Dirty Secret: Vaxuhall Zafira Tourer or which petrol MPV
Discussion
I'm after a reliable used car for up to 10k, for family of 4 (kids, 8 and 5), which can sometimes take an extra adult between the kids car seats, or an extra kids's friend or 2. Even just the extra adult seems to push me to MPV's over estates. I'm planning on petrol - annual mileage is under 10k and live in what will in 2 years be inside the London ULEZ zone. Needs to be able to comfortably haul family, fully loaded, for UK and French holidays, 3 or 4 times a year.
The dirty secret is... I've been considering buying a Vauxhall Zafira 1.4 TSI petrol. A few people have advised me against. Is this badge snobbery or wise counsel? My only concern had been whether 1.4 TSI might struggle with a full load on long journeys.
1. What do you think?
2. What other petrol MPV should I consider?
Front runner alternative could be Ford S-Max EcoBoost 2.0 - by all accounts good car and have driven a couple and they feel good, with more pull. But rare in petrol and looking at 2010/2011 plate with 60-75k. Plus not great MPG. Worth it do you think, to go for better car, but older?
This compares to say a 3 yr old Vauxhall Zafira with 20k, for same money.
I'd ruled out "French" MPVs, due to reliability and availability of anything but smaller petrol engines.
Ford Galaxy is bigger than I need, but few more around in petrol than S-Max, so maybe.
Seat Alhambra/ Sharan, bigger than I need and more expensive and relatively small petrol engines to size of car.
Should I consider the Zafira, and set aside badge snobbery?
3. Am i missing a trick anywhere here? Feels like options are limited for used petrol in this space that tick all my boxes.
If I gave up on MPV - and give up on bring able to lug the extra bodies - I'm going back to a large petrol estate I guess? Skoda Octavia/ Superb/ older E-Class.
What would you do in my shoes?
Many thanks indeed.
The dirty secret is... I've been considering buying a Vauxhall Zafira 1.4 TSI petrol. A few people have advised me against. Is this badge snobbery or wise counsel? My only concern had been whether 1.4 TSI might struggle with a full load on long journeys.
1. What do you think?
2. What other petrol MPV should I consider?
Front runner alternative could be Ford S-Max EcoBoost 2.0 - by all accounts good car and have driven a couple and they feel good, with more pull. But rare in petrol and looking at 2010/2011 plate with 60-75k. Plus not great MPG. Worth it do you think, to go for better car, but older?
This compares to say a 3 yr old Vauxhall Zafira with 20k, for same money.
I'd ruled out "French" MPVs, due to reliability and availability of anything but smaller petrol engines.
Ford Galaxy is bigger than I need, but few more around in petrol than S-Max, so maybe.
Seat Alhambra/ Sharan, bigger than I need and more expensive and relatively small petrol engines to size of car.
Should I consider the Zafira, and set aside badge snobbery?
3. Am i missing a trick anywhere here? Feels like options are limited for used petrol in this space that tick all my boxes.
If I gave up on MPV - and give up on bring able to lug the extra bodies - I'm going back to a large petrol estate I guess? Skoda Octavia/ Superb/ older E-Class.
What would you do in my shoes?
Many thanks indeed.
My dad had the previous shape Zafira.
It was surprisingly practical. Spacious, hard-wearing, he used it as a bus to transport his grandkids everywhere so I’m sure you can imagine the amount of abuse it took but it still felt solid after 7 years. Incredibly bland to drive (his was the 1.6L, the VXR would be different I imagine).
If you want a value for money MPV I’d go for either a Corolla Verso or a Zafira. If you’re happy to pay a bit more I’d go for an S-Max.
It was surprisingly practical. Spacious, hard-wearing, he used it as a bus to transport his grandkids everywhere so I’m sure you can imagine the amount of abuse it took but it still felt solid after 7 years. Incredibly bland to drive (his was the 1.6L, the VXR would be different I imagine).
If you want a value for money MPV I’d go for either a Corolla Verso or a Zafira. If you’re happy to pay a bit more I’d go for an S-Max.
I'd say the Mazda5 150 in Sport Venture trim is a very good alternative but it doesn't have the same kind of go as the 2.0T S Max:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
S Max Titanium X Sport 240
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Zafira Tourer SRI 140
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Titanium 200
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...
S Max Titanium X Sport 240
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Zafira Tourer SRI 140
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Titanium 200
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
SouthmoorDad said:
I'd ruled out "French" MPVs, due to reliability and availability of anything but smaller petrol engines.
I wouldn't rule out anything especially Renault. I have ran a 2010 grand scenic 1.5 dci for 4 years and 80k and it has been reliable with no issues. Isn't bad with me the wife and 4 kids and roof box on and still returning 48mpg at 70 on the motorway. Handling is as good as the ford's and its more reliable. You can get a 1.4 turbo version. I also have another Renault that has been equally reliable so don't rule out the French especially Renault.The Grand C-Max is definitely worth a look. I didn’t realise they existed until we stumbled across one at a car supermarket. Vast majority are diesels though, petrol choices are NA 1.6 or 1.0 EcoBoost, I have seen a few prefacelift with the 1.6T but they’re rare.
