[Closed] Big estates and MPVs

we have just upgraded from a mk3 mundano estate to a new shape galaxy.
the new galaxy is lower than the previous models which would hekp you if you're up top a lot. I'm 5'10" and its not as tall as I am, although this does not detract from interior headroom in any seat...there's plenty. Also, our bikes sit on a towbar mounted rack....where they stuck out of both sides of the mondeo, the galaxy is that much wider that wind drag is non existent..or so it seems. We as a family of 5 tried most marques out before deciding on the galaxy due to the size, comfort, gadgets and versatility

hth

Or rather than a Galaxy, an S-Max, slightly lower so a little compromised on headroom for the 2 very rear seats, but we've only ever used them for a couple of very short journeys with a full passenger load. The S-Max will workout a bit cheaper than a Galaxy but is effectively the same vehicle. We got a Titanium spec (dual zone aircon, parking sensors, heated front screen, etc, etc) with the mid level powered 2l TDi last September on an 07 plate for 13k with 25k miles on the clock. It's perfect for us - 2 adults, 1 child, 3 bikes and family camping gear for a week in France with room left to bring several cases of wine home.

my 406 killer is a Honda accord estate. When the 406 expired I was really concerned about what was out there which could step up to the plate as good 406's are now rare. The new honda is huge inside. and very low for easy roof racking.

Possible large estates: Skoda Superb, Honda Accord, Citroen C5 (you did say not bothered about image and dynamics!) Super floaty suspension!

One argument for an estate over a people carrier...will kayaks fit under a height barrier on one and not the other?

Having had a C5 I wouldn't touch one again - expensive to repair and really poor build quality. I know people say that about all French cars, but have had several Renaults and about 5 Peugeot 406's and they are all far better built than the Citroen.

I regularly load a 4 person sit on top kayak on top of my T5. TBH it's a total poison in the neck, no excuses for the pun.

A low roof would be brilliant but the van shape offers me so much: changing space, many bikes, unlimited kit etc

went from a mundao estate to an S-Max, 4 bikes on the back towbar, roof bars etc and all of our camping gear (loads) and still room to bring back 100 or so litres of wine from the south of France.. fuel economy with a 2ltr diesel and all of the bikes is still over 40mpg. To be fair, I wanted a galaxy and the missus wanted another estate, so the S-Max was the compromise and its good to drive.

Another vote for an S-Max here. Ours has been ace. Very flexible, lots of space, drives very nicely for the size

I've thought about it quite a bit and I will go for another Mondeo Estate next time.

With the back seats down I can get 2 bikes in the back without taking off wheels or saddles or anything else.

With the front passenger seat down I can get 2 windsurfers and all the kit (including a 305cm board) inside.

And it's easy to throw a lot of kit onto the roof without having to use a stepladder. And still get into a 2m max height car park.

Fiat doblo, easy to load kayaks on and off, just slide em on and off the back, enormoose in the back for kit, and cheeeep!,
We have one and it takes 2 kayaks on the roof, 2 bikes, kit and four dogs in the back fine,
tailgate version is better than the split rear door an all, nice to sit/get changed under

The S-Max will workout a bit cheaper than a Galaxy but is effectively the same vehicle

Is that really the case, or will I find it the worst of both worlds - still more hassle to load boats on the roof, but not actually enough space inside to put bikes in upright and dispense with an external bike rack for family holidays? Have never been a big fan of external bike racks, hence at the moment still squeeze one bike inside with the luggage and the plan behind the Galaxy. However boat loading issues has me tending towards compromising my principles and getting a towbar rack fitted to a Mondeo.

Had assumed Accord and Superb would be more expensive, but thanks for the tips - having previously owned Citroens I would love a C5 put off by the impression of unreliability voiced by ji.

Fiat doblo, easy to load kayaks on and off, just slide em on and off the back

Except I'm talking about fairly delicate racing boats I don't want to slide anywhere. From what I can work out, despite previously having thought my next car would be a Berlingo, things like that are the worst of both worlds, with the extra height adding to boat hassle, but without significant extra space inside (with rear seats occupied) compared to a Mondeo.

You haven't said what your price range is, but why has no one mentioned the Volvo V70?

Past posts will reveal my extreme prejudice in favour of Volvo, but the only reason I am not currently driving my 3rd is that they don't build them with enough seats.

but without significant extra space inside (with rear seats occupied) compared to a Mondeo

Hmm, I dunno, they always seemed very roomy to me. The load area is a different shape which may or may not suit.

compromising my principles and getting a towbar rack fitted to a Mondeo

Not sure you'd regret that tbh. Towbar racks are great imo 🙂

On ours we use the padded v shaped holders which fasten to the roof bars, the rear roof bar sits right at the back of the roof so the kayak dosnt touch the roof when putting it on from the back and the padding stops any scraping, the mrs can do it on her own without any damage or scrapes and she's 5'8,
I can get em on my bongo but it takes two and some step ladders so it's only used for long trips
If your that bothered about scratches you should get a trailer.

my accord on 05 plate 88k 2.2 icdti thingy was 4750. More than a mondeo or lots of there's for equivalent mileage/age/spec. But they ahve an awesome rep for reliability, and my brother is a car mechanic and he never has to fix honda's, and I know a honda mech very well and he thinks they are the mutts nutts

The S-Max will workout a bit cheaper than a Galaxy but is effectively the same vehicle
Is that really the case, or will I find it the worst of both worlds - still more hassle to load boats on the roof, but not actually enough space inside to put bikes in upright and dispense with an external bike rack for family holidays?

