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

    • Maxxjet on 10/06/2015 - 16:08
      +1

      don't know why you got neg, I think you have very valid points …

    • RockyRaccoon on 13/06/2015 - 08:27

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

      Sometimes thinking outside the box 🚐 may end up with a better solution 🚗🚗

  • voldemart on 10/06/2015 - 15:27

    Hi OP. I was in the same boat - remember the people smuggler with the scar on his face who always threatened to throw us overboard if we didn't do whatever he asked to do. OK joke aside, I was in the same boat shopping for a big family car for my growing family about 10 months ago. Like someone pointed out previously, you firstly need to figure out how often do you need to carry 4 adults instead of two. You can then decide if you want a 7-seater SUV or a people mover.

    In my case I bought a Toyota Kluger (2014 Model), as the occasions I have to drive 4 adults around are fairly rare. The third row seats have OK leg space and for short trips are quite OK - just don't let tall people sit there. Even when you have one third-row seat up, you can still put quite a lot of stuff in the boot but when you fold them down, you'd have a huge boot. We once went to have a holiday for three days somewhere within the state when my second kid was about 4 months old and I put her bassinet directly in the boot along with two folded prams and other stuff. These days when we are out and about we just chuck the twin tandem pram in the boot without folding it.. with a people Mover I don't think you can do this sort of things. BTW if you do want to go down this path, I recommend you to put the car seats next to each other, this should leave enough space for an adult to sit on the other side of the second row.

    But again, if you need to ferry 4 adults quite often then you will want a people mover. Getting on and off the car would be a lot easier.

  • snajper on 10/06/2015 - 16:41

    Ok…. I would look at mazda cx9..Spacious……good equipment level… excellent resale value…can be had for under $40k…

  • yoonibear on 10/06/2015 - 18:00

    I'd go with the Mazda cx9 or the Jeep grand Cherokee (unsure how much it is). Otherwise grab the family and head into the dealers and cram them all in. You'll be able to narrow down what you want.

  • spiderdash on 10/06/2015 - 21:56

    Have got odyssey 2010 (moved up from accord euro), really love it, extremely comfortable, low running costs, 11.5l/100 km consistent , runs very well on e10, I am near 6 foot tall and enjoy the ride in the third row, because the third row seats are pretty wide (though in the latest model you would have 3 seats) with good leg room, these days driving regularly with 4 adults and three kids as we have visitors , dual Air cons (separate rear ac unit runs the zones for the second and third rows).

    • pitiek on 11/06/2015 - 13:20

      I have an Accord Euro CU2 2012 model and considering Odyssey as our next one since we are planning to expand the family.

      Do you reckon the fuel consumption on the bigger Odyssey is far more vs Euro considering they both powered by the same engine (CU2 can only take 98 octane fuel to avoid pinging)..

      • Archi on 11/06/2015 - 13:28

        the odyssey is much heavier car, don't think it will be fuel efficient as the accord especially when it is fully loaded

        • spiderdash on 11/06/2015 - 14:07

          The issue with the Accord Euro is that it runs on premium fuel i.e. 95-98 oct, and costs pretty much the same or a little more. Odyssey surprised me as I too was expecting something like 14l/100 km, have done 90k now, mostly city driving + some long drives on the weekends. However, as you see odometer reaches 80k the performance doesn't remain the same (which is obvious but you feel more in odyssey)

      • spiderdash on 11/06/2015 - 14:11

        I do not' know about the latest model but 2010-2012 models were very good with fuel efficiency (even when they have two separate AC units, which I regular use). They put Accord Euro line of engines in Odyssey in that 2010-2012 models, increasing kw from 117 to 131 but without affecting the fuel efficiency. I have tried all types of fuels in Odyssey and the strange thing it runs best on e10 (from 7eleven) or 91 oct from United. I do not fill in at caltex or shell anymore.

