Need some new wheels?

[yourdj]

I need a new car/MPV as my wifes one is on its way out (Zafira B).

Not sure what to get. i also have a Zafira B (design w the sport button) and its an excellent car, but am looking about for a new car of some sort as a DJ wagon, but also for the kids and dogs? Just wondering what your recommendations would be for the following:

1: Needs to be low to the ground. Zafira if fine. I would love a Range rover, but its just too high. :)
2: Needs at least 5 seats, but the ability to store all my kit. Zafira seats are awesome as they slide forward to the front.
3: Needs to look nice and fit in at a stately home or similar.
4: Not a van, or anything requiring van insurance.
5: Budget about 2-5k as I am saving up for a house, but could be a bit more??
6: needs to fit a 1.5m flight case so need length and depth for that.

I think estates would be nice, but something along the lines of a transporter may be more practical and have the required space. If I go down that route then perhaps an MPV that can be used for mini holidays would be a nice option for family life. I can then buy my wife an estate for personal use. One question: would a long wheel base be a pain to park, or would a shorter one be better?? I do like the MPV's with the front cab and back section as that can be waterproofed out for the dogs. I thought about getting an ex surfy mobil for this use. Kids in the front bit, dogs/gear in the back.

I could just keep the zafira (as its a good car), sell the other one (wifes zafira) and buy an estate at the same value and be better off for it??
In an ideal world something along the lines of this although I guess it will cost quite a bit.

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17954

Thanks.

[rth_discos]

Sounds like you already have 2 x Zafiras in your household.

With that in mind, I really don't understand your reluctance to get a van?

I don't think you've got the budget for it, but the Ford S Max ticks a lot of your boxes.

But as the budget is quite low, I'd keep a Zafira for your work, and then buy something else that's suitable for your wife.

[Excalibur]

Regarding your initial parameters Toby, the Peugeot 308 fits your needs. Seven re/movable seats, three point harness on every one.
We had one but it wasn't a marriage made in heaven. :( The Astra we have now suits us better.

[Pe7e]

I used to use a Merc C series estate, nice wagon to look at and drive, but not an awful lot of space in the back, I sold it and bought a Volvo estate which has loads of load space, I can't fault it really apart from the MPG could be better in an ideal world. You should be able to find a nice low mileage one, well within your budget.

[yourdj]

With that in mind, I really don't understand your reluctance to get a van?

But as the budget is quite low, I'd keep a Zafira for your work, and then buy something else that's suitable for your wife.

I am not keen on the higher insurance. it was a good 50% more expensive when i had vans. :)
I would also want more of a car, than a van really.

Yes I am probably thinking with my ego really. My Zafira is good and I could actually save money by buying an estate.


Seven re/movable seats, three point harness on every one.
We had one but it wasn't a marriage made in heaven. :( The Astra we have now suits us better.

Sorry forgot to mention I want seats that fold down. Not a fan of cars that have seat that you have to store in the garage etc. :)
I suppose i am a bit spoilt with the excellent design of the zafira, you would not even know the back seats are there.

Thanks for the help.
t maybe a

I used to use a Merc C series estate, nice wagon to look at and drive,

Would love a Merc, so will have a good look through auto trader, but maybe a skoda or similar would be a bit more sensible. :p

I shall report back when i make up my mind, with a few selections.

[rth_discos]

I am not keen on the higher insurance. it was a good 50% more expensive when i had vans. :)
I would also want more of a car, than a van really.


I recently moved to a Citroën Nemo van. Insurance was the same as my car. The biggest plus point for me is that my equipment is finally insured for theft from the vehicle (near on impossible to achieve the insurance requirements in a car). So I feel much happier on the occasions I have my kit in the back. Plus it handles the knocks of equipment much better.

It's not the right van for you though as it's not long enough for your trunk. But my swap to a van has been very positive (and fuel economy oddly is amazing!)

[Nakatomi]

from a man who recently got a van all I'm gonna say is... Get a van, man. You won't look back. I'm getting 540-580 miles out of a tank in my 9 year old Berlingo, doing 60 odd miles a day to my day job & back. Disco wise it's much less of a game of Tetris these days.

Oh yeah the insurance thing.. I'm going through a broker where my sister works & she got me an ace deal with Aviva - about £230 a year & that's with business as the primary usage. Apparently it's not a very good idea to do it any other way.

