Help - Babies

[mattnunn]

Hello all, first time poster, long time lurker - I need some advice.

Due to an unforseen misadventure caused by red wine and cold winters in September my wife will give birth to our 3rd baby, so we will have 3 under 5's and hence will need at least 2 full sized baby seats and a big booster, not to mention a double buggy.

So the question is what car can you get all that garbage in and still enjoy the drive, I'd like a 5 series estate or V70R but wifey is thinking Zafira VXR or SMAX 2.5T, I'm also drawn to the idea of a VW sportline Kombi van and wouldn't rule out a 4x4 if I can get something that doesn't cost the earth to tax and run (actually don't care to much for the earth just my bank balance)

It has to be quickish and reasonably well equipped.

Help!

[miniman]

Welcome to my world. I'm probably going to get a Disco 2, but also on my list are an E39 530d Touring, Merc E320CDI estate, or one of these:

http://www.multimac.co.uk/3_child_car_seat

[chrisispringles]

Don't bother with the Zafira, they are very narrow and you may struggle to get 3 child seats in the middle row and the ride is crap. The S-Max is a good shout though, it has a fair balance of fun, comfort and practicality.

[mattnunn]

Thanks miniman, I've never seen one of those before, that's a really good idea.

[mattnunn]

Thanks chrisispringles, I've been in a Zafira and definately felt the ride was very hard and a bit uncultured, having said that though in a straight line the thing was a monster.

[hidetheelephants]

If a V70R is the benchmark for economy, how about a Stagea(guess what I just bought?) or a Legacy/Legacy Outback? Both have plenty of room for the wagon train of crap children seem to need; my brother has 3 resource drains too, aged 2, 5 & 7, and he's had Legacys and is currently using a Forester(although the backup motor is a Mondeo TDCi).