We were expecting child #4, and it quickly became clear that our 5-seater just wouldn’t cut it anymore.
After all, squeezing three car seats into the back is one thing, but four? Forget it. So, the search began for a bigger family car that could handle the chaos of parenting. And just as well we went for an 8-seater because fast-forward a few years, and we’re now a family of seven!
My trusty Ford Mondeo, Crushinator, had served us well, but it was time to move on. After part-exchanging it at Jap Autos in Sheffield, I upgraded to a Nissan Elgrand Highway Star (3.5)—and it’s been a nothing but a delight.
Here’s the story of how I found my dream family car, why I picked the Elgrand over other options, and some general tips and tricks about the purchase process & car in general.
Table of Contents
Why I Chose an 8-Seater Nissan Elgrand
At first, I thought a 7-seater family car would do the job. But after browsing models like the Toyota Alphard and Hyundai i800, I kept coming back to the 8-seater Nissan Elgrand. That extra seat might not seem like much, but I decided it was worth having just in case. Fast-forward a few years and a surprise seventh family member later, and that decision has paid off in spades!
The Elgrand’s mod cons and comfort were the real deal-clinchers. Its two built-in TV screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and spacious interior turned stressful road trips into enjoyable adventures. Plus, it comes with some brilliant driver aids, including a reverse parking camera and a driver-side parking camera on the wing mirror, making manoeuvring this large car surprisingly easy.
It also feels like I’m driving some kind of futuristic spaceship…
It’s safe to say that this car has saved my marriage on more than one occasion—because nothing diffuses backseat arguments faster than putting on Disney+ and cranking up the volume.
I also considered the Toyota Alphard and Hyundai i800, but neither could match the Elgrand’s combination of luxury, features, and practicality.
While the Alphard came close, it didn’t quite offer the same level of mod cons, and the i800 felt more like a van than a family car.
And honestly, who wants to explain to their kids why their “new car” feels like a delivery transit?
Features That Sold Me on the Elgrand
- Powerful 3.5L Engine: A far cry from my old diesel Mondeo, the Elgrand’s engine has no problem shifting, whether it’s tackling steep hills or merging onto motorways. It’s got more “go” than my kids on Christmas morning.
- Built-In Entertainment: The dual TV screens make long journeys manageable. They’re connected via Bluetooth, so we can stream anything from family films to home education videos. Honestly, if I could strap a popcorn machine into the boot, it’d be a full cinema experience.
- 4-Wheel Drive and Snow Mode: With features like a snow button for icy roads and a speed button (a family favourite), the Elgrand is ready for any weather. The kids treat the speed button like it’s a ride at Alton Towers and cheer every time I press it.
- Reverse and Driver-Side Parking Cameras: These features take the stress out of parking a large vehicle in tight spaces, making it surprisingly practical for city driving—or navigating the chaos of school pick-up lanes.
- Comfortable Seating for Eight: Every seat feels like first class. The Elgrand is as much a home on wheels as it is a car. And, crucially, there’s enough space to separate the kids just far enough that they can’t “accidentally” touch each other.
- Future Potential as a Motorhome: If this car survives the next 16 years of parenting, I’m already dreaming about converting it into a campervan for epic road trips. It’s either that or buying a quiet boat to sail into the sunset—but we’ll see how the budget looks.
Comparing the Elgrand, Alphard, and i800
| Feature | Nissan Elgrand | Toyota Alphard | Hyundai i800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7–8 seats | 7–8 seats | 8 seats |
| Engine Options | 2.5L, 3.5L V6 | 2.4L or 3.0L V6 | 2.5L Diesel |
| Entertainment | 2 TV screens, Bluetooth (optional) | Basic (depends on trim) | Minimal (aftermarket options) |
| Driver Aids | Reverse & side cameras | Optional reverse camera | None |
| Interior Comfort | Luxurious, spacious | Luxurious, less spacious | Practical but basic |
| Fuel Economy (approx.) | 25–30 mpg | 26–32 mpg | 30–35 mpg |
| Cost of Parts & Repairs | Moderate | Moderate | Cheaper |
| Overall Feel | Premium family car / business carrier | Premium, slightly smaller | Practical van-like |
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Let’s be real—the Elgrand isn’t the cheapest car to run. Locally, it gets around 25mpg, and on longer drives, I average 30mpg. It also needs premium petrol, so a tank costs around £80–£90 and covers about 250–300 miles.
Running costs are higher than my old Mondeo, but it’s worth it for the sanity saved on long journeys. And when I say “long journeys,” I mean “anything that lasts longer than 15 minutes with kids in the car.”
Repairs and replacements aren’t exactly cheap either, but they’re manageable. Most parts can be sourced from specialist sellers on eBay, and my local garage has plenty of experience with Elgrands, thanks to the area’s popularity with caravans and motorhomes.
Funding a Family Car: My Tips
Sell or Part-Exchange Your Old Car
I part-exchanged Crushinator at Jap Autos in Sheffield. While this was quick and convenient, I wish I’d had time to sell it privately. Selling privately can often get you significantly more cash, though it does take extra effort and patience.
Hire Purchase
If you’ve ever used hire purchase (HP), it’s worth checking if you’re owed money from mis-sold insurance policies. Many car buyers were unknowingly sold HP insurance, which often wasn’t needed.
I avoided these traps in the past because, without kids at the time, I had the bandwidth to go through the contracts with a fine-tooth comb. If you’ve ever used HP, a quick check could uncover thousands of pounds in HP refunds—money that could go toward your next car.
Opt for a Used Car
Buying used is a smart way to save on depreciation while still getting a quality vehicle. Japanese imports like the Elgrand offer incredible value for money if you buy from a reputable dealer. My 2005 model is packed with features and still runs beautifully.
Tap Into Hidden Cash
Clearing out unused items around the house is another great way to raise funds. One study found that the average UK household has around £2,600 worth of unused goods lying around—selling just a fraction of that could give your car fund a boost.
Why the Elgrand Was the Perfect Choice for Us
The Nissan Elgrand isn’t just a car—it’s a part of our family. It’s the vehicle that keeps the peace on long drives, handles the chaos of school runs, and makes family holidays feel like a treat instead of a test of endurance.
If you’re searching for a car that balances space, comfort, and reliability, the Elgrand is a fantastic option. Yes, it’s a little more expensive to run than your average estate car, but the joy of a quiet backseat and a smooth drive is priceless. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll trade it in for that boat.
Have you found your perfect large family car? Or are you considering upgrading to an Elgrand? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions!
I’ve answered so many questions on the Elgrand, and it seems that wherever we go in the country I get asked about the specs and details, so I’m ready to answer almost everything on it!
