What a fantastic morning!

I've already looked at dealer stocklists, online brochures etc.....and it's not helping.

A few months from now, I'm going to need a proper seven seat people carrier.

It's going to need to have a reasonable amount of luggage space too. A couple of medium suitcases and bags and assorted family junk.

So far, I'd looked at the VW Caravelle - it might just be a tarted up van, but it's nicely tarted up. But new, it's horrifyingly expensive and to get one in budget, I'm looking at 10-15 year old models with intergalactic mileage.

Still in VAG,as much as I love the old t25 multivans, they're even older, thirstier and largely left-hookers.

Then I remembered clambering into a Ford Galaxy taxi the other year...

No dealer within 20miles has one in the showroom or forecourt.

What are they like for boot space when you're seven, or six, people up?

I know Zafira's are supposedly seven seats too, but that means zero boot and as far as I can tell, two passengers have to be toddlers or dwarves to fit.

Is the galaxy going to be able to cope? Are there any other potential contenders?

Recently travelled in a Renault Grand Espace and was very impressed(considering Im not a fan of french motors). Certainly big enough for 7 with some reasonable boot space.

As you said the Zafira like the Touran etc have 7 seat option but you compromise boot space and of course the rear two seats are bench type thus for very small people!

Then there is the Sharan,Alhambra and of course Kia Sedona all of which fit the bill.

Ever considered a Mercedes E320cdi? Cheap to buy and if you can find an Independant dealer expect it would keep the running cost down?

Good luck!

Merc 320CDI.... Nice....but not exactly big enough for the tribe......doubt my popularity would be increased by splitting the family between two cars either.....nice try though.

KIA Sedona.....last time I saw one of those, it had this daft bonnet scoop affair......I'll check them out, see if I could live with the interior.

I did see a Peugeot 806 this morning.... It was ticking all the boxes (despite being French) till I saw the comedy readjust passenger space that allowed for a decent boot...."what legroom?"......hahaha.

I fear I may end up going Gallic as it would probably be the cheaper option.

Thankfully, I've got time on my side just yet, but as it could be the last car I buy for a decade,I need to get the research done and be sure.

My mates got a toyota picnic...well the japanese import version, he loves it and it fits his tribe in and it comes with loads of kit.

My mates got a toyota picnic...well the japanese import version, he loves it and it fits his tribe in and it comes with loads of kit.

Have you considered a Seat Alhambra, same as the Galaxy and Sharon but much cheaper and I think better looking.

Davy

citreon grand c4 picasso very nice option of 7 seats and has large boot

comes with a nice 1.5 diesel engine

it is french and does have a few common issues but nothing bad ( water ingress in boot and a few other bits)

mechanically seem to be doing well for a frenchy

good luck

ford galaxy lovely to drive and solid

water ingress in boot

The same issue (sort of) exists with my current passat....open boot, water runs off it and pours off either end into the boot.... Just as it did with my octavia in 2001.....a recurring VAG design flaw....

1.5 engine? Isn't that a little down on power for hauling a full size seven seater mpv?

Any of these fit the bill?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/mercedes-benz/vito/postcode/rg145tf/radius/1501/quicksearch/true/page/5?gquery=buy%20used%20MERCEDES-BENZ%20VITO

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/mercedes-benz/v_class/postcode/rg145tf/radius/1501/sort/priceasc/page/4?gquery=used%20cars%20MERCEDES-BENZ%20V%20CLASS

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/mercedes-benz/viano/postcode/rg145tf/radius/1501/sort/priceasc

If this day ever comes for me I'll be looking at the Jap imports Picnic/Lucidas/Bongos or maybe something like a 7-st Disco.

Sounds like you don't hav emuch to play with budget wise, <£10K?

How often are you going to need to transport that many people and all their luggage?

Unless you are planning on becoming a taxi driver doing airport runs it may be an option to buy something smaller and use a roof box or trailer for the odd time when you do need to fill it to the brim.

Never thought about the Merc V Class...........and reading reviews and lists of problems, I'm unlikely to either......but a good idea in theory.

Budget-wise, yep <10k. Tall order to meet, but it has to be worth a go. Running costs for two cars just doesn't add up really.

