Any other car recommendations for better rear legroom?

Thanks.

If you need the room try and find a decent Verso. As children get older they also get friends and hobbies!

Best car we had for rear legroom when daughter was growing up was a Merc B class.

I'd suggest looking at MPV types, which would include the Nissan Note mentioned above, but maybe something a little larger like the Ford C Max.

The Honda Jazz is also worth a look. Legroom in the back of ours seemed very generous, better even than the Auris hatchback we have now.

Yes, not that easy to find the measurements you seek. Looking up the wheelbase (the distance between the centre of the front wheel and the centre of the rear) is a good indication of internal space. But not definitive because there are other factors to consider, specifically the proportions of the car. For example a car with a longer than average bonnet/engine compartment area may have less internal space than you'd expect even though it has a reasonably long wheelbase.

For what it is worth, the wheelbase on the Almera (assuming 2nd gen) is 65mm shorter than the Auris. Though as bazza points out, wheelbase for hatch and estate is exactly the same, so no benefit other than boot space.

But if you look at the 2nd gen Nissan Note, despite being 230mm shorter overall than an Auris, has exactly the same 2600mm wheelbase. This is because it has a short bonnet/engine compartment relative to its size and its wheels are pushed out to the corners, so more of its size is given over to passenger space.

I'd suggest looking at MPV types, which would include the Nissan Note mentioned above, but maybe something a little larger like the Ford C Max. With the 1.6 petrol engine it is reliable and should have plenty of space for your needs.

I have considered the Nissan Note and Ford C Max in the beginning of the hunt, with the Nissan Note due to allegedly the rear seats can be slid forward/back but apparently not much? In regards to the Ford C Max I have heard they aren't as reliable come with issues which put me off.

Not too fond of the Toyota Verso style/shape as much but will have another look at different years.

With respect, if looking for a practical and reliable family wagon on a small budget, whether or not you like its looks isn't (or at least shouldn't be) an important consideration.

the Nissan Note due to allegedly the rear seats can be slid forward/back but apparently not much?

The seats don't "allegedly" slide, they do slide!. Not sure by how much, but as long as you have enough space between front and rear seats to get your child seat, it doesn't really matter. I can't actually answer that for certain but would expect it to be fine. My main concern re the Note would be whether the boot is big enough for your needs.

In regards to the Ford C Max I have heard they aren't as reliable come with issues which put me off.

It is true you should avoid the 1.0 Ecoboost and anything with a Powershift auto, but the n/a (Yamaha designed) 1.6 is fine. Maybe not quite up there with the Toyota Verso, but better than average.

Also check out the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and Kia Carens.

Unfortunately that won't be possible, as my gearbox has been acting up for over a year now was a ticking time bomb, 2 weeks ago lost my reverse so can no longer reverse.

What is the cot of a gearbox? When buying another car, there is always a risk.

Unfortunately that won't be possible, as my gearbox has been acting up for over a year now was a ticking time bomb, 2 weeks ago lost my reverse so can no longer reverse.

Might still be worth investigating - sometimes it can be a simple gearbox / engine mount issue allowing movement that affect gear linkages. Difficulty engaging 1st and reverse usually points towards a clutch drag issue, possibly hydraulics.

However you might want a change anyway. A good family car with a big boot AND interior space - Skoda Octavia or Toyota Avensis estate(already mentioned above)?

Edited by Big John on 20/03/2025 at 19:16