Buying New 7 Seven Seater SUV and Need Your Suggestions

Hi,

I am planning to buy 7 seater SUV and got couple of choices:

  1. Mazda CX 9 Azami MY17 Brand New
  2. Land Rover Discovery Sports TD4 HSE MY16 done 19K KM.

I am thinking of going with Mazda just because that is a brand new car, got more space inside and have more features like start stop, smart city break, etc..

On the other hand I see the brand i.e. Land Rover, diesel engine better fuel efficiency, exterior is lot better, comes with panoramic roof. I have tried online reviews for both the cars and they both have same reviews.

My budget is around $60K.

Can someone please suggest or advice me on the above 2 cars?

Thanks

Comments

  • +4

    I have a 7 seater Mitsubishi Outlander 2ltr diesel. solid car so far. had it 4 years and done ~60,000kms. nice power, roomy. drove Bris -Melb a couple of times and have loved the fuel economy. the third row is very decent. I've sat in and found it fine - I'm 183cms. for kids its perfect.

    My sister in law a bought 7 seater Toyota Kluger last year after previously having 2 CX9s - she prefers it over the mazdas - not just features but price as well.

    • +2

      nice power and outlander in the same sentence? wow.
      Have you driven a vehicle with good torque and hp. All about relativity i guess.

      Kulgger's interior is so plasticky.

      • Seconded on kluger interior

      • It's a Toyota, what do you expect. Unless you are willing to pay the extra and buy their premium range Lexus ;)

    • Do you work for Mitsubishi? We tested out the Outlander and my wife is 5"6, she said the last row was a bit cramp. I am not sure how you(183cm) fit in the back row fine unless you are really skinny or a contortionist? :P

      • don't work for mitsubishi. certainly not skinny. if you move the middle row forward as well then there is good room. again, it's perfect for kids. when we checked out the xtrail 7 seater - now there was a car with a back row only fit for legless little people.

        • Ok. We had a look at xtrail and outlander and settled on a pathfinder eventually. Not great petrol consumption but at least the missus is happy. Kluger was out of our price range. :)

    • You must work for Mitsubishi and you barely use the car by the looks of it. If i was to rank them, i would put the mitsubishi with the least space between the three cars and put the mazada cx9 with the most space. Thats coming from looking at the specs available for the cars.

  • +2

    Cx9 and disco sport nor really comparable as disco sport is a 5 + 2 rather than a full 7 seat. I would go the cx9 over disco sport

    How often will you use the 6th & 7th seat? If often than Kluger and Pathfinder are better options unless your budget stretches enough for a new Land Rover Discovery 5 or even the Disco 4 is a fantastic 7 seater.

    • I wont be using 6 & 7 seats everyday, its just that when my or my partners family comes over we have extra space and seats.

      Kluger is bad with fuel economy and Toyota guys told me that new Kluger is coming out in few months.

      • +1

        I would look at cx9, kia sorento and hyundai sante fe.

        Land rover disco sport is a nice vehicle but ownership outside of warranty is a big liability.

        • +2

          Santa Fe SR looks the goods (im comparing that now to a older X5 M05D)

      • +17

        Wouldn't you be better of renting a 7 seater when family comes over ? Someone I know does this.
        Think about it - otherwise its going to be an elephant to maintain.

      • +1

        Check out the new Izuzu MU-X 7 seater, Deisel engine used on trucks, 7 seats and you can rest assure if you decide to go 4X4 sand driving or 4WD adventures discovering Australia

      • +1

        Nissan is having massive trouble with the Pathfinder gearboxes, even in 2017 models. Notice they are depreciating like stones.

  • +17

    Kia Sorento

    • +2

      Second this SUV, you can have top of the line model - really good in both user and expert reviews ..

      • +2

        Yep, and can't beat the 7 year warranty

    • +2

      Third this. Great car.

      • Fourth this. Love it.

