Cheap 7 seater

[arj7]

I'm after a 7 seater that will be used occasionally, mainly when I go out with my family and take my parents along.

It's my wife, myself and two young kids, so the 3rd row of seats is ideal for the kids.

Looking for an auto, something that's reliable, budget of £5k

Thanks

[clockworks]

Ford Galaxy, or possibly the VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra. Older models are all basically the same car, newer ones Ford did their own thing.

The rear seats in a Galaxy are actually usable for teenagers, and you still have a bit of boot space.

Smaller 7 seaters like the Zafira have very small boots with the rearmost seats in use.

If you need more space, Hyundai i800

[Silvanus]

Although both rare as autos, the Mazda5 and Mitsubisi Grandis are worth a look. Kia Sedona and Chevrolet Orlando are decent too, both offer a lot of car for the money.

[Shabaza]

The imported mid to late 2000s Japanese stuff will be most reliable.
Honda stream/odyssey/shuttle
Toyota estima/previa

Or the 3.5 litre 350z engine in the Nissan Elgrand, which particularly hideous but copious in space (i strangely like it)

[Natpen79]

Silvanus said:

Although both rare as autos, the Mazda5 and Mitsubisi Grandis are worth a look. Kia Sedona and Chevrolet Orlando are decent too, both offer a lot of car for the money.

The Mazda 5 has a tiny seat in the middle row. Speaking from experience not very practical.

[Silvanus]

Natpen79 said:

Silvanus said:

Although both rare as autos, the Mazda5 and Mitsubisi Grandis are worth a look. Kia Sedona and Chevrolet Orlando are decent too, both offer a lot of car for the money.

The Mazda 5 has a tiny seat in the middle row. Speaking from experience not very practical.

Do you mean the middle seat in the middle row, I'm counting 6 passengers so that seat is not needed

[Natpen79]

Sorry yes, the middle seat in the middle row.

[ZX10R NIN]

arj7 said:

I'm after a 7 seater that will be used occasionally, mainly when I go out with my family and take my parents along.

It's my wife, myself and two young kids, so the 3rd row of seats is ideal for the kids.

Looking for an auto, something that's reliable, budget of £5k

Thanks

Titanium S Max:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209230...

Honda Stream:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210140...

Long wheel base R320cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209219...

Orlando LTZ:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210080...

[edc]

Depending on the age of your kids you should check how useable the rear seats are with child seats. The 7 seaters with fold down seats generally don't allow support legs. Also those like the Picasso or Touran leave very little boot space with all seats in use. Ok for a day trip and maybe a small pram but if you need clobber and a double buggy then you'll need a roof box.

[georgeyboy12345]

If you want reliability, I'd avoid any DSGs, geartronics or powershift autos. I'd avoid diesels too, although I have recommended a Renault with the 1.5 dCi, which is pretty reliable and it's low mileage too. Japanese stuff can be good, but you need to be wary of rust.


Low mileage Vauxhall Zafira 2.2 16v Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210140...


Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207107...


Renault Grand Scenic 1.5 dCi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203073...


Toyota Avensis Verso 2.0 VVT-i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209270...

JDM version Toyota Ipsum 2.4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210100...


Another JDM - Honda Stream 1.8 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210140...

[Natpen79]

We have had an S max for the past 8 years.
Manual, 2.0 diesel titanium.
It’s now on 140k, bruised, battered and inside looks like the inside of our recycling bin. That’s my wife’s inability to bring any wrappers in that the kids have had. Lol
Been great with 3 kids (all in car seats when we first got it) and all fitted across the middle row.
The 2 rear seats are reasonable if your compromise a bit of leg room in the middle row.
Ours has been great, reliable and not much in the way of repairs considering it’s age.
It’s served us well but will be going in the new year.

[Sir Bagalot]

At £5K any Ford auto will be the Powershift Gearbox.

Don't bother unless it had a new one fitted very recently

[Pistonheader101]

Sir Bagalot said:

At £5K any Ford auto will be the Powershift Gearbox.

Don't bother unless it had a new one fitted very recently

Or clocked back taxis

[arj7]

thanks for the recommendations, I want to pull the trigger soon

[vexed]

clockworks said:

Ford Galaxy, or possibly the VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra. Older models are all basically the same car, newer ones Ford did their own thing.

The rear seats in a Galaxy are actually usable for teenagers, and you still have a bit of boot space.

Smaller 7 seaters like the Zafira have very small boots with the rearmost seats in use.

If you need more space, Hyundai i800

Oh wow how have I never realised the i800 exists? Cheap lots of seats and looks vast! Just what I need for family of 6 trips away.

[GreatGranny]

XC90?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209059...

Here me out

Had 2 of these and both were very reliable.

32ish mpg, massive inside, 'low' tax of £360, great seats and they take the mileage well.

[b4u2]

I have a honda stream and it's been amazing. Not the cheapest fuel wise but can't fault it otherwise to be honest. I've had it for 8 months.

[Mad Maximus]

b4u2 said:

I have a honda stream and it's been amazing. Not the cheapest fuel wise but can't fault it otherwise to be honest. I've had it for 8 months.

Holy thread revival for your first post!

[Mad Maximus]

2nd on the xc90 mk1 I love mine.

[SoulGlo]

Funny this post came up as I have a similar-ish requirement later in the year.

Wife, Two kids (8 and 3yr old) may have to transport a mobility buggy/trike for the little one.

Would like to be able to transport the our two mums along on for holidays/days out.
(unfortunately both me and my have wife lost our dads in the last two years)

Needs to be auto for the wife.