[yourdj]

from a man who recently got a van all I'm gonna say is... Get a van, man. You won't look back. I'm getting 540-580 miles out of a tank in my 9 year old Berlingo, doing 60 odd miles a day to my day job & back. Disco wise it's much less of a game of Tetris these days.


Definitely not going for a Berlingo, I have owned 2 and a partner. I can see why they are so popular.
I used to make my own fuel out of cooking oil and ran all three for peanuts for 2 years. Not such a problem now days. :)

i want a reasonably good looking black/grey van/car. If i went van i would opt for something similar the image in the first post.
My first car was an Alfa Spider and I have gone down hill ever since, so want something half decent for personal/professional use.

I dont insure my stuff anymore, so thats not an issue. If my stuff gets nicked then i have funds to replace it (got fed up with DJG). ;)
This is my car at the moment. I could pimp it up a bit more and look after it better tbh as its full of dust, dog hair & a passenger side full sandwich boxes/coffees!! It drives totally different to the other zafira, its a very nice car too drive tbh, despite the wheel seals bloody going down all the time, requiring the air compressor.

To add to this, my wife has told me today that work are not letter her back on her post maternity terms so I have to also pay for her now, so a crappy estate it is then ;);)

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[Excalibur]

Sorry forgot to mention I want seats that fold down. Not a fan of cars that have seat that you have to store in the garage etc. :)


Toby, when does Uncle Peter ever give you suggestions that don't take account of the stated requirements? :whistle: You should know better than to question my judgment. :Naughty:

You can fold one to five seats down flat, as you wish. You can fold the front three to act as a mini bulkhead, and removing any or all of them is another option, not a necessity. Should you wish, you can even move the blighters across as well!

Take the whole lot out, and you have a little van. In all seriousness, the entire seating system was the best, safest, and most versatile I've ever seen. Don't take that as a ringing endorsement of the vehicle Toby, the gearbox was notchy, the electrics could be temperamental, it drove like a :Censored: on snow and ice, and cost us a lot of money. It does however tick all the boxes you specified. :p:D:D

[AndyC]

I have just moved from a Zafira B to a Citroen c4 grand Picasso all 5 rear seats fold flat and it has more room than the Zafira with the seats up as well as down all my gear fits in. I'm very happy so far

[yourdj]

Toby, when does Uncle Peter ever give you suggestions that don't take account of the stated requirements? :whistle: You should know better than to question my judgment. :Naughty:

You can fold one to five seats down flat, as you wish. You can fold the front three to act as a mini bulkhead, and removing any or all of them is another option, not a necessity. Should you wish, you can even move the blighters across as well!

Take the whole lot out, and you have a little van. In all seriousness, the entire seating system was the best, safest, and most versatile I've ever seen. Don't take that as a ringing endorsement of the vehicle Toby, the gearbox was notchy, the electrics could be temperamental, it drove like a :Censored: on snow and ice, and cost us a lot of money. It does however tick all the boxes you specified. :p:D:D

Thanks will look into that. Not a huge fan of French cars, I prefer German or Japanese, but am open to persuasion, based on opinion.
The VW Passat estate seems to be top trumps so far.
My roadie has one and fits all his gear in (complete replica of mine).

This is only as a back up vehicle mind you, so I will probably only use it a few times. :)
Main consideration is to get my dogs and children in it really.

Might even make a profit on it LOL.
Like when i "upgraded" my wife from a macbook to a tablet and saved £300. ;)
She was over the moon, I saved a few quid, everyone was a winner.

[Benny Smyth]

Not a huge fan of French cars, I prefer German or Japanese,

And which if those does your beloved Zafira fall under? :p

[Nakatomi]

Not a huge fan of French cars, I prefer German or Japanese, but am open to persuasion, based on opinion.

I'm not a huge fan of driving to work every day in my van. I'd much prefer something a bit more sleek & sporty. Like a helicopter. Ah but circumstances.. :)

[Benny Smyth]

I'm not a huge fan of driving to work every day in my van. I'd much prefer something a bit more sleek & sporty. Like a helicopter. Ah but circumstances.. :)

Put go faster stripes on it. Maybe vinyl stickers of flames going off the wheels. Problem solved. :p

[Nakatomi]

Put go faster stripes on it. Maybe vinyl stickers of flames going off the wheels. Problem solved. :p

Needs a go faster off-side upper rear door hinge at the mo never mind stickers :rofl:

[mattydj50]

Like when i "upgraded" my wife.....

When you take part of a sentence, completely out of context....