Yes it is. Lower roof than Galaxy so easier to load up top, not so low inside that you can't get a bike in upright. Just for simplicity and to make better use of space I always take the front wheels off as well though.

Hi

The MKVII accord estate is big (I had one) and the mark V111 is waaay smaller - completely different beast (I have one now). The cdti has a reasonable rep for reliability although the turbo boost controllers go and destroy turbos (I had one go). Given the reliability of honda petrol engines - I'd go for a petrol mkVII.

Bigest estate - E class. Massive

2.2Td Omega estate? Huge, reliable, last forever and stupidly cheap.
I've got the saloon, now looking for an estate - lovely, superbly comfy to drive and no dmf.

Spend the savings on an MX5!

The Golf Caddy Maxi would seem to be popular for this job, see plenty going around here and in the Lakes. First saw them when I was in Slovenia and they would appear to be as common for sporty types as the proverbial VW van. The new hippymobile 😆

We have the older Galaxy, the one thats also a Sharran & Alhambra. The seats all come out on these, with the centre rear removed ours has had 3 full bikes down the middle, & four passengers plus another bike with wheels off. Economy is ok, 35-45mpg. I think the older Galaxy stopped in 06, but Seat have only just stopped theirs. They have the VW TDi engine. Not the most reliable cars though, a few niggles but fairly cheap to fix & easy to DIY if you able.
As far as I know the seats only fold into the floor on the newer Galaxy & SMax, so I doubt you'd get a bike in upright given how tall the galaxy is. We'd would have had an SMax, but even now they are still expensive. For the price of a high mileage base model our Galaxy was a spotless range topping model with all the extras. If you've got kids a big MPV is spot-on. From lugging bikes to picnics in the car (front seats turn to face backwards). Until the kids are a lot bigger I couldnt imagine running anything else now, its just so practical & given its size quite good on fuel.

My old man recently changed from an S-Max to a Galaxy and there's not a whole lot of difference IMO but the Galaxy is a bit better if people space is the priority (rather than load space). They're both dull to drive though, not that needs to be a concern, just ignore any marketing BS saying they're dynamic/fun etc. to drive.

Volvo estates are huge, 4x4 will pull you out of trouble. I saw enough of them pulling horse-boxes to believe their prowesses.

Do you need the extra seats? We considered an MPV after our Mazda 6 estate, but decided the Grandparents can bring their own car when needed. Eventually went for a previous model Honda CRV. The rear is cavernous 500-700L, and I can (just about) put four bikes on the roof single handed (a caravan step was briefly considered). For internal space, I don't think it can be beaten. Since you have kayaks, the internal spare wheel compartment is beneath a pull out table, and we store our wet wetsuits here post surfing. (Spare wheel mounts on the rear door).

I'd probably buy a petrol one second time around as the diesel we have is rather thirsty.

PS it's great in the snow on winter tyres.

You haven't said what your price range is

3-5 yrs old, best VFM (if that means spending a bit more at the start to get lower running costs/depreciation). Money wise, £5k-£8k I guess (I accept the MPV solution will cost me a bit more).

On ours we use the padded v shaped holders which fasten to the roof bars

I'm already using specialist extended V bars for racing boats - they have padding, but I'm less than confident about it not scratching the boats if slid in and out all the time - I did that with my latest heavier boat initially, but decided it was a bad idea. Hence I want to lift in from the side - no alternative boat carrying solution is going to help.

If your that bothered about scratches you should get a trailer

A trailer every time I want to take my boat down to the river - which quite often includes at lunchtime midweek? Interesting argument!

E class. Massive

Expensive?

2.2Td Omega estate?

Now that's the sort of suggestion I'm after!

Honda CRV. The rear is cavernous 500-700L

Higher, but no more boot space than what I have (or a Mondeo)? I think I'll pass.

Thanks for all the advice folks - lots of useful stuff to think about.

Aracer, I paid £350 for my 250,000 mile Omega. It's worth that almost that in scrap value.
German built, still on the original clutch and £55 quid a corner for decent tyres.
It drives amazingly well, does 40mpg and is a pleasure to own.
Came with full history as well.
Currently looking at estate versions up to £1000,00. Again, fsh and very good nick. Less than £1800 for a mint example.
You can fit two bikes into the saloon, but it's a struggle.
Plenty about, but avoid the 2.5 BMW Td engine, which can be trouble.
The owners forum is very helpful.