7 Seaters

[Dewalsh]

Hi everyone

I recently posted for SUV advice and got some very useful answers and help but someone mentioned the Sante Fe which got me thinking.
Having the 7 seats is something that sounds very appealing.
I’d be ok with a mini van or SUV (pref SUV I guess).
The other bits I am looking for were as follows…

-SUV pref or higher driving position. Feels safer for kids. Getting rid of a Ford ranger.
-powered tailgate
-keyless start/entry
-spacious inside. Pref leather.
-soft comfy ride. (I had an S type jag the ride and space, seats etc was awesome)
-Bluetooth connectivity. Not just calls. iPhones / Spotify etc.
-6-7 seats
-automatic
That’s all the boxes I want to tick really.
Budget 10-22k but ideally around 15 ish.
Petrol or diesel not fussed. Not electric.

Looking forward to the suggestions.

Many thanks guys and gals.

[idiotgap]

xc90

[JohnBRG]

E70 X5 ticks all the boxes.

[vexed]

I had similar wishes and ended up with a 2 series Gran tourer. Not an SUV bit it is a little taller than a normal hatchback.

[duff]

At £15k an X-Trail would get my vote. Not sure what the auto box is like on those but I have a manual and it’s perfectly ok, definitely not German build quality but is spacious and economical.

We really need an auto and I’m looking at an X5/XC90 etc for around £25k but given the abuse the car gets from kids I’d probably be better to stick with the cheaper car tbh.

[Timbo_S2]

I've had my 2008 Caravelle Exec for over 10 years, its now over 215,000 miles and still going strong. When it eventually gives up, i'll get another.

Mines got six captains chairs, but most are 7 seaters. Seats some out, and its a van. Caravelles are galvanised and have extra sound proofing over a transporter. As its van derived, parts are cheap and plentiful. Ideal family car IMO.

Merc Viano is much of the same.

[ilikejam]

Peugeot 5008 is the correct answer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308150...



Renault Grand Scenic an option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307029...



Merc R Class out of left field:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307169...

[Yomamaisasnowblower]

Skoda Kodiaq / Seat Tarraco. Comfy, but also tough enough to withstand a family bashing it. Would need your max budget unless you're ok with high miles.

[wyson]

Ford Galaxy? The Mrs loved that, found it very comfortable. Seats were good. It had decent cubby space, was very practical and had a higher than normal driving position. Decent ride and fairly quiet at cruise in the motorway. The diesel was hushed, the torque converter auto well behaved and well matched to the engine and car.

It is a wide car, with 3 individual rear seats. You could fit an adult in the middle seat with two child seats on either side. Makes a lot of sense if you frequently travel 5+ up. I’d definitely look for this feature if carrying lots of people.

Ticks all your boxes.

Not sure if you are doing it already, but definitely check out Euroncap, IIHS crash testing rather than going on feelings if you value safety. I remember when they first started testing vans, lots of them were big, but didn’t score well, the manufacturers then upped their games and started engineering in the safety features they put in their cars. ie. crash safety is more about engineering rather than vehicle size.

Edited by wyson on Friday 18th August 11:20

[the-norseman]

I'd say XC90.

We have a MK1 XC90, we bought it for the massive boot (when the 6/7th seats arent up) but it has come in handy a few times recently.

Keyless entry is the only thing I'd do away with if you get a more modern car, easy access for thieves.