  • rraBtaM on 10/06/2015 - 22:09
    -6

    Mitsubishi Outlander - Contender.
    Kia Sorento - NO! Looks good, but no.
    Subaru Outback - DOUBLE NO! This is made of recycled soda cans, not coke cans but those crap drinks that only come in slabs of 80.
    Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander - Contender - but is it big enough?
    Nissan Murano - Way too small?
    Ford Territory - No - F'd on race day? Everything that can go wrong with a Ford, will go wrong.
    Honda Odyssey - Reliable but the ugliest on this list but have been around for decades.
    Kia Grand Carnival - Until I got here…This is in fact the ugliest on the list.
    Toyota Tarago - Ugh…but better than the Odyssey and have been around for years.
    Holden Captiva - Contender but is it too small?
    Volvo XC90 - Wait what? Where'd this come from? You've gone from middle range vehicles to top of the range here? This is literally double the price of everything else on your list. You're better off buying a Toyota Kluger and pocketing the change.
    Jeep's - Terribly built, so unless you want to look like a gangster rapper (pre 2015) or buy the ugly new one…this shouldn't even be considered.
    Suzuki's - Don't bother. You'd think that a manufacturer that specialises in rally cars could make a decent SUV…
    Mazda - Don't know why the CX isn't in your list?

    Tips for buying.

    Manufacturer - Limit your choice to a single Manufacturer - I.e. Toyota and Nissan are 2 of the most reliable Japanese manufacturers out there, with Honda coming in at a close 3rd. Holden is "home grown" whilst Ford's are just cheaply built Holden's. I wouldn't trust Kia although Hyundai are highly regarded in terms of their build quality and looks. The Sante Fe however, might not be big enough for a growing family. European cars can often be costly should something need to be fixed/replaced.

    Shape - Either SUV (not compact) or People Mover (Van). The SUV's will always have limited leg room in the rear seats so your kids will always have to sit at the back when you're fully loaded, however they are more versatile in terms of changing road conditions. With Vans, you won't have leg room issues and they will prove to be more economical, especially if you get the smaller 4 cylinder engine but then you'll suffer on power and hills.

    How long are you going to keep it for? 10+ years? Look into long term reliability, i.e. Japanese vehicles tend to be more reliable than local or Euro cars and the parts are cheaper too.

    Lastly, look at what you know about vehicles in general. You own a Toyota and it's served you since 1998? Or has at least been on the road since then. Resale value means nothing if you're going to own the vehicle for another 17 years.

    Happy hunting.

    -Former car salesman

    PS. buying new is always a bonus as you're guaranteed a completely reliable vehicle upon purchase, whereas used they might try to negotiate the cost of after purchase repairs that creep up in the first few months. In addition, if you buy brand new, check if the manufacturer offers capped servicing.

    • spackbace on 10/06/2015 - 22:24

      Before I make comment on some of your points, what brand did you used to sell for, and how long for, and how long ago?

    • Cyphar on 11/06/2015 - 01:13
      +5

      You forgot the /s

      Unless you are serious. In which case your post is nothing but a load of spouted bullshit. This line in particular cracked me up:

      "buying new is always a bonus as you're guaranteed a completely reliable vehicle upon purchase"

    • snajper on 11/06/2015 - 09:08
      +4

      Ok let me understand this….
      No to Ford territory but craptiva is a contender?

    • mrmarkau67 on 11/06/2015 - 09:26
      +3

      I wouldn't trust Kia although Hyundai are highly regarded in terms of their build quality and looks.

      Are you aware of the intimate relationship between Kia and Hyundai?

      • lplau on 11/06/2015 - 16:11

        Craptiva sounds better than Killed In Action

        • zelda707 on 11/06/2015 - 17:52
          +2

          I'd still rather a Kia than Captiva

    • zelda707 on 11/06/2015 - 12:37
      +4

      Holden is "home grown"

      So the craptiva is now home grown? The Territory is miles better

      • snajper on 11/06/2015 - 20:22

        Our family friends own territory diesel and it is amazing vehicle… and good on fuel'

    • npc on 11/06/2015 - 16:13
      +3

      Amusing reading from a former car salesman. I feel sorry for people who purchased a car from you, if there are any.

      • spackbace on 11/06/2015 - 16:26
        +3

        'Former' car salesman… says it all really ;)

    • sal78 on 11/06/2015 - 22:36

      kia has a 7 yr warranty.

  • rmamila on 10/06/2015 - 22:43

    Go for a Toyota Kluger-KXR that will be within your budget.