How often...well, initially, it's going to be everyday for at least a month or two (two sets of in-laws plus suitcases), then lessening a little in load and frequency, then climbing back up again (over-productive loins )

There's lots of possibilities that have six or seven seats, but dire lack of luggage space. There are eight seat options knocking about, but lack seating arrangement flexibility and no luggage space.....

Then there are full-blown minibus affairs that have the luggage space, but nasty looking fixed bench seats (invariably housed in the body of a ropey transit van or LDV....)

Never as straightforward as you'd like,is it?!?

*toddles off to look at vans*

Fiat Multipla has good bootspace, although that's a 6-seater rather than a 7...

Fiat Multipla has good bootspace, although that's a 6-seater rather than a 7...

I had a horrible image of that bug-eyed nasty thing a few years back. I see the looks have improved a little, but it's still too quirky - six seats could work, but six adults? comfort?

I have my doubts.

However, the pricing is keen and the boot space is on a par with my current saloon, so it's made it to the "possibles" list.

I know a friend with the 1.6TDCI in a C4 grand picasso and they are happy.

Do seat still do their version of the Galaxy or have they killed that now?

Also what about a ford s-max if you can find one as I think they are a 7 seater.

Or if you're really up for it , a transit, with 7 seats and a luggage cage, plus one of the higher output turbo diesels and RWD (Yes they are fun when empty )

I had a horrible image of that bug-eyed nasty thing a few years back. I see the looks have improved a little, but it's still too quirky - six seats could work, but six adults? comfort?

I have my doubts.

Honda FR-V has the same configuration so if the Fiat's a contender you might want to have a look at that too (it's styling is somewhat less quirky).

I can imagine it could get a bit tight for shoulder room with 6 adults, although I suppose that depends on the size of the adults...

If you're looking at the Multipla also look at the Honda FRV as well - six seats in two rows of three with a boot.

Then there are the Mitsubishi Grandis and the Mazda 5 (sister has a Grandis and loves it!)

although I suppose that depends on the size of the adults...

It's safe to say "above average" as a norm......half would be in the "sturdy" category...

Think i might have to rob a bank for a caravelle at this rate..........the S-Max is really only a 5+2 (rearmost seats are a joke IMHO) and no luggage to speak of in 7 seat mode.

Doesn't the Grandis only come with a thirsty petrol engine?

Transit van it is then :p

My parents had a 2.9 CRD Sedona when I lived at home. It took 6 adults across europe and luggage. Very luxurious in SE spec and the engine is pretty good too. Never let us down and was pretty tuff. the bonnet scoop is only on the diesels and it is so the air can get in. It gets my thumbs up! Go for the last shape one as IIRC it is bigger than the current model. I sat in the rear most seats for the entire trip and at nearly 6ft tall I wasn't uncomfortable.

Dont either set of "in-laws" have their own transport ?

Doesn't the Grandis only come with a thirsty petrol engine?

Nope - same VW group 16v 2.0 140bhp TDi as in the Octy 2...

What is your budget?? Mitsubishi stopped making the Grandis last year, so you can get the 2.4 165bhp petrol versions for pennies. I paid £10,500 for a 14 month old, 08 plate with 9k on the clock (£22,000 new), from a Mitsi dealer in Weston Super Mud and got a years servicing included!!

If a Euromix of 30mpg is not enough (I get 36-38 on the motorway and about 26 round town), there is a 2.0 VW diesel powered version.

The boot isnt huge, but it is deep, I can get 6 large bags of shopping into it, and the rear seats fold easily for a flat load bay; it is also quite spirited to drive.

You can get 2 x 6 footers in the back seats, but head room is a bit tight, plenty for the driver though, I am 6'6" and never had a car with so much headroom.

The boot isnt huge, but it is deep, I can get 6 large bags of shopping into it,

Unless those bags are suitcase sized......it's probably not quite big enough.

I'm increasingly resigned to the inside lane in a transit van with becnh seats bolted in. I was hoping for something with a little more flexibility and comfort, but for the the load capacity,it's probably best to hire something for the short term need and then take the plunge on something a little more car-like for the medium term.

Expensive, but, not as costly as running a full-blown minibus all the time........

The joys of having a very specific requirement eh? You never know, that might be the next niche that BMW and VAG decide to "create" something for.....

Have you looked at roofboxes? Could save you having to allow as much consideration for luggage space, and as they're bolt on-offable you don't have to be lugging it round when you need it.