[Help] 2 kids under 2 - car choice...

[scooter1]

I had a volvo v50 for 3 years and really liked it, so looked at a V60. Listed as the same spec, but just didn't feel as loaded.
In the end I went with a Merc C200d Sport estate. It's basically a Peugeot 5-something or other, but far higher spec. It's a 1.6D, so economy is great, £30 a year road tax and loads of space for a driver and in the rear.
Bizarrely one of my requirements was an auto-boot, so it has that. I found a great local independent specialist who looks after it, and keeps the bills manageable

 

[luge]

2 kids ... ford galaxy here. Absolute beauty. Would love something less diesel heavy, but you can't get more space than one of these or a Seat alhambra/VW equivalent.

Looked at C max, felt it was worth paying more for one of these or an S-Max. Galaxy is safer than an Smax apparentlty, but i plan not to be smashing it into the back of a lorry.

Look for cars that are Ex-motabity. We bought a late 2015 Galaxy with 7.5k miles on the clock in 2021 for 13k. Ex motability cars have been adapted for use by disabled people - but they can't run up the miles - so you will be getting a practically brand new car (they get re-converted back for your use)

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

I know it is an SUV but I have a Seat Ateca - same platform as the VW Tiguan, Skoda Kodiac and Audi Q5 but generally much cheaper and a bit sportier in the look.

Although I wouldn't buy from there, might be worth a trip up to Unbeatable Car in Crawley. Great chance to sit in lots of cars in one place to compare and then plenty of dealers nearby if you then want to go to a main dealer to look at options.

If you don't want to go to Crawley, Victoria Road area in Portslade is worth a stroll along.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Have a look at the BMW 7 series favoured by mr Potter, plenty of room for 2 parents and 3 kids or a selection of back room staff when called upon [emoji1303]

 

[MJsGhost]

2 under 2? Piece of piss mate.

I've got 53 weeks between my middle two and then another 18 months to my youngest, so less than 2.5 years between the 3. When you throw the oldest into the mix at I have 4 kids and not quite 5.5 years covering them all. A lot easier now the youngest is 9 but it was hard work.

Anyway back to cars, you'll want something with a decent amount of boot space if you need a double buggy, or two buggys, plus everything else they need. Also something that is easy access into the baby seats. I think the Skoda estate is a good shout, i very nearly went for one when I was looking recently because of the amount of sports equipment I have to now lug around for the kids.

I'd also recommend looking at the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, although it's a 7 seater, the seat combinations and their flexibility if you don't need all 7 seats means you've got a lot of space for everything else too.

My parents bashed the 3 of us out in just over 3 years, so I'll have no sympathy from them (once they know) either. I'm clinging to the fact that it'll get the nappy years over quickly (snip on its way after the safe arrival of #2, that is for sure).

I think I have to reconcile myself with the fact that none of these cars are going to be nice to look at, or particularly enjoyable to drive, but the practical benefits of being able to fit stuff (and people) in, will outweigh that.

The Mrs is going to find it hard to love a C4, S-Max or similar, but she's already having kittens about fitting in everything needed for a toddler, a baby and a dog, so she (and I) might have to get used to the idea!

 

[WATFORD zero]

In order of my favourites, when my kids were young I had a Mondeo ST220 estate (nice and big and a bit sporty), a Toyota Camry V6 estate (very practical with extra row of seats that folded into boot), and a Jaguar X type v6 estate.

Don't know what the equivalents are today but I found big sporty estates excellent, being really comfortable, reasonably fun to drive, and particularly practical for when kids are small and you are away frequently for weekends/hols with all the gear youngsters need. Mrs Wz took no responsibility and had the hot hatches


*edit* and seeing your post above, they were all reasonable to look at (well 2 out of 3 )

 

[Lenny Rider]

The Commander in Chief and had two under three circa 1995 and found we didnt go far wrong with the old Citroen Picasso.

Far more boot space than you'd imagine.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

First of all, congrats on the new arrival! We went the other way and so have a span of 10 years between our three.

