Family car spec
Discussion
Hi guys, just thinking about moving my 2004 LPG Alphard on which I bought 4 years ago on a bit of a whim. Now we have 3 kids the extra space has been great but I'm thinking about downsizing (more space means more stuff)
Main criteria:
£20K Max budget
5 seats min 7 seats better
Cheaper/less hassle to run than LPG v6 petrol (local LPG place just closed)
Tax ideally lower than £350
Big boot / load space
Tow bar (for bikes)
Not black/white/grey. Almost every other colour preferred, Green, blue ideal
Light interior, ideally a sunroof!
Shortlist
F10 BMW 530D Touring
CLS Merc shooting brake 350
XC90
Some kind of van (Vito etc)
We only do about 10K miles a year so Diesel doesn't really make sense..... but here we are
Any suggestions much appreciated
Main criteria:
£20K Max budget
5 seats min 7 seats better
Cheaper/less hassle to run than LPG v6 petrol (local LPG place just closed)
Tax ideally lower than £350
Big boot / load space
Tow bar (for bikes)
Not black/white/grey. Almost every other colour preferred, Green, blue ideal
Light interior, ideally a sunroof!
Shortlist
F10 BMW 530D Touring
CLS Merc shooting brake 350
XC90
Some kind of van (Vito etc)
We only do about 10K miles a year so Diesel doesn't really make sense..... but here we are
Any suggestions much appreciated
Edited by chrisnic0 on Tuesday 28th January 20:22
Edited by chrisnic0 on Tuesday 28th January 21:40
From bitter experience get a car capable of seating 7 if needed.
We have 3 kids and downsized from an Alhambra to a Mondeo estate when they were about 14, 12 & 8 thinking we didn't need the space because only 1 in car seat.
Big mistake.
There is never really enough room for them especially on long journeys.
Mondeo sold after 4 months, XC90 bought, then another until the eldest could drive basically.
For £20k go for XC90 or S Max
S Max will be 3-4 years old, XC90 7-8 years old with higher mileage.
We have 3 kids and downsized from an Alhambra to a Mondeo estate when they were about 14, 12 & 8 thinking we didn't need the space because only 1 in car seat.
Big mistake.
There is never really enough room for them especially on long journeys.
Mondeo sold after 4 months, XC90 bought, then another until the eldest could drive basically.
For £20k go for XC90 or S Max
S Max will be 3-4 years old, XC90 7-8 years old with higher mileage.
I had an XC90 and changed for a Renault Trafic crew van. It's absolutely brilliant. 6 seats and loads of space in the back for bikes, camping stuff, football and rugby stuff. Doesn't matter if the dogs soaking wet or muddy. I don't think I'll ever be without a crew van for the main family vehicle as it's just so handy.
GreatGranny said:
From bitter experience get a car capable of seating 7 if needed.
We have 3 kids and downsized from an Alhambra to a Mondeo estate when they were about 14, 12 & 8 thinking we didn't need the space because only 1 in car seat.
Big mistake.
There is never really enough room for them especially on long journeys.
Mondeo sold after 4 months, XC90 bought, then another until the eldest could drive basically.
For £20k go for XC90 or S Max
S Max will be 3-4 years old, XC90 7-8 years old with higher mileage.
Interesting and food for thought. Any issues with that Powershift auto? Again another requirement I forgot! We have 3 kids and downsized from an Alhambra to a Mondeo estate when they were about 14, 12 & 8 thinking we didn't need the space because only 1 in car seat.
Big mistake.
There is never really enough room for them especially on long journeys.
Mondeo sold after 4 months, XC90 bought, then another until the eldest could drive basically.
For £20k go for XC90 or S Max
S Max will be 3-4 years old, XC90 7-8 years old with higher mileage.
david mcc said:
I had an XC90 and changed for a Renault Trafic crew van. It's absolutely brilliant. 6 seats and loads of space in the back for bikes, camping stuff, football and rugby stuff. Doesn't matter if the dogs soaking wet or muddy. I don't think I'll ever be without a crew van for the main family vehicle as it's just so handy.
I have a soft spot for Renaults and my friend used to have a traffic. Added to the list cheers david mcc said:
I had an XC90 and changed for a Renault Trafic crew van. It's absolutely brilliant. 6 seats and loads of space in the back for bikes, camping stuff, football and rugby stuff. Doesn't matter if the dogs soaking wet or muddy. I don't think I'll ever be without a crew van for the main family vehicle as it's just so handy.
I also have a Renault Traffic Crewcab as a family car. Works a treat, no drawbacks.Doesn't really meet the "smaller" criteria in the OP, though.
ZX10R NIN said:
This, or an E-class estate although that may be pushing for £20k, or your original idea of an XC90.Personally I'd look for an A8 or 7 series once the kids are old enough, but for young ones and carrying push-chairs I find the estate is the best.
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