MPV up to EUR 20,000. S-Max, Sharan or C4 Grand Picasso?

How to choose a used MPV under 20,000 EUR? After the launch of the Renault Espace model in 1984, MPVs experienced a huge increase in popularity on our roads.

However, there are only a few models left on the market and they are now slowly dying out due to the surge in sales of SUVs, which are no longer as practical or spacious. However, there is still a great selection of used family MPVs available, which offer generous interior space and exceptional functionality. Most of us want a used MPV under €20,000 to transport the whole family, read on to see what great options you can find on the used car market. 

Ford S-Max

+ Very good driving and dynamic characteristics 

+ Reliable engines with proper maintenance

+ It is one of the more spacious

+ Quite a comfortable ride

– Nice pieces are still quite expensive

– Infotainment Sync2 is weaker

– The Powershift automatic transmission has a shorter service life

– Fluctuating quality of items sold, check before purchase necessary

To start with, it comes with a good range of petrol and diesel engines and a range of trim levels. It has plenty of grip on corners and the roll is also under control, so you don't have to worry about twisty roads. The suspension soaks up most bumps comfortably, so the ride is comfortable, but the steering is quite sharp and responsive. If you're looking for a larger seven-seater, check out the Ford Galaxy, which is similar to the S-Max but longer and taller, so passengers have more space.

The first two rows of seats in the S-Max have plenty of legroom and headroom, but although the third row is suitable for children, taller passengers will struggle. Access is easy enough, though. The interior of the S-Max is not like a typical MPV. The driver's seat is lower than in the competition, so you don't feel like you're driving a bus. Thanks to the giant windscreen and side windows, you still have a great view out.  

After the facelift in 2019, front seats with an even greater range of adjustments were added. Don't worry, even on the S-Max before the facelift, you can easily find a good and comfortable position behind the wheel and you can change the layout of the lumbar support. On the dashboard, we find an eight-inch touch system, which is mainly used to control navigation (optional equipment) and the audio system. All versions are equipped with parking sensors as standard, both front and rear. The logical choice for the S-Max and Galaxy is a diesel engine. The 2.0 TDCI engine has developed over time to be reliable. Ford took the basis for this engine from the previous generation, which was also found in Peugeot cars.

Who is the favorite?

The Ford S-max is probably our favorite, it is versatile, comfortable, reliable and even the basic equipment is quite rich. If your condition is an automatic transmission, I would probably look for another model. The biggest weakness of the Galaxy is the Powershift automatic transmission, which works well, but only when it works. We encounter problems with this transmission already at mileages of less than 200 thousand kilometers and its repair can be very expensive. Therefore, before buying, you must not neglect a test drive and thoroughly test the transmission. If you do not have a reliable mechanic at hand, you can use our Car inspection before purchase.

Volkswagen Sharan

+ Good automatic DSG transmission 

+ Reliable Diesel Engines

+ Sliding rear door

+ High-quality interior

– Problem gasoline engines

– DCC chassis with weaker durability

– High purchase price

– Large number of imported items

The Sharan's box-like dimensions are perfect for a certain kind of use. Carrying furniture, carrying children, pets and shopping bags. It may look modest and boxy, but the Sharan is perfectly suited to its purpose. It doesn't dazzle, it doesn't impress, but it simply does what it has to do and does it well. If you're looking for a reliable car, preferably with an automatic transmission, in the MPV category under €20,000, then we think it's the best choice. Volkswagen Sharan (or Seat Alhambra) with a proven 2.0 TDI engine and a six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Sharan has no obvious weaknesses and if you don't come across a bad part, you don't have to worry about having to buy a season ticket to the nearest service station. Overall, it usually works well even at higher mileages without major faults or problems. The first more expensive repairs can occur after exceeding the 200 thousand kilometer mark. You may have to replace the rear lower arm bearing, timing belt kit and if you have a car with adaptive chassis, then worn DCC shock absorbers can bother you.

There is probably no point in choosing any other engine than the 2.0 TDI turbodiesel. It is not only the most widespread, but also the most reliable and economical. It does not suffer from any major technical defects and, with proper care, will please you for a very long time. A big advantage can also be the rear sliding doors, which allow you to get in comfortably. The disadvantage, on the other hand, is the higher purchase price. However, if you are looking for a reliable and versatile MPV for the whole family, preferably with an automatic transmission, you are at home. 

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

+ Reliable automatic transmission 

+ Reliable Diesel Engines

+ Cheaper acquisition costs

+ Cheaper gearbox repairs

– More boring driving characteristics

– DCC chassis with weaker durability

– AdBlue system malfunction

– Unverified imports from abroad

Prices are lower than the competition. Yes, of these three candidates for the ideal family MPV under 20,000 EUR, the Grand Picasso is the cheapest, but certainly not the worst. What engine is best for the Picasso? Definitely a two-liter diesel, best combined with an automatic. The more powerful 120 kW version always has it, while the weaker 110 kW version also comes with a manual. We compare it to the S-Max in size, so it is slightly smaller than the Sharan, but you will definitely not be short of space. The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a 12-inch infotainment display in models from the Feel specification, which is so large and clear that you can enjoy it even from the back seats. It is complemented by a smaller 7-inch touch screen, with which you will control everything you need.

But you definitely won't buy a Picasso for the big screens, but for the space. It's really a seven-seater car with plenty of room for everyone, or a five-seater car with a huge boot. Before buying, you definitely need to check all the equipment and infotainment features. Don't forget that this is a French car and you never know. That's why you should always have your car checked by a mechanic before buying it. We'll be happy to help you with that, check out our pre-purchase car inspection HERE.

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