[yourdj]

And which if those does your beloved Zafira fall under? :p

Yes was a bit fed up with Vauxhall, but they do make OK cars for the price. Parts and servicing is also cheap.
Is it still a UK brand?? I think i will go for an Eos sport/pimped up car when we get the new house. i really miss my Alfa Spider.

I bought this today, Ania is made up with it and it matches my other one (black zafira).
Private seller who lived in a very nice house not too far from me.
Her daughter was a major in there army and has moved abroad, so no dodgy dealers (can't stand car dealers).

Probably needs new brake pads, but thats about it. Got £100 off the already very reasonable asking price. :)
The passenger airbag goes off so no more screaming baby in the back when my wife drives on her own, which will be lovely!!!

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[soundscapes]

Honda stream, looks like an ordinary honda estate car but Seven seats, middle row slides too so boot is huge. 2ltr vtec engine out of type s civic so goes like a scalded rat. Rare car, not many sold in the UK but oily bits are all standard civic / crv bits so parts availability is good. Bit of a q car, doesn't look much and insurance is fairly cheap. I'm paying about the same as I was for my zafira, plus it's Japanese, it's never let me down yet and She's done 170k. I'm looking at another newer one next year

[Excalibur]

That's like ours Toby, except ours is white. Jeanette loves it to bits.

Edit: Oops. I see from the piccy info ( not the text Toby ) it's an Insignia. Ours is an Astra.

[yourdj]

That's like ours Toby, except ours is white. Jeanette loves it to bits.

Edit: Oops. I see from the piccy info ( not the text Toby ) it's an Insignia. Ours is an Astra.

Yes Insignia, I have had an Astra van and estate in the past, good car for the money. :)

[yourdj]

Honda stream

Looks interesting. I like Honda, despite them being driven by old people.
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I had the LSI Civic hatchback - it was an amazing car for space as the whole boot/seats folded down.
Never serviced it etc and it never missed a beat!! Bit like my 3 Imprezas - VERY reliable (unlike the Alfa!!)

Thanks everyone for your help. ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Looks interesting. I like Honda, despite them being driven by old people.


Another great generalisation.

I like DJs despite people like you.

[DJ Jules]

Yes was a bit fed up with Vauxhall, but they do make OK cars for the price. Parts and servicing is also cheap.
Is it still a UK brand??

From Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors)


Vauxhall has major manufacturing facilities in Luton (commercial vehicles, IBC Vehicles) and Ellesmere Port, UK (passenger cars). The Ellesmere Port plant currently employs around 1,880 staff and has a capacity of approximately 187,000 units. A high proportion of Vauxhall-branded vehicles sold in the UK are produced at Opel factories in Germany, Spain and Poland, and roughly 80% of Vauxhall production is exported, most of which is sold under the Opel brand.

[ppentertainments]

Although I was guilty of using a car for years, I now cannot understand why any DJ serious about their business would not use a van for work and, if needed, a second vehicle for family.

[yourdj]

I like DJs despite people like you.

With all the sarcastic one liners you have served me over the last 9 years, the feeling is mutual. :p
As usual my attempt at light humour has failed. ;)

Depends on the model really. The Jazz (perhaps also the civic) certainly, but we all know there are plenty of other models out there (including the sport division). My mum has had a Zazz for 15 years (I think) - It's never gone wrong!!! I have always been a bit of a secret fan of the Accord type R, but there are so many better racier cars out there.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/motoring/motoring-features/why-is-the-honda-jazz-so-popular-with-pensioners-11363996377903

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Get a van! Simple really.

Not sure why you want to get something and 'pimp it up' or something 'sporty'?

Personally, it doesn't bother me one bit how a DJ transports their equipment back and forth but there have been threads on here before about first impressions and transporting equipment in cars / estates etc.

For someone that is so obviously bothered about looks and presentation Toby, I am surprised you're going down the estate route. I would have thought a van would be better?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

With all the sarcastic one liners you have served me over the last 9 years, the feeling is mutual. :p


The difference is, I don't stereotype everyone and profess to be an expert in everything, like you Toby.

[Nakatomi]

Looks interesting. I like Honda


I can picture you in a Honda. Playing workout tapes by Fonda.

[yourdj]

Get a van! Simple really.

Not sure why you want to get something and 'pimp it up' or something 'sporty'?

Personally, it doesn't bother me one bit how a DJ transports their equipment back and forth but there have been threads on here before about first impressions and transporting equipment in cars / estates etc.

