Should I give in to an S-max?
Discussion
We have a 4 year old and are due twins in March. We need a car that can accommodate 3 kids in the back. Not just any 3 kids: 2 babies in maxi cosi's with isofix and a group 3 high backed booster (we're going to get a narrow booster which measures 41cm at the back and 43cm at the front.
I really don't want an S-max/MPV but little else gives me the guaranteed space. I need clarity!
This is mumsnet right?
I really don't want an S-max/MPV but little else gives me the guaranteed space. I need clarity!
This is mumsnet right?
Short answer is yes.
We have twins (5 yr olds) and a 2 yr old and have had ours since the thrird arrived. From a functional point of view it's perfect and it's neither expensive to run nor nearly as awful to drive as you might expect.
It does take a change in mindset though, it's purpose is to safely carry your family, not be a great driving machine.
We have twins (5 yr olds) and a 2 yr old and have had ours since the thrird arrived. From a functional point of view it's perfect and it's neither expensive to run nor nearly as awful to drive as you might expect.
It does take a change in mindset though, it's purpose is to safely carry your family, not be a great driving machine.
PorkFan said:
surely a 5 series/E class/A6 estate could take 3 car seats comfortably and you have a wide range of year/price/engine etc to choose from
No, they just don't unfortunately. Disco is a cooler, more characterful car but probably cost twice as much to run.
Can't go wrong with the Smax/galaxy.
Zafira VXR, pal has one after being whipped by his wife into replacing his car with a 7 seater (because her clio was more important than the Focus ST that has been his pride and joy for years but idk) and he actually loves the thing to bits, its an absolute hoot to watch hoon down country roads & outdrags an embarrassing amount of hot hatches.
Just an idea if you want something fun, they are getting a bit long in the tooth (think they stopped in 2010) but there are plenty of immaculate examples about and the values are holding pretty consistent, Vauxhall definitely have a monopoly on the very niche market of fun family buses.
Just an idea if you want something fun, they are getting a bit long in the tooth (think they stopped in 2010) but there are plenty of immaculate examples about and the values are holding pretty consistent, Vauxhall definitely have a monopoly on the very niche market of fun family buses.
I hired a Galaxy last year to take the 4 grandkids on holiday with us and was dreading it. Have to admit that it was a nice drive with lots of toys for me to fiddle with,nice seating that could be moved about to suit your needs and as it was a hire car I expect it was not the top line model.
In the interest of tradition, I'll recommend what I bought recently.
A Japanese import Toyota Alphard.
They may not feel great value on first look - you're looking at 10-14 year old cars for £8-£10k.
However... they're really high spec., incredibly well built, absolutely vast inside (yet smaller on the outside than my 5 series) and come with a Lexus 3.0 V6. Get it LPG converted and you'll see the 'cost equivalent' of 46mpg.
I adore ours, never thought I'd say that about an MPV!
A Japanese import Toyota Alphard.
They may not feel great value on first look - you're looking at 10-14 year old cars for £8-£10k.
However... they're really high spec., incredibly well built, absolutely vast inside (yet smaller on the outside than my 5 series) and come with a Lexus 3.0 V6. Get it LPG converted and you'll see the 'cost equivalent' of 46mpg.
I adore ours, never thought I'd say that about an MPV!
Our old a6 my11 would not have fitted 3 cars seats across the back, even a slim adult struggled between 2 maxi cosi's.
We finally gave in to an smax, its been brilliant. Rarely use all 7 seats but its v handy if kids invite friends home from school or the grandparents join us on a day trip.
When its just the 4 of us there's plenty of space, middle row of seats slide so you can push that all the way back and then the urchins cant kick the seats in front
When its just me i can bring out my inner van man, either loading it to the hilt with stuff or using the driving position to make progress
Fwiw ours is a 170bhp tdi with powershift/dsg and whilst it isn't a rocket ship it goes well enough and is quite fun to punt around. Its less dull than previous Audi a6
Also has the most comfy seats, heated too
We finally gave in to an smax, its been brilliant. Rarely use all 7 seats but its v handy if kids invite friends home from school or the grandparents join us on a day trip.
When its just the 4 of us there's plenty of space, middle row of seats slide so you can push that all the way back and then the urchins cant kick the seats in front
When its just me i can bring out my inner van man, either loading it to the hilt with stuff or using the driving position to make progress
Fwiw ours is a 170bhp tdi with powershift/dsg and whilst it isn't a rocket ship it goes well enough and is quite fun to punt around. Its less dull than previous Audi a6
Also has the most comfy seats, heated too
If you are buying used then yes the S-Max is the best choice - great to drive and does not feel like a big wobbly people carrier - it's just like a Mondeo to drive (ie very good).
Brilliant for long trips as very good driving position and loads of room in the back.
Relatively cheap to buy and cheap to run.
Don't let anyone put you off just because of the Ford badge - the S-Max is a brilliant all-rounder if you need lots of space but still want to enjoy your driving.
Brilliant for long trips as very good driving position and loads of room in the back.
Relatively cheap to buy and cheap to run.
Don't let anyone put you off just because of the Ford badge - the S-Max is a brilliant all-rounder if you need lots of space but still want to enjoy your driving.
What about the version of the S-Max with the 2.5T Focus ST engine in? http://www.evo.co.uk/ford/s-max
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