Philip Attaway

Hi

I am after a second-hand MPV for the wife. It's not for transporting kiddies, it will be used more as a van (with windows) with only occasional use for all the seats.

Ideally the seats would fold away inside the car as there will be no-where to store them if removed (no garage).

Has anybody any recommendations for a vehicle of this type in the £5000-£6000 bracket and as new as possible (low milage)

Thanks

Phil

imlach

The cheapest/newest is bound to be the Vauxhall Zafira. Think only the 6th & 7th seat fold away flat though....the middle bench will probably fold nearly flat mind you....

Think the Espace/807/etc all have seats where only the backs fold flat on top of the bases.

unclebuck

Why not buy a vehicle designed for the purpose?

i.e. a van.

Philip Attaway

because the seats are needed, must be multi purpose.

Could be used as a normal car one week then a job (photo shoot) may need the space of a small van for props like chairs /furniture etc

Chris L

Don't laugh Phil - when we were in Monte Carlo for the rally this year we got a free 'upgrade' on the hire car to a Renault Kangoo - the classic van with windows OK, nothing in the looks dept, but very practical and served us very well. Loads of space inside - big boot - massive without the seats. All the usual clever storage stuff. Well worth considering. Sliding doors are very useful. My sister looked at the Citroen alternative and was very tempted.

Chris

RB5 Paul

What about a volvo estate? Not as sad as an mpv

RON

Phil,
I have just the vehicle you're after, I have a 2001 Vauxhall Zafira with the 2.2ltr petrol engine, goes very well, done 31k from new, one owner (mother) used for exactly what you describe, the seats are as I type not in use, they're folded up and the back is full of blocks.
We're getting a new one cos this one has been so good, colour is Mirage (bluey silver) it's in good all round condition, and we're looking for about £8750 for it, mail me if interested!!


Ron

RoShamBo

iTrader: (1)

I can vouch for the Zafira.
Bought one (reluctantly) 2 years ago & its been a fantastic car.
3 rows of seats, the rear 2 fold flat into the floor (i hated the thought of removing the seats & having to store them somewhere at home like in the Galaxy etc)
middloe row of seats fold down (not completely flat) & then fold up against the rear of the front 2 seats creating a large luggage area.
I have had fridge freezers, mattresses, masses of garden waste etc etc in it & I always manage to get it in !
Completely reliable too, cheap to service & economical.

We are going to change it at the end of the year......for another one !

Ro.

Reffro

An older alternative, but one which will be reliable is the Honda Shuttle. They have three rows of seats, the thrid row folds into the boot to create a flat floor, plus the second row folds up forwards out of the way, and it has a huge load area. Lots about for £5-6k, though they are all auto's, no manual, and best engine is the later 2.3 litre.

imlach

As an alternative, I should mention my 1991 Mercedes E-Class estate can fit in fridges, washing machines, a DOUBLE mattress flat, and has seven seats.

Just an alternative approach.....ie, an MPV isn't ALWAYS necessary for this type of flexibility.

Dracoro

VW Caravelle. It's a van with windows and seats which, I believe, can be removed. Solid reliability too.

Philip Attaway

Ron - Thanks for the offer but out of our price range unfortunately.

We were thinking of an estate but a lot of the props, for example an arm chair are too high backed to fit in comfortably.

An MPV just seems the best option although I will take a look at the Kangoo Chris

It must also take my muddy mountain bike, although she doesn't know this yet