The Top 10 used 7-seaters

1. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

If you’re in the market for a vehicle that can carry a lot of children or adults, then the last generation Grand C4 Picasso is the number one choice. For example, you can get three child seats into the middle row, all with Isofix. The interior is vast, with flexible options, offering terrific value for money.

The two seats at the rear are suitable only for children, but if you have those seats folded flat then there’s a huge storage area. Even with them in use there’s room for a buggy behind them.

There can be issues with things like heating and ventilation as well as the CD player, so check these out before purchase. Otherwise, unbeatable value for money.

First choice: 1.6 e-HDi Airdream VTR+ EGS

2. Vauxhall Zafira

There are thousands to choose from, so finding the right one for you at the right price should be possible. You can make an enormous cargo area since the third row of seats, which are suitable for adults, fold into the floor and the second row can fold up against the back of the front row. In contrast, there isn’t a lot of storage area in the cabin itself. Things to be wary of include failing air-con and tailgates.

First choice: 1.7 CDTi Exclusiv

3. Volvo XC90

With about 13 years’ production under its belt before the arrival of the new model, there are plenty of Volvo’s robust XC90s to choose from. It’s a seriously practical vehicle, with four-wheel drive able to tow 2250kg, and represents great value for money. Like the Grand C4 Picasso, it can handle three child seats in a row in the second tier, all with Isofix, all adjusting separately too. Possible problems include expensive injector issues so don’t buy if it seems to have trouble starting.

First choice: 2.4 D5 SE Lux

4. Seat Alhambra

A really practical, spacious and handy seven-seater MPV that is actually pretty good to drive. The third row can handle adults comfortably but there are also two rear sliding doors so if you have children in there it’s easy to get to them if space is tight. The cargo area, particularly if the third row is folded flat into the floor, is enormous. There really don’t seem to be that many niggles to watch out for.

First choice: 2.0 TDi CR 140 Ecomotive S

5. Ford S-Max

Probably the most fun seven-seater MPV in this list, the S-Max drives well and is also very practical. The third row of seats would suit adults over short distances and electrical issues are the main thing to watch out for.

First choice: 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

6. Land Rover Discovery

Definitely the most capable, go-where-you-want vehicle here, the Discovery combines genuine seven-seater ability for adults with a proven four-wheel drive system. The rugged Discovery will cost more to run than the MPVs here, but you get a lot of ability for the money. The air suspension can be an expensive problem so watch out for warnings on the dash.

First choice: 3.0 SDV6 GS

7. Ford Galaxy

Ford is the only manufacturer to appear twice in our Top 10. There is a touch more space for rear passengers and baggage in the cabin of the Galaxy, but then, while it’s good, the Galaxy is only fractionally larger than the S-Max yet is definitely more expensive.

First choice: 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

8. Volkswagen Touran

This upmarket Volkswagen has versatile seating but to make the most of the cargo area you have to actually take out the middle seats. These slide and fold and the rear row is suitable for only short distances if adults are back there. A good five-seater with decent cargo area. The somewhat dull interior can wear but otherwise they seem robust vehicles.