        • -2

          Sir you need to calm down. Too far man

    • +2

      +10

    • +2

      I own the 2016 Platinum version. Pretty nice car with an extremely comprehensive list of features. I'm still learning how to activate some of the thingos.

      Diesel consumption is around 7L/100km on the highway and about 9.5L/100km in the city.

      When I bought this car I was prepared to spent a lot more on either a Lexus or Audi however after a couple of test drives I decided I could not justify the extra expenditure. Being that it is a Kia I was pretty hesitant but after owning the car for a year I can say the quality is really up there and in some cases even better than cars that are $20000 or $40000 more.

      I have had 2 full grown adults in the 3rd row of seats without issue.

      My favorite things:

      Panoramic roof
      Heated and cooled leather seats
      Slide up sashes for rear windows
      Adaptive cruse control - really good for bumper to bumper traffic

  • +1

    My budget is around $60K.
    Can someone please suggest or advice me on the above 2 cars?

    2017 kluger gxl awd.
    http://www.caradvice.com.au/514533/2017-toyota-kluger-review…
    http://www.caradvice.com.au/524806/2017-toyota-kluger-pricin…

      • +1

        Horrible car

        is that your opinion based on experience?

  • Get the mazda

  • -1

    xtrail is also available as 7 seats.
    Kluger or CX9 over the discovery sport.
    just remember start stop batteries are really expensive to buy - check the price out because you'll be buying one every year or so (start stop batteries have half the warranty of normal batteries)

    the new disco, I think looks a bit ugly compared to their other models, but thats a personal opinion of course.

    • the new disco, I think looks a bit ugly compared to their other models, but thats a personal opinion of course.

      The box disco4 was/is still the best shape. Good view and big cargo in the back. The current shape is a strange looking evoque.

      • yeah, just strange looking. Front is Ok but then it goes a bit weird towards the back.
        Looks a very cheap rover I think.

    • start stop batteries are really expensive to buy - check the price out because you'll be buying one every year or so

      So is the saving in fuel actually worth the additional cost of a new expensive battery every year or is it all a gimmick?

      • You'd have to work the sums out but I bet it doesn't save you dollars at all,
        Whirlpool suggests that a start stop battery for a cx5 is $580, but there'd be less pollution maybe.

        • +2

          Except all the pollution generated to produce the more batteries required and to dispose or recycle them.

        • @maxi:
          That's why I said maybe.
          Hey, they are made in another country so it doesn't matter :-)

        • @PVA:
          Yes. I think a similar reasoning was made about solar panels…

      • The aim is to reduce vehicle co2 emmisions and other pollutions. On the account of your wallet. It saves fuel but far from saving your $$$.

        SS systems is a 'cheat' for manufacturers to comply with the ever strangling euro laws.

      • Our Passat Alltrack still has its original battery, and we've just entered the 5th year of ownership

    • Is this based on experience? AGM batteries is made for start stop. My cars & friends' with start-stop function and didn't have to change batteries at all for few years of ownership.

      • based on an RACQ breakdown guy when our battery was replaced.

  • +1

    How about Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL, $62,990 drive away?

    http://toyotainventory.terryshieldstoyota.com.au/new-vehicle…

    • +1

      This, but i have seen them for 59k DA

      • +2

        That's a good price, have to keep that price in mind.

        This car is my ultimate dream for my retirement when i start caravan life proper :)

        Now it's a RAV4 and tent, which is a lot of fun also :)

        • +2

          We've had a couple of pardos. 2003 model we bought used with 38k on it, hardly had any issues with it.

          A couple of years ago we upgraded to the altitude which includes a few extra compared to gxl. Had the features the wife wanted without having to go up to the Kakadu.

          Great cars. That ar ideal for a young family. We live in the bush drives to Melbourne are great and comfortable on the freeway.

  • Within the two choices I would prefer Land Rover.
    Do you really need 7 seats? I don't think the last row is usable unless it's kids in these two cars.

