Small-Mid Sized SUVs Looking to Start a Family Suggestions

Trying2SaveABuck on 22/05/2019 - 13:55
Last edited 22/05/2019 - 13:56

Hi guys,

Looking for some community input wife is looking for a small –mid sized SUV something that is easy to drive and easy to put a baby in and out. She doesn’t want anything too big but does know she wants a SU.

Safety is also important – however I think most SUVs cars have a decent safety ratings… Also has to be 4 doors
Looking to buy ex-demo ideally but if I have to go new then that’s life, not wanting to spend too much $$ (ideally under 35k)…

Any experiences with cars would be listened too weather they be good or bad? This could also include serving costs, warranty issues, insurance costs etc.

Also if you are in Victoria and have any insight into dealership customer service to suggest id like to hear it. I got my car from Caroline Springs Honda wasn’t happy with them and wouldn’t ever go back there… generally you dont know what they are like till after you have brought the car

Thanks in advanced

Automotive Car SUV

Comments

                                                                  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2019 - 13:24

                                                                    @brendanm: Golf R32 Mk5.

                                                                    I too don't bother with fast road cars. I drive the family beater cars now and my cars get driven by everyone else.

                                                                    Won't say no to the GT2RS though.

                                                • Danstar on 23/05/2019 - 22:10
                                                  +1

                                                  @[Deactivated]: I didn’t read all the past posts. But you’ve stated anyone who buys fwd is a moron, but now claim awd is only advantageous in special circumstances …

        • isthisreallife22 on 24/05/2019 - 01:21

          I agree with Burner… do not understand why you'd buy a 2wd SUV.

          • whooah1979 on 24/05/2019 - 06:04
            +1

            @isthisreallife22: It sounds like the Subaru ads have done a good job.

            There are AWD sedans and hatchbacks. Why aren't we all driving AWD?

          • Euphemistic on 24/05/2019 - 06:39
            +1

            @isthisreallife22: You don’t understand why you would save money, fuel, weight, complexity when you don’t need AWD unless you often drive in more slippery conditions than a standard wet road?

          • brendanm on 24/05/2019 - 10:06

            @isthisreallife22: An SUV is anything that is a bit higher than a sedan nowadays. People like sitting higher with slightly more ground clearance for some reason. Doesn't mean they are taking them off-road.

            • Danstar on 24/05/2019 - 14:06

              @brendanm: And a bigger boot/ability to drop seats use the boot almost as a Ute

  • SydStrand on 22/05/2019 - 19:19
    +2

    RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson are safe options. Mazda CX-30 is coming out next year and it looks like a winner, assuming you can wait that long.

    • spackbace on 22/05/2019 - 19:24

      Falls in between the CX3 and the CX5? But the CX5 isn't exactly a big car for putting a rear-facing car seat in, and the 30 will be smaller?

  • Skramit on 22/05/2019 - 21:41
    +1

    Golf R

    • pegaxs on 22/05/2019 - 22:32

      Wow, didn’t know it came in an SUV…

      • Skramit on 23/05/2019 - 08:22
        +1

        Just mod it with 4x4 springs. DONE.

      • brendanm on 23/05/2019 - 16:54
        +2

        Pretty much the same amount of room as most of these small SUVs. Pretty sure my golf had more room in the back than my ASX. Then look like they will be bigger, but often aren't. Though if they want something high for whatever reason, it obviously won't cut it.

        For having kids and prams etc, I'd personally go a wagon.

  • 01001111 01000010 on 23/05/2019 - 07:24

    Nissan X-Trail

  • Danstar on 23/05/2019 - 08:30
    +1

    If you go for a Nissan, City Nissan were awesome to deal with and gave 4-5k cheaper price then any other dealer. Which I was surprised with, dealers in the suburbs over charge cos they know most people just go to their nearest dealer and don't shop around.

  • boccos on 23/05/2019 - 13:58
    +1

    Things in the Car industry change quickly. For instance, Toyota Camry resale values have plummeted, not from build quality but because of lack of popularity due to the public preferring SUV's. Go for an SUV.

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 23/05/2019 - 15:41

      I donno if that is totally true i think the gap in price for cars from new to old has closed a lot in the past 5-10 years - when it comes to the lower end cheaper cars

      Lets say a new Toyota Camry is around 30k (RRP) brand new ie close to 0km with 5 warranty and you can get capped servicing

      You could prob get a Camry 5 years older with under 100km for 17k HOWEVER you get no warranty and you buy it as is….

      now some people would say the 5 years of age and a lack of warranty is not worth the extra 13k and would risk a potential lemon being sold to them and they would be happy as Larry….

