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[joshwyatt]

I'd probably go for a Ford Tourneo (posh Transit) as first choice.
I've had an '07' Sharan 2.0 TDI which was actually quite nice to drive, went well enough, which would probably be second choice.
If running costs weren't to be considered I would happily have a Grand Voyager 3.3, one of the 2006/2007 models. Yes, it is expensive, but I think they do eat miles very well and have nice novel touches like the electrically operated side and rear tailgate.

[OOMV6]

Thanks for the responses chaps. Looked up the Kia option. Doesn't seem to exist in Germany. We have a Kia Carnival, which appears to have enough bad reviews to keep me away. Does the UK have the Carnival, or maybe the Sedona is the UK version? Maybe it's actually the same car, different name. Haven't looked close enough TBH.

Voyager. Thks for the points on that. Had thought as much, but confirmations are always handy.

So, preference towards the Alhambra/Galaxy then it seems.

What about the Hyundai Trajet? Any good?

[OOMV6]

No one has yet mentioned the espace ,(must be cos its a renault) ,but if its going to be 6 up most of the time its the only mpv that works! if you want to take luggage as well ,the grand espace  has enough length for seven and their luggage , but 3.0 v6 is a pig to work on 2.0 is underpowered so that leaves 2.2dci  go for a low mileage with history and you would be ok, very comfy , quiet and with privelidge spec lots of toys 150 bhp and doesnt wallow about. worth a look.

Yeah, thought of the Espace. Gonna be 3/4 in the car around 75% of the time. 6 at weekends holidays. Hence the need for the luggage space. Certainly the 2.2D is probably the one to go for. Don't have a problem with brands. Quite like the quirky french stuff. 

I'd probably go for a Ford Tourneo (posh Transit) as first choice.
I've had an '07' Sharan 2.0 TDI which was actually quite nice to drive, went well enough, which would probably be second choice.
If running costs weren't to be considered I would happily have a Grand Voyager 3.3, one of the 2006/2007 models. Yes, it is expensive, but I think they do eat miles very well and have nice novel touches like the electrically operated side and rear tailgate.

Hadn't thought of Tourneo actually. Sharan, looking into it.

Cheers

[Rods2]

The pre-2006 Galaxy, Sharan and Alhambra are basically the same cars with different badges. IIRC the Sharan and Alhambra have a spare wheel and the Galaxy doesn't. 

That might sway it if you are travelling long distances.

It is something I'm looking into at the moment as economical transport to Ukraine with my stuff. So I would be interested to know how you get on.

[OOMV6]

The pre-2006 Galaxy, Sharan and Alhambra are basically the same cars with different badges. IIRC the Sharan and Alhambra have a spare wheel and the Galaxy doesn't. 

That might sway it if you are travelling long distances.

It is something I'm looking into at the moment as economical transport to Ukraine with my stuff. So I would be interested to know how you get on.

Will keep you posted as and when things move on this. Soon, it'll have to be. Just cleaned up the Fabia for the photo session.
The real test is in the summer. 450km to Calais, onwards from Dover to Bristol or thereabouts. Local driving for a week. Then across to Harwich to get the boat to Hook of Holland, then 800km to Denmark. Return here is 1000km. Should be a good test.

[hoody]

Dont forget the vito/ viano's,a well serviced  one will last for years and years

[OOMV6]

Dont forget the vito/ viano's,a well serviced  one will last for years and years

Yeah, looked up the Vito reviews on German websites. Not good, the slightly older ones anyway. In fact, it is the regarded by some as the only Merc that really should not carry a Merc badge. I had one some years ago. Not a pleasant experience, but I do realise that it hadn't been taken care of by the previous owner(s). That said I have driven the newer models and it was very nice to drive, so the jury is out on that at the moment.
Vaneo, don't know but worth checking
Cheers for that reminder

[Vamps]

Possibly around or over you top price, and don't laugh, but I had a Citroen C4 Grande Picasso for 3 and 1/2 years and loved it, 1.6 diesel more that capable and towards 50 MPG.....like others though, with 7 seats very little luggage room, in 5 seat mode, loads of room. Miss Vamps used to like the rear seats up, middle down, said it was like a Limo.....

[OOMV6]

Possibly around or over you top price, and don't laugh, but I had a Citroen C4 Grande Picasso for 3 and 1/2 years and loved it, 1.6 diesel more that capable and towards 50 MPG.....like others though, with 7 seats very little luggage room, in 5 seat mode, loads of room. Miss Vamps used to like the rear seats up, middle down, said it was like a Limo.....

Good thought. Will check it out. As said before, I am not one of those "I hate french cars" people.
Cheers

[jonnyboyws6]

If you really need a people carrier, I agree stay away from the Zafira. I've got one and it's great for what it is, drives nice enough, the seat set up is really practical, and it has been doing 40k a year with only minor problems, but it is definitely not a true 7 seater. The rear seats are only any good for kids and even then you have absolutely zero luggage space.

[Andy B]

..... I am not one of those "I hate french cars" people.
Cheers

Why?   

[Kevin Wood]

..... I am not one of those "I hate french cars" people.
Cheers

Why?   

Never owned one, perhaps?

[kevinminton]

I had a Grand Voyager for 3 years - 60k miles. Brilliant car. Would seriously think about buying another - based on real first hand long term experince of use.

good points - bags of room. Marshal 4x12 cab, & 6 passengers? - no prob. Easy keeping up with trafffic & charging up Welsh hills with family & friends inside & 2 bikes on roof. Had to get into the habit of driving with lights on all the time 'cos other drivers didn't expect you to come up so quick. No prob getting 40mpg - and with 7 on board that's equivalent to 280mpg  .   Make you feel like you're going on holiday, even if you're just going to the shops.

bad points - not enough damping against sway. rough sounding diesel forces you to keep the cd player on loud. get power doors unless you want shoulder / rotator cuff injuries. advise getting power tailgate also.

K

[belldarr]

I have had 2 x V6 Ford Galaxy and both have been outstanding - current one is a 04 plate and has all the kit you can need, intergrated child seats, climate control, DVD player, 7 full size fully adjustable seatbelts and you can move all the seats forward to create a big boot - and it also has a spare wheel under the rear of the car (same as the seat and the vw).  It also has tiptronic 5 speed auto box and it has only covered 40000 miles so far with nothing needed apart from servicing and tyres.

My friend has a Renault Espace 3.0 diesel - it is a great car in terms of the kit and features but the engine is it's weak point, 3 x head gasket failure and 2 x turbo problems.

HtH Darren

[YZ250]

..... I am not one of those "I hate french cars" people.
Cheers

Why?   

I think he was just being polite Andy, not sure he actually meant it.   

I use a big VW Transporter taxi from time to time - I had some visitors recently and it picked 7 of them with luggage from Gatwick no problem. The driver who I have known for years paid about £6k for it - think it was an 06 with 150000 miles - incredible piece of kit

I have an unhealthy yearning for one of these, especially the Sportline Kombi. As I've said before, I don't need one, I just want one.