For someone that is so obviously bothered about looks and presentation Toby, I am surprised you're going down the estate route. I would have thought a van would be better?

This is a car for my wife, not me. I have a Zafira. like the idea of a sporty van but I have 2 kids and 2 big dogs so need to consider that.
The Insignia will get used for Djing in an emergency only. I am not even allowed the dogs in it atm!! :)

I drove around in a van for years and got sick of it, love the zafira, smashing car.
When i am not in a shared car park I will probably get a van just for Djing (VW transporter or something) and an Eos or similar for daily use.
At the moment it's not fair on residents having 3 cars where we live at the moment.

The Zafira ticks all the boxes, but understand the people who deem anything other than a van non professional. :)

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The difference is, I don't stereotype everyone and profess to be an expert in everything, like you Toby.

Yes in some respects i agree with you. I probably come across as a know it all, generalising snob/prat, but 99% of all my comments are intentionally very lighthearted and I usually always back my not sure answers up with a "maybe", or "i am no expert", just so the reader does not take it as crystal so am pretty open if i try to help someone in an area I don't have lots of experience with, but still know enough to help the OP out to my best ability. If at any time the poster deems my comments unhelpful of full of crap then i would desist in commenting on the post. :)


I can picture you in a Honda. Playing workout tapes by Fonda.

Don't think so but thats what i love about car shopping there is so much to choose from. :p

[yourdj]

Here we go, Chris Hariss (an automobile expert) "vastly generalising" about hondas saying:

"After the turn of the millennia, it all started to go a bit wobbly - Stuff your gran might drive" :)

1.47 mins in: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07k4rqc/top-gear-series-23-episode-6


I can picture you in a Honda. Playing workout tapes by Fonda.

So can i now ;)

http://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/wait-over-driving-new-honda-nsx

[Excalibur]

We've had the car/van debate before, and doubtless will again. We've also had the question of how important it is that your vehicle should look pretty.
I'll just say two things.
1) The clue's in the title. Commercial Vehicle. No need to pimp it. Won't make it work any better, or look businesslike.
2) Get the right van. We've got one of the nicest cars we've had for ages. I'd rather drive my van.

[ukpartydj]

We've had the car/van debate before, and doubtless will again. We've also had the question of how important it is that your vehicle should look pretty.
I'll just say two things.
1) The clue's in the title. Commercial Vehicle. No need to pimp it. Won't make it work any better, or look businesslike.
2) Get the right van. We've got one of the nicest cars we've had for ages. I'd rather drive my van.

1) Exactly! I had a beautiful vw transporter van lovely paint etc but I bought a bog standard vivaro because I didn't want to have to worry about it all the time... Will I scratch the alloys. Will going down County lanes scratch the paintwork...

Now I'm actually much happier driving. If I get a small dent - oh well... If somebody else opens their door onto me in a car park that's a different story though!

[ppentertainments]

Easier to resurrect a old thread

The past few days has seen me forced to use 'alternative modes of transport' after my van decided to spit the engine out all over the road :mad:

Thursday I borrowed my Dads people carrier and tonight I used my wifes car. The result - I wish I hired a van.

It's not until times like this I appreciate having a van and although I used a car for many years, would now never go back to it. People who struggle on with people carriers and cars don't know how much hard work they are giving themselves. It is difficult having a family and using a van, but honestly, even if it meant the van was an extra vehicle I wouldn't be without one.

[Excalibur]

and although I used a car for many years, would now never go back to it.
Amen to that. :agree: My new van comfort wise is the equal of our car for long distance work, and only slightly less economical.

The only two minuses are that if it's not " car derived " it's ( legally ) ten mph slower, and not all car parks and venues are " Transit friendly ". Wouldn't be without mine now.

[ukpartydj]

The only two minuses are that if it's not " car derived " it's ( legally ) ten mph slower, and not all car parks and venues are " Transit friendly ". Wouldn't be without mine now.

Wow, I did not know that. I know I cannot exceed 3.5tonnes on my licence but had never heard about speed limits for normal vans! I always thought it was 7.5tonne plus where the speed limits dropped!

[yourdj]

Easier to resurrect a old thread

The past few days has seen me forced to use 'alternative modes of transport' after my van decided to spit the engine out all over the road :mad:

Thursday I borrowed my Dads people carrier and tonight I used my wifes car. The result - I wish I hired a van.

