Help needed - which 6/7 seater for family duties
Discussion
Hi all,
Long time lurker and v. occasional poster, now looking for advice on what car to go for next!
Wife and I are expecting a new addition to the family in the NY which will take the total child count to 4 (current 15yr, 14yr, 14mth and -0mth). This gives a good excuse to go car shopping as the current family wagon (BMW E91 318d) will not take any more than the current 3 kids!!
Budget - tricky one!! Used we could go to £20k-£25k with bank loan to top up existing funds, or an alternative would be the new-lease option (not preferable but maybe a good deal may sway me!).
Current thoughts are Volvo XC90 (driven previous model but would prefer the new face-lift), BMW X5 7-seater (newer shape again preferable), Skoda Kodiaq (are they actually any good??) or the 'trusty' Ford S-Max (boot space limited using all 7 seats?) - any obvious ones I have missed??
Engine - doesn't need to set the world on fire (current B5 3.0 Audi Conv is okay and likely to be replaced with a S2000 at some point) but would like something a little better than the 318d it is replacing, not hard I know! Petrol ideal as mileage not what it used to be.
Space - obviously a couple of baby seats a must, and boot space for buggy(s) along with shopping ideal.
I'm sure I've missed several key bits of info out, happy for any suggestions!
Long time lurker and v. occasional poster, now looking for advice on what car to go for next!
Wife and I are expecting a new addition to the family in the NY which will take the total child count to 4 (current 15yr, 14yr, 14mth and -0mth). This gives a good excuse to go car shopping as the current family wagon (BMW E91 318d) will not take any more than the current 3 kids!!
Budget - tricky one!! Used we could go to £20k-£25k with bank loan to top up existing funds, or an alternative would be the new-lease option (not preferable but maybe a good deal may sway me!).
Current thoughts are Volvo XC90 (driven previous model but would prefer the new face-lift), BMW X5 7-seater (newer shape again preferable), Skoda Kodiaq (are they actually any good??) or the 'trusty' Ford S-Max (boot space limited using all 7 seats?) - any obvious ones I have missed??
Engine - doesn't need to set the world on fire (current B5 3.0 Audi Conv is okay and likely to be replaced with a S2000 at some point) but would like something a little better than the 318d it is replacing, not hard I know! Petrol ideal as mileage not what it used to be.
Space - obviously a couple of baby seats a must, and boot space for buggy(s) along with shopping ideal.
I'm sure I've missed several key bits of info out, happy for any suggestions!
Mercedes GL.
This is mine:
265bhp V6 diesel. Air suspension, can be raised for additional clearance. Centre and rear diff lockers. Low range. 7-speed box.
None of the above will likely be of any interest however the average 24mpg might.
Also, feckin’ huge inside yet it CAN be parked in a standard Tesco parking bay (although it does hang over the end a bit).
This is mine:
265bhp V6 diesel. Air suspension, can be raised for additional clearance. Centre and rear diff lockers. Low range. 7-speed box.
None of the above will likely be of any interest however the average 24mpg might.
Also, feckin’ huge inside yet it CAN be parked in a standard Tesco parking bay (although it does hang over the end a bit).
Watchman said:
Mercedes GL.
This is mine:
265bhp V6 diesel. Air suspension, can be raised for additional clearance. Centre and rear diff lockers. Low range. 7-speed box.
None of the above will likely be of any interest however the average 24mpg might.
Also, feckin’ huge inside yet it CAN be parked in a standard Tesco parking bay (although it does hang over the end a bit).
Ah yes, the Mercedes!! Looked at the R-Class previously and totally forgot about it's bigger brother!!This is mine:
265bhp V6 diesel. Air suspension, can be raised for additional clearance. Centre and rear diff lockers. Low range. 7-speed box.
None of the above will likely be of any interest however the average 24mpg might.
Also, feckin’ huge inside yet it CAN be parked in a standard Tesco parking bay (although it does hang over the end a bit).
What's the drive like? Forgot to add the misses will be learning to drive soon, perhaps she should get her licence before going large!