  • raffaharley on 11/06/2015 - 11:04

    Friends had KIA Carnival and said it was too thirsty, weve had Kluger 7 seater it was a good car but no room in the boot when all 7 seats were being used.
    Weve also had the Hyundai Santa Fe 7 seater as a rental car in our travels, again not much room when all 7 seats used.
    From my experience anyway, most of the mid size SUV's with 7 seats are a bit of a compromise. The rear seats are not entirely comfortable especially as your kids get older and especially for long trips, bigger SUV's like the Toyota Landcruiser, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Landrover Discovery have more room and have better seats but are a bit pricey.
    I would seriously be looking at a people mover myself.
    What I would suggest is try and swindle off a dealer or friend one of the cars youre interested in for a few days and try and live with them to see how you cope.
    Its a difficult decision and dont get blinded by the new car excitement when test driving them.

  • goraygo on 11/06/2015 - 11:39
    +1

    for $40k, you could get away with a Nissan X-Trail new with 7 seaters, probably not the top model but would be nice to drive around :)

    • PVA on 11/06/2015 - 21:22
      +1

      nice size, nice vehicle.

  • Archi on 11/06/2015 - 13:25

    just bought a used Hyundai santa fe highlander,
    - my requirements were me, the wife, the inlaws 2 year old and planning to have another baby next year.
    - will be using mainly as a 5 seater with the occasional need to drive inlaws. so very similar to the OP

    things that I thought was useful when I considered the car.

    • middle row slides forward to help access to 3rd row of seat when in use.
    • middle row is fully adjustable with with recline and slides back to give more legroom when 3rd row is not in use.
    • and similarly the middle slides forward to allow more leg room when 3rd row is in use,
    • 3rd row folds flat
    • turbo diesel engine with lots of torque
    • current shape
    • fuel efficient for that size car

    when purchasing
    consider third row acess.
    - from memory CX9 seat only tilts forward and doesn't slide and that's the same with a lot of other 7 seat SUV's
    - 3rd row can only be used with a child booster and cannot be used with a capsule style child restraint

    hope that helps
    cant wait to pick up my new wheels on Saturday

    • sal78 on 11/06/2015 - 22:35

      y do u need it to slide for? you use rarely. surely as long as ppl can get in and out easily n comfortable is all that matters.

      if i have 3 ppl in the middle n need the third row.. i just pop open the boot, pull up the seat n my kids hope in from the boot.

      • Archi on 11/06/2015 - 22:53

        I'm my case a capsule style seat that need s to anchored is in one of the positions of the Middle row and another child is ina boaster style seat….

        I'f the seat doesn't slide how does an adult get to the 3rd row for a short trip… ?

        Or if I move the booster seat to one of th positions of the 3rd row. An adult will need to get in the back to secure the seat the properly in order for child to sit, then An adult will still need to sit in the 3rd row. Because capsule style seat in the middle row to one side of the the bench that doesn't get moved and 1 adult on the other side of the Middle bemch, driver and then passenger…

        My kids are both under 2 and will be required by law to sit in a child restraint.. For at least another 5 years… I think that the sliding function is an adequate feature to have on a car…

        Sorry I don't have kids over 7 that can climb through the back and sit by them selves… My kids still need my help to put a seat belt on.

        • sal78 on 12/06/2015 - 08:48

          i see what u mean. i have twins so had both in capsules and we looked at every 7 seater for the roomiest middle seats. the kia was the only one that could still flip forward with 2 capsules and can get in n out of third row. we even looked at santa fe. but flipping forward or sliding forward is both good by me. tbh i a tually prefer flip forward because theres a nassive space to get in n out of 3rd row. we often used third row for myself or grandparents too and we cant hop in n out if the boot!

        • Archi on 12/06/2015 - 09:12

          yep that's right… We liked the Santa Fe because it slides and tilts forward… I haven't been in the Kia…but will have a look at one next time I'm near a dealer

        • anonymoususer on 06/10/2015 - 23:35

          @Archi:

          Thanks. Just curious…did you check or test drive Toyota Kluger?
          What was your take when you did compare these two?

        • Archi on 07/10/2015 - 08:47

          MMmm no I didn't test drive the 2 cars,

          I chose the santa fe based on a few criteria that it met. but mainly the middle row versatility, aesthetics, feature packed along with the latest accolades and awards it has won recently.

  • tooblue on 11/06/2015 - 13:46
    +1

    Since when did 7 seater wagon disappear from the market. I like those 7 seater Volvo V70, with standard 5 mid/large size sedan seats in the front and 2 rear facing sear at back. http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p494/soldasseenbargains/…

    • spackbace on 11/06/2015 - 13:49
      +1

      Lol since noone wants to sit backwards in a car!

