Replacement for Zafira 1.6
Discussion
My dad currently has an 07-plate Zafira. He's had it from about 8 years now and it's served him reasonably well. It's stood up to the abuse of 8 years school runs, family day outs, airport runs, tip runs, B&Q trips, and the interior is still as solid as ever. he doesn't want to replace it but we thought it would be nice if we all chipped in and got him a newer car.
He still does the occasional school run (although most of the grandkids are now at University/College) so it's used for a mix of pottering around town and a couple of monthly trips down to Birmingham/London. Mileage is less than 8k per annum, mainly short trips. However he still wants the flexibility of a 7-seater (although we probably benefit more from that than he does), and he needs something with a high-ish driving/seating position (mum suffers from arthritis so finds it easier to get in/out of something like a Zafira). So basically something spacious, reliable, not too big, practical.....
It sounds like another MPV or maybe a mid-size SUV would fit the bill best. i think, given his low mileage a petrol would be best but most seem to be diesel nowadays. Options that we're considering so far are
Focus Grand C-Max
Zafira Tourer
Touran (bit ugly and overpriced)
Rav-4 (not 7 seater)
Toyota Verso (looks a bit plain)
All suggestions gratefully received
He still does the occasional school run (although most of the grandkids are now at University/College) so it's used for a mix of pottering around town and a couple of monthly trips down to Birmingham/London. Mileage is less than 8k per annum, mainly short trips. However he still wants the flexibility of a 7-seater (although we probably benefit more from that than he does), and he needs something with a high-ish driving/seating position (mum suffers from arthritis so finds it easier to get in/out of something like a Zafira). So basically something spacious, reliable, not too big, practical.....
It sounds like another MPV or maybe a mid-size SUV would fit the bill best. i think, given his low mileage a petrol would be best but most seem to be diesel nowadays. Options that we're considering so far are
Focus Grand C-Max
Zafira Tourer
Touran (bit ugly and overpriced)
Rav-4 (not 7 seater)
Toyota Verso (looks a bit plain)
All suggestions gratefully received

My parents have a C-Max, which I use every now and again. They do similar mileage.
The car is comfortable, practical and has a good upright driving position.
It's a 1.6 petrol. In terms of fuel consumption it averages high 30s, low 40s. Can obtain mid-to-high 40s on a motorway run.
Lots of space and it's not very big, easy to park etc. Would get rear sensors though as this makes life easier.
Handles very well, although that may not be high on the list of priorities.
The car is comfortable, practical and has a good upright driving position.
It's a 1.6 petrol. In terms of fuel consumption it averages high 30s, low 40s. Can obtain mid-to-high 40s on a motorway run.
Lots of space and it's not very big, easy to park etc. Would get rear sensors though as this makes life easier.
Handles very well, although that may not be high on the list of priorities.
Cneci said:
My parents have a C-Max, which I use every now and again. They do similar mileage.
The car is comfortable, practical and has a good upright driving position.
It's a 1.6 petrol. In terms of fuel consumption it averages high 30s, low 40s. Can obtain mid-to-high 40s on a motorway run.
Lots of space and it's not very big, easy to park etc. Would get rear sensors though as this makes life easier.
Handles very well, although that may not be high on the list of priorities.
Cheers. Ive seen some Grand C-Maxes with "Park Pilot" which would be a nice bonus The car is comfortable, practical and has a good upright driving position.
It's a 1.6 petrol. In terms of fuel consumption it averages high 30s, low 40s. Can obtain mid-to-high 40s on a motorway run.
Lots of space and it's not very big, easy to park etc. Would get rear sensors though as this makes life easier.
Handles very well, although that may not be high on the list of priorities.