I love it. I had an ML before this. I don’t need such a beast on a day to day basis but for holidays (I prefer to drive than to fly) it is perfect, especially with the 2m x 1m roof box on top and our bikes on the towbar rack.
Driving wise... yeah, it’s a 2.5 tonne truck but the air suspension helps it float over the poor surfaces around where I live, but it doesn’t lean much. You can stiffen/soften the dampers (3 settings) and I prefer them on softest.
Seats are hugely adjustable in the front. There’s an entertainment system built-in (an optional extra on mine) which is DVD based but allows you to plug-in an alternative source however I’ve never used it. It comes with remote headphones too. I ought to at least test it, I suppose.
The third row folds flat at the touch of a button, and rises majestically out of the boot floor the same way.
I bought it for £29K in late 2016 @ 38K miles since when I have had to pay for numerous repairs to its complex systems but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and want everything “as new”. I also don’t always have the time to attend to niggles myself.
Would I recommend one? It depends on the person really. It’s more than just a people mover. It’s no Land Rover but it is fairly competent off road. That wasn’t my requirement but I did want a high capacity tow vehicle and the big Mercs can tow 3500Kg, and this one can do that in relatively slippery conditions.
In the snow I wish it had more sensibly-sized wheels so I could have shod it with some AT tyres but you can’t get ATs for 21” wheels. However, although I drove more slowly in the snow than the confident Land Rover drivers around me, it managed just fine.
To be honest, to own one of these you really have to want one. I don’t think a purely logical selection process would lead anyone to own one except if you genuinely need to move 7 adults around because unlike many of the other 7 seaters, normal sized adults can sit in the third row.
Driving wise... yeah, it’s a 2.5 tonne truck but the air suspension helps it float over the poor surfaces around where I live, but it doesn’t lean much. You can stiffen/soften the dampers (3 settings) and I prefer them on softest.
Seats are hugely adjustable in the front. There’s an entertainment system built-in (an optional extra on mine) which is DVD based but allows you to plug-in an alternative source however I’ve never used it. It comes with remote headphones too. I ought to at least test it, I suppose.
The third row folds flat at the touch of a button, and rises majestically out of the boot floor the same way.
I bought it for £29K in late 2016 @ 38K miles since when I have had to pay for numerous repairs to its complex systems but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and want everything “as new”. I also don’t always have the time to attend to niggles myself.
Would I recommend one? It depends on the person really. It’s more than just a people mover. It’s no Land Rover but it is fairly competent off road. That wasn’t my requirement but I did want a high capacity tow vehicle and the big Mercs can tow 3500Kg, and this one can do that in relatively slippery conditions.
In the snow I wish it had more sensibly-sized wheels so I could have shod it with some AT tyres but you can’t get ATs for 21” wheels. However, although I drove more slowly in the snow than the confident Land Rover drivers around me, it managed just fine.
To be honest, to own one of these you really have to want one. I don’t think a purely logical selection process would lead anyone to own one except if you genuinely need to move 7 adults around because unlike many of the other 7 seaters, normal sized adults can sit in the third row.
Watchman said:
I love it. I had an ML before this. I don’t need such a beast on a day to day basis but for holidays (I prefer to drive than to fly) it is perfect, especially with the 2m x 1m roof box on top and our bikes on the towbar rack.
Driving wise... yeah, it’s a 2.5 tonne truck but the air suspension helps it float over the poor surfaces around where I live, but it doesn’t lean much. You can stiffen/soften the dampers (3 settings) and I prefer them on softest.
Seats are hugely adjustable in the front. There’s an entertainment system built-in (an optional extra on mine) which is DVD based but allows you to plug-in an alternative source however I’ve never used it. It comes with remote headphones too. I ought to at least test it, I suppose.
The third row folds flat at the touch of a button, and rises majestically out of the boot floor the same way.
I bought it for £29K in late 2016 @ 38K miles since when I have had to pay for numerous repairs to its complex systems but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and want everything “as new”. I also don’t always have the time to attend to niggles myself.
Would I recommend one? It depends on the person really. It’s more than just a people mover. It’s no Land Rover but it is fairly competent off road. That wasn’t my requirement but I did want a high capacity tow vehicle and the big Mercs can tow 3500Kg, and this one can do that in relatively slippery conditions.
