3 kids... What do I actually need?!
Discussion
Hi all,
Got 2 kids currently (7 and 4) with another due later this year. Currently have an Octavia VRS which has been fantastic but clearly need something bigger now.
The 7 and 4 year olds are in slim high back boosters. Spent hours looking at various options, estates, SUVs, MPVs etc.
Do I *need* an MPV/SUV/7 seater of some description... Or can a big-ish 5 seater work? Anyone been through similar with some suggestions to share? Mrs doesn't drive so this is the do it all car, would prefer to avoid an MPV if possible.
Budget probably up to 30k max really, would prefer to spend less. We do quite a lot of short trips for school runs etc. So petrol preferred and ideally automatic as per the current VRS.
Thanks
Got 2 kids currently (7 and 4) with another due later this year. Currently have an Octavia VRS which has been fantastic but clearly need something bigger now.
The 7 and 4 year olds are in slim high back boosters. Spent hours looking at various options, estates, SUVs, MPVs etc.
Do I *need* an MPV/SUV/7 seater of some description... Or can a big-ish 5 seater work? Anyone been through similar with some suggestions to share? Mrs doesn't drive so this is the do it all car, would prefer to avoid an MPV if possible.
Budget probably up to 30k max really, would prefer to spend less. We do quite a lot of short trips for school runs etc. So petrol preferred and ideally automatic as per the current VRS.
Thanks
With 3 children myself, I'm on my 2nd XC90. The first, when the children were younger, had the integrated booster seat which allowed for a further 2 child seats. Lovely place to be as Volvo seats tend to be super comfy.
I've also had cars like the 5 series and, whilst do-able, I'd only recommend for occasional use.
I've also had cars like the 5 series and, whilst do-able, I'd only recommend for occasional use.
Mate has 3 in an Octavia with a multimac. Even when the oldest is too big for the harnesses they can use an outer seat with the seatbelt via an adaptor they sell. Baby goes in a rear-facing seat that attaches.
Expensive but less so than a new SUV, and they do hold their value well when you no longer need it. They had a toddler and had only just bought the Octavia when they found out they were expecting twins!
Even in fairly wide SUVs the bulky group 0/1 seats can take up too much room to fit two high back boosters as well. Easier once they’re all front facing.
Expensive but less so than a new SUV, and they do hold their value well when you no longer need it. They had a toddler and had only just bought the Octavia when they found out they were expecting twins!
Even in fairly wide SUVs the bulky group 0/1 seats can take up too much room to fit two high back boosters as well. Easier once they’re all front facing.
Popular question OP
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
First off, congratulations! Second off the standard answer round these parts is S Max or Multimac (which I see someone has already mentioned)
For us, we've gone for a Touran for everyday, but I was looking for something with 'occasional' 3 child seat capability...if you're the only driver in the family, you're probably stuck with the standard multimac/Smax answer (S Max is good by the way and was my preference, but wife preferred the Touran).
Depends whether you class it as interesting or not...but apparently the F Pace is an easy fit for 3 in the rear (YMMV).
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/suvs/2018-jaguar-...
The person that mentions the Astra is right, but it's one of the seats in the front (same for A4/A3), so depends if your significant other wants to sit in the (very small) middle gap in the rear.
Good luck!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
First off, congratulations! Second off the standard answer round these parts is S Max or Multimac (which I see someone has already mentioned)
For us, we've gone for a Touran for everyday, but I was looking for something with 'occasional' 3 child seat capability...if you're the only driver in the family, you're probably stuck with the standard multimac/Smax answer (S Max is good by the way and was my preference, but wife preferred the Touran).
Depends whether you class it as interesting or not...but apparently the F Pace is an easy fit for 3 in the rear (YMMV).
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/suvs/2018-jaguar-...
The person that mentions the Astra is right, but it's one of the seats in the front (same for A4/A3), so depends if your significant other wants to sit in the (very small) middle gap in the rear.
Good luck!
Same position as you, three kids.
We find you are ok when they are small with just a standard 5 seat hatch, but as they got bigger it limited taking their friends with us so trips often took two cars.
We went first with a E class merc with the two extra seats in the boot, which was fine, then when that was written off we went with the current R class nail (6 seater). It’s great, not in anyway fast or sporty, but super comfortable for groups over long distances. It’s also been really cheap…I paid £2,600 three years ago and other than mot and service it’s cost nothing (ok, the £600 tax hurts)!
We find you are ok when they are small with just a standard 5 seat hatch, but as they got bigger it limited taking their friends with us so trips often took two cars.
We went first with a E class merc with the two extra seats in the boot, which was fine, then when that was written off we went with the current R class nail (6 seater). It’s great, not in anyway fast or sporty, but super comfortable for groups over long distances. It’s also been really cheap…I paid £2,600 three years ago and other than mot and service it’s cost nothing (ok, the £600 tax hurts)!
j44esd said:
Popular question OP
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
First off, congratulations! Second off the standard answer round these parts is S Max or Multimac (which I see someone has already mentioned)
For us, we've gone for a Touran for everyday, but I was looking for something with 'occasional' 3 child seat capability...if you're the only driver in the family, you're probably stuck with the standard multimac/Smax answer (S Max is good by the way and was my preference, but wife preferred the Touran).
Depends whether you class it as interesting or not...but apparently the F Pace is an easy fit for 3 in the rear (YMMV).
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/suvs/2018-jaguar-...
The person that mentions the Astra is right, but it's one of the seats in the front (same for A4/A3), so depends if your significant other wants to sit in the (very small) middle gap in the rear.
Good luck!
