Which car for 4 adults & 2 kids ?

anonymoususer on 09/06/2015 - 14:29
Last edited 09/06/2015 - 16:19

Looking for a family size car now as we have been using a old Toyota Corolla (98 model) and with growing family its like a must thing to buy now. Any recommendations for car for 4 adults & 2 kids? Don't have any experience with such big size cars wrt price, what to look for etc, so appreciate your inputs. Doesn't has to be very fancy car, something which is low-mid budget car. Just a everyday car to use to office ( < 20kms), drop kids to school and sometimes family outings on weekend ( within same city) and seat up to seven.

Google search gave me few options from 2014 :

Mitsubishi Outlander
Kia Sorento
Subaru Outback
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander
Nissan Murano
Ford Territory
Honda Odyssey
Kia Grand Carnival
Toyota Tarago
Holden Captiva
Volvo XC90

Budget wise we are thinking around $40k mark.
2 kids (1yr & 4yr) and 4 adults ( early 30's and parents in 60's)

PS : My neighbor was suggesting me Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander
(didnt had much much time to discuss on it with him though :() So im not 100% sure about it.

Also big question for us is….to buy a new or used one?

Automotive

Comments

  • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 14:36
    +1

    Budget?

    How old are the kids?

    How big are the adults?

    • anonymoususer on 09/06/2015 - 14:43

      sorry, forgot to provide details earlier, updated now.

      • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 17:34
        +9

        Ford Territory 7 seater diesel. Enough room for 2 baby seats and an adult on the middle row, and hopefully an adult should fit on the 3rd row (at least for short trips).

        • Randxyz123 on 11/06/2015 - 17:33
          +2

          There is no way a normal adult would fit in the territory 3rd row unless they had no legs.

  • Maki on 09/06/2015 - 15:28
    +6

    Honda Odyssey, 7 seater, got it earlier this year, will easily fit the 4 adults and 2 kids.

    You can also consider Mazda CX 9, Prius V, Citroen C4 Grand Picasso which are within your budget.

    Not sure how much the Toyota Tarago costs.

    • Maki on 09/06/2015 - 15:29

      Well, you just changed your budget from 50K to 40K…

      • anonymoususer on 09/06/2015 - 15:31

        yep, Maki, I update with details with additional info as well. Thanks for your inputs.
        How much you ended up paying for Honda Odyssey?

        • Maki on 09/06/2015 - 15:36

          50K for the top model. We also test drive the basic model of Prius V, which costs around 37K.

          Well, some of the cars I suggested maybe over your budget now.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 10/06/2015 - 15:59
          +1

          @Maki: Apples and Oranges. Prius V is a compact people carrier, really just a seats 4 adults + 3 younglings and have next to no boot space.

          Get a proper people mover, a Kia Carnival

    • dylanando on 09/06/2015 - 17:34
      -4

      ugly car

    • bb_hunter on 09/06/2015 - 22:22

      Odyssey would be bit small for 2 kids with baby seats and two adults at the back. You can't put the baby seats in the third row so 2 adults have to sit in the third row and it is not very comfortable for long journey. I think a Tarago or Carnival would be a better choice.

      • suchis on 10/06/2015 - 12:21

        We have Odyssey and child seats in back row… Back seats are NOT 'dickie' seats. Only problem is room for a pram in the back… little space.

    • pitiek on 10/06/2015 - 10:12

      Anyone experienced living with C4 Picasso?
      the new model looks classy but interior is a bit too plastic..

      • mycke on 11/06/2015 - 16:47
        +1

        Got the 2010 model. Very happy with it. 2 adults + 15,13,7 & 4 year olds.

        Back row is tight for long trips for the big kids or adults but ok for around town. Our one didn't have anchor points in the back row - not sure about current model.

        Efficiency and comfort levels are good and it feels like a car, not a van.

        • daft1024 on 12/06/2015 - 13:10

          How it is for reliability? We like the look and feel of the Citroen but have been a bit concerned about the reliability. Any insights?

        • mycke on 12/06/2015 - 14:30

          @daft1024: Got ours ex-demo 5 years ago. Have only had the regular annual servicing done. No problems at all. I'd advise getting windscreen insurance though - around $60/year saved us $1300 when a branch cracked ours.

        • daft1024 on 15/06/2015 - 08:05

          @mycke: Thanks!