Skoda Superb is the only one you should be looking at if you're not a fan of SUVs. Boat loads of room in the back seats (without compromising driver/front passenger space), humungous boot and great value for money. Plug-in hybrid version (iV) is an option if you're that way inclined (or if it helps with any company car shenanigans), but the other variants are equally as capable.

SUVs are a bit of a red herring as people think they have loads more room, but actually many of them have fewer litres of space than a decent sized estate. But there are some very good ones out there and lots of people favour the higher driving position, but the choice is VAST. I think there are something like 30 C-SUVs on the market right now. Sometimes it's better to do what you've done (by the looks of it) and narrow it down from the off. If you're looking at SUVs (or MPV), then you'd probably need to go Skoda Kodiaq/Ford Galaxy (or S-Max) sized, rather then B/C-Max.

The Volvo/safety thing is pretty outdated these days. The vast majority of cars go through Euro NCAP and those that come out with five stars are absolutely loaded with airbags and technology to protect those in the car and outside.

But yeah – Superb

 

[WATFORD zero]

Seat Superb ?

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

Have you thought about a people carrier, something like a Ford C-max or similar ? Lots of room for family and luggage, variable seat configurations etc.

Another vote for the Ford C-Max here, we are currently driving our fifth model of the type and, (obviously as we are currently on number five), absolutely love the economy and versatility of it.

An obselete car now, the last ones were manufactured in 2019, but because dealers are keen to remove them from their forecourts now, an absolute bargain can be had, even for the final19 reg models. If however you are looking to buy new, then obviously you will have to look elsewhere.

Perhaps as you have a dog, you could consider the Grand C-Max? three rows of seats, but if you remove the back row to leave space for doggy, it will still very comfortable seat five.

 

[darkwolf666]

Peugeot 5008, boot space when used as a 5 seater is amazing!

 

[hans kraay fan club]

The Commander in Chief and had two under three circa 1995 and found we didnt go far wrong with the old Citroen Picasso.

Far more boot space than you'd imagine.

Here's a man who ought to know all about cars, with plenty of space in the back...

 

[usernamed]

Have you considered the Mercedes E Class, which is very well built and should last? The BMW 5 Series is (marginally) more fun to drive, but I’ve seen a worrying number of Beemers and Minis on the back of breakdown trucks round my way, suggesting either quality control isn’t what it should be, or they’re fussy about maintenance.

You’d want the touring/estate version of either for the dog of course. The advantage of both is that they’ve been around for donkeys years so there’s an example for every budget. The Skoda Superb is definitely worth consideration, but the Octavia will feel “cosy” with the kids and the dog aboard. I’d cross it off the list personally.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

The Skoda Superb is definitely worth consideration, but the Octavia will feel “cosy” with the kids and the dog aboard. I’d cross it off the list personally.

I'd echo that. I've had a succession of (company issue) VW Passats for two decades, and when there was talk of changing company policy to a car allowance instead, I went to look at teh Skoda range, as a better value alternative. Superb is an equivalent. Interior of the Octavia felt tiny.

Relevant for the OP - next car is a VW Tiguan. Loads of room for your legs, due to the upright seating arrangement, but surprising small boot space - I'd cross that off your list, tbh

 

[Super Steve Earle]

"What were you thinking?" I hear you say...

Well, it took us a little while the first time round, so we thought we'd get back on the horse at the earliest time we'd like to conceive... OBVIOUSLY it happened first time.

I now have 7 and a bit months to get set for Babygeddon II (this time with a toddler for company), so my thoughts turn immediately to the need for a bigger car.

I've got quite long legs, so driver's leg room is quite important - not easy to achieve with a car seat behind. We have a dog too, so the boot will need to be large enough for a dog, a pram and whatever else (change bags, shopping etc).

I don't like SUVs as I think their bulk is wasteful for the actual amount of extra interior space, so I'm thinking an estate - something along the lines of a Volvo v60 (maybe v90), or Skoda Octavia (maybe the Superb).
I'm not going to let my dislike of SUVs get in the way of best choice for my family (and the wife likes them), so feel free to suggest one if I'd be missing out otherwise...

