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Previously answered questions

Which big car for a growing family?

Hi guys,

I love your website and the reviews are great.

I have a family of two girls under three with third child due in two months! We have a Kia Sportage that is full with two baby car seats and have no space for a third. We have the need to upgrade. Currently considering the Volvo XC90 as it seems to have the best third-row option - I really can't see myself driving a Galaxy... We have been looking at 2016/2018 models.

Are we better off waiting and seeing what happens? Any advice on what you would recommend would be great - open to suggestions.

Thanks

Colm Fuller (Dublin)

Apr 2020 Filed under: family car

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Looking for family car for about €17,000...

Looking to buy a five-seat family car with a budget of around €17k. The car will be used mostly for short journey commutes with some long journeys. Currently have 2004 SEAT Alhambra 1.9 TDI. Do about 12 to 13k a year so looking for something reliable and fairly roomy.

Leo OHara (Galway)

Aug 2019 Filed under: family car

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What full-size MPVs are left on sale?

We’ve been driving SEAT Alhambras for quite some time. Don’t want an SUV, want to move up a few years, but alas, SEAT is discontinuing the Alhambra.. The Sharan seems on the way out too. We don’t want to compromise on thrid-row seating, so the Kodiaq etc don’t get a look in either. The Touran would be too small. And we don’t want to get near eight-seaters or “van” territory. What options for us dinosaurs?

Kevin O, Callaghan (Cork)

Jan 2019 Filed under: family car

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Which family car for €25-30k? An A6 Avant?

My budget is €25-30k for a family car (we have three kids). Considering a 2014-15 Audi A6 Avant. I keep cars for a long time, planning at least 5-8 years. Current mileage is very low (10,000km a year). What other cars would you consider - based on my desire for an A6? Is paying over the odds for a diesel sheer lunacy based on my mileage, and considering that diesels MAY be worthless by the time I go to trade in?

Andy FitzPat

Jul 2018 Filed under: family car

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Is the Volvo XC90 a good family buy?

Hi lads,

I've 16, 15 and 5 year olds and another one on the way. I have a Volvo S80, but will need to change. I don't like MPVs as the rear seats are too close to the back of the vehicle so if you have a tip I'd be worried about the back two. I saw a 2010 Volvo XC90 the last day in a car park and it had two child seats in the back, two in the middle and a 15-year-old by the window and the two parents. I asked them what did they think of it. They said they had a Discovery before but found the Volvo more family oriented, safe and reliable. Would you agree? What else would you consider?

Oh, I've a daft labrador as well that would have to go in the boot!

Thanks

Justin Patrick McElwee (Sligo)

Jan 2018 Filed under: family car

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Looking for a reliable family car...

We are looking for some good options for a really reliable family car. Nothing too big as parking in the car park my wife works in is a nightmare as it is very tight. We were looking at a 2014 Nissan Qashqai+2, a 2015 Kia cee'd Sportswagon and might look at the Skoda Octavia. Insignia looks good but it's a monster of a size.

The Qashqai+2 seems expensive for a 2014 model. Would it be a waste? We do mileage of about 11k to 12k a year. Are the cars we looked at above the best options or what others would you recommend and best engine to go for? We want a really good boot and rear seat space for young kids with ISOFIX seating.

Thanks

Tomas Best (Dublin)

Jan 2018 Filed under: family car

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Looking for a very spacious family car!

I'm looking for a 2008/2009 family car with room for three children. Need good fuel economy and low tax. What would you suggest? Can be any type, make or model. Children aged 5, 7 and 12 years all tall and need space and Dad tall also, so would need a bit of room.  About 15,000 to 20,000 miles a years.

Thanks

Sue (Tipp)

Susan O'Donoghue (Tipperary)

Apr 2013 Filed under: family car

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What €20,000 MPVs would you recommend?

Hello, we have an 18-month old and have twins due next year. We need a car to fit all the baby seats plus all their buggies and paraphenalia. Will be used for local trips plus for weekend trips back to Cork (from Dublin). Our budget is €20k. What models would you recommend? Imported my current car (Peugeot 407 SW), so not a problem if I need to do that again.

Dan O'Connell (Dublin)

Nov 2016 Filed under: family car

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I need a huge car for my dogs and kids please!

Hi,

I'm looking for a recommendation. I have six big dogs (four labradors, two St Bernard) that need to fit in. A van is no good as I need seats for my two kids too. Currently driving an old Volvo 740 estate, but is getting too old/problematic now. Budget of max €15,000, fuel efficient diesel preferred as I average 700km a week. Two of the dogs are getting old so high up (off roaders) not really suitable. New Volvo V70 just not big enough.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jennifer Rafter

Jennifer Rafter (Dublin 16)

Aug 2016 Filed under: family car

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Best seven-seater for around €15,000?

What is the best seven-seat car priced around €15,000? We have four children, aged 12, 5, 3 and 2. The car needs to be diesel as we have a long distance drive to work. Also need it to be in a low tax bracket, have a roomy boot, good solid engine and be sturdy on the road.

Olga Coss (mullins) (Portlaoise )

Aug 2016 Filed under: family car

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