What Car?

[northernladuk]

Friend of mine has a Peugot 308 and loves it. Not the best in it's class it seems but not the most expensive but rates well for boot space and top marks for safety with 5 stars for adult protection and 4 stars for child.

A review of the car is here talking about how good boot space and safety is...

308 review at autotrader

Peugeot's seem to be a bit like marmite looks wise, love or hate. I personally think they are pretty smart looking cars.

Worth a look IMO...

[Spacecadet]

What's wrong with something like a Focus or Civic? Will easily fit you, baby and stuff in the boot since many families use them for just that.

Boring but reliable and practical...

This
2007 KIA CEED 1.6 CRDI LS 5DR [113] DIESEL
is even more boring and practical and its still got 4 years/70,000 miles left on the warranty

However MP did mention Volvo XC90 so I think she's after something a tad bigger

[TykeMerc]

For eating lots of motorway miles and having heaps of space in the back and boot, just go for an uninspiring, but reliable and affordable Mondeo.

Plenty of go in the 2.0 TDCI and I'm certain you can get them with auto boxes. You'd have no hassle getting a barely used with all the bells and whistles one for your budget.

[Clippy]

This
2007 KIA CEED 1.6 CRDI LS 5DR [113] DIESEL
is even more boring and practical and its still got 4 years/70,000 miles left on the warranty

However MP did mention Volvo XC90 so I think she's after something a tad bigger

I still reckon a Golf would do the trick but if a Volvo XC90 is a bit too big then how about a Volvo XC60 which, I believe, is a smaller version of the XC90.

However, it is a fairly new model in the range so would imagine it may be (well) over your budget.

If, you are after a 4x4 type car, then how about a Ford Kuga.

IMHO, hugely underrated, not bad looking and not many about so it's something a bit different.


BTW, if you do decide to pursue a Volvo XC90 be aware that Watchdog did a piece about 4 to 5 yrs ago about half a dozen cases of them catching fire due to some un-known electrical fault.

Volvo UK denied there was any issue with the vehicles and refused to issue a recall in the UK.

Hwever, Volvo USA, I believe, did issue a recall.

[d000hg]

For eating lots of motorway miles and having heaps of space in the back and boot, just go for an uninspiring, but reliable and affordable Mondeo.

That too, if a Focus is a bit small for whatever reason.

[TykeMerc]

That too, if a Focus is a bit small for whatever reason.

Since the Focus and Golf had already been suggested it was a logical option to float

[DimPrawn]

Something a bit different?

Meridien Milano : Alfa Romeo 159 2.0 JTDM 16v Ti Sportwagon


But what you really need with a family is an S-MAX

Perkins Garages Ltd : S-Max 2.5 T Titanium DVD Multi Media Leather 26k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2004251.htm

Looks good for a kiddie carrier and loaded with toys.

[Mich the Tester]

I have parked tractors before, so a 4x4 wouldn't pose me a problem.

A bit common though, what what?

[gingerjedi]

Get a 3-series touring automatic.

Which has exactly the same boot capacity as the saloon unless you put the seats down which isn't wise with a baby strapped to them.

Get a Maclaren XT, you'll have loads more boot space.

[MaryPoppins]

Thanks everyone.

Clippy, I saw the XC60 this morning and assume it would be out of budget, yes. Shame.

Tyke, I have to say, I'm seriously wondering whether the new shape Mondeo hatch would suit me. My sister has a Focus and it's not really big enough for what I'd like - much more cramped in the back than my current car. The Mondeo has some excellent reviews.

I like that Alfa too now though.