  • IamEzza on 11/06/2015 - 15:41
    +1

    New reviews of the 2015 Kia Sorento just came out yesterday: http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-kia-sorento-rev…

    Has 5 star safety rating, 7 year unlimited km warranty w/capped price servicing and 7 years roadside assistance.

    • lplau on 11/06/2015 - 16:13
      -1

      The 7 year warranty won't do you much good if you are Killed In Action.

      • sal78 on 11/06/2015 - 22:38

        do u actually own a kia? we love ours so much that we r upgrading to another one. its a dantastic car. so big n roomy n reasonably priced. they r so popular and theres a reason!

  • Randxyz123 on 11/06/2015 - 17:43
    +1

    The only real option here in my opinion is the XC90. It will last well that is when your kids grow up they will still fit and when you do need to take 6 people unlike the territory there is room for stuff in the boot with one seat up.

    You could also get a used Landrover discovery 4

    • sal78 on 11/06/2015 - 22:39

      i have a few friends that have this car and third row is really squashed. i do like all the extras ie dvd player and massage seats.

      • Randxyz123 on 11/06/2015 - 22:46

        They aren't adult seats like the Land Rover but they aren't bad compared to useless seats like the Territory or any of the people movers.

        Here is a review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St_w0T4wvQI

        The Land Rover discovery 4 is the best as a full sided adult can fit in the 3rd row.

  • antzz on 11/06/2015 - 20:35

    Get your self Cadillac Escalade

  • captobvious on 11/06/2015 - 21:09
    +6

    All you need is a scooter. I have seen in Vietnam 4 adults and 2 kids hanging off them with groceries and the kitchen sink!

  • sal78 on 11/06/2015 - 22:32

    there was only one car that fitted 2 baby seats abd still able to get in and out of the 3rd row. every other car we tried, have to remove the middle baby seat so the side seat can flip forward for ppl to get in and out of 3rd row. we have 3 kids inc twins and had 3 baby seats at one stage.

    i highly recommend the kia sorrento. we use the third row all the time and it can fit 2 adults comfortably. its roomier than 3 ppl in the middle seat. we've had ours for 5 yrs and no issues at all. looking to upgrade now and we still think kia sorrento is probably what we'll go for. i have 2 friends with X5 and they've had heaps of issues. She paid $5k for external warranty after the warranty period finished and luckily she did. saved $$$$.

  • sal78 on 11/06/2015 - 22:44

    the kia sorrento has a great deal atm. they have free family pack inc side steps, tow bar, mats and weather shields. the side steps are great for small kids and old parents. It has been so handy for us, especially dor wiping shoes before getting in the car. Would not buy 4 x 4 without steps. tow bar too to the bikes out for family bike ride! i got a quote for a new 2014 plated $33k drive away. So cheap for a good solid car family friendly. I wouldnt spend anymore on higher models. Can buy a Bmw sedan as the 2nd fun car and would still be just a bit more than some if the top of tge range 4x4.

  • Meowcat on 12/06/2015 - 13:52
    Troopcarrier
  • ATangk on 12/06/2015 - 17:24

    Comes in 6 and 7 seater varieties. Really nice cars to drive. 2nd hand wouldnt be a problem, since theyre actually discontinued now.

    http://www.carsales.com.au/car/mercedes/r350/

    • spackbace on 12/06/2015 - 17:28

      9yr old Mercedes huh? No warranty you say? Crazy you must be

      • ATangk on 12/06/2015 - 17:30

        A well looked after car, especially a nicely made one like this, wont break down that easily. However, trusting someone else to look after it is an entirely different concern. And that's not my decision to make.

        I wont limit the actual engine choice, so look up R-class. There are diesel variants and other engine capacity variants. Including a 6.2L R63 AMG if you wish.

        • spackbace on 12/06/2015 - 17:33

          However, trusting someone else to look after it is an entirely different concern. And that's not my decision to make.

          But your decision to recommend the car?

        • ATangk on 12/06/2015 - 17:36

          @Spackbace:
          That would simply be because i own one, and the drive is solid. Extremely spacious, even for a tall adult in the rear row seat. Mind you, it has less than 40k's on it. (07 model)

  • Tikki on 12/06/2015 - 18:56

    I have 4 young kids, and was in the same position as the OP a year ago - I ended up importing a Toyota Estima (Tarago) for approximately $15K all up. I bought a 2004 Estima with 25K on the clock, with 7 seats and a V6 engine, and a spec level equivalent to the local Toyota Ultima.