In the snow I wish it had more sensibly-sized wheels so I could have shod it with some AT tyres but you can’t get ATs for 21” wheels. However, although I drove more slowly in the snow than the confident Land Rover drivers around me, it managed just fine.
To be honest, to own one of these you really have to want one. I don’t think a purely logical selection process would lead anyone to own one except if you genuinely need to move 7 adults around because unlike many of the other 7 seaters, normal sized adults can sit in the third row.
Watchman, thanks for the honest reply above and the GL is definitely added to the list of test drives! hitting the classifieds now...Driving wise... yeah, it’s a 2.5 tonne truck but the air suspension helps it float over the poor surfaces around where I live, but it doesn’t lean much. You can stiffen/soften the dampers (3 settings) and I prefer them on softest.
Seats are hugely adjustable in the front. There’s an entertainment system built-in (an optional extra on mine) which is DVD based but allows you to plug-in an alternative source however I’ve never used it. It comes with remote headphones too. I ought to at least test it, I suppose.
The third row folds flat at the touch of a button, and rises majestically out of the boot floor the same way.
I bought it for £29K in late 2016 @ 38K miles since when I have had to pay for numerous repairs to its complex systems but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and want everything “as new”. I also don’t always have the time to attend to niggles myself.
Would I recommend one? It depends on the person really. It’s more than just a people mover. It’s no Land Rover but it is fairly competent off road. That wasn’t my requirement but I did want a high capacity tow vehicle and the big Mercs can tow 3500Kg, and this one can do that in relatively slippery conditions.
In the snow I wish it had more sensibly-sized wheels so I could have shod it with some AT tyres but you can’t get ATs for 21” wheels. However, although I drove more slowly in the snow than the confident Land Rover drivers around me, it managed just fine.
To be honest, to own one of these you really have to want one. I don’t think a purely logical selection process would lead anyone to own one except if you genuinely need to move 7 adults around because unlike many of the other 7 seaters, normal sized adults can sit in the third row.
I also regularly drive for holidays, either staying in the UK or regular trips over to the Alps, so luggage space/versatility is a massive plus. Good news on the 3rd row space also, the 15yr old is almost 5ft 9 and growing still so space is also a plus.
If you're not too brand conscious, Hyundai Sante Fe. We had two (both bought new, one in 2015 and then replaced in 2016 with another).
We had 3 road trip holidays, 7 on board, kids aged 17,14,12,11 and 9 plus parents and roof box. One trip was to Poland, two were to South of France and they were brilliant. Only really moved on as we never go anywhere together as a family of 7 now.
Or also the Santa Fe's sister car, the Kia Sorrento - although I've no direct experience of these.
We had 3 road trip holidays, 7 on board, kids aged 17,14,12,11 and 9 plus parents and roof box. One trip was to Poland, two were to South of France and they were brilliant. Only really moved on as we never go anywhere together as a family of 7 now.
Or also the Santa Fe's sister car, the Kia Sorrento - although I've no direct experience of these.
My brother had a Q7 and it was quite interesting to compare it to my GL.
Both had V6 diesels. Mine was a little more powerful but the Q7 was overall a bit lighter.
The Q7 drove more like a car. Better on road although none of the off road gadgets. The particular year of his Q7 was only able to tow 2200Kg too - the caravan I pulled was about 1800Kg fully loaded so that would only be a problem if you needed to tow a horse box.
The real “everyday” difference was the third row of seats which, in the Q7, were only really suitable for children over longer journeys.
And neither has a cavernous boot with the third row in operation.
Our mother has a 2009 X-Trail. I didn’t know there was a 7-seat option but I would challenge whether the size of the car was big enough.
Both had V6 diesels. Mine was a little more powerful but the Q7 was overall a bit lighter.
The Q7 drove more like a car. Better on road although none of the off road gadgets. The particular year of his Q7 was only able to tow 2200Kg too - the caravan I pulled was about 1800Kg fully loaded so that would only be a problem if you needed to tow a horse box.
The real “everyday” difference was the third row of seats which, in the Q7, were only really suitable for children over longer journeys.