  • kingsville on 09/06/2015 - 15:32

    I've got a used Mitzubishi Grandis - would all fit fine

    16k for what was a 'luxury' model (!). Leather seats are great for cleaning up after young kids

  • Hotpotcorn on 09/06/2015 - 15:36
    -6

    why havnt you considered holden captiva?

    • gimli on 11/06/2015 - 21:19
      +1

      why the negs.

      This is not JV

  • npc on 09/06/2015 - 15:40
    +10

    People Mover is going to be much more convenient and comfortable compared to SUV in your situation imho. From the list - Sorento and Santa FE are really good (and similar) cars.

    • ShamelessBargains on 09/06/2015 - 15:45
      +6

      I agree, Santa Fe and Sorentos are a great choice. Also consider the Mazda CX9, Honda Odyssey and Mitsubishi Outlander.

      Buy a used demonstrator if possible. Test drive a good variety of cars before purchasing too.

    • macrocephalic on 09/06/2015 - 16:41

      Brother in law has two small children and a Ford Explorer. My wife and I, his wife and him, and his two kids travelled in the car the other day and only just fit. The child seats don't easily go into the very rear seats (dicky seats) so they have to go in the normal rear seats. You can't fit an adult in between the two child seats, so two adults have to sit in the very rear seats (feet tucked under seat in front, knees touching seat in front, head touching roof).

      3+ adults and two child seats pretty much means you need a people mover.

      • altomic on 09/06/2015 - 20:14
        +1

        plus the adults have to get in and out of the back seats.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 10/06/2015 - 16:00
          +4

          SUV people movers are always compromised. Get a proper people mover like a Tarago\Odyssey\Carnival\iMax

  • tomleonhart on 09/06/2015 - 15:42
    +2

    Santa Fe

    /Case

    • gimli on 11/06/2015 - 21:20
      +1

      Santa Claus?

      As in wait till christmas until mr nicholas decides?

  • modsec802 on 09/06/2015 - 16:46
    +2

    You need a people mover with sliding doors. I would look at the iMax

  • Geewhizz on 09/06/2015 - 16:50
    +3

    Look at where you have anchor points (most often not in the back row) and determine whether the adults will fit in, and get into, the remaining rear seat comfortably.

  • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 16:57
    +2

    The new Kia Carnival is the best people mover around. Otherwise look at Santa Fe or Sorento

    • anonymoususer on 09/06/2015 - 17:22
      +1

      Came across another car from Kia, Kia Rondo, review looks much better. what do you think?

      • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 17:32

        Kia rondo is small, almost as small as the prius v, which is really tiny.It is just slightly larger than your average wagon It has very small seats in the last row and the middle row would be uncomfortable for 2 adults 1 child seat.

    • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 17:35

      Big call on the Carnival given the issues that have plagued previous models, and the lousy resale on the range

      • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 17:38
        +1

        Same goes for all previous hyundais and kias. They were horrible then, obviously they have picked up their game

        • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 17:41

          Well, they couldn't get worse…

          But just because they've improved from being bad, doesn't make them the best in class

        • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 18:42
          +4

          @Spackbace:

          Agree, but what is the competition? Odyssey or Tarago? The current model Carnival is always on top of those.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 18:47
          +1

          @pao2x:

          And for $40k the OP will only just get into those. Infact for $40k they just make it into a demo Carnival (new model).

          Compare that with a new Ford Territory 7 Seater diesel for $41,790 drive away. The Territory certainly represents better value

        • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 20:41
          +1

          @Spackbace:

          Ford Territory is on its way out. Much better to look at the coming Ford Everest. Isuzu MU-X or the bargain outgoing challenger

          Good SUV but nowhere near the space of a proper people mover. You can barely fit 7 people in a territory while it will be absolute comfort in a 2015 Carnival. For the brief of 4 adults a child seat and a booster seat a tiny back row is not an option because you cannot leave a child seat on the last row on a "very occasional use" tiny back row because the child (1 year old) would totally be unmanageable on that tiny space without an adult. Two adults and a child seat on the middle row would not exactly be ideal on middle row either, unless the adults are small.

          You can also probably haggle another 3K-4k of that price you quoted as the Falcon and Territory have been on a kind of fire sale for a while now.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 21:34
          +3

          @pao2x:

          You obviously haven't seen the middle row on a territory and so are just guessing at space. I OWN one. I have 2 kids under 3yo. I understand the op's brief very well.

