Estate Car or People Carrier

[00snook]

Now is the time for me to "upgrade" my Golf GTI which I love into a more practical family man mobile.

So NSC, do I go for a people carrier or an estate car?

Any recommendations on either? Will be looking to buy one thats a couple of years old. No preference on make etc.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Now is the time for me to "upgrade" my Golf GTI which I love into a more practical family man mobile.

So NSC, do I go for a people carrier or an estate car?

Any recommendations on either? Will be looking to buy one thats a couple of years old. No preference on make etc.

I hate people carriers but needed a car with at least 3 proper size seats in the back ( not that pathetic half seat in the middle ). Looked at both the Peugeot 5006 and the Mazda 5 - both decent cars. Brought the Mazda 5 in the end - the sliding back doors are a god send ! It looks and feels very much an estate car but with the benefits of a people carrier.

 

[Bakesy]

If fuel costs aren't an issue then I would suggest a Subaru impressa wrx estate....best of both worlds, performance and practicality.

 

[kingcole]

Love my A6 estate. 3 proper back seats and a mahoosive boot.

Only reason to get a ppl carrier is if you need to sit more than 5

 

[Shoreham Gull]

Go 4x4 for the ultimate family wagon, loads of space and great to own!

Otherwise, Toyota avensis estate diesel, great car that will never let you down!

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

How many people are you likely be chauffeuring around?

 

[00snook]

How many people are you likely be chauffeuring around?

Regularly 5 with sometimes up to 7.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

Two-seater convertible for me. You can't get much in it (except golf clubs) but you don't get asked for lifts !

 

[00snook]

I hate people carriers but needed a car with at least 3 proper size seats in the back ( not that pathetic half seat in the middle ). Looked at both the Peugeot 5006 and the Mazda 5 - both decent cars. Brought the Mazda 5 in the end - the sliding back doors are a god send ! It looks and feels very much an estate car but with the benefits of a people carrier.

Thanks will check both of those out.

What engine did you get in the Mazda 5

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Regularly 5 with sometimes up to 7.

Definitely have a look at the two I've mentioned then - both officially 7 seaters although the Mazda is in reality 6 1/2.

 

[00snook]

If fuel costs aren't an issue then I would suggest a Subaru impressa wrx estate....best of both worlds, performance and practicality.

Fuel Costs in the Golf are high enough, so not sure an Impreza is a winner sadly

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Thanks will check both of those out.

What engine did you get in the Mazda 5

There's two models but I can't remember the exact cut off year. No idea on the old model but with the newer model there's only two choices 1.6 diesel and 2.0 petrol. I've got the petrol one and while it's going to feel rather sluggish compared to your GTI it's not too bad.

 

[Shoreham Gull]

Mazda cheap to buy, but heard there a rip off to repair for parts etc..

Bmw x5, 7 seater will do you fine

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Mazda cheap to buy, but heard there a rip off to repair for parts etc..

Bmw x5, 7 seater will do you fine

I'm surprised you've heard that - I asked at the independent garage that I use and their reply was that Mazda's were fairly reasonable to service and rarely went wrong. Then again, they were probably comparing that to the cost of keeping my Renault on the road at the time !

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

Regularly 5 with sometimes up to 7.

Strewth. I would recommend an Alhambra, Galaxy or Sharan. Essentially the same vehicle but different badges. My dad has got an old P reg Galaxy and it's bomb proof. It's a full on 7 seater too, so none of this pathetic middle seat malarkey. The diesel is the preferable engine.

 

[Icy Gull]

Buyers Guide: Top Ten Seven Seat Cars For 2012 | Perrys.co.uk

 

[El Sid]

Now is the time for me to "upgrade" my Golf GTI which I love into a more practical family man mobile.

So NSC, do I go for a people carrier or an estate car?

Any recommendations on either? Will be looking to buy one thats a couple of years old. No preference on make etc.

Wife's had a Toyota Verso 1.8 petrol 7 seater for about 6 years (used 54 plate when we got it) - no problems ever.

Rear 2 seats a bit cramped (ok for little ones) but a good size boot when used as a 5 seater.

 

[00snook]

My wife enjoys the sliding doors on the Mazda.

An X5 would be nice tho. Or a Range Rover Vogue

 

[DarrenFreemansPerm]

My wife enjoys the sliding doors on the Mazda.

An X5 would be nice tho. Or a Range Rover Vogue

So you've got a decent budget then?

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Buyers Guide: Top Ten Seven Seat Cars For 2012 | Perrys.co.uk

Calling a mini bus a car is stretching it a bit IMHO !