Help me a buy an MPV. Budget about £3k.
Discussion
My situation -
Wife and 2 kids (8 and 2 years).
We have 3 cars (wife - Peugeot 307, me - 2 x BMW 325i, an E46 and an E90). The E46 will probably be sold to make space/funds.
The E90 has been our family car for 3 + years and we've coped. But to be honest, I get a little fed up going on holiday or away for weekends and having to cram pushchair/luggage in every nook. cranny and foot well.
There are also times when it would be handy to be able to transport extra kids/friends, or for my mum could come away with us.
I guess an estate would be practical and improve the luggage carrying situation, but be less flexible when it comes to transporting extra passengers. Will leaves me looking at MPVs. I've never owned one before so I've been doing a little research, including browsing some MPV threads on here, but still feel in need of a little guidance.
Requirements -
Budget around £3k, give or take a few hundred.
Auto (not a great fan but my wife has an auto licence and it would be handy if she could drive it)
Reliable. If I'm using it as a family wagon I really don't want to be stuck on the hard shoulder of a motorway.Yep, I know £3K is not a huge budget so maybe I should focus on getting a nice clean, well serviced vehicle and not worry about the make?
Mod cons - As above, the mechanical integrity is more important than these. However, I like rear parking sensors and tinted glass (I suppose both can be retro fitted anyway).
Performance and economy - I don't want something painfully slow but I'm not expecting much in this respect. Economy isn't too important - my 325i probably averages up to 35mpg on a run and some MPVs on my list might struggle to make that.
MPVs I like the look of -
Chrysler Grand Voyager-
Can someone tell me these are not a good idea as they currently seem to be top of my list? A big beast but loads of choice in my price range. Quite like the looks. Like the seating arrangement. Stowaway seats on some models. Read a thread on here where people praised them but it wasn't that recent. Diesel 2.8 or petrol 3.3. I'm more tempted by the latter (no cambelt, generally less complicated?). Many in my range will have done 100,000 mile or more.
Renault Grand Espace-
Another big one. Again, I like the looks. Haven't really researched the engines but I hear the 3.5 it shares with the Nissan 350z is good but rare. Not as common as the Grand voyager but from the pics I've seen the interior looks a bit nicer.
Ford Galaxy (or S Max) -
I like Fords generally. Owners of the Galaxy seem to speak highly of them. Choice of diesel and petrol engines (the 1.9 diesel goes on forever?). Seem quite big inside. In my budget I'd be looking at the older shape though, not so appealing in terms of looks. Have had older Fords and the interior feels its age. I like the S Max but at my price I would be looking mainly at 1.8TDCIs or high mile 2.0TDCIs.
Vauxhall Zafira-
Notwithstanding it might catch on fire (slim chance), I also like Vauxhalls generally. These probably drive better than the big buses above. Decent choice of engines (I've had vectras with 2.0T, 1.9CDTI and 2.2 direct engines in the past). The diesel was a pain but generally seem to last well. I'm thinking a fairly low miles 1.8 petrol might be a safe, if uninspiring option. The seating arrangement is probably what you find in most MPVs of this size - 3 + 2 which fold up from the boot area, thus limiting luggage capacity.
Others -
Seat Alhambra - similar to the Galaxy I suppose.
Mazda 5 - doesn't seem to be many in auto. Otherwise, I quite like.
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso - like the look, fairly modern inside, reliable engines ?
Kia Sedona - Looks a bit like Grand Voyager, Don't seem many about, haven't really considered them.
Honda FR-v - assume they are reliable, looks okay, seating arrangement might work okay for us.
Citroen C8 - haven't really looked at these. I'd worry about reliability (?).
I can think of a few others - VW Touran, Corolla Verso, Volvo something, Mazda Bongo type vehicles.
Sorry for the long post.
Any views/personal experiences very welcome,
Tell me if I'm missing something or anything I should avoid.
Thanks.
Wife and 2 kids (8 and 2 years).
We have 3 cars (wife - Peugeot 307, me - 2 x BMW 325i, an E46 and an E90). The E46 will probably be sold to make space/funds.
The E90 has been our family car for 3 + years and we've coped. But to be honest, I get a little fed up going on holiday or away for weekends and having to cram pushchair/luggage in every nook. cranny and foot well.
There are also times when it would be handy to be able to transport extra kids/friends, or for my mum could come away with us.