I can't go for fully electric as I have the unhelpful combination of a rural setting (no charge points anywhere near), and only on-street parking (the opposite side to my house at that).

NSC is the fount of all knowledge, so thanks in advance for your suggestions for something roomy (and hopefully nicer to look at & drive than a Berlingo ).

What can you lovely people recommend?*

THANK YOU!










* Not having another baby right now is not a valid answer

I was going to make a sensible suggestion, but you lost me when you referred to the process as getting back on the horse. Either you're being very rude or just insulting the wife

 

[Brighthelmstone]

We got a Ford C-Max at a similar point in our lives. We have, 2 small dogs, a 2 year old and a 4 year old now, we've had the car for the last 3 years and don't have any complaints about the space. Ample boot space for dogs, prams etc, I'm not sure on the leg room as we're both quite short so it's not really a problem for us. The only thing I would say is I think the B-Max may have been a better choice, as the sliding doors would be good for getting little ones out of small parking spaces.

The in-laws do a lot of childcare for us, they have had a Skoda Octavia and recently bought a Volvo V60, they have both served them well if you prefer estates

Grand C-Max has the sliding doors, and a removable Centre rear seat. (and i think 2 more seats under the boot floor if needed.

otherwise, what sthe budget, brand new? nearly new etc. S-Max if you like fords are pretty good, but big. Skoda as mentioned is also a great estate car

 

[Madafwo]

The answer to all your questions is a Ford Mondeo estate. I'm 5'11 and could easily get a car seat affectionately known as the mastermind chair behind me while still remaining comfortable.



Acres of space, reliable, cheap to run, comfy on a run and not an SUV. If you go for the previous generation from 2011-2014 then they're a good steer too. So good I bought 2 (first one was written off).

 

[Live by the sea]

"What were you thinking?" I hear you say...

Well, it took us a little while the first time round, so we thought we'd get back on the horse at the earliest time we'd like to conceive... OBVIOUSLY it happened first time.

I now have 7 and a bit months to get set for Babygeddon II (this time with a toddler for company), so my thoughts turn immediately to the need for a bigger car.

I've got quite long legs, so driver's leg room is quite important - not easy to achieve with a car seat behind. We have a dog too, so the boot will need to be large enough for a dog, a pram and whatever else (change bags, shopping etc).

I don't like SUVs as I think their bulk is wasteful for the actual amount of extra interior space, so I'm thinking an estate - something along the lines of a Volvo v60 (maybe v90), or Skoda Octavia (maybe the Superb).
I'm not going to let my dislike of SUVs get in the way of best choice for my family (and the wife likes them), so feel free to suggest one if I'd be missing out otherwise...

I can't go for fully electric as I have the unhelpful combination of a rural setting (no charge points anywhere near), and only on-street parking (the opposite side to my house at that).

NSC is the fount of all knowledge, so thanks in advance for your suggestions for something roomy (and hopefully nicer to look at & drive than a Berlingo ).

What can you lovely people recommend?*

THANK YOU!










* Not having another baby right now is not a valid answer

Land Rover Discovery is the obvious choice . 7 seater . Comfortable drive , well made , safe . Estate cars are a pain to park and look not great .

 

[MJsGhost]

Thanks all, this has been really helpful.

It'll be all systems go once we've negotiated the 12 week scan without incident and I reckon the Superb Estate will be the most likely - the plug-in hybrid if there's a decent nearly new one available at the time and in budget. Maybe I'll get a chance to head to Crawley or Portslade for a poke around in the meantime.

I think one of the people-carrier jobbies will come into its own in 5 years when there's more ferrying round of their mates for sports clubs etc, so I'll hold onto driving something less... people carrier... until then. However, I do like the idea of sliding doors - kids opening doors onto another car (or onto a lamp post or tree) really is a thing isn't it ?!

 

[Gabbafella]

A single seater for your own sanity.

But if you have to ferry the family about, may I suggest a Renault Espace F1. Getting you and your kids from 0-62 in 2.8 seconds.