Thanks, I saw your thread and noted a chap thought a 5 series had good width in the rear. Previous searches turned up the standard multimac or S Max suggestions. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
First off, congratulations! Second off the standard answer round these parts is S Max or Multimac (which I see someone has already mentioned)
For us, we've gone for a Touran for everyday, but I was looking for something with 'occasional' 3 child seat capability...if you're the only driver in the family, you're probably stuck with the standard multimac/Smax answer (S Max is good by the way and was my preference, but wife preferred the Touran).
Depends whether you class it as interesting or not...but apparently the F Pace is an easy fit for 3 in the rear (YMMV).
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/suvs/2018-jaguar-...
The person that mentions the Astra is right, but it's one of the seats in the front (same for A4/A3), so depends if your significant other wants to sit in the (very small) middle gap in the rear.
Good luck!
As good as the multimac is, I've had the Octavia 6 years this year, so more than ready for a change which is hopefully better suited. I like the look of the F pace to be fair so could be a good shout! I don't think the Mrs would mind sitting in the back as long as it is comfortable enough and she's not squeezed in. We don't do a lot of long trips aside from the odd family holiday, where worst case we could hire something more van like if necessary.
Good luck with your imminent arrivals!
Mikebentley said:
A vasectomy. Sorry a bit late as just got up.
Haha that's next 
LightningBlue said:
When I were a small lad MPVs didn’t exist and a family car was considered a Ford Escort or Peugeot 405. Why now do families feel the need for massive vehicles? Is the kid paraphernalia bigger?
It's the rules on safety seats, days when you could throw an extra one on the parcel shelf are over!My first thought when I saw the question "lots of money"
I remember my mum taking me and friends to a party in a Escort Hatchback, probably around 1987. 1 in the front, 4 on the back seat and 2 in the boot with the flimsy load area cover taken out. These days if someone did that the Karens would call the Police.
Fru.T.Bun said:
LightningBlue said:
When I were a small lad MPVs didn’t exist and a family car was considered a Ford Escort or Peugeot 405. Why now do families feel the need for massive vehicles? Is the kid paraphernalia bigger?
It's the rules on safety seats, days when you could throw an extra one on the parcel shelf are over!My first thought when I saw the question "lots of money"
I remember my mum taking me and friends to a party in a Escort Hatchback, probably around 1987. 1 in the front, 4 on the back seat and 2 in the boot with the flimsy load area cover taken out. These days if someone did that the Karens would call the Police.
My Dad also had a 1982 Escort XR3, and we never seemed to struggle for space going on holiday with 4 of us and a golden retriever! Whereas now I always seemed to struggle for room when the 4 of us go away though.
ahenners said:
Hi all,
Got 2 kids currently (7 and 4) with another due later this year. Currently have an Octavia VRS which has been fantastic but clearly need something bigger now.
The 7 and 4 year olds are in slim high back boosters. Spent hours looking at various options, estates, SUVs, MPVs etc.
Do I *need* an MPV/SUV/7 seater of some description... Or can a big-ish 5 seater work? Anyone been through similar with some suggestions to share? Mrs doesn't drive so this is the do it all car, would prefer to avoid an MPV if possible.
Budget probably up to 30k max really, would prefer to spend less. We do quite a lot of short trips for school runs etc. So petrol preferred and ideally automatic as per the current VRS.
Thanks
Peugeot 5008 Allure:Got 2 kids currently (7 and 4) with another due later this year. Currently have an Octavia VRS which has been fantastic but clearly need something bigger now.
The 7 and 4 year olds are in slim high back boosters. Spent hours looking at various options, estates, SUVs, MPVs etc.
Do I *need* an MPV/SUV/7 seater of some description... Or can a big-ish 5 seater work? Anyone been through similar with some suggestions to share? Mrs doesn't drive so this is the do it all car, would prefer to avoid an MPV if possible.
Budget probably up to 30k max really, would prefer to spend less. We do quite a lot of short trips for school runs etc. So petrol preferred and ideally automatic as per the current VRS.
Thanks
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201271...
Seat Tarraco Xcellence:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201271...
DS7's are a nice width too & a lower price point too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201040...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202172...
Volkswagen did the Transporter with a 2.0 tsi engine - simple remap to 300bhp and most are dsg.
I'm not sure if this was an option in a Caravelle which is the ready made luxury 7 seater though.....
The VW vans are a great place to put your money, they hold their money and the world is your oyster regarding modifications etc.
If your outdoorsy they can also be used as a camper/ mtb bus/ dogging vehicle
I'm not sure if this was an option in a Caravelle which is the ready made luxury 7 seater though.....
The VW vans are a great place to put your money, they hold their money and the world is your oyster regarding modifications etc.
If your outdoorsy they can also be used as a camper/ mtb bus/ dogging vehicle
Against my better judgement we ended up with a Citroen gran Picasso. 6 year old 4 year old and 1 year old.
Honestly it's the best car my wife has ever had. The kids love it as its really easy to get in and out of. All 3 of the middle row seats are independent which is extremely handly.
Annoyingly it's nicer to drive long distances than either my 335d or Audi S3. It's so quiet.
Our budget was a lot less that yours at the time it was a 1 year old Picasso or a 4 year old s max.
Honestly it's the best car my wife has ever had. The kids love it as its really easy to get in and out of. All 3 of the middle row seats are independent which is extremely handly.
Annoyingly it's nicer to drive long distances than either my 335d or Audi S3. It's so quiet.
Our budget was a lot less that yours at the time it was a 1 year old Picasso or a 4 year old s max.
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