    • CX 9 got lot more space than Disco Sports for sure. CX 9 is full 7 seater. In Disco Sports you can only get kids on 6 & 7 seats.

      For me 6 & 7 seats will be used 1 or 2 times a month.

      • Sure CX9 has got lot more space and it feels big as well. I still won't be happy to sit in the seat 6&7 in cx9 for more than 30 mins.

        For me 6 & 7 seats will be used 1 or 2 times a month.

        If this is for getting around the city it's fine. But it's not as comfortable if it's weekend trips for long distance.

        • +1

          People seem to forget how we as kids coped previously… who remembers the falcon/commodore station wagons with rear facing 6/7 seats - saw plenty of them on coast trips - likewise landcruiser fold down 6/7 seats which i as a teenager would use on Syd > Forster trips. Cotton wool and all i say

        • +1

          @chriskq:
          Seats?!!?!!! Luxury I tell ya!!!! We used to just sit in the back of the HQ wagon.

  • +1

    Tarago

    • Looking for SUV not people mover.

  • +9

    kia sorento for sure, 7 years warranty and nothing you have to worry about

    • +1

      Resell value?

      • +3

        Resale is solid with Kia. Check it a 3 year old one…

        • +1

          I means after 7 year warranty, looking to get one and intended to use for less than 10 years

        • +1

          @LoveBargain15:

          I'm a bit confused… if you want to keep it for under 7 years, great, pretty strong resale with some warranty still remaining.

          If you want to keep it for over 7 years, resale usually isn't so important as whatever car you choose with have lost plenty of value. At least the Sorrento will have provided you with years of happy motoring, with the comfort of a long warranty.

          I sound like a Kia fanboy, I'm absolutely not, I don't have one, but I've driven one, and I'm just waiting for my mindset to shift from the Kia of old, to the Kia of new…. they are actually pretty awesome now.

        • -2

          @Buyme:

          My Brain function in the same way as you, heard good and bad for Kia, I want to keep it for long run however come into my mind is the car will fall apart from days 1 out of warranty.

          For example if I buy a Toyota or Mazda, i think i will still recop about 40 - 50% of the car value, I am unsure what left for Kia.

          If one day I had enough KIA with repairs I am afraid the resell value may be 10 - 20% left compare to 40 - 50% may be more for Toyota or Mazda.

        • +2

          @LoveBargain15: if you are looking to sell it between 7 and 10 years later, no car is going to retain 40-50% of the original price

        • @jase_h:

          It is just a comparison, can you let me know what car retain the resell value better Kia or Toyota for a 7 years to 10 years old car?

        • +1

          @Buyme:

          i have the Kia Sorrento Platinum Diesel for almost 2 years now. Very very happy with this car. Best I have ever had and the value packed into it for the price is very impressive.

          So when you do get over to the Kia of New I don't think you will be disappointed.

        • @jtc13: I've had the same Platinum version for almost 12 months. Pretty decent car. Totally changed my perception of Kia.

        • @jase_h:

          HIACE can retains more than 50% :))
          Also u never run out of rooms. :)))

        • @owen199618:

          HIACE can retains more than 50% :))

          we've a diesel with extra seats. they've more than enough cargo space, but rather uncomfortable for the crew in back.

          looking to replace it with prado or another seven/eight seat 4wd/suv.

  • +25

    I have a 2017 CX-9 AZAMI - pretty happy with it, I would recommend it for families. I owned the previous cx-9 model shape also so I can benchmark between the old and new cx-9.

    I had my old CX-9 for 6 years and basically nothing went wrong with it (original tyres, brakes even) so I was happy to upgrade to the newer model.

    The good:
    Uses ALLOT less fuel
    DAB+ radio via Bose system is great
    Start stop works well and isnt clunky like it is on many other Japanese cars
    LED lights are better (crisper/brighter) than the old HID's in the outgoing model

    MY minor gripes - things you wont find in a magazine review.

