Size Is Important

[bluebeard]

Afternoon All

We are expecting our first child in a few weeks time, so its sadly time to ditch the WRX and go for a sensible set of wheels. On the off chance I test drove a 2.0tdi a few weeks back and was mightily impressed .

Thing is, whatever car we get will be with us for a while ie to baby number two! So, for those of you who already have 2 nippers and an Altea, does it fit in everything you need?

(and BTW an XL would be the better option, but we can't stretch to one right now)

Cheers

BB.

 

[Simonk]

Boot size is important to me too. I am test driving a 1,9tdi Xl on Sunday, we are taking an empty suitcase to compare boot sizes more easily.....

We need the boot size for kids stuff when we visit relitives and my golf stuff....

If I could stretch to a 2.0tdi XL I would get one in a flash

 

[MrBone]

Afternoon All

We are expecting our first child in a few weeks time, so its sadly time to ditch the WRX and go for a sensible set of wheels. On the off chance I test drove a 2.0tdi a few weeks back and was mightily impressed .

Thing is, whatever car we get will be with us for a while ie to baby number two! So, for those of you who already have 2 nippers and an Altea, does it fit in everything you need?

(and BTW an XL would be the better option, but we can't stretch to one right now)

Cheers

BB.

Well, I've just bought a 'regular' Altea as I've just had nipper no.2 . I didn't bother with the XL mainly because I was buying 2nd hand and the XL was too new for my budget. I would say the boot size started off as a concern, but then I just considered that I could count the times I need to lug everything around on 1 hand, and so have elected to buy a roof box when/if I need it.

The biggest worrry is the the buggy, but our double buggy fits fine. What attracted me to the Altea was the massive legroom in the rear, which is fab for big car seats, so that kids can't kick you in the back anymore! Also the interior quality is far superior to that of Ford C-max or Renault Scenic, although both of those have a bigger boot.

 

[widdy]

I have owned a 'regular' Altea since January 07.
I have 6 yr and 2 yr old and found the space great and even more so the adjustable/sliding rear seats. We managed to get everything in the boot inc. buggy for a weeks holiday to Cornwall.

I too looked at the XL when it came out and again thought, too much money for that extra bit of boot sapce that i am only going to use maybe 2 or 3 times a year.

As Mr Bone states, you could always get a rof box when they bigger and want to start taking everything away with them, eg Bikes.

You can also fit a lot of stuff behind the front seats. It is amazing what you can fit in when you really try.

One tip though, remove the tray from the parcel shelf as this is neither use or ornament really, you get that extra little bit of usable space.

GO for it and get the best you can for your money.

 

[TallFella]

Congratulations on the impending birth of your first child by the way.

I know what you mean about size though. The wife and I are talking about thinking about having children in the not too distant future. At present my Leon is effectively a 3 seater - due in the main to the fact that I need my seat as far back as it will go in order to get my legs in.

Looking at getting a car with more room to accommodate children plus passengers, but I am not venturing down the mini-bus route. Might consider an estate though.

Good luck.

 

[Simonk]

Had a MX1 Leon, loved it got rid of it for a Zafira due to space....

I really dislike driving the Zafira, so I want soemthing with space especially boot space but ok to drive and with lots of nice features a good family car.

So Altea XL test drive at the weekend, 1.9tdi Stylance, 4K miles on the clock but only 2 months old, with 17" alloys. I have been told £13K by the garage, if I like the drive hope to get them down to £12750.....

 

[jtmac]

How about the 'ugly' Toledo?

A bit more space than the Altea but they've been around long enough for there to be 2nd hand and nearly new ones that so you can benefit from the first guy's deprieciation.

their impending disapearance (AFAIK) might mean better deals on new too, but I haven't looked recently so don't know for sure.

 

[MORTON2525]

i had a zafira ,but the wife thought it was a bit of a bus so we changed to a 2year old altea,there may be a little less space in the boot ,but i have three kids 4 ,5 ,7 ,the 2 youngest have to use booster seats and the third still has room
i also took the car fully loaded from n.ireland to wales ,and still had room
to see out the rear window
good advice from widdy get rid of the lower parcel shelf and the spacer there a waste of space

ps get yourself some nice nursery rhyme cds you ll need them !!

 

[bluebeard]

OK guys, thanks for the many words of advice, however..

We took our shiny new pram along to the dealer to give it a go and found that it was still rather a squeeze. So we have emptied out the piggy bank and stretched to an XL (no pun intended..honest). Don't know how some of you fit all your stuff in, if I had a hat I'd take it off to you...

Still, can't complain given that its still a 2.0TDi with the DSG gearbox, all mighty impressive.

Oh, and Morton, wifey has already got me burning nursery rhymes onto her iPod...

 

[DAVID H]

Glad i found this thread answers most of my questions.

I have a 3yr old and 2nd child due early next year so looking at the Altea / Toledo as will need to fit pram, small bike and 2 small people in comfort.

What would you suggest is the better option, i have seen some bad reviews on the Toledo. Also what engines are better in the range petrol or diesel (i don't do many miles).

Budget will proably be about 12 to 13k so want to get the best i can for the money (don't we all).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

PS - I can't belive how long it has been since i posted on here!!!!!!!

 

[JonTelfer]

Quinny buzz fits OK in my boot. One thing I have found is that the boot is not as wide as a lot of other cars. Best to go to the dealer with the larger items and check.

Jon

 

[mediaman111166]

Booot Size - Altea/Tolly

I have an 05 Toledo Sport 2.0tdi. I had initial problems which are all sorted now under warranty. I have 2 kids, a dog and tried the Altea, the boot was no where near big enough due to therestrictive width on the fitted side panels. The extra length of the Tolly boot (same as an XL) means a pushchair can go in length ways which you cant in an Altea without sliding seats right forwrds.
I paid £2k less than equivalent Altea Sport, that residual difference is still the same so no loss to me apart from I saved £2k for a car that suits my needs better. BTW I have the later style clear rear lamps on it and the chrome mirror covers, rear chrome strip, front chrome grille and 17"alloys, rear chrome exhaust. This 'lifts' the controversil shape and makes the rear look less bluff! I have 2 friends with Altea , plain jane Sports, no extras, And they both think my Tolly looks better it is a grower and far far better value if you can live with the rear. Fit 17" and some other bits you would be well pleased for your needs/ Hope this helps.

 

[Poverty]

Why not just get a leon the boot in that is huge!

Wonder how parents used to manage when the roads were filled with minis and ibiza sized cars

 

[DAVID H]

Thanks for the reply mediaman111166. Very helpful.

Poverty - I do like the Leon, but the wife likes the extra headroom / space of the Altea / Toledo. I think because we currently have a Honda CRV she is used to that high up driving posistion and airy cabin.
I for one keep trying to persuade her that a Leon Tfsi FR would be perfect but i am not having much luck!!!!!!

Cheers, site members are as helpful as i remember.

 

[Tell]

Your wife has good tastes.... the Freetrack looked rather good on Fifth gear tonight, yet another alternative .