We are looking for something easy to get a baby in and out of, and the sliding doors certainly make a big difference here. Our 11 year old liked it in the back, it’ll take an i Size child seat behind me driving which doesn’t work in any estate I’ve tried because the seat is huge and I’m very tall. They seem pretty reasonably priced - I’m considering swapping my other half’s old Focus for one and use it as the family wagon and I can get something for commuting and business that suits me.
We are looking for something easy to get a baby in and out of, and the sliding doors certainly make a big difference here. Our 11 year old liked it in the back, it’ll take an i Size child seat behind me driving which doesn’t work in any estate I’ve tried because the seat is huge and I’m very tall. They seem pretty reasonably priced - I’m considering swapping my other half’s old Focus for one and use it as the family wagon and I can get something for commuting and business that suits me.
I get the sense from your post that you would prefer an Estate if you could make it work? Have you tried either a big Volvo or perhaps a Skoda Superb estate? Both are cavernous and will have better road manners than an MPV (which are soul-destroying, hence why Zafiras are always driven badly!)
Though I concede finding a Petrol one of either is going to be challenging.
Though I concede finding a Petrol one of either is going to be challenging.
Hi all,
Thanks so much for all the thoughts. I’m new here - and it’s definitely a v friendly and helpful forum. Much appreciated.
OK done some more reading and thinking based on the helpful thoughts here.
Mazda5, Ford Grand C-Max and Verso all look good.... but (to my frustration) have either skinny middle seat in 2nd row and/or relatively small boots. As soon as I’d have an extra adult or even an extra child in an extra booster seat, I’d be forced to use the pop up seats., shrinking boot further. I’d like to be able to get 3 in the 2nd row ideally. w all these cars I’d end up with a smaller boot than my old eatate. (All less than 450 litres compared to 610 on Skoda Octavia or 700 in Zafira or Smax.) After decent boot.
Renault Grand Scenic I wouldn’t rule out but only seem to be a limited supply in petrol and nothing bigger than a 1.6 petrol engine.
Which seems to leave me back with Zafira or Smax!
I was expecting there to be more negative feedback on Zafira Tourer and more push in direction of S-Max. I’m wondering if negativity towards Zafira is more badge snobbery. (I know it won’t be a sexy drive and Smax is unusual in being good to drive MPV). But maybe S-Max less loved than I’d imagined - maybe cause of its poor mpg in petrol?
So questions in my mind...
1. would you buy a 2010 or 11 plate Smax with 60-75,000 clock on the clock for up to 10k. Or Zafira Tourer 2015/16 plate with 20-30 on the clock, for same money. And why?
2. Am I nuts to buy an Smax 2.0 petrol that apparently delivers real mpg of around 20 local, and average 27 when you factor in motorway runs. Or worth it if I can suck up fuel cost. (Zafira average real mpg apparently 34ish)
3. Anyone got experience of the 1.4TSI Zafira Tourer. Is the engine strong enough for a fully loaded car over longer distance. I’m not after a MPV hot hatch! but don’t want something that struggles. I’ve test driven and seemed ok bar needing to change down to over take more than in my old 1.8 estate. Bug obv can’t test drive fully loaded.
4. Any other last suggestions I’m missing for petrol mpv w big boot. Ford Galaxy 2.0 Ecoboost?
5. If I give up and return to estate, I was thinking Skoda Octavia, Superb (longer but not wider), Toyota Avenida or Ford Mondeo. Maybe E Class Benz?
Thanks so much for all the thoughts. I’m new here - and it’s definitely a v friendly and helpful forum. Much appreciated.
OK done some more reading and thinking based on the helpful thoughts here.
Mazda5, Ford Grand C-Max and Verso all look good.... but (to my frustration) have either skinny middle seat in 2nd row and/or relatively small boots. As soon as I’d have an extra adult or even an extra child in an extra booster seat, I’d be forced to use the pop up seats., shrinking boot further. I’d like to be able to get 3 in the 2nd row ideally. w all these cars I’d end up with a smaller boot than my old eatate. (All less than 450 litres compared to 610 on Skoda Octavia or 700 in Zafira or Smax.) After decent boot.
Renault Grand Scenic I wouldn’t rule out but only seem to be a limited supply in petrol and nothing bigger than a 1.6 petrol engine.
Which seems to leave me back with Zafira or Smax!
I was expecting there to be more negative feedback on Zafira Tourer and more push in direction of S-Max. I’m wondering if negativity towards Zafira is more badge snobbery. (I know it won’t be a sexy drive and Smax is unusual in being good to drive MPV). But maybe S-Max less loved than I’d imagined - maybe cause of its poor mpg in petrol?
So questions in my mind...
