Quick before the Spelling and Grammar Monitor arrives.
For 'later' read Latter.
Phil I
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Oh no, why a saloon car if you want practicality and the ability to fit in a pram? Kangoo/Berlingo are the best option at a reasonable price, otherwise look at medium estates or midi-MPV. If you really want practicality and the ability to hold all that a baby (or two) demand, then a full-sized MPV is the only solution; most are shorter than a Mondeo estate although they cost a bit more to insure.
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Mondeo or Mazda6, probably a nine month old Mondeo LX for about £9k or a 2.0 Zetec for a grand more.
A Laguna is worth a look, too. Buy one of these from a supermarket and you'll probably get the best deal, especially if you're in no particular hurry and can sell the Alfa privately.
What about mini MPVs though - they do have more height? We will also get someone suggesting a 156 Sportwagon and, frankly, why ever not? www.ronskinnerandsons.co.uk has an 03 1.6 (not necessarily the engine of choice, admittedly) for £9,699.
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Cheers for all, I kinda like the idea of a saloon rather than Berlingo/Kangoo, although good to be prepared, I see no one has made comment to the Vectra, there are just so many, anyone any thoughts on the new astra?
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How did we all manage before the advent of MPVs and 7 seaters? I have seen many comments in this forum that an MPV and/or 7 seats is a must when a baby or two comes along. Well, a lot of us managed with small saloons quite adequately (ours was an NSU 1000c, which we ran for about 10 years).
A car like a Citroen C5 is plenty big enough, as it has a huge boot. If you want more space, go for an estate. £10000 is plenty of money to get a low mileage C5, as some of the range are not much more than that brand new. I saw a 1.8 estate, with 17000 miles, for £6000 (51 plate I think)
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Maybe keep the current car and think about getting a different pram (or even become a 'two pram household') - get one that folds up small enough to fit in the boot.
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Has Mrs Badgerlady an suggestions as to what she would like?? Guess shes got to drive it, too?
New shape Vectra coming through in good numbers, at auction now.
Mondeo - plenty, too.
Not many C5 & even less Mazda 6 - but there was a special edition, well spec Skata (or something) model for £12,995. this was a month or 2 back, so maybe a few pre reg/demonstrators for £10k ish.
If you've 147 - can we sugest 156 sportwagen would be a tiny bit more practical & offering the potential for a more attractive trade in allowance.
Or a just fit a tow bar & buy a trailer, this would keep the interior smelling fresher & tidy too!!
VB
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Or a just fit a tow bar & buy a trailer, this would keep the interior smelling fresher & tidy too!!
Baby in the trailer? I suspect my parents would have jumped at the idea ;-)
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Mazda6 - fuel consumption not too good though. Super car - good value.
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I've noticed a few people suggesting an Alfa Sportwagon. I think they're a lovely car, but although nominally an estate, the boot space is actually smaller than the saloon. The SW is billed as a "lifestyle estate" whatever that is and should not be thought of as a load carrier. I imagine ND will agree.
So, reluctant as i am to recommend a non-Alfa, my choice in your circumstances would be the C5 estate.
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Thanks all and in particular VB, I read your comments with interest, maybe I should go down the line of a Ford Transit, sounds like you are in the game for these! I think I will steer away from the Alfa bracket, real nice car's and I traded in a Focus ST170 to get, not as powerful but much more sure ride. I believe the Citreon C5 is the bad boy for me, Mrs Badgerlady not happy with losing the Alfa, I am proposing an additional car eventually and when the bank balance can afford, looking at maybe an Escort for aorund £1k, reckon I should get a decent one, maybe ish, if anyone got some top sites for Citreon I'd appreciate.
badgerman.
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Glad someone sees my comments!!
If you REALLY want a C5 (did you read what HJ thinks to them??)find a BIG dealer group that has Citreon & Alfa franchises - you'll have a, slightly, better chance of a fair trade in allowance, than if they were to simply auction/trade the 147 on.
& if you want REAL value - run out 406 are well spec & good value, too. Bet you'd get nearly new, within your budget.Range was revised to 3 models, IIRC.Check the Pug www.
VB
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First post on this forum, been reading for a bit though.
We bought a Berlingo to replace a Laguna, partly for the boot size and shape - it is very square, but also for the height. Bending down to put a child into a babyseat in a saloon is tricky for the back, particularly in a year or two when they get bigger. I suspect an Alfa 156 (have driven a few) being low would be poor in this respect. Wonderful to drive though!
Mark
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