What Family Car

[feb 47]

A friend of mine is looking for a family car, what would you suggest?

 

His requirements are: diesel, manual, budget: £5000 and less than 10 years old.

 

Bear in mind he doesn't really service his cars (his previous Vauxhall Vectra the cambelt broke at 115k miles - it did well to last so long!) so something japanese/reliable would be prefered.

 

I was thinking of a Mazda MPV or something similar but do these come in manual?

 

Are Kia Sorrentos 7 seaters?

 

Thanks!

Edited December 16, 2010 by feb

[G727 0]

Hi,

 

I personally think that a Mercedes-Benz Vito Traveliner would be his best bet. OK, so I am probably a bit biased due to the fact that I am a Merc Mechanic, but the reliability of these vehicles is very good, plus they have chain driven engines and long service intervals.

 

For what is basically a van, they are surprisingly comfortable on long journeys and have great legroom for all occupants and luggage.

 

Just my opinion

[jeremy 70]

Hi,

 

I personally think that a Mercedes-Benz Vito Traveliner would be his best bet. OK, so I am probably a bit biased due to the fact that I am a Merc Mechanic, but the reliability of these vehicles is very good, plus they have chain driven engines and long service intervals.

 

For what is basically a van, they are surprisingly comfortable on long journeys and have great legroom for all occupants and luggage.

 

Just my opinion

 

Do these have the sam type of seats as in the Vito van, the sort you cannot recline if you are a passenger?

 

If he just wants a large MPV and very cheap then go fo a second hand Kia Sedona, and just run it into the ground. This my wife has lots of experience of Hers is auto and does around 28mpg.

[andyjstone 6]

We have a Toyota Verso for the family - its got 7 seats, reasonable driving position, reliable and not too massive - still got s*it handling and virtually no feedback through the steering, but I've got the 205 for that (not that she's allowed out in this weather)

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

Mazda 5 thing would do, should be quite cheap and never go wrong, Failing that a 6 estate are pretty good too

[Baz 421]

V70 estate.

[Henry Yorke 269 3 Cars]

I have a Honda FRV 2.2 CDTi. Fantastic bit of kit. It is a 6 seater and exceptionally versatile with really good residuals and stylish. It looks like a B class Merc. The 2.2 CDTi engines are chain driven and it has done 134k and flew through its MOT with no advisorys.

 

Most importantly it isn't massive for around town too

[feb 47]

Thanks guys, a few cars I was not aware of

[G727 0]

In reply to Jeremy's post: No, the traveliner seats can be adjusted just like the drivers.

[foreigner 0]

Peugeot 807 and Citroen C8 - the same car.

 

Flexible arrangement with seats, front seat turn around to have a face to face with your passnegers (not while driving),

 

You can take 2nd and 3rd row out completely.

[Moby 0]

Hyundai trajet , my wife has one. Plenty seat adjustments can take all 5 rear seats out ,also all sears recline, the drivers seat swivels round to face the back for a picnic. Loads little extras , folding tables, three 12v power points.

The diesel would be better IMO cos our petrol model sucks like a dyson!!!

[Cameron 16]

Mazda Bongo Friendee.

[large 33]

Ford Galaxy I know a couple of people with them and they have been good cars.

[Alan_M 66 1 Cars]

Mazda Bongo Friendee.

 

Only the Japanese could create such a name for a car/MPV!

 

Poxhall Zafira seems to get raved about for mundane family s*iteness