    It's been a great car - very easy for all kids to get in and out (with a gap between the second row of seats). Importing does take time though, so another option would be to buy directly from a grey-import compliancer, like:

    http://www.irev.com.au

    (although there are Estima compliancers in each state).

    You get an older car, but if carefully chosen you can get a great deal.

    Cheers

  • zeomega on 12/06/2015 - 21:41

    Did anyone mention the Subaru Tribeca? I honestly have no idea how it performs and compares to the rest. This is a segment way beyond my comprehension. Maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in.

    • captobvious on 13/06/2015 - 01:07

      Can pick them up pretty cheap. But the h6 engine plus the weight makes it guzzle. Also at that age the subis are not really that cheap to maintain.

  • tvsharsha on 12/06/2015 - 22:17

    I am surprised that not many here consider the recurring cost of fuel when buying a car. Well when I am in a similar situation as OP and I am considering Citroen c4 Picasso. It has extremely flexible seating, safe, roomy interiors and With combined cycle of 4.5l/100 km, it's one of the cheapest 7 seater to run IMO.

    • spackbace on 13/06/2015 - 10:54

      Real world testing of that car finds it to be at least 6.5L/100. Sure it's a far cry off 10-15L/100, but:

      3.5L @ $1.40/L = $4.90/100km
      Avg around 20,000km/year = $980/year or $18.85/week extra

      Now if the car suits a purpose better, is nicer to drive etc etc, $20/week isn't a big ask to drive what you want.

      It's no different to V6 vs V8 cars etc, the fuel difference is negligible to the difference in driving pleasure or owning what you want to own.

      • RockyRaccoon on 13/06/2015 - 12:26
        +1

        Well put, add to this the depreciation on any particular model as well as ongoing maintenance /service costs,

        NRMA has a calculator on their website that works this out. Based on all factors.

        The Citroen will be affected by its resale value = depreciation.

  • jjayoen on 13/06/2015 - 01:18
    -1

    Surprised nobody has suggested the Volkswagen Multivan. Travelled in one when servicing my car from VW and it very comfortably fit 7 adults with plenty of leg room. They've got sliding doors on both sides of the car which would be convenient when trying to load and unload 7 people real quickly. They also come with diesel engines which are pretty fuel efficient.

    Starting price for a new one shows around $49k on VW's website so I'm sure you'd be able to find a decent used one for around $40k. Doing a quick carsales.com.au search shows that the resale value also seems to hold quite well in them.

    http://www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au/en/models/multivan/h…

  • Juvi on 14/06/2015 - 11:16

    We've been looking at a mid SUV past week and drove a couple of them so thought I'd put our experiences. However we we're looking at something for two adults, two dogs and kids in future and the 3rd row as just optional useful thing if family and friends come over - with the seats and spacing in mind for the OPs the MPVs may be better.

    SUV that we test drove :

    Kia Sorento - we drove the 2014 model , the 2015 wasn't available yet at the dealer to test drive - the car had the most extra's and gadgets thrown in for the price and looked good, the new 2015 model looks a little bit better with styling too. The space in front and middle rows are good, but the 3rd row is pretty small and you'd only really be looking at putting smaller kids there. The drive - we drove the diesel the engine felt a bit heavy and got that heavy feeling when you initally tried to accelerate, but then smoothed a little after. the handling was good, and you had the ability to adjust the steering to suit your driving (comfort/normal/sport). The initial greet and sell by the kia dealer was pretty friendly. I mention this as with Hyundai felt we were a bit ignored and when we asked to drive the Hyundai and they found we'd just drive the Kia the dealer said well its the same engine and drives the same.

    Hyundai Santa Fe - for all the talk of the Sorento and Santa Fe being the same - I thought the Santa Fe felt a lot better to drive, not sure what it was but just felt more comfortable and responsive to drive. However again there isn't much space in 3rd row.

    With the Kia and Hyundai - they both have great warranty offers and fixed cap servicing - however I've read pretty mixed reports about the service you receive after sales - with quite a few complaints and problems with the car after getting it serviced with them.

