We want to move back to an MPV, but which one?!
For years my husband drove Renault Mégane Scenics, and then about six months ago he took a whim and got a Mitsubishi ASX (not the 4WD model). It was a 2013 demo. The good price, the long warranty and the fact that it was diesel all enticed him. It is much cheaper to run and a nice drive, but the interface (is that the word?) is crude compared to the Renault. No 'intelligent' wipers, lights or windows; and the sound system controls are not on the wheel. Plus, the storage space is poor, and the boot is smaller, etc. etc. The main problem, though, is the appearance of the thing. After years of avoiding SUVs, he has somehow acquired a machine that looks like - oops! - an SUV.
We won't dwell on the reasons for not wanting to drive an SUV, or how he managed to actually buy something that looks like the one thing he doesn't want to drive. But, let's just say that he is unhappy enough that he really wants to change it for a (preferably) 2013 or 2014 (demo model) of something less 'assertive'-looking. If we have to pay to change, we will, although obviously we'd prefer not to. We are looking at another Renault Scenic, but are wondering if there might be another MPV-type car that you'd recommend in the same price bracket?
Our requirements are diesel, five doors, a large boot (for work equipment and for dogs), and preferably a highish car (not an ordinary estate).
Thank you!
Desperate in Dublin
J P (Dublin)Mar 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Jane,
Sounds like you want to move back into a proper MPV and the best one around at the moment, for my money, is the Citroen C4 Picasso. Citroen registered a bundle of them last year for press and promotional purposes so there should be plenty of good nearly-new or dealer demo stock knocking around. It's a classy looking thing, comfy to drive and utterly massive on the inside. Other good options are the Ford C-Max (great to drive but the boot is slightly on the small side) and the Toyota Verso (a touch unexciting but with terrific quality and lots of space). Or, of you want something with a warranty to match the Mitsubishi's, track down a nice 2013 Kia Carens - a classy looking car with bundles of space.
Let us know how you get on
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe