What Car? Q&A - Which MPV for £6000?

Q: I am looking for a used car or MPV to accommodate three child seats. My budget is £6000. Also, at what age and weight can children sit with a booster seat only?
James MacLean

A: The five-seat Citroen Xsara Picasso and six-seat Fiat Multipla appear to meet your requirements. Older, higher-mileage seven-seat MPVs such as the Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra or VW Sharan would also suit this purpose equally well.

Typically, the retail value of a Y-reg Multipla 1.6 100 16v ELX with around 49,000 miles should be in the region of £5700. It has driver, passenger and side airbags, climate control and remote central locking as standard, and will return around 32.8 mpg.

For the same money, you should be able to find an 02-plate Picasso SX with 41,000 miles on the clock at a dealer.

Alternatively, a six-year-old diesel Ford Galaxy GLX TDi (90bhp) with 65,000 miles should cost £5925. This car should return around 41mpg, but has only one airbag, key-operated central locking and basic air-conditioning.

If you're buying privately, it is often well worth having the car checked by HPI (tel 01722 422422, web www.hpicheck.com). This way, you can be more sure of its history and financial status. It could also be wise to set aside some of your budget to have your newly acquired vehicle serviced to prolong its longevity.

As for car seats, it is vital to choose a seat that suits your child's age and weight, and that it fits the car you drive. Booster seats are normally suitable for children between 15-25kg, and booster cushions for those between 22-36kg.

Appropriate child restraints – baby/child seats, booster seats and booster cushions – should be used until the age of around 11. It is dangerous for children to use adult seatbelts before they are physically big enough.

Remember that rear-facing child seats must never be used in the front seat of a vehicle with an airbag. Also, always follow the instructions when installing a child seat in your car. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer of your car and/or child seat.

The Fiat or Galaxy will accommodate three seats in the same row. Be careful never to jam child seats together, or their operation may be compromised.

http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/