Seven seater options

[CampAround]

Looking at the option of upgrading the wife's Mazda 3 to a seven seater option. The car will be used for taking kids to school/ wife's work, and standard family taxi duties. The off weekend away with camper in tow for inroad only might be an option if it's suitable.

Looking at kluger or territory. The captives are value for money but too many bad reviews.

Looking at auto, probably in petrol.

Anyway speaking from experience with these or it here comparable options?

Ps Prado cruiser etc are too big for the wife.

[KingBilly]

 Kia's Rondo SLi diesel ($36,490) is another surprise packet, scoring because of its 5+2 cabin flexibility, strong 1.7-litre turbo diesel and the Australianisation work that goes into all Kias. It has limited boot space with seven seats in place but that's the only flaw. Otherwise its almost infinitely variable load and seating configurations make it a best friend for the suburban family prepared to look beyond the inevitable, but vastly less efficient, SUV.

"It's a cross between a wagon and an SUV, which is a good thing. It's a great advertisement for the flexibility of a people-mover," says Neil Dowling. "Not a true seven-seater," says Chris Gable.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/vw_golf_mark_vii_is_2013_car_of_the_year_80618_20131205

KB

[kiwi_camper]

We have a Kluger and I love it. Hubby has just taken 6 kids to the park and it's times like those we appreciate the 7 seat option. Not overly petrol thirsty and we tow our CT easily. Also great for around town as not too big and bulky to drive.

[Swannie]

I have had a 2011 Kluger and now a 2013 KX-R FWD 7 seater. Tows my 1.6T jayco Swan well ( with a wdh). Plenty of power, comfy, well equipped, and returns under 13/100 towing around 10.5 around town.  BIL has a late model territory and also has had no problems, the kluger has more interior space.
Swannie

[sol]

       X2 kluger

       

[D4D]

FYI - Prado is the same size as a Kluger, in fact the Kluger is larger inside...

[Jjw1234]

We have the diesel grand carnival. Not what you asked about but it's sensational for 3+ Kids. Electric sliding doors with remote. Massive boot and the diesel is easily powerful enough to tow the camper when we need it too. Worth a look if you are frequently taking more kids and want a big boot

[thecamocamper]

Hi

I own 05 kluger Grande
Im really wrapped in mine
Toyota's warranty is better than any other brand
but get the lastest model you can afford
later models tend to more fuel effecient

Rob

[CampAround]

FYI - Prado is the same size as a Kluger, in fact the Kluger is larger inside...

I was afraid someone would say that. They just don't look at big. Don't get me wrong I love the Pharos but its not my car and wife halo be happy.  The klugers are very impressive inside for space.

Plus we don't need the extra expense of a another 4wd as I have a hilux for longer trips.

[CampAround]

We have the diesel grand carnival. Not what you asked about but it's sensational for 3+ Kids. Electric sliding doors with remote. Massive boot and the diesel is easily powerful enough to tow the camper when we need it too. Worth a look if you are frequently taking more kids and want a big boot

Cheers mate. We are after more of a wagon / SUV then a van.

[CampAround]

Hi

I own 05 kluger Grande
Im really wrapped in mine
Toyota's warranty is better than any other brand
but get the lastest model you can afford
later models tend to more fuel effecient

Rob

There isn't much value in second hand ATM when I can get a new klugers for $40k. Searching for a good used car is too time consuming for me at this point in time. In a more stress free state of mind I'd have no issues searching for the right second hand car.

[CampAround]

Kia's Rondo SLi diesel ($36,490) is another surprise packet, scoring because of its 5+2 cabin flexibility, strong 1.7-litre turbo diesel and the Australianisation work that goes into all Kias. It has limited boot space with seven seats in place but that's the only flaw. Otherwise its almost infinitely variable load and seating configurations make it a best friend for the suburban family prepared to look beyond the inevitable, but vastly less efficient, SUV.

"It's a cross between a wagon and an SUV, which is a good thing. It's a great advertisement for the flexibility of a people-mover," says Neil Dowling. "Not a true seven-seater," says Chris Gable.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-news/vw_golf_mark_vii_is_2013_car_of_the_year_80618_20131205

KB

Interesting model. Not really what I'm looking for as it doesn't appear to have any leg room from that video. But worth a look in the flesh at least.

[Mace]

Bloke at work has one of these. He loves it.

http://www.dodge.com.au/vehicles/journey

I think a version is available with the Fiat diesel now (no,it appears not) , as well as Fiat badged ones (that do seem to offer a diesel).

http://www.fiat.com.au/news/275-the-fiat-freemont-2013-is-australias-most-affordable-mid-size-suv

They look shmick.