          I also sell the Holden Colorado 7, which is virtually identical to the Mux and so I know the seating layout and space.

          For the Territory - 2 kids on the middle row, 1 centre 1 to the side. Adult in 1 side and in the back row on the occasional trip with the parents.

          As I said, the OP has said that majority of the time it's just going to be 2 adults and 2 kids in the car.

          Before you give an opinion on how a vehicle will suit a purpose, ensure that you're actually familiar with the vehicle in question.

        • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 22:44
          +2

          @Spackbace:

          You said it yourself one Adult in the back row… Good luck doing a trip with that with the territory if you are a fair sized adult. And yes I may not own a territory but I am familiar enough with it, as an adult I would definitely not want to be the adult relegated to that back row.

        • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 23:02

          @pao2x:

          Really, 1 adult in a seat big enough for 2 kids isn't enough room for you?
          Wow ok

        • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 23:08
          +1

          @Spackbace: Let's just say that seat is designed for kids or the mother in law. No need to get hostile

        • Geewhizz on 10/06/2015 - 07:02
          +1

          Territory was amongst the worst we came accross for access to 3rd row.

        • macrocephalic on 10/06/2015 - 09:26
          +1

          @Spackbace: I have a size 10 shoe and I had real difficulty fitting my feet in the space between the rear seat the middle seat. I'm only 5'9 and my head touches the roof. The rear-most seats are not designed for adults to use on a regular basis, and I wouldn't want my parents to have to climb in there.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 10/06/2015 - 16:02
          +1

          @Spackbace: But nowhere near a more practical and built for purpose experience.

          A large SUV != a proper people mover.

        • spackbace on 10/06/2015 - 16:13
          +1

          @rodripa:

          Built for purpose depends on purpose. OP has stated (and I have reiterated this before) that the car will only have 2 adults and 2 kids majority of the time. From what the OP has said, generally it will be used for school runs, to/from work etc. An 8-seater is overkill for this purpose!

      • Cyphar on 11/06/2015 - 01:07

        The previous models had a horrible engine mould and because of that, they were plagued with engine problems. The models from 2011 have been amazing, however.

        • scotty on 12/06/2015 - 13:38

          Drove a 2nd gen Grand Carnival around Tasmania earlier this year (1600km in ~9 days) and it has been quite a nice car. Lots of punches from that 3.5 V6.

    • spy on 10/06/2015 - 18:45

      Sorento Diesel! Have it, love it!

  • anonymoususer on 09/06/2015 - 17:37

    Side Q, is people mover bigger in size than SUV (or it depends on model)?

    • pao2x on 09/06/2015 - 17:39
      +3

      Space wise a people mover has much much more space than an SUV.

    • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 17:42

      People mover will be bigger. You just need to work out how often you're ferrying around the parents. Most of the time it will have 2 adults and 2 kids - Hardly a need for an 8 seater people mover

      • anonymoususer on 09/06/2015 - 18:22

        Thanks guys.

        You are right there…mostly it will b 2 adults and 2 kids…but sometimes parents too. Now that confuses us in deciding 1st step …whether to get SUV or People Mover.

        • pao2x on 10/06/2015 - 12:37

          Let's just say your parents will be on a trip with you 1-3 X a month and only for 1-3 hours max on the road. A good size SUV (ie at least Kluger size) would be a good idea. Bear in mind if you use the last row boot space dissappears very quickly.

          If you plan on doing more than that I would probably find something that would be more comfortable for them.

      • macrocephalic on 10/06/2015 - 09:33

        People movers aren't that much bigger - just better for fitting more people in.

        Lengths:
        Kia Carnival: 5.13M
        Ford Territory: 4.85M
        Honda Odyssey: 5.15M
        Toyota Tarago: 4.8M

        • mrmarkau67 on 10/06/2015 - 11:40

          Yes, and compare the internal spaces…

        • suchis on 10/06/2015 - 12:25

          Ssangyong has 7 seater?

        • pao2x on 10/06/2015 - 12:41
          +2

          Very true. Imagine if you can have an extra 10-20cm leg room on that cramped Jetstar flight.

  • altomic on 09/06/2015 - 19:40

    This

    it makes sense when you think about it.

    • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 19:46

      Got a spare half a mil? lol

    • johnno07 on 11/06/2015 - 09:41

      Front half of a late 90s Falcon, and the back half of a late 80s Falcon. Looks reliable!

    • marquise on 11/06/2015 - 14:44

      Wow didn't realise stretched limos were so affordable!

  • holdenmg on 09/06/2015 - 20:44
    +2

    Checkout the 7 Seat version of a Fiat Freemont
    http://www.fiat.com.au/freemont

    • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 21:35
      +1

      Aka a Dodge

    • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2015 - 21:38
      +1

      Good value for money these things.

    • pao2x on 10/06/2015 - 12:45

      A tad underpowered that one but good value for money.

      You can have a bnew challenger for about 4k more.

  • hack on 09/06/2015 - 22:42

    Kluger ?

    • Maki on 09/06/2015 - 23:01

      Wouldn't meet the budget though…

  • derk on 09/06/2015 - 22:52
    +1

    Why not a Land cruiser Prado. Great car. Get a diesal and it'll run forever. Second hand around the 4 year old mark. Perfect.

    • spackbace on 09/06/2015 - 23:04

      Middle row seat is still amazingly thin. Couldn't fit 2 car seats and an adult. Same with Pajero etc

  • 2big4u on 10/06/2015 - 01:35
    +3

    2014 Toyota Kluger 7 seater just below the $40K mark.
    Nice car.
    Very spacious
    comfortable
    Reliable
    Good looking

    • quasi on 10/06/2015 - 06:25

      second that. or mazda cx9. the rear seat on all the other SUVs (territory, prius v, sante fe etc) are a joke and only for really small kids. drives almost like a car unlike the people movers. the kluger also goes on forever - i have a few friends with >200,000km with absolutely no issues and driving like new.

    • spackbace on 10/06/2015 - 11:17

      Actually not a bad option. Yes it will use more fuel being a big heavy V6, but I think the only SUV with a sliding middle row seat, allowing your parents more leg room when they're in the back back, but giving the kids more room when they're not.

    • pao2x on 10/06/2015 - 12:31
      +1

      A good choice for the OPs needs

    • Food on 10/06/2015 - 19:50

      If OP had enough money would recommend 2015 kluger

  • Ramrunner on 10/06/2015 - 07:44
    +3

    Outlander. Wife has one. Great car.

  • Euphemistic on 10/06/2015 - 08:44
    +1

    SiZe them up for yourself, but don't get conned into the advantages of SUV being AWD or 4WD or towing capacity if you are never going to use them, which is likely given your initial post. AWD in particular will cost you extra in initial purchase and in ongoing fuel and maintenance.

  • patinadiary on 10/06/2015 - 09:39

    not a big fan of the Klugger shape, but cant go wrong with this one. I've driven my friends car a bunch of times fully loaded with children and luggage, the car didnt miss a beat. IMO its absolute value for money.
    If second hand car floats your boat, check these out

  • reslo on 10/06/2015 - 11:02

    Peugeot 5008 another option. Can be had for between $35 driveaway brand new for the pertol model. It's the sister version of the Citreon C4 Grand Picasso only $10K cheaper.

  • Dollars and sense on 10/06/2015 - 11:25

    I think 7 seater outlanders are as rare as hens teeth and therefore don't depreciate as quickly. I have a 2011 outlander and it is grossly underpowered but I've heard they've increased the power in the later models.

    I'd agree the korean cars are good - Kia sorrentos and Hyundai Santa Fes from 2008 onwards would be reliable and within your budget. Ordinarily for the shorter kms and in start stop traffic you're driving (<20km) I would avoid a diesel as the particulates block up and will seize the motor over time. Diesels generally need longer trips/runs to burn out the particulates. However the Koreans (both Kia and Hyundai are same company now) have the technology right so their diesel can handle the start stop commutes without particulate issues. They also have leading warranty periods for new cars.

    Klugers are also reliable (Toyota after all) and have plenty of space.

    In terms of people mover and space a friend has a VW transporter with 8 seats and it is like a huge vacuous room on wheels and a very nice interior resembling a command centre (blue led strip lighting and high ceiling). But maybe a bit out if your price range though.

  • sahil1982 on 10/06/2015 - 11:36
    +1

    Had a similar situation and kids about the same ages 2 years ago and got a Nissan Dualis+2 for 36k at 1% finance from Nissan in VIC.