    1. Body/Bumper colouring is bad. I have complained to Mazda about mine, I understand paint doesn't look the same between body and bumper for any number of reasons but I think the current CX-9 is pretty bad (all colours). Mazda have agreed to find another factory painted bumper that better matches my car and swap it.

    2. The mirrors don't fold down like they used to in reverse like the old model did to assist with parking

    3. The engine is great and very fuel efficient (relative terms), but it idles high when first started (annoyingly buzzy), not calm and complaint like the old 3.7L 6 Cylinder in the outgoing model. So you don't get that "large car" feel when you first start off in the morning, once it warms up its all good.

    4. While the engine and trans are quick off the mark (relative terms), there is no 4 wheel burnout type feeling possible which could be achieved in the old model, the car feels more nible off the mark and around town, but has lost some grunt power and there is a bit of turbo lag when overtaking around 30-40km/h in slower traffic.

    5. The Bose system no longer has a sub mounted in the back, the front bose speakers are beefier, but nothing beats the old school rumble from a sub floor mounted sub in the back.

    6. The rear tail gate is a powered gate, which can ONLY be used in power mode (a bit slow). The old gate allowed you to pull it up and down, this one doesn't like manual handling.

    7. If you fork out the $500 or so for the cargo cover (no its not included even in the top spec model) the positioning of the bar that holds this is set BACK from the 2nd row seats and set low - a little hard to explain but basically you lose about 70% of volume/area with this cover - crappy design.

    8. The fog lights (front) do very little, aesthetically they look cool, but they are too small in practice

    9. The rear vision mirror is now electronically dimmable - problem is the position of the mirror and windows mean that headlights seldom strike the mirror - so it never dims. (perhaps in country driving with a truck behind you it may be of benefit but not so much around town)

    10. Back on the tailgate complaints - when you open the tailgate it no longer unlocks the side doors as the old model did (even if you manually press the lock button next to the electronic gate release - the lock button ONLY LOCKS. May not seem a problem, but when you open the tailgate electronically (remember no key required so you just press the button on the gate with the key in your bag), place you bag and gear into the boot. Close the tailgate - BUT - problem is the doors are still locked, you then have to go back open the tailgate (slow auto open motor) get your bag out, lug it around the side of the car - then press the button the door top open the doors - in my view a major design flaw, which can hopefully be corrected with a software update which may make the tailgate LOCK button ALSO function as a UNLOCK button for the doors.

    11. This thing is WIDE - as in expect to get dents all over it at the supermarket as it barely fits in a standard car park. It is a tiny bit shorter than the older model (but there is also less cargo space) but it is WIDER (if this was at all possible).

    12. Something I just noticed after 3 months of ownership - NO CD player, thats right…. 2 x USB inputs and a host of other wizz bangarey, but chuck out all your CD's or start converting them to mp3's now.

    13. Collision avoidance is too paranoid (adjustment possible through the dash but even on conservative I think it is too paranoid). If a car in front is about to turn off the road (say into a side street) - get too close and BANG - HUD shows BRAKE and boom - full abs slam on the brakes….. scary stuff. I think a human driver can perceive the other vehicle turning off to the side, but the collision avoidance thinks the car has dramatically slowed and staying in front - hence it panics.

    Anyway - as I said I am probably one of the worst car consumers out there as things others find relatively mundane I find annoying. Hopefully these nuances with the car demonstrate it doesnt really have any fundamental flaws I can pick or complain about.

    • Thanks Mate, I appreciate your response. How did you find Heads up display?