It's not until times like this I appreciate having a van and although I used a car for many years, would now never go back to it. People who struggle on with people carriers and cars don't know how much hard work they are giving themselves. It is difficult having a family and using a van, but honestly, even if it meant the van was an extra vehicle I wouldn't be without one.

I must be on mu own with the opposite opinion then as I was so glad to get shot of my Partner (the van not my wife). :)
I have a very compact set up that may contribute to very easy loading and storage. Its literally:

2 10 tops, 1 12 sub, 1 back up 12 top.
Large flight case - 1.5 metres, screen & decks.

The only ball ache is having the dogs and having to move the seats/plastic cover back when i need to facilitate passengers. I have a second zafira at the moment with a car seat, but would imagine this would be a bit annoying when I sell that and have to look after the kids during the week?? My wife wont let the dogs in the Insignia, so have considered a camper van, (when the dogs go), but perhaps a van may be the best option (or a converted van to a camper)?? I have communal carpark so can only feasibly have 2 cars, but it would make life very simple having a loaded van in a locked garage, ready to roll when ever, for the next house!! :)

I am sure i will come back to this in a few years when I have a super duper Transporter or something and change my mind!!

[ppentertainments]

Wow, I did not know that. I know I cannot exceed 3.5tonnes on my licence but had never heard about speed limits for normal vans! I always thought it was 7.5tonne plus where the speed limits dropped!
Never realised either lol

[Excalibur]

Wow, I did not know that. I know I cannot exceed 3.5tonnes on my licence but had never heard about speed limits for normal vans! I always thought it was 7.5tonne plus where the speed limits dropped!

Hang on. This (https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits) is confusing. :confused: Goods vehicles under 7.5T are 50, 60, 70 on single, dual and motorway respectively. That's interesting, as I thought ( wrongly, apparently ) that motorways and dual carriageways were the same. :confused: Seems I can travel at 70 on a motorway.

According to what I can find, the magic figure is two tonnes Max GVW. , ie fully loaded. Seems all Transits ( including Tourneos, which is another area of confusion ) are in the same class.

There is another interesting pitfall also. When your little van is first registered, it may be listed simply as a van, as opposed to car derived van. Thus, two identical vehicles can have different speed limits! :daft:

At least having read the rules again, it seems I can do 70 on the motorways after all.

Please don't take this as the definitive answer, but a government site is good enough for me.

[Benny Smyth]

Vans can do 70 on the motorway, 60 on dual carriageways and 50 on a single carriage way.

But, saying that, it is a van so 80 regardless of the road type is expected of the driver, along with tailgating, undertaking, cutting people up and criticising everyone else's driving.

[Excalibur]

Vans can do 70 on the motorway, 60 on dual carriageways and 50 on a single carriage way.
Which ties in with what I found on the web, thanks.


But, saying that, it is a van so 80 regardless of the road type is expected of the driver, along with tailgating, undertaking, cutting people up and criticising everyone else's driving.

Only if it's white, and/or a hire van though. :D

[ppentertainments]

Hang on. This (https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits) is confusing. :confused: Goods vehicles under 7.5T are 50, 60, 70 on single, dual and motorway respectively. That's interesting, as I thought ( wrongly, apparently ) that motorways and dual carriageways were the same. :confused: Seems I can travel at 70 on a motorway.

According to what I can find, the magic figure is two tonnes Max GVW. , ie fully loaded. Seems all Transits ( including Tourneos, which is another area of confusion ) are in the same class.

There is another interesting pitfall also. When your little van is first registered, it may be listed simply as a van, as opposed to car derived van. Thus, two identical vehicles can have different speed limits! :daft:

At least having read the rules again, it seems I can do 70 on the motorways after all.

Please don't take this as the definitive answer, but a government site is good enough for me.

My solution is easier - use a van that struggles to get past 50 and you'll be fine lol

[Excalibur]

My solution is easier - use a van that struggles to get past 50 and you'll be fine lol

Oh my friend, I have been there, etc, etc. White LDV ran at 50 ( and took an age to get there ) Green one had a 10% speed increase and a bigger engine. Heady days. :) I always used to like 50mph stretches on motorways, as I kept up with traffic then. :)

Now, I'm just a born again boy racer. :D

[ukpartydj]

My current vehicle interest is towards getting a hi-top... My back is not happy and my recent decision to buy a couple of dance floors makes it ever obvouis how annoying low tops are with heavy equipment!