family car

Hi, we're looking for a family car that will fit three child seats, not necessarily in the one row. We're considering a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe. How would you rate this in comparison to other family MPVs? Other options we've considered are a Mazda5 or Ford S-Max. Motor tax costs are fairly important to us. We had a loan of a Toyota Corolla Verso and preferred our current Ford C-Max, so it's out of the running for us.

Thanks for your help, Susan, Dublin

Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi diesel estate €12,950 or Skoda Octavia Combi Elegance 1.6 CR 105 at €15,225? Both diesel estates same mileage, both 2010, prices quoted are asking prices with room for negotiations. Which would you choose?

Can you tell me the pros and cons of the Peugeot 407, as a family car?

I need advice on which car to buy. I have one child in a car seat, and am planning to have two more children pretty quickly, so I need a car that can accomodate two car seats and a booster seat, that also has plently of boot space for buggies and shopping. Fuel economy is really important for me, as is annual tax charges, as I don't have a lot of spare cash every month. So I have been looking at 1.5 diesels. I have about €9,000 to spend. I love the Nissan Qashqais, I think they are gorgeous, and am really considering buying a 2007 model. However I have been told that they are very hard on fuel, is that true? Do you have any idea what mpg I can expect? My second and third choices are Citroen Xsara Picasso or a Renault Mégane (2009 hatchback). Do you have any advice for me, or any suggestions of a car that would suit my needs?

Thanks in advance.

Seven-seaters: can you give me a full list of the possibilities in Ireland and the tax on each model pre- and post-2008? It's so hard to decide! Any recommendation?

Hi, what family car do you recommend for €6,000 budget and good resale value? I need this for only nine months.

Could you recommend an economical diesel MPV or family car for a budget of around €10,000? Preferably to fit three car seats in the back, with a large boot space, low tax and suitable for country roads?

Thanks

We have a 2008 Ford S-MAX Titanium diesel auto with 100,000km on it. I have been looking around for ages at alternatives. In your view would we be better to sell this car now while it is still relatively young or would we be better to hold on for another couple of years?

I do not want to end up in the situation where no garage will give anything for it as it is too old and I do not want to have to spend loads to maintain it now it is getting older.

By the way what would I get for it as a trade-in or private sale? It is ours from new with full service history.

Thanks,

Andrew

We have a little toddler and recently welcomed twins into our lives and while three children isn't a big family we now find that we need a seven-seater because of the baby seats. I hate the idea of a people carrier but I do need something with enough space for the little ones and all the luggage that comes with them. Is there any seven-seat car that's practical but not boring?