Used MPV Advice

[MOOD_FM]

Hi all, total novice here. I'm in the market for a used compact MPV with a budget of around £8000, looking for an automatic to accommodate both me and wife (never had to buy automatic before) and prefer one with 3 full size seats in middle row. Been looking for weeks and now stuck on Ford S-Max, Peugoet 5008, VW Touran maybe Citroën Grand C4 Picasso. Anyone have any experience with these or have any other suggestions. My main fear being making the right choice regarding gearbox etc as I've never driven auto and was put off by reviews of the Ford S-Max Powershift transmission. Any opinions helpful cheers 👍

[edc]

At the price target they will nearly all be diesels. Currently running 67 C4 Grand Picasso. I didn't need the best looking or best handling or best tech, just best value. Bought it blind with no documented history and 50k miles. It's needed 1 forced dpf regen and a new battery.

[magpie215]

Presumably you've checked out the JDM options?

Alphard Elgrand Elysion Stepwagons etc etc

[aberdeeneuan]

My stock answer here - BMW 2 series Gran Tourer. We’ve had lots of BMWs and I know some folk hate it as it’s not a proper bmw but as a family wagon for us (2 kids) it’s been superb. Mini countryman chassis so does actually drive well.

We’ve had ours 9 years now from new. Lots of choice of engines and compact for a 7 seater. It’s not a 3 full seat across the middle row though if that is a def requirement.

Standard headlights are utter rubbish and you will need to upgrade the bulbs, led lights are fitted on some but not common.

[ACCYSTAN]

BMW 2 series tourer is not proper individual seats in the middle row, more of a 60/40 split seating.

For your budget you may find a 68 or 19 plate Citroen Berlingo MPV / Vauxhall combo life / Peugeot Rifter - they are all the same vehicle.
The good news is the auto is a 8 speed Aisin auto box and they are pretty good,

[7 5 7]

I helped my mother in law with this task a few months ago, very similar budget too. Having looked at many in the list, I really was trying to push her towards a Zafira Sport Tourer, just as you got a much newer plated car and a decent petrol engine (she really didn't need a diesel)...

Anyway, she went for a 2.0tdi Seat Alhambra (2016), and it's been great in all honesty for now, absolutely cavernous, as is the VW Sharon it is shared with, worth a look at these as these aren't on your list.