    Nissan Pathfinder - drove the hybrid petrol version - we hadn't really considered a Nissan but a friend suggested and we had a look - the pathfinder looked good, much better then previous models of the car, and had the most space and out of the SUVs had the best 3rd row space. The car also comes with great extras and most importantly for my wife passed the cup holder test (has 10) . Driving it - felt sluggish, and there was a delay in the electric motor kicking in to support the petrol. The steering and handling also felt loose, out of the cars driven this was the least enjoyable. However the economy of the hybrid 8.5 was interesting (but better on the diesel Kia/Hyundai - 7.3).
    However with the space and the extras was one of the high contenders despite the driving feel of it. But going away and reading was concerned with the reviews and experiences of previous customers - lots of problems with the transmission (not just the older models but the 2014 model and even 2015) problems with rattling, and various other issues coming up - all pointing to slightly shoddy build quality, and worse Nissan trying to squirm out of warranty for the defects and service being terrible after sales.
    But we do have to say the sales pitch and they way they took their time and looked into what we wanted was probably best in Nissan (very good soft sell without being too pushy)

    Toyota Kluger - we've got a 2005 Kluger at the moment and have had no problems with it, no major.. well actually no mechanical problems, service has been great with Toyota and one of the reasons Kluger had been on top of the list for us when we looked again. The new Kluger 2015 - looks good (matter of opinion I know) and when you get in to the car there's a straight away difference on how it feels to the others so far (Kia/Hyundai/Nissan) - it feels more solid, the nobs and dials and buttons don't feel as plasticy or flimsy, the doors, and little storage areas have a reassuring solidity to them. The kluger comes in petrol 3.5 V6 only and economy is not the best 10.9L/100Km i think. However out of all the cars the best to drive, power kicks in on touching the peddle, and handles smoothly, just a smooth relaxing pleasure to drive. It does feel big though on the road, and my wife felt a bit nervous driving it. The space and comfort in front and middle rows is better then the other 3 cars, however the 3rd row seats are small for adults, and would do as an extra for short periods but not for regular use (Pathfinder better in that regards). The Kluger also doesn't come with a lot of extras or gadgets - the top range Grande has most but at 75k is way too much, the mid range GXL would be better value for money at about 55K, however you don't get sat nav or adaptive, cruise control, lane departure, etc..
    Value for money for extras and gadgets the Kia is probably the best.

    Having driven the 4 mentioned the Kluger felts best for what we wanted, and the service and reliability of the brand has put it a lot further ahead then the others and makes us willing to pay that little bit extra on it compared to the others.

    We have read up on 2 more that we may look at next week - Outlander PHEV plug in electric and the Nexus Nx300h.
    The outlander looks interesting with a reported 1.9L/100km on city use (dropping to 8L on heavy and long distance use). But with daily charge and office charge could be very good economy. Charging overnight people have suggested costs about $3 and makes the economy about 4L/100km factoring in cost of recharging on grid.

    The Nx300h - a little above our inital price range, but again reliability and the excellent after sale service reputation of Lexus makes is attractive plus the 5.7L ecomony, build quality and looks of it. It is a lot smaller in boot space then the others, but I'm tempted to at least test drive it and see what the wife things - be nice to get into a lexus for 66K.

    Also looked at the Subaru - both of didn't like the look of it, The volvo again look and price (though very good safety rating). The new Land Rover discovery sport looks good, but things start adding up when you put in the extras on it, and parts and servicing can be expensive (plus pn back order at moment till end of year).

    Anyhow just some comments and experiences we've had most of it may not be too relevant and lot of it personal opinions of a non-petrol head, but hope it helps someone when they're trying to look at these cars.

    • DaaC on 21/06/2015 - 20:53

      Hi Juvi

      Would like to know how you guys did with the LEXUS test drive. I like Disco Sports

      • Juvi on 21/06/2015 - 23:30

        Update ->
        Drove the Outlander PHEV - liked the concept of it, but hated the drive - felt very sluggish, and felt that driving it would be a chore on the daily commute and not something to enjoy - a shame as I really wanted to like it.