And neither has a cavernous boot with the third row in operation.
Our mother has a 2009 X-Trail. I didn’t know there was a 7-seat option but I would challenge whether the size of the car was big enough.
Thanks all so far
I guess when looking to seat 'just' 6, then as long as the 3rd row seats fold independently (the Volvo XC90 I drove did) then we can find some extra space there if needed!
Audi Q7 - hadn't dismissed it but not so keen on the looks of the newer model - that said, I'll give it a drive and see if that changes my mind.
Hyundai - there's a dealer within 10mins of the house so may pop past after work to have a look.
Merc GL (Watchman's suggestion) - tempting, very tempting...... again will have to give it a drive
Re the other suggestions:
Skoda Kodiaq - don't see many around but I guess they are fairly new still.
BMW X5 - had several BM's in the past (including the current 318d which had it's chain slip!) - any issues with the 3.0d in the X5, either 30D or 40D spec?
Ford S-Max/Galaxy - any love for these? Neighbour has a Galaxy so can have a look quiet easily - S-Max, would be tempted by a EcoBoost 240 but any horror stories that I should be aware of?
I guess when looking to seat 'just' 6, then as long as the 3rd row seats fold independently (the Volvo XC90 I drove did) then we can find some extra space there if needed!
Audi Q7 - hadn't dismissed it but not so keen on the looks of the newer model - that said, I'll give it a drive and see if that changes my mind.
Hyundai - there's a dealer within 10mins of the house so may pop past after work to have a look.
Merc GL (Watchman's suggestion) - tempting, very tempting...... again will have to give it a drive
Re the other suggestions:
Skoda Kodiaq - don't see many around but I guess they are fairly new still.
BMW X5 - had several BM's in the past (including the current 318d which had it's chain slip!) - any issues with the 3.0d in the X5, either 30D or 40D spec?
Ford S-Max/Galaxy - any love for these? Neighbour has a Galaxy so can have a look quiet easily - S-Max, would be tempted by a EcoBoost 240 but any horror stories that I should be aware of?
Smax, super versatile and in good spec with toys and decent engine is a lovely thing. Lots of poor spec ones out there but you should be able to get a Titanium Sport model or similar with the more powerful petrol engine in budget and some good options although they come with a lot as standard. You can get 4wd too.
Servicing on our 180 diesel is every two years, they are quite heavy on front tyres and brakes but probably less so than some of your other considerations.
Galaxy just screams taxi.
Servicing on our 180 diesel is every two years, they are quite heavy on front tyres and brakes but probably less so than some of your other considerations.
Galaxy just screams taxi.
Edited by PistonTim on Thursday 26th July 15:14
I guess it depends on age... what you’re interested in vs our experience.
We also had a 61-reg X5 3-litre diesel. Ours was only the 5-seater but it was really nice. We had the ML at the same time and the X5 drove much more like a conventional car. It felt lighter, was more powerful, and (in my opinion) looked far more modern.
It also had a split tailgate like a Land Rover (not surprising given the X5’s origins) which I love and dearly wish my GL had.
But overall it was about the same size as the ML and given the GL is essentially a 7-seat ML (common platform) I always wondered where BMW put the extra seats in the X5. I’ve never seen a 7-seat version.
We also had a 61-reg X5 3-litre diesel. Ours was only the 5-seater but it was really nice. We had the ML at the same time and the X5 drove much more like a conventional car. It felt lighter, was more powerful, and (in my opinion) looked far more modern.
It also had a split tailgate like a Land Rover (not surprising given the X5’s origins) which I love and dearly wish my GL had.
But overall it was about the same size as the ML and given the GL is essentially a 7-seat ML (common platform) I always wondered where BMW put the extra seats in the X5. I’ve never seen a 7-seat version.
I'm a Volvo fan so would go new shape XC90 if you can afford one.
They are such a huge step up from the old one which I have 2 examples of.
2nd hand start at about £30k with decent mileage.
I think an S Max would be too compromised in the back for 4 kids.
Better to try the Galaxy which is bigger.
They are such a huge step up from the old one which I have 2 examples of.
