Oh dear

With 3 young kids to ferry about, SWMBO has advised (strongly) that we need to replace our faithful 2000 (W) Pug 306 with something larger. Whilst I don't disagree, the Pug is a very known quantity in terms of history, low mileage @ 72k and in very good nick.

My co. car is a Passt estate which is ample moving us all about at weekends/evenings so it's really just the local weekday journeys we're talking about - the Pug currently does less than 6k miles a year!

Anyhow, SWMBO starts looking on Autotrader and being a bit of a comedian I suggested she might like something like a Toyota Townace. Taking me at my word she started looking at them and has now decided that they fit the bill perfectly



I can't let this happen

I need some options and alternatives so what can you merry men suggest...

Budget £2-3k
Seats 5+
Diesel or Petrol as mileage is so low
Boot to take a double buggy
Some shred of street cred would be nice

Volvo 850 / V70?

Mercedes 200 td /250 td / 300td? Runs on vegetable oil!


German TEC

Townace is RWD is it not? I smell a donor vehicle...

we just bought a grand scenic and despite myself i have to its ace.

when i say ace, i mean, it is designed for families and it shows. 7 seats when you need them, massive boot when you dont.

you might be able to get one for £4k..
found one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2005-RENAULT-GRAND-SCENIC-1-6-VVT-Authentique_W0QQitemZ300328768282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item45ecfd531a&_tr ksid=p3286.c0.m14

old landrover county if you dont have a tarmac drive..regrads

Agriv8

Ps Passat estate do seem to be able to swallow alot of stuff dont they mines getting redy for a trip to switserland

Mitsubishi Starwagon. Comfy, versatile 4x4.

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Originally posted by maartenromijn
Volvo 850 / V70?

Mercedes 200 td /250 td / 300td? Runs on vegetable oil!


German TEC

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yeah but with some slight body mods...

Wasn't the town ace described on top gear as handling like a space hopper? Wasn't it What Car? or someone who said it was seriously unstable?

For 2 kids and a lot of stuff, an estate car would surely be a better bet than an MPV. Why not find a 306SW as you like your current 306? mid sized estates were never big sellers but there are a few to chose from. The Focus is a well liked car and there was an estate. Citroen do one. There's even been a polo estate.

I have a Picasso. Very good car (for what it is)
Also if you can get past the looks (and by the post above I think your wife can ) then the Fiat Multipla is a fantastic family car. I would have bought one but the wife refused to drive it. The newer ones look normal but are still out of my budget.

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Originally posted by coozer
Mitsubishi Starwagon. Comfy, versatile 4x4.

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Originally posted by Guinness

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Originally posted by coozer
Mitsubishi Starwagon. Comfy, versatile 4x4.

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My mate has one of those Delicious Star Wagons.

It's way underpowered, lurches alarmingly in corners, but apparently has L200 running gear underneath?

It does however have electric curtains! Single switch on the dash closes all the curtains with an ominous swish

Mike

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Originally posted by Dangle_kt
the seats flop back to horizontal and 70's slap bass comes over the stereo....

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Originally posted by Agriv8
old landrover county if you dont have a tarmac drive..regrads

Agriv8

Ps Passat estate do seem to be able to swallow alot of stuff dont they mines getting redy for a trip to switserland

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I'd second the Espace - We had one for years - we have 2 kids and 2 big dogs. Anything from 2 to 7 seats and a transit sized rear for the diy/dump stuff. 2.2 Turbo Diesel made it a fast tractor.

I have a 307 estate now - more car like with loads of room and the rear seats lift out too.

regards

Steve

[Edited on 29/7/09 by gottabedone]

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Originally posted by nick205

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Originally posted by Agriv8
old landrover county if you dont have a tarmac drive..regrads

Agriv8

Ps Passat estate do seem to be able to swallow alot of stuff dont they mines getting redy for a trip to switserland

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A Landy has been discussed and hasn't been ruled out although I can't help thinking they're a bit dear for what they are. I also have a tendancy to shout abusively at 4x4 drivers round our way, but then they're mostly of the Merc ML/Lexus variety

Yup! The Passat is a big ole load lugger for sure. I haven't had to move anything that won't fit in it yet including sofas, railway sleepers, engines, sand, rubble, family, dogs etc. (not all at the same time though!).

In reality I suspect it's going to be a Scenic/Picasso that gets the job - I'd just prefer something a little less obvious

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Originally posted by nick205
In reality I suspect it's going to be a Scenic/Picasso that gets the job - I'd just prefer something a little less obvious

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Originally posted by Agriv8

On My second got the first to 214k new one has a 'wind whitle' from the nearside at 60 MPH plus and is really getting on my T1T's going to try sone vasaline on the seals before a trip to oxford at the weekend to see if that eleviates the problem or its likley to get a match halsway through France

Regards

Agriv8

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you brought it on yourself...

we have the Seat Alhambra had for a few years now "S" Reg diesel and its been brilliant really good on running costs etc it fly's through mot's with no more than the odd brake pad or bulb to replace and all the seats pop out when you need to move big stuff, cant recommend enogh really, its also the one which shared with vw sharan and ford galaxy


chris

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Originally posted by blakep82
you brought it on yourself...

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It's a bit of a squeeze, but we can fit three child seats into the back of a Focus without any bother.

I have an 04 plate zafira,it is my second
and have had one now for 5 years they both have given perfect service in that time with minimal repairs.

Andy

The Toyota Lucida/Estima are generaly pretty good VFM, though watch out for overheating issues with the diesel engine as they tend to crack heads.

Right...I think I've found the optimum solution...

Big enough - yes
A little interesting - yes
Potential for tinkering - yes
Cheap - enough

Now, just have to persuade SWMBO it's the right one



http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Cortina-MkV-estate-2-8-injection_W0QQitemZ190324509867QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item2c50398cab& amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

interesting choice and one not to be knocked.

doesn't have bells and whistles buy you know if you break down,m you or AA man should be able to fix it on the spot.

only thing really against it is the economy.


850 T5 - probs get a good'un for less than a grand. these things will chug on to 200 k or more miles.





The Land Rover option is viable if you have a Sheik for an uncle who can supply you with cheap petrol.

Yoou need a Bongo!!

Did I mention mine is for sale???

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Originally posted by 02GF74
interesting choice and one not to be knocked.

doesn't have bells and whistles buy you know if you break down,m you or AA man should be able to fix it on the spot.

only thing really against it is the economy.


850 T5 - probs get a good'un for less than a grand. these things will chug on to 200 k or more miles.





The Land Rover option is viable if you have a Sheik for an uncle who can supply you with cheap petrol.

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Originally posted by owelly
Yoou need a Bongo!!

Did I mention mine is for sale???

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