I guess an estate would be practical and improve the luggage carrying situation, but be less flexible when it comes to transporting extra passengers. Will leaves me looking at MPVs. I've never owned one before so I've been doing a little research, including browsing some MPV threads on here, but still feel in need of a little guidance.
Requirements -
Budget around £3k, give or take a few hundred.
Auto (not a great fan but my wife has an auto licence and it would be handy if she could drive it)
Reliable. If I'm using it as a family wagon I really don't want to be stuck on the hard shoulder of a motorway.Yep, I know £3K is not a huge budget so maybe I should focus on getting a nice clean, well serviced vehicle and not worry about the make?
Mod cons - As above, the mechanical integrity is more important than these. However, I like rear parking sensors and tinted glass (I suppose both can be retro fitted anyway).
Performance and economy - I don't want something painfully slow but I'm not expecting much in this respect. Economy isn't too important - my 325i probably averages up to 35mpg on a run and some MPVs on my list might struggle to make that.
MPVs I like the look of -
Chrysler Grand Voyager-
Can someone tell me these are not a good idea as they currently seem to be top of my list? A big beast but loads of choice in my price range. Quite like the looks. Like the seating arrangement. Stowaway seats on some models. Read a thread on here where people praised them but it wasn't that recent. Diesel 2.8 or petrol 3.3. I'm more tempted by the latter (no cambelt, generally less complicated?). Many in my range will have done 100,000 mile or more.
Renault Grand Espace-
Another big one. Again, I like the looks. Haven't really researched the engines but I hear the 3.5 it shares with the Nissan 350z is good but rare. Not as common as the Grand voyager but from the pics I've seen the interior looks a bit nicer.
Ford Galaxy (or S Max) -
I like Fords generally. Owners of the Galaxy seem to speak highly of them. Choice of diesel and petrol engines (the 1.9 diesel goes on forever?). Seem quite big inside. In my budget I'd be looking at the older shape though, not so appealing in terms of looks. Have had older Fords and the interior feels its age. I like the S Max but at my price I would be looking mainly at 1.8TDCIs or high mile 2.0TDCIs.
Vauxhall Zafira-
Notwithstanding it might catch on fire (slim chance), I also like Vauxhalls generally. These probably drive better than the big buses above. Decent choice of engines (I've had vectras with 2.0T, 1.9CDTI and 2.2 direct engines in the past). The diesel was a pain but generally seem to last well. I'm thinking a fairly low miles 1.8 petrol might be a safe, if uninspiring option. The seating arrangement is probably what you find in most MPVs of this size - 3 + 2 which fold up from the boot area, thus limiting luggage capacity.
Others -
Seat Alhambra - similar to the Galaxy I suppose.
Mazda 5 - doesn't seem to be many in auto. Otherwise, I quite like.
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso - like the look, fairly modern inside, reliable engines ?
Kia Sedona - Looks a bit like Grand Voyager, Don't seem many about, haven't really considered them.
Honda FR-v - assume they are reliable, looks okay, seating arrangement might work okay for us.
Citroen C8 - haven't really looked at these. I'd worry about reliability (?).
I can think of a few others - VW Touran, Corolla Verso, Volvo something, Mazda Bongo type vehicles.
Sorry for the long post.
Any views/personal experiences very welcome,
Tell me if I'm missing something or anything I should avoid.
Thanks.
mk4gtiturbo said:
As our Mummy bus we have a Zafira B 1.8 Elite, it's top of the range and hasn't caused us any problems for the 3+ years we have had it. It has taken everything that has been thrown at it (sometime quite literally!)
Nice to hear a vote for a Zafira 1.8. Elite spec would be nice, though most specs that don't involve plastic wheel trims would be ok by me.If you can live with a manual the Mazda is a very good shout:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto Options:
Zafira Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Toyota Estima
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Nissan Elgrand (if your going to get an MPV then get a true MPV
)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.3i Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
VR6 Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
1.9tdi Ghia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto Options:
Zafira Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Toyota Estima
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Nissan Elgrand (if your going to get an MPV then get a true MPV
)https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.3i Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
VR6 Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
1.9tdi Ghia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
There is only one correct answer for this - Ford S-Max 2.0 tdci, in Titanium spec.
If you like driving, its a good steer, just like a big car (mondeo based) by comparison same age Galaxy feels like a van / looks like a van.
Treat it like a big estate with the rear seats folded flat, or have 6 or 7 seats when you have extra passengers.
Prices have only just got to this level so you are looking at a 12 yr old 100k miles example 2.0 tdci Titanium.