Went from a 2006 Zafira 2.2 Direct which we had for about 5 years, which I hated with a passion at the end.
To a 2011 Grand C Max 1.6 TDCI Titanium which we've had for 3 years, which the wife still loves.
Grand Cmax:-
Pluses - sliding doors, well specified in Titanium trim, handles nicely, very comfortable, versatile seating.
Minus - terrible steering lock, boot much smaller than Zafira, slow until the turbo kicks in, middle seats cramped for three.
The park assist is a gimmick - never used ours (apart from the first week, showing off).
We are looking to replace our Cmax now the kids are getting their own cars, do you really need 7 seats,
we don't anymore, a whole lot of choice opens up if you don't.
To a 2011 Grand C Max 1.6 TDCI Titanium which we've had for 3 years, which the wife still loves.
Grand Cmax:-
Pluses - sliding doors, well specified in Titanium trim, handles nicely, very comfortable, versatile seating.
Minus - terrible steering lock, boot much smaller than Zafira, slow until the turbo kicks in, middle seats cramped for three.
The park assist is a gimmick - never used ours (apart from the first week, showing off).
We are looking to replace our Cmax now the kids are getting their own cars, do you really need 7 seats,
we don't anymore, a whole lot of choice opens up if you don't.
Thanks
I take your point about 7 seats and choice but the 7 seats would be pretty nice to have. Not so much for my dad, more for the rest of us when we borrow it for trips out. It means that nephews and nieces can tag along without having to take a second car.Another option would be the S-Max but that might be too big for him.
Does the C-Max Grand Titianium come with a rear camera by any chance? Its definitely the one we'd be getting if we went for a C-Max.
I take your point about 7 seats and choice but the 7 seats would be pretty nice to have. Not so much for my dad, more for the rest of us when we borrow it for trips out. It means that nephews and nieces can tag along without having to take a second car.Another option would be the S-Max but that might be too big for him.
Does the C-Max Grand Titianium come with a rear camera by any chance? Its definitely the one we'd be getting if we went for a C-Max.
No camera on our 2011 model, just parking sensors all around, maybe a Titanium X has it.
It has got built in sat nav and a proper spare wheel in the boot (both options to look out for).
If you are going for one, get one with the appearance pack, roof rails & dark rear windows,
ours hasn't and I regret it.
Its a good car, and almost unique in the sector with the handy sliding doors (apart from the Mazda5).
It has got built in sat nav and a proper spare wheel in the boot (both options to look out for).
If you are going for one, get one with the appearance pack, roof rails & dark rear windows,
ours hasn't and I regret it.
Its a good car, and almost unique in the sector with the handy sliding doors (apart from the Mazda5).
My suggestion is the underrated Mazda5 in Venture Edition/Sport/Sport Venture trim is a great option.
Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sport Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sport Venture
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Venture Edition
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Not sure of your budget but if you want a fully loaded reliable 7 seater for reasonable money these are hard to beat.
Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sport Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sport Venture
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Venture Edition
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Not sure of your budget but if you want a fully loaded reliable 7 seater for reasonable money these are hard to beat.
ZX10R NIN said:
My suggestion is the underrated Mazda5 in Venture Edition/Sport/Sport Venture trim is a great option.
Thanks for those. I'm not sure why I'd forgotten about those..I was actually thinking of getting one for myself a while ago.I don't think they're great looks-wise but then again not many mini-MPVs are

wozpiston said:
No camera on our 2011 model, just parking sensors all around, maybe a Titanium X has it.
It has got built in sat nav and a proper spare wheel in the boot (both options to look out for).
If you are going for one, get one with the appearance pack, roof rails & dark rear windows,
ours hasn't and I regret it.
Its a good car, and almost unique in the sector with the handy sliding doors (apart from the Mazda5).
Cheers...good tip about the App pack It has got built in sat nav and a proper spare wheel in the boot (both options to look out for).
If you are going for one, get one with the appearance pack, roof rails & dark rear windows,
ours hasn't and I regret it.
Its a good car, and almost unique in the sector with the handy sliding doors (apart from the Mazda5).
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Just an idle thought but as he likes the Zafira could you pay for a full service and a proper detail? Then you could spend the change on a gift for him.
My brother already pays for the servicing and maintenance. Given how hard it is used/abused by the grandkids I doubt the benefits of a detailing would last very long. It usually gets "valeted" by the local Albanians once every fortnight. The "problem" is that my dad's "careful" with money. He's from Yorkshire and doesn't believe in spending money unnecessarily
We thought it would be good if we all chipped in to buy him something a lot newer & nicer. I have to say I'm impressed with how the Zafira has coped though.It's taken a good kicking over the last 5-7 years and it's still as tight as a drum.Chainsaw Rebuild said:
Or you could get him a Defender 110, if that's his kind of thing.
The warranty trips would certainly keep him occupied in his retirement!Ok..so despite our best efforts he doesn't want a Tiguan or an S-Max.
His preference is for a Touran and, to be fair, the facelifted version doesn't seem to be as ugly as the previous versions.
This one looks quite good value
What do people think?
His preference is for a Touran and, to be fair, the facelifted version doesn't seem to be as ugly as the previous versions.
This one looks quite good value
What do people think?
Countdown said:
Ok..so despite our best efforts he doesn't want a Tiguan or an S-Max.
His preference is for a Touran and, to be fair, the facelifted version doesn't seem to be as ugly as the previous versions.
This one looks quite good value
What do people think?
It's okay but I'd buy one of these over the VW every time Xenons Nav Leather etc it'll drive just as well probably be more reliable than the VW.His preference is for a Touran and, to be fair, the facelifted version doesn't seem to be as ugly as the previous versions.
This one looks quite good value
What do people think?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I saw your links earlier. I agree they're good cars but I just wanted him to have something ...nicer looking..? 
I was hoping he'd go for either the C-Max or the Tiguan. However since he seems to be leaning towards the Touran (which isn't exactly stunning) we might as well show him a Mazda 5 and see what he thinks.
Cheers

I was hoping he'd go for either the C-Max or the Tiguan. However since he seems to be leaning towards the Touran (which isn't exactly stunning) we might as well show him a Mazda 5 and see what he thinks.
Cheers

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