Hi All

My family and I are returning to the UK at the end of August and will need to buy 2 cars. I have a fair idea of the model / type that I’m after for one of the cars, however I would really appreciate any advice on the family car. Previously I have never had much interest in the MPV range, plus I’ve been away for 4 years so I’m not familiar with what’s on the market.

We would like a small MPV – basically the type that will normally be used as a 5 seater but has 2 extra seats that can be flipped up on the odd occasion when needed (i.e. you lose the boot but gain 2 extra seats). We hired a Renault Scenic Grande (RSG) when we came back last time, something similar to that.

Spec that we're after:
1 – 2 years old
Circa £8k (although this is flexible, preferably no more than £12k)
We wasn’t keen on the electronic handbrake on the RSG
A centre console to rest an elbow is essential (the RSG model that we had didn’t have one)
Good MPG (the RSG was very good)

Any advice on makes and models from MPV owners and / or car buffs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Can recommend the Citroen C4 Picasso Grand. Not sure what they retail for 2nd hand.

i'm getting a new s-max titanium next month, it's the only mpv (imo) that doesn't look like a brick.

you can pick up 2nd hand ones (a couple of years old) for a reasonable price.

S-Max rocks.

It's got the centre console, decent mpg, manual handbrake, drives very nicely and as Mad says you can maybe get a decent price on one.

And if Mad is trading in his Zafira for one, it must be good

eff off

that didn't take long

To be fair, there's probably only about 6 people left who get the joke

Thank you all for the inputs - very helpful

Taxman - I've read a write up in the Parkers guide re the Citroën, it sounds like it has an electronic handbrake (they call it "electronic parking brake").

Shogun - I love the van, just need to get some Scooby snacks




Madchester & el_pappje - I didn't get the joke, but I liked Mad's response . You can tell how little I know about MPVs (and how long I've been away) - I had to google S-Max to see who made it . The S-Max looks fine and could just be the one...

Thanks again to all.

May be worth looking at the Volkswagen Touran to have something to compare it to.

Thanks guys - went for the s-max titanium in the end. My Wife seems happy with it. Now just need to start thinking about which motor I should go for...