If you're in the market for an MPV - otherwise known as a people carrier - there a number of tips that might help in the search for a cost-effective and high quality model.
Below, we list the main features to look out for when shopping for an MPV.
Storage space
When in the market for an MPV, one of the most important attributes for many people is the amount of space that is available for storing luggage or other items. In a car, it might be easy to get a capacity measurement for the boot or to look at the space between or behind seats, but in an MPV there are other possibilities to check for.
One storage area that it is easy to overlook, for example, is the space within the floor. This area is often covered by a simple panel and is versatile in the type of items that can be stored there. It is worth checking the specification of the model you are interested in to see if such storage space is included in the design.
Similarly, you should also check how many of the seats in the vehicle can be folded flat. The more seats that can be folded flat, the more storage space there is that can be made available for transporting large items.
Driving comfort
The driving position in an MPV is often quite different to that of a 'normal' family car and a number of special features may be available to improve driving comfort.
It is worth checking, for example, whether the steering column or pedals can be adjusted according to the driver's height. In addition, effective internal mirrors, sometimes known as conversation mirrors, can be helpful for drivers with families.
If a used MPV has any of these driver features, they may be decisive for some buyers in making their choice of vehicle.
Safety
Above all, it's important to look out for the car's safety features, too. Features such as airbags, traction control and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) are standard bits of kit on modern vehicles, but there also a number of other extras to consider.
Parking sensors and rear-view cameras, for example, can be invaluable for navigating your car into tight spots and avoiding bumps. Such features can also come as standard on certain models, so you may not have to pay a premium for the added peace of mind.