    The Dualis+2 in base configuration does not have anchor points for kids in 3rd row but we got it fitted (asked the dealer to do it if he wanted a sale and include it in the car price. It cost about $1k) by an third party car modification company who also got it safety checked by VicRoads and supplied with a VicRoads safety certificate

    This now gives us an option of having the kids in the 3rd row freeing up larger seats for adults.

  • mrmarkau67 on 10/06/2015 - 11:42
    +2

    7 Seater Nissan Elgrand. Thirsty but plenty of features, drives well and has very flexible seating.

    • Cyphar on 11/06/2015 - 01:11

      Japanese imports though. Prices for spare parts are expensive because there's no comparative model, unlike the Nissan Cube which can use parts from a similar Nissan available in Australia.

      • MetalPhreak on 11/06/2015 - 23:11

        But the elgrand looks pimp :P

  • trinest on 10/06/2015 - 12:39

    You want a Mazda.

    • gimli on 11/06/2015 - 21:20

      how's your Mazda dealership going?

  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2015 - 12:52

    I bought a Honda Odyssey about a month ago. Really good car. It replaced our well worn Odyssey which we got very good mileage out of.

    Ours is an 8 seater so fits everything and everyone. It's got heaps of buttons to do all sorts of things eg numerous charging ports, interior lights, climate control etc. The sliding passenger doors on both sides are great. And it has enough power to drive very well and get up hills. Our last one felt like a bit of a slug at times.

    The only downside is that it's a big car. The roominess inside means that you end up with a car that is big overall. So it's a trade off.

    Can't comment on servicing etc as its new. But my experience from our old one is that it can be pricey. But I have a good mechanic who knows when to use genuine parts or generic.

    Hope this helps.

    • bb_hunter on 11/06/2015 - 22:05

      didn't know there is an Odyssey 8 seater

      • scotty on 12/06/2015 - 13:41

        The new ones with sliding doors are having 2-3-3 seat configuration. They are basically Tarago-sized now.

      • dunc on 12/06/2015 - 15:28

        There are 2 models, the base one (with cloth seats) is 2-3-3. The luxury (with leather seats) is 2-2-3.
        The middle seats in the luxury are aeroplane style seats which you can lean back with footrests and have a walk-in space between them to get to the 3rd row.

  • dmiser on 10/06/2015 - 13:38

    Nissan Pathfinder is a good option too. We negotiated the price for my brother and got them down by 7-8K off the asking on a Brand new model about 6 months ago.

    • Metamorphosis12 on 10/06/2015 - 22:05

      Would you mind saying how much you haggled the price down too? I'm looking at getting a hybrid pathfinder but would ideally like to get it on their 1% interest promo

      • dmiser on 11/06/2015 - 00:50

        We didn't go on 1% finance with them as they won't haggle when you do that. Instead I would suggest taking money out of your mortgage (if you've got that) and haggle nearly 15-16% cost upfront.

        We bought Pathfinder ST-L 2WD + Option Pack (Plus - clear bonnet protector, dash mat, rear protection carpet mat, full tank fuel, extended warranty and capped price service for 5 years were included in the deal). total was $49,500 drive away instead of 59,000 (Excluding all accessories mentioned above) as per their site.

        • Metamorphosis12 on 11/06/2015 - 16:47

          Wow $10k off is alot! I wanted to go on the 1% finance because I figured if we sold our current car for about $25k, we can put it in thr offset account while we pay off the car in a 4 year term. I figured I would save more money this way. But with a $10k discount, thats pretty good

      • Juvi on 14/06/2015 - 10:17

        Looked at the pathfinder this week - has more space esp the 3rd row then the other SUVs, and lots of gadgets for the price - but was put off by the reviews of people's problems with it 1-3 years down the line, and the problems they had with claiming warranty and servicing the car. Plus still having problems with transmission.

    • Cyphar on 11/06/2015 - 01:12

      This is what my wife and I are currently looking at. We have four kids and when all are seated in, it is very comfortable.

  • twinbag on 10/06/2015 - 13:55
    +7

    Instead of one big car have you considered two smaller cars?

    I found as the kids got a little older we often needed two cars to be in different places at the same time, and when family visit from overseas we just take both cars out. You'll save in petrol but will spend more in rego, insurance.

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