      • +4

        I think the HUD is good, but to be honest I have nothing to compare it to. It is bright - even in direct sun, its position can be adjusted slightly. The layout allows you to incorporate the RPM's (analogue) and speed in digital form which is handy (ie you can see if the motor is off when at lights as the rpm's drop off to Nil)- next turn per the gps is also displayed on the HUD which means no taking your eyes off the road to look at a GPS screen. I thought it would be "wankfactor" when I ordered the car, but its actually pretty useful. When you drive other cars you will actually be annoyed that you have to move your eyes downwards to view a speedo, it becomes a chore to look down when you are used to the speed being blasted onto the windscreen. I was also a firm previous hater of start/stop, my feeling was based on another car with a clunkier iteration of the tech - the good thing with the Mazda is the car tells you how many extra k's the car has traveled effectively for free thanks to you using start/stop - ie I now don't hate it as I can see I have got XXkm effectively for free. Per the comments above about battery wear and tear I might lose some love if I need to buy a new battery every 12 months, but I guess we'll see. I know the Azami uses a capacitor charged up when slowing down to run accessories while the car is idling - I wonder if this helps the battery life expectancy if some start up juice is coming from the capacitor??

    • +4

      I don't want a SUV or any reason to buy one but I love cars so I ended up here. I agree what with what you wrote only an owner opinions can give you answers like this.

      Most online reviews are busy rephrasing the car specs and not ballsy enough to point out serious issues to favour manufacturers. So that they won't get banned from getting new cars for review in the future.

    • Add to this…

      1. No Android Play or Apple AirPlay for a top of a range car
      2. No camera on top of centre mirror which exists in other model (In Tesla, they are used to read road speed signs)
      3. No powered mirror for a top of a range car.
      4. GPS is STILL cannot show Speed Cameras whilst most others can (they were using Denso. Denso doesn't issue GPS with Speed Camera Capability)

      The car needs to be priced no more than $55k including on road to be considered worth it given there are others which can give more features eg: Outlander Exceed.

      Still a great car. I own the old one myself.

      • +1

        Yeah, they do a little more than that in a Tesla

  • Don't buy a Disco Sport, its a Freelander marketed upmarket. It's a really a 4 seater with 3 occasional seats. The full size new Disco is better, but its above your price range. The base model is $71k + onroads, in 7 seats. You could probably negotiate it down to 71k drive away, and its a much much better car than any of the others suggested here.

  • 2 things.

    Discovery is a 4wd, not SUV. It is designed to tackle off road or towing with ease. Mazda is an SUV so you are comparing apples and oranges. Which

    Land Rover regularly rates amongst the lowest in reliability while Mazda rates amongst the highest. Something to consider to consider.

    • +4

      The discovery is 4wd but the disco sport is a soft cock version you probably wouldn't want to take on the beaten track.

    • Nope, the base models are definitely SUVs, they have no transfer case. They are much better cars than any Mazda, the drive train is vastly superior as a starting point.

  • +6

    Bangbus. The most versatile way to move people.

  • +1

    You can't compare DiscoSports with Mazda.
    I think comes down to your need, yes DiscoSports is not as spacious as Mazda but Land rover drive is much smoother than Mazda..
    DiscoSports do have all the features but many of them come as option packs.

    We got Disco Sports petrol last year, and last month did MEL-BNE-SYD-MEL road trip, almost 4k in 10 days, loved every bit of it..
    What I love in my car is the classie look with some serious style, comfort, and fast (when I need it)..

    If you end up choosing Disco Sports and your annual Kms is around 10K, my suggestion is to go for Petrol one, much smoother than Diesel..

    • I don't think anyone thinks the Disco sport is classy. And it certainly isn't fast.

  • +1

    Prado..

  • +3

    Another vote for the Prado. As other posters have noted, Toyota are by far the best option if available to you.
    The new version has third row seats that fold down to a flat floor and the 2.8 diesel engine is sweet.
    I have a mate with a CX7 and he has had no end of issues with it, mainly electrical.

  • +2

    Toyota Corolla ftw

    • +3

      Love to know how to leagly fit 7 people in Corolla.