1. would you buy a 2010 or 11 plate Smax with 60-75,000 clock on the clock for up to 10k. Or Zafira Tourer 2015/16 plate with 20-30 on the clock, for same money. And why?
2. Am I nuts to buy an Smax 2.0 petrol that apparently delivers real mpg of around 20 local, and average 27 when you factor in motorway runs. Or worth it if I can suck up fuel cost. (Zafira average real mpg apparently 34ish)
3. Anyone got experience of the 1.4TSI Zafira Tourer. Is the engine strong enough for a fully loaded car over longer distance. I’m not after a MPV hot hatch! but don’t want something that struggles. I’ve test driven and seemed ok bar needing to change down to over take more than in my old 1.8 estate. Bug obv can’t test drive fully loaded.
4. Any other last suggestions I’m missing for petrol mpv w big boot. Ford Galaxy 2.0 Ecoboost?
5. If I give up and return to estate, I was thinking Skoda Octavia, Superb (longer but not wider), Toyota Avenida or Ford Mondeo. Maybe E Class Benz?
VW Touran has 3 individual seats in the middle row plus the 7 seat configuration, so does the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (now badged Spacetourer). Both can be had with turbo petrols like the Zafira and can be had in budget.
However, neither will be as new or low mileage as the Vauxhall.
However, neither will be as new or low mileage as the Vauxhall.
The 1.4T is a decent engine but I have to say it felt underpowered in an Insignia so I'd say it may feel the same in the Zafira, out of the two I'd take the S Max over the Zafira every time.
The last S Max 200 that I listed is a good mix of low miles & pace, it may be older but it's the better car, estate wise I'd say look for the Mondeo but they hold their money well.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Superb 3.6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
E200 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The last S Max 200 that I listed is a good mix of low miles & pace, it may be older but it's the better car, estate wise I'd say look for the Mondeo but they hold their money well.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Superb 3.6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
E200 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks so much.
Ok so you’d chose Smax over Zafira even if it means older car, higher mileage?
So maybe I just need to decide if I can suck up the extra fuel costs per year - around £600.
(I think I’ve found pvt seller with Smax Ecoboost 2.0 with just 45k on clock for £8500.)
1. Would others vote the same way?
2. Anyone actually got experience of living with vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.4TSI?
Thanks for the eatate tips. I’d beeen looking at Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI - maybe better compromise for me? - the 3.6 gives me similar low mpg to Smax without the extra seats.
3. Any other votes for best petrol eatate w big boot and half chance of getting an extra child or even small adult between two kids high-back booster seats a in the 2nd row?
Z
Ok so you’d chose Smax over Zafira even if it means older car, higher mileage?
So maybe I just need to decide if I can suck up the extra fuel costs per year - around £600.
(I think I’ve found pvt seller with Smax Ecoboost 2.0 with just 45k on clock for £8500.)
1. Would others vote the same way?
2. Anyone actually got experience of living with vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.4TSI?
Thanks for the eatate tips. I’d beeen looking at Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI - maybe better compromise for me? - the 3.6 gives me similar low mpg to Smax without the extra seats.
3. Any other votes for best petrol eatate w big boot and half chance of getting an extra child or even small adult between two kids high-back booster seats a in the 2nd row?
Z
SouthmoorDad said:
1. Would others vote the same way?
2. Anyone actually got experience of living with vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.4TSI?
1. A Zafira that's less than half the age and half the mileage of the Ford looks a lot more appealing to me. 3yr/30k vs 7yr/70k.2. Anyone actually got experience of living with vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.4TSI?
2. Zafira's 1.4T isn't a TSI type of engine; it's turbo but it's multipoint port injection which means no coked-up valves and misfires as the car ages.
Ok this is interesting. So that’s a vote for Zafira Tourer.
I’ve managed to find Smax 2010 plate with 45k on the clock for £8500. But it’s had a dog in it. So was gonna have to spend £300 on deep clean. Almost complete service history - service last year due, carried out this month pre sale. It’s had auto box “noise” “judder” repaired under warranty - new part was gearbox housing.
For similar Money Zafira Tourer 1.4T 2015 plate with 16-25k on the clock. Full service history. Eg
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It’s the engine size and pull that would be causing me to hesitate on Zafira. I’d live with bland drive. It’s be fine for around local london. Might notice its weaker engine on motorway driving/ will full load / holiday.
I’ve managed to find Smax 2010 plate with 45k on the clock for £8500. But it’s had a dog in it. So was gonna have to spend £300 on deep clean. Almost complete service history - service last year due, carried out this month pre sale. It’s had auto box “noise” “judder” repaired under warranty - new part was gearbox housing.
For similar Money Zafira Tourer 1.4T 2015 plate with 16-25k on the clock. Full service history. Eg
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It’s the engine size and pull that would be causing me to hesitate on Zafira. I’d live with bland drive. It’s be fine for around local london. Might notice its weaker engine on motorway driving/ will full load / holiday.
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