Peugeot 5008 or citreon grand picasso

Definitely peogeot 5008 .

They are both mechanically the same car.

Renault Grand Scenic is worth a look at too:

https://www.carsireland.ie/3115277

On the OP's budget of 18k the Citroen is a newer fresher design than the Pegueot. The OP cannot get a current generation 5008 for 18k. Mechaniclally one is no different to the other so I really don't see what the problem is by claiming it's unhelpful mentioning it. The 5008 probably shades it on build quality but the packaging, tech and safety equipment is old compared to that of the newer Grand C4. At the end of the day they are both French cars from the PSA group so reliablity is not going to be substantial on one over the other.

This might be of help to you

4 owners isn’t a whole lot on a 6 year old car. Insurance is the same on a UK or Irish car. And Its actually harder to find the true history of Irish cars than it is UK ones.

I drive a 211 New type 5008, cannot fault it at all. My kids are, all 3 are 18 and under and all grown up but there is absolutely plenty of room for them and has meant a much more relaxed experience for everyone.

I have been driving 508's since 2013, 3 of them infact and the on 1 I got in 17 had Android Auto.

The boot space with the 5008 though is astronomical and loves to cruise along on the motorway

If you havent driven anything yet, I would suggest driving a few different makes/models rather than just looking at cars on the net. You may not like the Peugeot or Citreon once you drive them.

Friends of mine have the Kia Carens which is also within your budget. They have 3 kids under 8 and love it.

Do you need isofix on all 3 seats or would isofix on the outer 2 suffice? Depending on your kids ages isofix may not be a big deal.

had both, peugeot by a country mile. Citroen's comedy electrics would make you apoplectic with rage.

well put together, bomb-proof mechanics. If you're not too worried about brand, buy a Skoda. Exact same car but cheaper.

Your budget leaves little options so I would look at the Multimac system which can fit 3 kids in most regular cars.

I recently bought a 16 Citroën as, like you, I wanted to fit three across the back. Was coming from a 12 qashqai.

Drove the new Dacia 7 seater, Peugeot 5008 (152), Ford Galaxy (152) and liked them all. Dacia not being available in diesel counted that out immediately. Toss up between the other three, didn't feel as comfortable driving the Galaxy but can't really pin point what I didn't like about it. Eventually I got a better financial deal on the Citroën and it had less milage than the others. Only have it since May but very happy so far. The space and spec suits my family. Boot space and being able to move seats forward and back individually is fantastic. Is also a comfortable drive.

My advice is to get a drive and feel ofa few cars, even if not the exact model/spec you are looking for to see what you think. Best of luck with your search.