Beyond the BX?

[toddao]

I really do love my ole yellow BX Break - in daily use for family and building materials. But our third child is coming soon and it unfortunately isn't big enough - won't accomodate three large plastic child seats across the back and though I've got the extra seat that goes in the back it's actually pretty crap - rear facing, no seat belts.

I'm not going to sell any of the BXs but I am searching for a suitable vehicle with more seating. As I'm not too fond of modern vehicles I'm scratching around in the past for something suitable and preferably French. Under consideration have been one of the Peugeot familials - 504, 505 or even earlier 203s, 404s ( though the wife thinks something from 1957 is perhaps a bit too much of an antique) of course I've considered a CX Familial too but really don't want another hydraulic restoration project. It's got to be relatively kid proof, cement carrying, multiple seated and not to expensive as well as complying with German emission taxes which rules out almost anything diesel newer than 1983 ( once it's thirty years old it can be 'oldtimer' registered - low tax and emissions exempt)

Any thoughts gents?

Cheers

[Jayboy]

I'd go with the 504. Always had a soft spot for them since being a little kid. Not to mention they're also a Bond villain car at this topical time of the 50th anniversary of Bond movies. Plus they were in production well in to the nineties in various places so in the modern, internet age, parts shouldn't be too much of an issue.

[JayW]

Renault 21 Savanna?

[toddao]

My father had a 504 with seven seats so I've got a thing for them too. They're very hard to find in Germany and though there are a few available in France, they're all over the 'other side' towards the Atlantic. Then I would have to travel/import/paperwork. I'll keep looking.

The Renault Savanna was called The Renault Nevada here I think - anyone know anything about these? It must have been almost the last of the French wagons with the three rows of seats?

[Kitch]

I bought a Picasso. Not old or interesting, but safety, reliability and running costs are more important for me. Plus none of those cars have 3 point rear belts in the centre seat, so you'll have issues fitting a modern car seat in the middle.

[mike22861]

I Had a Renault 21 Savanna it wasa great car I can't imagine there are any around now they were poor build quality and prone to rust

[Mickey taker]

ive just bought a 406 peugeot estate with seven seats not old but again as Kitch said reliable.






how about the daddy of classic seven seaters , the volvo 240 torslanda

[citsncycles]

If you can find one early enough, Espace?

[Dollywobbler]

I'd say Espace too, though the Renault 21 is a good shout. My 21 Monaco was a lovely thing. 1.7-litre is transverse engine, 2-litre (and 2.1 diesel) is longitudinal and has a longer wheelbase than the 1.7. They're well knocked together, hardy but can be tricky to work on (replacing the starter motor on my 21 was a pig of a job!). Rear arch rot needs watching for.

[toddao]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The R21 seems to be quite appreciated! I too like early Espaces. It's all down to 'what turns up' within striking distance for the right dollar.

Perhaps if I find something suitably 80s and French I can still hang around here?

[Philip Chidlow]

I know it's a 1994+ vehicle but you could consider a 1.9TD Synergie/806/Ulysee - (our 806 is proving popular with the family - including my parents who liked the fact they didn't need to drive to/from the restaurant last weekend lol!)



Good protection for the family at a good price. Very well equipped if you go for top spec. and not a bad drive (for a van). The advantage of it being based upon a commercial is that it's built like a brick ****house

or even Lancia Zeta

[Mothman]

Go buy an old but big Landie.

Andy

[Tim Leech]

W123 Merc 240TD? in beige of course!

[Dollywobbler]

Don't think the Merc's had seven seats did they? Might be wide enough for there kiddie seats though I guess.

A pre-1983 7-seat diesel is quite tricky to achieve. Land Rover options are limited to the Series III (or a very early 110) which are rubbish.

[citsncycles]

Land Rover options are limited to the Series III (or a very early 110) which are rubbish.

Any series LWB station wagon would have enough seats, but fitting the belts may be a problem. They're also thirsty - expect 20mpg from a 4 cylinder petrol, low teens from a 6 or 8 cylinder, or 26mpg from the diesel. You may have to check licencing and use laws too - 12 seaters are classed as minibuses, but 10 seaters may be ok.

For road use I'd fit freewheeling front hubs to reduce the rolling resistance, an overdrive or Disco diffs to raise the gearing, and parabolic springs for comfort.