Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic?

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Sat 5 Mar 2011 08:45
Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic? - yorkdad

Hi,

Before my third kids arrives I am looking at getting a bigger car to fit them all in. Any pointers on ones that will get three car seats accross the back? With about 3.5k I am looking at either a Zafira 1.8 with 20k on the clock or a Renault Grand Scenic 1.9 deisel with 60k on the clock, both of them around 2005.

Anyone with any views on either? Would a deisel carry the extra miles better or should I go for the lower mileage petrol car. We do about 10,000 miles per year but obviously want something that's as cheap as possible to run and reliable.

Any views / experience in this area really appreciated.

Thanks,

YorkDad

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Sat 5 Mar 2011 09:24
Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic? - Victorbox

The diesel should cheaper on fuel but require more servicing and be heavier on things like front tyres and brakes. Also diesels seem to be so complicated now to produce power and economy they are rarely cheap to fix. So I'd go for the lower mileage petrol as petrol Zafiras seem to produce less problems than diesel versions. Google Dual Mass Flywheels, Diesel Particulate Filter, EGR valve problems! Having run a diesel Renault Megane 1.9DCi it was nothing but trouble from quite a low mileage.

When testing the 1.8 Zafira just be sure there isn't any clutch judder as 2005 to 2007 1.6 / 1.8 petrol engined version were having clutches changed under warranty if owner complained about judder.

Edited by Victorbox on 05/03/2011 at 09:26

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Sat 5 Mar 2011 09:28
Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic? - yorkdad

Cheers nice one, appreciate the feedback. Any thoughts on capacity of either?

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Sat 5 Mar 2011 11:32
Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic? - Avant

A 60,000-mile Renault is a big risk. There are good ones out there but they seem to be more vulnerable to abuse or neglect on the part of the previous owner - and the only way to find that out is the hard way.

I'd look at the Toyota Verso and Ford C-Max as well, and the Mazda 5 although there aren't so many of these around within your budget. Unless your mileage is very high, go for a petrol (cheaper and generally less susceptible to major failure).

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Sat 5 Mar 2011 20:38
Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic? - Mr Fox

Can't comment on the Zafira as i've only driven one once, but we have a Grand Scenic 1.6 Petrol and its been 100% reliable and is very comfortable, well equipped, nice to drive and seems to be very well built. We have it serviced by a local specialist who charges £95.00 for a full service and MOT every year, we get around 35 MPG out of it and can honestly say its been the least problematic car my OH has had, she had a Focus before that was constant trouble, from the water leaking into the cabin, to the coil packs failing repeatedly. I can certainly reccomend a Grand Scenic, you need to make sure it's been well looked after of course.

My impression of the Zafira, when I hired one in Spain was that it seemed quite a capable motor, but was much harsher and less comfortable than the Renault.

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Sat 5 Mar 2011 23:24
Vauxhall Zafira - 3 kids in the back: Zafira or Grand Scenic? - Boulder2k9

Hello YorkDad,

To be honest a Zafira will do 10k a year easier with less trouble than a Scenic. The Zafira will be a bit gutless and heavy on fuel etc but the engine will be more reliable than the diesel in the Renault. The inside of a Zafira feels much more cheap inside than a Scenic ( have had three Zafira's now off hire companies). The Scenic is the more luxury comfortable car but one with 60k is a risky investment.

I would recommend the Zafira over a Scenic.

Good luck mate

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