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Hi we have just bought a Bailey Pageant, 6 berth and just come back from our first holiday in it.  Whilst away our car (a Renault Espace 2.2 dci The Race) let us down, needing a new clutch and now a whole list of other things proving rather costly.

Needless to say we are now thinking of trading it in after only having it since April.  The problem we have is what next???? 

I know there have been several topices regarding tow cars before but we just keep going round in circles.  Any advice welcome.

Regards  Jo

Do you need a hatchback, an estate, an MPV, small 4 X 4?  Petrol or diesel?

Ali

I Think my husband would prefer Diesel, and we need something that will fit 3 car seats across the back as we have 3 children under 5. poss a 4 x 4. Cannot believe the search starts again.

Aw no, well steer clear of anything that has Renault, Citroen or Peugeot written on it if you want reliability!  Just my personal opinion of course, others swear by them but having seen the hash Renault have made since purchasing Nissan I'm very cross with the French!

Here are some good sites for checking out reliability and owner's opinions.

www.honestjohn.co.uk

www.warrantydirect.co.uk

www.parkers.co.uk

Warranty directs' data is based on actual claims made through their warranties so it is not hearsay but factual.

Personally, I would look at Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X Trail (but beware of turbo issues so check if it is whistling, warranty details, been replaced etc), Land Cruiser Colorado.  The Hyundais and Kias are becoming more popular too and with 7 year warranties on some they obviously have faith in their products!

Maybe the Audi/Volkswagen or Skoda estates too such as the Octavia TDi?

Ali

Or, and this is a big break from tradition, how about the Nissan Elgrand

www.elgrand.co.uk

They are new to the UK via japanese imports but use standard Nissan parts and are very very luxurious and very very cheap for what you get.  I've seen them in the flesh, also the Nissan Largos if you want slightly smaller and think they are astonishing bits of kit.

The Padre runs the above site and is also a member here.  He tows a Bailey Ranger with his.

Ali

Cheers will get my hubby to have a look shortly when kids go to bed. We have a Renault Scenic and that has been really good to us (apart from when my daughter put my key in the microwave, but thats another story)!

Jo

Ooops!  I can't think that did either the key or the microwave much good!

As I said, everybody has their favourites and dislikes and personally I like to work on the basis that if a brand has a high percentage of warranty claims I am more likely to buy one with a problem than if I buy a brand with a low percentage.  But that's just me.

Ali