MPV MVP
February 27, 2006 4:33 AM Subscribe
Looking to buy an MPV to cope with the growing family. Any recommendations (cars available in the UK)
At the moment are leaning towards getting a Ford Galaxy as we can get one through the Ford Employee Ticket program,
At the moment are leaning towards getting a Ford Galaxy as we can get one through the Ford Employee Ticket program,
Response by poster: Need 5 at the moment but would like the extra for when parents etc visit. Will mainly be my wife driving mainly in town areas.
posted by lloyder at 5:47 AM on February 27, 2006
posted by lloyder at 5:47 AM on February 27, 2006
I'm partial to the Mazda5. We don't have one, but we have the Mazda3, which is it based on, and love it. Mazda may also qualify for the Ford employee program.
posted by zsazsa at 5:59 AM on February 27, 2006
posted by zsazsa at 5:59 AM on February 27, 2006
The Galaxy is rather big, which makes it pricy and less comfortable to drive in towns. You really don't seem to need the extra space that often, so I would say you're better off with something a little smaller. Unfortunately, Ford does not offer a compact 7-seat mpv, so you would miss the employee discount. The conventional 7-seate compact mpv options are Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran, Vauxhall Zafira, Mazda5 and Renault Grand Scenic. There is no clear winner or loser between them so the choice comes down to personal preference. Honda offers the FR-V which has 6 seats in a 3+3 configuration. Fiat's Multipla is similar. Fiat also offers the Doblo, a small van with 7 seats and a small pricetag. Peugeot's mpvish 307 SW also offers 7 seats (and a reputation for spontaneous combustion).
Compare prices, take test drives and find out what car your family likes best.
posted by insomnus at 7:22 AM on February 27, 2006
Compare prices, take test drives and find out what car your family likes best.
posted by insomnus at 7:22 AM on February 27, 2006
Best answer: Just a quick comment from someone who has owned a Renault Scenic, 2 Ford Galaxys (Galaxies?) and a Renault Espace.
Renault are a notch above Ford for comfort, although you pay for it. The two Galaxies were both pretty good. I've had automatic seven seaters and they all have a tendency to get a bit revvy after a year or so. I've had more mechanical problems with the Fords and more electrical/computer problems with the Renaults. The first Galaxy had a knackered turbo which no-one could fix.
If you are only planning on using the seven seats occasionally then a Galaxy or Espace with 5 or 6 installed is great - lots of luggage space and plenty of room for the passengers. The seats are inhumanly heavy though (even more so in the Espace) so regular removal/replacement is a pain.
The Renault Sat Nav is diabolical (although this is about to be updated). In fact both the Galaxy and the Espace are about to get updates (just a facelift in the Renalt's case) and this might mean a good deal on nearly new outgoing models.
The new Grand Scenic is very nice with fold flat seats in the rear. I think, if you can afford to buy a nearly new car and aren't put off by the Renault Premium, that this would be a good choice for you.
posted by Glum at 8:20 AM on February 27, 2006
Renault are a notch above Ford for comfort, although you pay for it. The two Galaxies were both pretty good. I've had automatic seven seaters and they all have a tendency to get a bit revvy after a year or so. I've had more mechanical problems with the Fords and more electrical/computer problems with the Renaults. The first Galaxy had a knackered turbo which no-one could fix.
If you are only planning on using the seven seats occasionally then a Galaxy or Espace with 5 or 6 installed is great - lots of luggage space and plenty of room for the passengers. The seats are inhumanly heavy though (even more so in the Espace) so regular removal/replacement is a pain.
The Renault Sat Nav is diabolical (although this is about to be updated). In fact both the Galaxy and the Espace are about to get updates (just a facelift in the Renalt's case) and this might mean a good deal on nearly new outgoing models.
The new Grand Scenic is very nice with fold flat seats in the rear. I think, if you can afford to buy a nearly new car and aren't put off by the Renault Premium, that this would be a good choice for you.
posted by Glum at 8:20 AM on February 27, 2006
If more than 5 seats are only needed occasionally and not for very long journeys, I'd recommend the zafira. The 2 rear seats store in the floor and are very easy to put up and down (even with 3 big kiddie seats installed in the second row). With the full sized 7 seaters, you'll have to find somewhere to store the extra seats when not in use.
The zafira is based on the astra estate, so gives much more of a car like drive than the 'full sized' MPVs like the espace and galaxy. You also don't pay a premium in petrol for carrying all that extra space around with you when you don't need it. If you need big luggage space and 7 seats, a roof box on a zafira is a cheap option for the occasions you need it.
posted by hmca at 11:27 AM on February 27, 2006
The zafira is based on the astra estate, so gives much more of a car like drive than the 'full sized' MPVs like the espace and galaxy. You also don't pay a premium in petrol for carrying all that extra space around with you when you don't need it. If you need big luggage space and 7 seats, a roof box on a zafira is a cheap option for the occasions you need it.
posted by hmca at 11:27 AM on February 27, 2006
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posted by insomnus at 5:37 AM on February 27, 2006