2nd hand start at about £30k with decent mileage.
I think an S Max would be too compromised in the back for 4 kids.
Better to try the Galaxy which is bigger.
Thought you might be interested in some size comparison (ooer).
ML vs X5 (with Scooby off to one side)
Then a few of the GL and Q7
I think the ML and X5 are quite comparable although the particular versions of our show the X5 as a much fresher design. And again, the GL and Q7 are comparable in size but the designs are both good in my opinion. Both of those have been superseded now anyway.
ML vs X5 (with Scooby off to one side)
Then a few of the GL and Q7
I think the ML and X5 are quite comparable although the particular versions of our show the X5 as a much fresher design. And again, the GL and Q7 are comparable in size but the designs are both good in my opinion. Both of those have been superseded now anyway.
Edited by Watchman on Thursday 26th July 16:06
GreatGranny said:
I'm a Volvo fan so would go new shape XC90 if you can afford one.
They are such a huge step up from the old one which I have 2 examples of.
2nd hand start at about £30k with decent mileage.
I think an S Max would be too compromised in the back for 4 kids.
Better to try the Galaxy which is bigger.
I think that would depend on the age of the children, we can get our (big) 7 year old in the back on the Smax no issue but teenagers might be a bit cramped, I think OP might find it a little small for his needs but I thoroughly recommend them otherwise!They are such a huge step up from the old one which I have 2 examples of.
2nd hand start at about £30k with decent mileage.
I think an S Max would be too compromised in the back for 4 kids.
Better to try the Galaxy which is bigger.
Neighbour has a new XC90. Fantastic-looking thing. Best exterior light designs on any car, IMO.
He was very pleased with it as 7-seater too.
Our ex-childminder has the S-Max - the one based on the Mondeo. Very clever packaging and with the 2-litre diesel, usefully economical. Stick a huge roof box on it and it'll take everyone on holiday. You can permanently mount cycle carriers to the tailgate of cars like these (and the VW Sharan) which, when empty, fold up out of the way. Really decent solution.
Other friends have a Sharan too. Seems to be as good as the S-Max but for a slightly higher price.
He was very pleased with it as 7-seater too.
Our ex-childminder has the S-Max - the one based on the Mondeo. Very clever packaging and with the 2-litre diesel, usefully economical. Stick a huge roof box on it and it'll take everyone on holiday. You can permanently mount cycle carriers to the tailgate of cars like these (and the VW Sharan) which, when empty, fold up out of the way. Really decent solution.
Other friends have a Sharan too. Seems to be as good as the S-Max but for a slightly higher price.
Your budget would land you a very well spec'd S Max Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'd probably go for the GL though:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or a last of the line R Class:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'd probably go for the GL though:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or a last of the line R Class:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Those GLs look good. They all seem to have the off road package (adjustable height air suspension, diff lockers) and the adjustable dampers.
They all have more sensibly-sized wheels than mine too so tyres won't cost £987 for four, and you'll have more choice (winters, all terrains).
The R is an interesting alt. Same platform as the ML W164 / GL X164 (mine, and those linked-to, above) but without all the off road nonsense which, if you don't need it removes the potential for trouble. What you do get is 4WD, 7-speed box and 7 seats, and not-bad ground clearance. And fewer people will hate you - although noone has actually expressed that sentiment towards me yet (4 years in the ML and 2 in the GL so far).
[Edit] NOT the same platform as the ML / GL. I was wrong there. Sorry. [/Edit]
They all have more sensibly-sized wheels than mine too so tyres won't cost £987 for four, and you'll have more choice (winters, all terrains).
The R is an interesting alt. Same platform as the ML W164 / GL X164 (mine, and those linked-to, above) but without all the off road nonsense which, if you don't need it removes the potential for trouble. What you do get is 4WD, 7-speed box and 7 seats, and not-bad ground clearance. And fewer people will hate you - although noone has actually expressed that sentiment towards me yet (4 years in the ML and 2 in the GL so far).
[Edit] NOT the same platform as the ML / GL. I was wrong there. Sorry. [/Edit]
Edited by Watchman on Thursday 26th July 22:26
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff