Choosing the right pushchair can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance comfort, practicality, and price. With so many options on the market — from high-end prams to affordable travel systems — it’s easy to wonder whether a budget pushchair can still deliver.

After having two children and trying both a four-wheeler and a three-wheeler, I’ve finally been able to put them to the test. Here’s my honest comparison of the Graco Mirage and the Hauck Viper, two affordable travel systems that prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a reliable pushchair.

Graco Mirage – Four-Wheeler Pushchair

When I was pregnant with my first child, Bella, we bought the Graco Mirage Black Travel System. It was one of the most affordable travel systems available at the time, and despite the low price, it turned out to be an incredibly durable and practical choice.

The main reason I chose it was size. At the time, I only had a small Vauxhall Corsa, and many prams I looked at in Toys R Us and Mothercare were far too bulky. The Mirage, however, was compact, lightweight, and folded easily with one hand — perfect when juggling a newborn and shopping bags.

It also worked brilliantly with limited space at home. We lived on the upper floors with no hallway for storage, so being able to fold it up quickly and carry it upstairs was a real bonus.

Despite being a budget-friendly pushchair, it lasted through years of daily use, from newborn days to toddlerhood — and even survived countryside and forest walks it probably wasn’t built for!

The Graco travel system was also ideal for quick transitions between car and pram. The baby car seat clipped on easily, and we bought a car base for each of our vehicles so we could swap between them without disturbing our baby’s naps.

If you’re after a simple, sturdy, and affordable travel system that just works, the Graco Mirage is an excellent option.

Graco Mirage Pushchair in Red & Black - Shop Graco Pushchairs on eBay 

Reuben in the four-wheeled Graco Mirage!

Hauck Viper – Three-Wheeler Pushchair

By the time I was pregnant with my second child, Reuben, I started daydreaming about something new — maybe even a more expensive model. But after some thought, I initially decided to stick with the Graco Mirage. It had served us well, and I couldn’t justify spending hundreds more on another pushchair when we already had a perfectly good one.

That changed the moment I tried to steer the four-wheeler while holding Bella’s hand. She was only two years and nine months old, and I didn’t feel comfortable letting her walk beside me without holding on, especially near roads. But with the Mirage, it was impossible to steer one-handed — especially when trying to get up kerbs.

That’s when I decided to give a three-wheeler pushchair a try.

After some research, I spotted the Hauck Viper on sale. It was another budget option, but the reviews were excellent, particularly about how easy it was to steer and how user-friendly the rain cover was.

And wow — what a difference!

The first thing I noticed was how effortless it was to push. The three large wheels glided over pavements and uneven ground, and I could easily steer it with one hand while holding Bella’s hand in the other. Getting up kerbs was no longer a struggle, and the suspension made walks feel smoother for both me and the baby.

Even the rain cover impressed me. I could never quite figure out the Graco one (Ben insists it was just me!), but with the Hauck Viper, it fitted perfectly and was quick to attach — no more panicking in the rain.

The only downside? Folding it down requires two hands, and it’s bulkier when folded compared to the Mirage. It takes up most of my car boot space, though, since it’s used daily, that’s a small trade-off I can live with.

If you’re choosing between the two, the Hauck Viper wins for me — especially if you’re often out walking or need a pram you can steer one-handed.

 

Hauck 3-wheel pushchairs are available on eBay

 

Reuben in the three-wheeled Hauck Viper!

Three-Wheeler vs Four-Wheeler: Which Is Better?

So, is a three-wheeler pushchair really better than a four-wheeler? In my experience, absolutely — yes!

Three-wheelers are far easier to steer, handle curbs, and glide smoothly even over rougher terrain. They’re especially convenient for parents who walk regularly or have more than one child to manage at once.

Four-wheelers like the Graco Mirage, however, still have their place. They’re often lighter, more compact when folded, and fit easily into small cars or narrow hallways.

• If you want something simple, sturdy, and budget-friendly, go for the Graco Mirage.
• If you want smooth steering and all-terrain versatility, the Hauck Viper is worth every penny.

Money-Saving Tips for Buying a Pushchair

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a pushchair to get good quality. Here are a few ways to save money when buying one:

• Shop second-hand. Many parents sell nearly-new travel systems for a fraction of the price. Just check it meets current safety standards.

• Look for bundle deals. Buying the car seat and base together can save money compared to buying separately.

• Watch for sales. Retailers like Argos, Smyths, and Boots often have seasonal baby events with big discounts on pushchairs and prams.

• Use cashback sites. If ordering online, shop via TopCashback or Quidco for extra savings with free cashback.

A budget pushchair doesn’t have to mean compromise — it’s about finding the right mix of practicality, durability, and cost.

Final Thoughts

Both the Graco Mirage and Hauck Viper prove that affordable pushchairs can perform just as well as high-end models.

The Mirage shines for its compact fold and practicality, while the Viper takes the lead for comfort, manoeuvrability, and smooth steering.

For me, the three-wheeler Hauck Viper is the winner — and I only wish I’d bought one sooner.

If you’re currently choosing your first pram or looking for an affordable upgrade, these two are proof that the best pushchair doesn’t always come with the highest price tag.