[Bird]

http://www.fiat.com.au/news/275-the-fiat-freemont-2013-is-australias-most-affordable-mid-size-suv

mates missus bought one of the new Fiats 2 weeks ago. She does tarot cards and essential oils .. so yes, shes out there..
Personally it looks cheap inside and horrible outside.. but that's just me

[cyberess]

Just thought I would list the alternatives

Mitsubishi Outlander  -- As your looking at the 7 seater that's about $37000 -- Comes in both Diesel and Petrol with auto options and the 7 seater option are in the 4WD versions by the look of it.
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/vehicles/outlander  -- pricing seems reasonable

Honda Odyssey -- About $38000 On Road -- Probably the nicest looking people mover on the market IMO -- only in 2WD, but if you are only using the vehicle on road only this could be a nice selection and the pricing is not too bad.
http://odyssey.honda.com.au/

Proton Exora -- Very sharp pricing (about $26000 On the road) and 5 years free servicing , 5 years road side assist, 5 years warranty
http://www.protonexora.com.au/ 2WD only -- on road only  -- Don't know a lot about these, but at it's price it could be a winner.

Mahindra XUV500 -- About $30000 In Diesel and Manual only (Might be off your list as it's a manual only option)  http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-cars/MAHINDRA/XUV500/model-make.htm comes in 4WD and 2WD version  -- Probably the cheapest with AWD ability, that's if you like to do something offroad, may be towing.

Ssangyong Stavic -- About $30000 -- was voted the most ugly vehicle at one stage  -- but they appeared to have fixed that now by the look of it now..  Could be a good option if you want a lot or room http://www.ssangyong.com.au/showroom/stavic 2WD only --  It could be a bit large, but your kids will love the extra room.

Kia Carnival -- About $40000 --  When looking this one up, I was a bit surprised about expensive it was  http://www.kia.com.au/showroom/grand-carnival

[Mace]

The base fiat is also about 27k on road, so pretty good value. 10k lest than the dodge.

A few others:

http://theage.drive.com.au/new-car-comparison/nissan-pathfinder-st-2wd-v-mazda-cx9-head-to-head-20131205-2yryv.html

I think if it was my choice the Kruger would be the go.

[Silvo]

hyundai santa fe ?

[cyberess]

The base fiat is also about 27k on road, so pretty good value. 10k lest than the dodge.
<snip>

The "All New Pathfinder" starting price is about  $43,693 for the 2wd version
http://www.nissan.com.au/Cars-Vehicles/New-Pathfinder/Range-and-Pricing

[Bird]

The "All New Pathfinder" starting price is about  $43,693 for the 2wd version
http://www.nissan.com.au/Cars-Vehicles/New-Pathfinder/Range-and-Pricing

saw one of them on the road the other day.. talk about a shopping trolley!
have a look at that link, tell me that's not a Mazda CX9 from side on ... RIP 4wds.

[bully]

Wow, we just bought a Kluger in September this year. The best fuel economy I have got is 14l per 100km not towing just around town. I hope it drops back to the fuel economy everyone else is claiming. It is a nice car though but the cook has already got 2 speeding tickets in it as it does get up and go when you ask it to.

[oldmate]

We sold my wife Astra and bought the patrol. She had never driving a 4wd or anything larger than an Astra. She dealt with it and can throw this thing around shopping center carparks better than most blokes driving their gay gti golf.  It was either that or she walked to work lol.

Just kidding sweetheart. Love you

[speewa158]

Pajero Preloved Oiler . 2 0r 3 years old . Let somebody else take the bath on the devaluation -of screwing on the number plates . Remember it don't gots to be New to be New 

[berlitza]

Have a relative that just purchased a new captiva, great looking car and noice to drive, but if I had the extra $$$ to spend I would go the Kluger

[Nay-DMAX]

Isuzu have launched the MU-X I have not seen one yet so cannot give any sort of review but if they are anything like the utes should go ok

[NewieCamper]

Not quite sure how kluger or territory aren't to big, when a prado is. I thought the kluger I've been in, and the territory I've driven were huge. The captiva we had wasn't anywhere near as big, but it's gone now replaced by a pathfinder (previous model) due to niggling electricals and not enough space behind the rear seats when occupied.

If you are looking at using the seven seats regularly think about how much space you will need to cart gear around when the third row is occupied. We couldn't fit a stroller in the captiva, but it comfortably fits in the pathfinder.