        The Lexus NX -> looked at the 300h - drove nicely - handled well, despite the majority of the car reviewers putting down its handling and pickup - felt it was quite nice similar feel to the Kluger with the kluger having more power, but same comfortable and easy drive for daily use. The fuel economy was good 5.9L/100km for the AWD (we looked at AWDs on all the cars). The interior was great lot of gadgets and tech on the car, and very nice interior and finish. The exterior - different and edgy - I liked it but may not be for some. The space - the front feels spacious and comfortable, the back row - not as big as the other SUVs , the middle seat feels tight and would be a struggle with any but a thin and small adult or child, the roof line also comes down a little low for the back seats and feels a bit close to the head - I could get in comfortably and sit there , I'm 5'10 but someone taller the 6 foot would find their hair brushing the roof if sitting up straight. The boot - smaller then other SUVs we looked at but not as small as we had thought, we have two dogs a border collie (medium) and a terrier (small) - and think we can fit them into the boot comfortably but would struggle with 2 larger or even 2 medium dogs.

        Overall was very impressed with the finish, style and finish of the Nx, the handling and drive was comfortable and the idea of a SUV doing 5.9 economy made us reconsider our need for a 7 seater and seriously pushed it into consideration.

        This changed after we took a test drive on the Nx 200t the petrol turbo engine . What can I say, me and my wife both loved it. The same looks and extras on gadgets etc but the drive was so much better, lovely handling great acceleration and felt beautiful to drive. The fuel economy was 7.9 on the 200t, which at just 2L/100 above the hybrid we were happy enough to sacrifice the savings on the petrol and feel good factor of buying a hybrid - for the enjoyment of the drive and pleasure we took in being in that cockpit.

        So after starting with a search for a 7 seater mid size SUV we ended up deciding on a compact crossover SUV. The compromises we made along the way were space and the 7 seats ( we looking back realised we'd only used the 7 seats we currently have in our 2005 Kluger 3 times in last 3 years), the search for a hybrid or fuel economy, and the price (higher then we had started out with). No it doesn't make sense when we consider what we started out looking for.

        The plus points we think we have found a car that we will enjoy driving everyday, that looks good (to us), and which has a number of features and gadgets which though not essential are very useful, and this is all backed by a reliability in the brand and in the after service customer care and servicing of the car.
        We decided on the Nx 200t F sport, without the enhancement packs (not convinced we needed them for the price) and have put in an order and waiting to see if we can get it soon. Dealership was Lexus of Blackburn and got a very decent price and was very impressed with the service and how they handled our questions and vague criteria.

        Cmoravin -> was tempted by the discovery sport - but didn't get a chance to drive it, would love to hear your views on it. The Lexus as said above we ended up choosing as it fit our likes and needs, and we had a lot of fun driving it.

        For those looking for a 7 seater our choice would have been the Kluger if the extra space was higher in your need.

  • skinny on 16/06/2015 - 20:41
    +1

    Recommend Toyota Kluger - 7 years and still going strong.. and at an economy rate of 11.5L / 100KMS for local driving.

  • anonymoususer on 06/10/2015 - 23:14

    Hi Guys,

    So far I have checked below cars and waiting for test drive of Odyssey.

    Nissan X-Trail
    Nissan Pathfinder
    Toyota Kluger
    Fiat Freemont
    Mitsubishi Outlander
    Hyundai Santa Fe
    Kia Sorento Si
    Holden Captiva
    Ford Territory
    Mazda CX-9
    Honda Odyssey <— waiting for test drive

    Also came across :

    Kluger v CX-9 v Pathfinder v Territory v Santa Fe v Sorento | 7-seat SUV 4WD comparison
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsrrUxnu7p0&list=PL80aZemp82…

    We found out the best suited options are :
    - Nissan Pathfinder
    - Toyota Kluger

    Reason : good enough space and easy access to 3rd row compared to rest vehicles.
    Esp we have 2 kids accommodating 2nd row and aged parents in 3rd row
    (who will probably come with us lets say 4-5 times per months on short trips)

    I felt Toyota Kluger much better over Pathfinder when I test drove it but my concern is its bit thirsty vehicle.
    If you guys an share bit more about this V6 engine Toyota Kluger if I should be concern or not if i plan to drive may be max 20kms per day withing Sydney?

    • spackbace on 07/10/2015 - 11:28

      If you guys an share bit more about this V6 engine Toyota Kluger if I should be concern or not if i plan to drive may be max 20kms per day withing Sydney?

      Yes it's thirsty, but the Toyota V6 is a solid engine and will last you 300,000kms+

      As I mentioned earlier, a slightly thirsty car won't cost you that much per week compared to an 'economical' car, but the functionality is the main thing.

      I find it strange you're still asking about the car, yet you've looked into finance rates for that same car. Have you signed a contract yet or not?

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