What's the best (or least naff) 7 seater ?

[WindsorRob]

Due to pending arrival of child number 3 and having to cart parents around at times, I'm afraid I need to consider a 7 seater... So any thoughts on the best options. At the moment I've narrowed it down to either an S-max or a latest shape X5 i.e. post 07 with the 7 seat option. The ford is very different, going to be cheaper to run I know, but I don't feel you get much for the purchase price. I should say, total budget is £25k max, though I wouldn't spend that on the ford..

Any thoughts, have a I missed any reasonable options ? Would love a Disco 4 but not keen on £35k for a used one...

[kambites]

Naffness is purely in the eye of the beholder. Just buy whichever one you like best yourself.

Personally I'd go for a cheap, basic people carrier and spend the rest on something else. Personally, you'd have to pay me to regularly drive an SUV.

[redgriff500]

S Max or New Galaxy are the best to drive.

Disco 3 or L Cruiser if you want a 4x4.

Think I'd buy a cheaper MPV and a decent car with only 3 kids.

[Willy Nilly]

I've been carted on a journey of several hours in a Galaxy. It was really quite a nice place for a passenger to sit

[Mark34bn]

If I needed the space I'd be looking at an E Class estate.

[kiwifraser]

Does the Merc E class estate still have a 7 seat option?

[Hell27]

WindsorRob said:

Due to pending arrival of child number 3 and having to cart parents around at times, I'm afraid I need to consider a 7 seater... So any thoughts on the best options. At the moment I've narrowed it down to either an S-max or a latest shape X5 i.e. post 07 with the 7 seat option. The ford is very different, going to be cheaper to run I know, but I don't feel you get much for the purchase price. I should say, total budget is £25k max, though I wouldn't spend that on the ford..

Any thoughts, have a I missed any reasonable options ? Would love a Disco 4 but not keen on £35k for a used one...

Others have picked up on this, if for occasional use, why not a cheap 7 seater and a nice daily?
Bloke at work took this route from an X5, and went for an XC90 and a merc SLK. He is much happier now, and prefers the XC90 to the X5!

[LayZ]

Recent thread just like this, someone mentioned the R Class and think it's a bloody good shout. At the prices they were asking for them new it wasn't but look at this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3504496.htm

[Fire99]

The entire world may fall over over this one but.... Jeep Commander. Not hugely popular in the press but it has a certain charm. :-)

[Hell27]

Looking at your car history, here's a random option............

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

£4K sorts out the family bus.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...



£21K sorts out a low mileage approved used e60 M5. What's not to like?

[The_Burg]

Zafira GSi?

Don't need the seats but always appeals. Spiritual successor to the original loopy 7 seater the Volvo T5, (with optional fold out seats).

Nah sod it buy a T5.

[LayZ]

If you use the rear seats in any of the big estates with 7 seat option there is sod-all luggage space, which you definitely need when you have a gaggle of kids.

[joncon]

cheverolet orlando
168 bhp diesel...nice to drive, lots of room, imposing looking front grill !
worth a look imho

[CatScan]

Boss at work has an S Max with the new 4 pot turbo, loves it but can't get over 30mpg out of it.

[mattdaniels]

Disco 3

[RedLeicester]

mattdaniels said:

Disco 3

This.

[thinfourth2]

How about something with a british designer, old school mercedes engine and RWD?

[bozmandb9]

http://www.carbuzz.co.uk/blog/Top-Ten-7-Seater-Car...

[smileymikey]

Our diesel Chrysler Voyager, has done a reliable job without making me cry at the fuel pumps

[Bill]

mattdaniels said:

Disco 3

I like them but the SMax is quicker, more spacious, handles vastly better and uses less fuel. Admittedly it's not as nice inside but that's scant consolation imo.