  • OP before you sign the contract on buying the cx9 please ask the dealer about the servicing costs. I bought a mazda 3 thought every research i did was sufficient to conclude a good value car but forgot about the service costs which starts from $350 for a minor 10,000km second service to $450 or more every other services at highest $650 or so. That's a lot of money every year on just servicing the car unless you decide to give up the new car warranty and DIY service. Don't even bother with servicing it at independent service stations could save you a lot as they also benchmark dealer service centre prices and apply a 10% lower price and that's it.

    • +1

      $350 minor? That is expensive. Even mercedes' one is $396 capped for service A (minor) and $792 for service B (major)and that's at 15k km.

      • yep and MB use very good quality oil and parts etc. The MB service pricing even covers old models out of warranty. Sounds like Mazda have a pretty good scam going.

  • +5

    The Hyundai Santa Fe now comes in 7 Seater :-)
    Can't go wrong with it.

    I have the Hyundai Elantra trophy and I find it excellent.

    http://www.hyundai.com.au/cars/suvs/santa-fe

  • +3

    You should buy a 80K high yield investment Toyota.

    • Can't go wrong with a camry or two.

    • +2

      Op doesn't work at Westpac

  • Does it have to be new and local? And does it have to be an SUV?

    Have you heard of the Nissan Elgrand? It's more of a people mover but it has 7 leather seats with 4 child anchor points, sliding doors, cameras all around the car so you can see all around you car when you're parking (curb camera is good for parallel parking so you don't scratch your wheels) , adaptive cruise control, Hid headlights, all wheel drive options, has a detuned version of the vq35de engine from the old 350z (around 180kw), 10+ bose speakers with central display unit and optional displays behind each headrest, built in TV tuner (needs some tweaks to get it working for AU).

    The head unit is in Japanese but the importers can arrange for an English swap.

    All this and more for under 30k.

    • I see the Elgrand on the road and think "wow, what a vehicle, so much kit for so little cash". But they are pretty hideous to look at. I can't imagine they are great on fuel either… but the practicality… not sure they're is another choice. They are amazing!

      • Understandable, they are hideous, haha. However, I find most vehicles in this range tend to consume a lot of fuel unless they are turbo diesel.

    • For a 10 year old car with suspect number of Kms and service history. Difficult to source new parts also. I do wish Nissan and Toyota would bring in Elgrand and Alphard though and other boxy Japanese cars :)

      • I generally don't recommend buying a car being sold locally it's generally better going through a reputable import broker like iron chef imports who will buy cars at auctions that have full service histories and deregistration certificates to confirm legitimate kays. There's also Japanese odo check to confirm kays as well. It's hard to beat the value for money.

        Parts aren't too bad either, shares parts with a fair few local Nissan's if you know where to look.

  • +6

    SUV, what for? Get a Camry.

    Signed,
    90% of OzB community

  • -1

    PRADO for the win

    • +5

      Maybe 15 years ago when they released the model. Not now.

  • +4

    New Sorento or Santa Fe.

    Discovery is nice and will give you more social credit/looks though.
    I haven't driven the new CX-9 but it will be solid resale value too and looks really nice.

    And to those saying the land rover's aren't reliable, there's a reason 5 year old discovery's still go for 30K+, because they're reliable.
    The freelander's are Puss, but the Discovery's have always been good cars.

    Take a Sorento platinum for a drive too. 7 year warranty. SUV of the year.

    • +1

      That's not the reason land rovers are expensive. They're a fashion accessory. Look at any reliability survey on the internet and lr is at the bottom.

      In Europe, 5yo lr sell for peanuts.

      • Have a look on carsales. Land Rovers that were significantly cheaper than X5's or ML Mercs as new cars are now worth more than X5's/Mercs of the same year.
        Their Turbo Diesel engines are known as one of the most reliable engines in the world.

        There's always a bit of wank factor with more expensive cars but the Discovery is a very reliable car.
        The freelander, not so much.
        Range Rovers are okay, not as good as Discovery.

        • How is a RR not as good as a discovery? It's literally better in every single way.

Login or Join to leave a comment