Things to look out for - clutch and DMF common on this engine once past 100k miles (depends what sort of life its had, allow for £1,000 bill if not been done).
Cambelt due at 10 yrs/120k (makes sense to do this before 120k).
Avoid the 2.o petrol its gutless and early ones are 5 speed, also avoid 2.5T 5 cylinder petrol, nice to drive but easy to get into sub 20 mpg average, have seen these down to 15 mpg average.
If you like driving, its a good steer, just like a big car (mondeo based) by comparison same age Galaxy feels like a van / looks like a van.
Treat it like a big estate with the rear seats folded flat, or have 6 or 7 seats when you have extra passengers.
Prices have only just got to this level so you are looking at a 12 yr old 100k miles example 2.0 tdci Titanium.
Things to look out for - clutch and DMF common on this engine once past 100k miles (depends what sort of life its had, allow for £1,000 bill if not been done).
Cambelt due at 10 yrs/120k (makes sense to do this before 120k).
Avoid the 2.o petrol its gutless and early ones are 5 speed, also avoid 2.5T 5 cylinder petrol, nice to drive but easy to get into sub 20 mpg average, have seen these down to 15 mpg average.
it doesnt solve the extra seats requirement but if you have coped this long...buy some roof bars and a roof box for the holidays and weekends away, double the storage space immediately and it saves you the torture of driving round in a knackered old bus which at the 3k price point could be someone elses problems that you inherit.
ZX10R NIN said:
If you can live with a manual the Mazda is a very good shout:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto Options:
Zafira Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Toyota Estima
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Nissan Elgrand (if your going to get an MPV then get a true MPV )
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.3i Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
VR6 Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
1.9tdi Ghia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
thanks for that. Plenty here to look at.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto Options:
Zafira Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Toyota Estima
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Nissan Elgrand (if your going to get an MPV then get a true MPV
)https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
2.3i Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
VR6 Galaxy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
1.9tdi Ghia
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Jag_NE said:
it doesnt solve the extra seats requirement but if you have coped this long...buy some roof bars and a roof box for the holidays and weekends away, double the storage space immediately and it saves you the torture of driving round in a knackered old bus which at the 3k price point could be someone elses problems that you inherit.
Yep, the roof box has been considered in the past so I wouldn't rule it out.My OH had a lower budget & didn't like the Accord Tourer I suggested so she ended up with a Honda CRV which she loves.
Not sure what the autos are like, the thing is huge & the rear seats slide backward & forward as well as recline.
Think she'll buy a newer one when this one is due for replacement.
Not sure what the autos are like, the thing is huge & the rear seats slide backward & forward as well as recline.
Think she'll buy a newer one when this one is due for replacement.
LordHaveMurci said:
My OH had a lower budget & didn't like the Accord Tourer I suggested so she ended up with a Honda CRV which she loves.
Not sure what the autos are like, the thing is huge & the rear seats slide backward & forward as well as recline.
Think she'll buy a newer one when this one is due for replacement.
Interesting you say that. I actually test drove one of these about 6 months ago before buying my second 325i. My thinking around that time was a little different, hence ending up with the BMW.Not sure what the autos are like, the thing is huge & the rear seats slide backward & forward as well as recline.
Think she'll buy a newer one when this one is due for replacement.
As for the Honda, it was at a main dealer but a traded in vehicle with no warranty etc. It was around an 04 reg I think, 80k miles or so, auto,
Drove really smoothly, a nice car, couldn't fault it. Just didn't inspire me at the time, would maybe have it now priorities have changed.
andy118run said:
Definitely a favourite of mine, from what I've read.
The S Max seems to rarely get any bad reviews.
Not much choice if I'm looking at autos, mind you.
Had one and as above very good steer and practical for family duties. However, engine grenaded at 140k and there are many similar tales of high miler diesel woes on these Ford/PSA units. Lots to go wrong and they do.The S Max seems to rarely get any bad reviews.
Not much choice if I'm looking at autos, mind you.
I don't like spending £3k either, its too much just to throw away if there is significant trouble, which is very possible at 100k+ 10 years old. Spend more or less I'd say.
Don't get a C8/807 - terrible (again had one).
If I was going to buy another car like this it'd be a petrol Mazda5.
Also worth a look and cheap (as a petrol auto) is the Mitsubishi Grandis.
Edited by LayZ on Friday 9th March 12:22
Edited by LayZ on Friday 9th March 12:23
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