Large family car recommendations

A question about : Large family car recommendations

We had a zafira and absolutely loved it but it was not so reliable and we had to scrap it aged 9. We want another car with as much luggage space as the zafira because we camp and have 3children. I want something safe and reliable but my budget us only around Ј5000. Any ideas? There are so many options, I don't know where to start

Best answers:

• I have had 2 Zafiras and its the most reliable car I think I've had and its cheap to run too why don't you buy another they are good value for money. As you've found out plenty of room for luggage and those 2 extra seats come in handy now and then my grandchildren loved riding in them at the back.
• Mondeo estate...
• Might be interesting to self examine the reasons for scrapping the Zaf, and work out whether you could have prevented the reasons for scrapping by extra care during your ownership or by better selection when buying, Zafs are very good value new and used.
  If there was any neglect that caused the relatively early failure then its entirely possible the most reliable alternative make in the world could suffer exactly the same fate unless cared for better.
  Alternatives are Kia Carens/Sedona...Honda FRV (6 seater)...Toyota Verso, there's loads of other possibles.
• Mondeo Estate would get my vote. Large, cheap and reliable.
• I have heard other stories about zafiras dying young. If it's not true, I I'll probably just get another one.
• Verso looks great. Will check the others thanks
• I would get another Zafira. They really do tick all the boxes. Get a petrol one though
• My son has had a 1.8 petrol Zafira from new- about 7/8 years ago now and finds it very good. Plans to keep it a few more years. It's a second/third car in their family (jag.xf and a mini. Are the other two).
• Sounds like the 'recon' engine wasn't actually re-conned, any half decent place would've replaced the belts.
• Even the supposedly troublesome cars last a lot longer if they are serviced properly.
  A reconditioned engine thet didnt come with a new timing belt? I presume a replacement used engine not reconditioned?