an S max and it was great. My wife hates them though. I'd have one every day of the week
My mate has one of those Chrysler minivan types with electric sliding doors both sides. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t choose one as I don’t have kids. He has 4 and it works magnificently for him as a mode of transport for all his family and the associated crap he has to lug about.
Think it’s a grand voyager he has.
Think it’s a grand voyager he has.
Neil O said:
Or, pretty much anything you like +
https://www.multimac.com/home
I did look at those or similar a few years ago. They do look like they need a very flat rear seat base to sit on. https://www.multimac.com/home
No good for a lot of cars with their sculpted, I know I'm a 5 seater but it's really only comfy for two in the back, back seat.
You need to look closer at the shape of the rear seats. Audi A4/A5 has quite a flat back with minimal bolsters, so can fit 3 Diono Radian 3RXT seats across the back. You won't do that with a 5 series for instance.
I bought a C63s estate for family duties and we get all 5 of us in the car along with the silvercross wave that seats/stands all three children. 4, 2, 0.
We regularly go out as a family, shopping or visiting places, etc.
I bought a C63s estate for family duties and we get all 5 of us in the car along with the silvercross wave that seats/stands all three children. 4, 2, 0.
We regularly go out as a family, shopping or visiting places, etc.
Instead of a VW Kombi you could go for a VW Caravelle. Seven seats with the back five on rails do they can be moved around. You can have two of the rear seats with an integrated group 2 child seats. Also as there are five seats in the back you don't need to have your children sitting next to each other giving them space.
I've got 4 kids (now 2 over 5) and the S-Max is great with 3 as you still get a pretty big boot space. With 1 always in the boot it's not so useful.
If boot space is less important then try a Prius Plus. A dull and lifeless drive but cheap to run and completely reliable over the 50000 miles I did in 3 years (compared to issues I had with the S-Max, 5 series and C classes I've run).
If boot space is less important then try a Prius Plus. A dull and lifeless drive but cheap to run and completely reliable over the 50000 miles I did in 3 years (compared to issues I had with the S-Max, 5 series and C classes I've run).
I’ve just picked up a used Disco 4 (because I’m a sucker for an old Landy not because I need the space) for close to 10 grand. 7 seats is standard on them all (as long as you avoid a converted commercial) and in any case looking at my two, both in seats in the back I think you could easily get a 3rd in the middle, possibly a booster rather than isofix. Not sure it’s got 3 isofix but I could check for you if you like.
That’s some serious change when compared to the others you mention to put towards all the repairs it’ll need.
That’s some serious change when compared to the others you mention to put towards all the repairs it’ll need.
Neil O said:
Or, pretty much anything you like +
https://www.multimac.com/home
This. If people knew they existed we'd save a lot of new threads starting.https://www.multimac.com/home
If it doesn't work, sell it for what you paid 10 mins or 3 years later.
I’ve got 3 kids and when they where all in isofix bases we had a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, this has 3 full size seats in the back plus 2 extra in the back for emergencys. Now the eldest doesn’t require a seat any longer we have a Kodiaq and all 3 fit in the back no problem. Getting 2 isofix seats in the back of the Kodiaq along with an adult in the middle would be a struggle though.
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