Overactive in the bedroom. Car advice needed.

[nickliv]

We've got 2 kids (5 and 2) and one on the way. Our 'big' car is a 2006 Golf, and we're not sure about getting the requisite number of child seats in the back. - The 5 yr old will be on a booster, the 2 yr old will be in an isofix forward facing chair, and the baby will be in a rear facing isofix seat.

My wife has already bought the smallest booster seat she could find, and it's too big - it won't fit between the other 2 seats and let you do up the seatbelt, which is a bit of a problem. She reckons she'll be able to fit, and the 5 yr old will go in the front, but I haven't worked out how to say the words no woman wants to hear to her yet.

Budget's about 14K for a replacement, I want something safe, diesel, decent to look at, good to drive, and not French or a Zafira (See good to drive, and decent to look at)

Age and miles aren't too much of a problem, but the newer and fresher the better.

Currently thinking of the A6 avant, Volvo XC90, S - Max / Galaxy / mondeo estate etc. Estate's required as we've got a gargantuan labrador. RWD not popular as she's hamfisted, and there's snow / ice on the ground for a fair proportion of the winter up here.

And ideas (Apart from a vasectomy, that's already in the pipeline, if that's not a bad pun)

[Christopher]

Based on a friend's experience, I would sugest the Galaxy. Becasue the rear seats are all individual you will have no problem fitting in any combinations of child seats and boosters.

There are plenty around, too.

Plus they are big enough (especially if you remove the two rearmost seats) to fit all the associated 'stuff' that you will need to carry around.

Just my 2p. 

[Barry]

S-max!!!!!!

You can get 3 kids seats across the middle row of individual seats, and still have the 3rd row avaliable for friends etc.

Never thought I would say this about a Ford, it's brill, it handles like a proper car not a brick like most mpv's.

We have had ours for nearly 3 years, and if it was written off tommorrow would buy another on Thursday.

The only reason to go for a Galaxy is if you need to transport adults in the third row of seats.

It's also got a very good owners club.

http://www.smaxownersclub.co.uk

If what you need to find out isn't on this site. then nobody knows, not even Ford.

[landman]

There are at least 3 members of CA driving S-Maxes.

If you want to join the dark side try the 2.5T engine [not available on the Galaxy]

That has the same engine as the Focus ST in other words a Volvo 5-cyl unit developing 217 bhp.

<<<<<<<<<< that's a pic of mine.

Paul

[jpchenet]

Heard lots of good things about the S-Max

Mrs JPC drives a Galaxy and I have to say it is the most versayile vehicle we've ever had! Loads of apsce when going on holiday, takes  afull size fridge/dishwasher/washing machine etc stood upright (saved £20 delivery charges at least 5 times in the last 7 years) and when you take all 5 of the rear seats out it's like a mini van!!

Highly recommended!!

[Barry]

If you want to join the dark side try the 2.5T engine [not available on the Galaxy]

That has the same engine as the Focus ST in other words a Volvo 5-cyl unit developing 217 bhp.

But if you do need a diesel, we have been very pleased with the 2L, suits the car well.

[powermite]

pity you said not french.
My wife has had a 607 for the last 5 years.It has the most amazing list of extras ive ever seen on a car and is massive inside and in the boot.We drove down thro France and Spain last year with the two kids,all our luggage and two sets of golf clubs.
It mega comfortable and quiet and has been very reliable>they are so cheap to buy too.
Mine was a year old and i paid £11000 for it

PM

[Andy Zarse]

pity you said not french.
It has the most amazing list of extras ive ever seen on a car

Does it have the usual electrical fires and constant smell of burning from the wiring? 

[Andy Zarse]

Heard lots of good things about the S-Max

Mrs JPC drives a Galaxy and I have to say it is the most versayile vehicle we've ever had! Loads of apsce when going on holiday, takes  afull size fridge/dishwasher/washing machine etc stood upright (saved £20 delivery charges at least 5 times in the last 7 years) and when you take all 5 of the rear seats out it's like a mini van!!

Highly recommended!!

The Ford Galaxy is a damn good car but the basic design is over ten years old now. Bit of the old wobblies round corners compared to more modern stuff...

Ford S-Max is definitely the way to go. Paul Z has one, it handles like a sports car, bags of space, great engine, safe, all quite amazing really. I cannot think of another car that comes close on all your major requirements. 

Oh and Nick, if you buy an Audi I will never speak to you again. 

[nickliv]

Andy

Many thanks for your input.

I for one would never wish to pass my existence without your conversation and wit, and as such I shall tailor my requirements directly.

Odd queston now for the S max owners, What's the PCD on the wheels?

Cheers

[landman]

PCD?

[Barry]

PCD?

Pitch centre diameter?

[Barry]

Odd queston now for the S max owners, What's the PCD on the wheels?

5 x 108

[landman]

Should have known that one 

[nickliv]

Odd queston now for the S max owners, What's the PCD on the wheels?

5 x 108

Super. Thanks.