3 kids….what car?

[Gville]

Currently have a 2 and 4 year old, and have a new one arriving in July. Had a Tiguan but sold it in anticipation so currently running an i3s (great car but very small!) and looking for Tiguan replacement.

Was pretty well set on an XC90 but having had woeful responses on the enquiries I’ve made at various main dealer Volvo garages it’s given me some time to rethink and potentially change my mind.

Budget c.£30k and figured that would get me a reasonable not too old or high mileage XC90, now wondering however if anyone would recommend an alternative that might save me some cash; thinking kids will just ruin whatever I buy so why spend £30k! We drive to Cornwall a couple of times a year and intend to do some trips to Europe but most of the time it’s ferrying around in London and the M40 back to Oxford every few weeks!

I guess an Smax a good place to start but any other thoughts very welcome!

[Back2theFuji]

Peugeot 5008, Citroen C5 aircross are the default options for kids to systematically destroy

[Gville]

Back2theFuji said:

Peugeot 5008, Citroen C5 aircross are the default options for kids to systematically destroy

Cheers. I looked at a 5008 and almost liked it. Didn’t feel quite big enough but I suppose can just pop a roof box on when required. Can’t say excites me but having more cash to invest does!

[ZX10R NIN]

The best S Max you can find:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502259...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503200...

They really work for three children families.

Galaxy Titanium:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503200...

Scenic, save a load let the kids do their worst & get something nice once they're a bit older:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503220...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501067...

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

Gville said:

Currently have a 2 and 4 year old, and have a new one arriving in July. Had a Tiguan but sold it in anticipation so currently running an i3s (great car but very small!) and looking for Tiguan replacement.

Was pretty well set on an XC90 but having had woeful responses on the enquiries I’ve made at various main dealer Volvo garages it’s given me some time to rethink and potentially change my mind.

Budget c.£30k and figured that would get me a reasonable not too old or high mileage XC90, now wondering however if anyone would recommend an alternative that might save me some cash; thinking kids will just ruin whatever I buy so why spend £30k! We drive to Cornwall a couple of times a year and intend to do some trips to Europe but most of the time it’s ferrying around in London and the M40 back to Oxford every few weeks!

I guess an Smax a good place to start but any other thoughts very welcome!

How will kids ruin your car?
Only if you let them turn it into a st pit.
Keep it clean, if you let them eat in it clean up any spills or crumbs. Chocolate and ice-cream should be banned.

[the-norseman]

Stick with the XC90, I looked at all sorts of usual "family wagons" and decided the Volvo was the one that least looked like you have given up on life.

XC90 blends in everywhere, country clubs, shoots, supermarket, school run.

[Davie]

the-norseman said:

Stick with the XC90, I looked at all sorts of usual "family wagons" and decided the Volvo was the one that least looked like you have given up on life.

XC90 blends in everywhere, country clubs, shoots, supermarket, school run.

Not the best attitude... driving something less precious or expensive doesn't mean giving up on life, if anything it can enrich life. Spend less time worrying about a car getting sand in it or what Gavin next door thinks and spend more time bring, you know.... a dad? Though very much depends on your outlook and approach to life or what matters most.

I've clearly given up on life with a V50 and a Transporter Shuttle. One is run without a care in the world for day to day use and the other goes mountain biking, camping, beach days, holidays and my kids have now seen inflatable kayak and won't let go. Kids don't ruin cars but with kids, there's higher chance of a bit wear & tear / accidental damage but mine haven't ruined anything I've owned. Again just depends what come first, cars or kids.

A third row would be a good shout. I have two and if sat in close proximity for more than 7 minutes it's usually weapons at dawn. Plus don't underestimate how much space the various stages of car seats take up. I had an XC70 for a while and it's big but they made it feel quite small, more so when you start adding buggies / bikes / scooters / bags... if that's your thing.

Edited by Davie on Thursday 1st May 08:44

[St Ives]

Try the car seats in the XC90 first!
I couldn’t make it work despite really wanting to (ref above comment)

Ended up down the Alhambra and Sharon route. It’s annoying good at carrying kids and their associated cra…stuff.

[braddo]

St Ives said:

Try the car seats in the XC90 first!
I couldn’t make it work despite really wanting to (ref above comment)

Yep, very unlikely that 3 kids' seats (for newborn + 2 + 4 years) will fit in anything except a MPV. Once the eldest is out of booster seats completely, you'll be able to squeeze the 3 into a large SUV's back seat, but the eldest will still be cramped between two child seats (going by friends' experience).

It's hard to think of anything better than a S-Max.

[66HFM]

We had a newborn, 2 year old and 4 year old, we found the best solution for us was a Discovery 4, although I appreciate most of them aren't ULEZ, it was a great do anything classless car, and when we moved to the Cotswolds they were everywhere - not your shiny only been seen in Chelsea versions, but ones used to driving down the country lanes etc.

The main benefit was with having 3 individual seats in the middle row, the rear row we barely used, which left a huge boot for prams, pushchairs, bikes etc.although nice to have a couple of full size extra seats when needed.

God luck