Andy M3

Hi

I haven't done a 'what car' thread in a long time. But maybe you lot can help out. The range of cars available with my criteria are limited, but I am open to suggestions.

• Diesel
• Auto
• Up to 70k
• must seat 6 in car seats at all times [i.e access to the rear required with cars seats in]
• A/C
• Cruise [would like but not necessarily a must]
• Post milenium preferably
• Not £400 / year road tax please

I think that is it, let me know your thoughts and experiences.

Cheers

Andy

BLU

iTrader: (27)

You might just get a Chrysler Voyager for 5K or hows about a Kia Sedona?? I've had a Voyager and find that the Vauxhall Zafira is a better all rounder although a lot smaller. You can pick up a nice one for 5K (thats what I've got now and i've got 5 kids!!)

BLU

iTrader: (27)

Or is it a 4wd your after??

Smiler

If you buy a Ulysse/C8/807 ensure the auto gearbox has already been replaced.

Box is too weak for the weight and tends to last only 75K

Andy M3

Thanks for that tip smiler. The Zafira I think would be a struggle to access the back whilst seats are plumbed in the middle row.

So far I have spotted a few potential car's, non of which cover my criteria exactly
Manual/Mileage
Auto Trader UK - CHRYSLER VOYAGER DIESEL 2.5 CRD LX
Manual
Auto Trader UK - SEAT ALHAMBRA 1.9 TDi PD SE 7 Seat 5dr 115 BHP
Manual/Mileage
Auto Trader UK - FORD GALAXY 1.9 TD Ghia 5dr [115 PS] 7 SEATER !!!!!
Just more than I want to spend, but the closest yet!
Auto Trader UK - VOLKSWAGEN Sharan 1.9 TDi Sport Tip
Manual/Money
Auto Trader UK - FORD Galaxy 1.9 TD Ghia

Woody76

Have a look at the Toyota Estima a very good all rounder
2.2 td auto
7 or 8 seater with the middle row that spins round and the rear seats folding up to the sides tripling the boot space.
I've owned 6 of them (although the older version rather than post millenium) and think they are cracking vehicles.
I'm selling one at the mo actually but it's a 1995 so not sure if you'd be interested
1994 TOYOTA ESTIMA EMINA PEOPLE CARRIER on eBay, also, Toyota, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 26-Jun-08 22:26:11 BST)
There is also a large following for these vehicles and plenty of clubs to gain the info from. welcome to ukec for example

Andy M3

Hi Woody

It's a bit old for me ta. We have a great '95 JDM Honda Odyssey, but we are after a bit newer and a bit more economical.

Cheers anyway.

BLU

iTrader: (27)

How many car seats have you got?? Watch the voyager, VERY expensive to put right when (not if ) they go wrong.

j4ckos mate

its a ashame you need so many seats, we have a picasso, and love it for the reliability

Andy M3

4 seats for at least 5+ years

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

The Sharan we had was ok, my sister in law has one with the auto and loves it, they arent very well built though, the fuel economy was good, we ghave the new Galaxy now and thats a better car but much worse on fuel,

Andy M3

^^^ interesting you say that. The new one has seats that cannot be removed IIRC. This is simply a pain in the *** as we use all the seats all the time with car seats tied in etc.

The voyager is the perfect car IF, it was better on fuel, cheaper to maintain and didn't try to kill you when involved in an accident.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Not sure what you mean about the seats, the system on the new one seems a lot better than havign to remeove them, we had the integrated child seats in th eold one that made the two middle outers even heavier than the already heavy other seats.

Voyager, you need to add, good to drive to the list, no people carrier is that great but the Galaxy is the best of the ones I have driven.

Andy M3

Becuase I need access to the rear, but only need 6 seats, I would remove the centre middle permanantly. You can't do this in the news one, or the Zafira, Touran, C8 etc etc.

Old
http://newcars.ua/images/gallery/Sea...mbra_int_2.jpg

New
http://www.vospers.com/upload/vosper...ord-galaxy.jpg

Pic's for everyone else, I know you know what you old and new car is/was like

BLU

iTrader: (27)

What about a Fiat Multipla if you only need 6 seats?? Takes out the need for access to the rear as they are 3+3

magepaster

iTrader: (2)

Shame the Honda FRV is a little out of your price range. 6 seats and good sized boot left over. Ours is usually fully occupied, wheelchair in boot and still room for shopping.

Andy M3

We used to have a Multipla. The only real issue was it was uncomfortable for me. Added to that, no auto option, no cruise etc etc.

FRV would be the one, gearbox aside. Focus runnng costs and enough space for 4 kids in seats, 2 adults and 400 litres of boot space

Sadly too much £££

magepaster

iTrader: (2)

Hi Andy,
Gear box aside? What's wrong with the gear box? I've not noticed any problems, seems ok to me.
Do you mean position of the gear stick? I thought at first that I wouldn't like it but it really seems to suit me being high up and only a hands span from the steering wheel. I find it easier to use than a standard box now.

Andy M3

As in you need to do it yourself

magepaster

iTrader: (2)

Aaah, that will teach me to read things properly won't it?