      However others would be like id rather not taking any risks and go new or ex-demo - try talk the dealer down to 27k (new - Ex demo you would aim for 22k) with some extras…

      I used to be all about Carsales.com.au and car auctions but these days 'family brands' ie Toyota, Nissan etc are worth buying new or ex-demo because the gap isnt what it used to be in some cases. Specially when you consider you can always knock off a couple 1000 if you negotiate or get a few extra from the RRP.

      I wouldnt buy a new Mercedes because the gap in price between new and used is huge but lower end affordable cars i'd say that gap is closing because of the benefits of a 'new car'

      Not saying new is worth the extra money but i would say it isnt a beneficial to used car as it was 10 years ago

      That is my opinion i got my Honda Civic Ex demo for 22.5k has 4000km on the odometer they threw in a few extras and i got 5 years of warranty and cap servicing costs - A 2nd hand civic 5 years old with 60-70km go for over 16k the difference isnt miles apart anymore and for me 6.5k was worth a ex-demo with a few extras

      OF course it depends on the car and the brand but it is something i have noticed

      • boccos on 24/05/2019 - 13:35

        Valuation on 6 yr old Camry was $8000. (dealership offer as a trade-in value (35k on clock,perfect condition)

        • Trying2SaveABuck on 24/05/2019 - 15:19
          +1

          omg are you serious? the dealship will low ball the f*** out of you you do realise that?

          here is a good example this car is 8 years old and still worth about >10k https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/Toyota-Camry-2011/S…

          So how a 6 year old version is worth 8k just compare a few cars on car sales it will give ya an idea sure u take 5-10% away on car sales with negotiation but the same can be said for buying a car at ex demo or new

          A 6 y.o camry with less then 100km would go for at least 16k

        • LSGH on 25/05/2019 - 20:11

          bought a 8 year old base model Camry for $7,800 from a private seller in my suburb, 12 years later it’s still running well, I put the $ 20,000 I saved for not buying new into a down payment for my home

  • ahly92 on 23/05/2019 - 21:15

    Small-Mid Sized SUVs Looking to Start a Family Suggestions

    I know its 2019 and we are not supposed to judge but that's taking it a bit too far… But love is love!

    probably the wrong Forum buddy…not sure if there is a car tinder alternative but best of luck!

  • Brouw3r on 23/05/2019 - 23:04

    I got a MY19 Honda CR-V VTi9 for $32k drive away in WA with 7 years road side assist, 7 year warranty and 6 months rego. Have been happy with it so far but too early for anything to have really gone wrong I suppose but this is coming from a MY06 Accord Euro which was faultless over the ~6 years I had it. My only real gripe is it's FWD but 99.9% of the time it makes no difference to me and I couldn't justify the ~$6k to get 4WD. Also looked seriously at the Kia Sportage but build quality and resale of the Honda won out in the end.

    • SomeRandom on 24/05/2019 - 20:17

      I looked at this really seriously… but ended up with the Mazda CX-5 GT.

      Due to the ongoing class action lawsuits to do with petrol getting into the engine oil.

      It seems that it's a known issue, but Honda have continued to sell the cars in Australia.
      (it has been recalled in other places)

      You'll know the problem has struck when the system tells you that you need an oil change… and it's only been a few months.

      https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news…

  • BestofOZB on 24/05/2019 - 02:59

    Outlander.
    Basic, cheap to buy, cheap to run (capped service too), reliable (mostly), long warranty.

    • ShortyX on 24/05/2019 - 10:36

      Agreed. In terms of size, the Outlander seems to be in between mid and large. https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/vehicles/outlander/rang…

      • BestofOZB on 24/05/2019 - 13:59

        It's a mid size. The back row if you get the 7 seaters is really for 7 year olds to sit in on the way to soccer.

        Having looked at the prices in your link, at 28,000, maybe get it down to 26,000, it's a great value.

  • idonteven on 24/05/2019 - 08:18

    If you wait a bit longer, new Kia compact SUV will be coming out late this year. Price will definitely be within your range.

  • knasty on 24/05/2019 - 09:10
    +3

    Kia Sportage Si Premium 30k drive away. Not cutting edge but solid for the cash.

    • EvilOverLord on 24/05/2019 - 11:39
      +2

      +1 on Kia Sportage. 7 Year warranty, great car, been driving one since 2016, no problems. Has a good turning circle as well.

      Have no problems with getting 6month old in and out of the car seat in the back. Can also still fit 4 adults in the car with the infant seat in as well. You lose a fair chunk of boot space with a pram in the back, but depending on the size of the pram etc, you can still get a fair bit in.

  • MagicMikez32 on 24/05/2019 - 10:26
    -3

    If you don't look at the Volvo range, you are crazy.

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 24/05/2019 - 10:45

      would love too but dont think i could afford it

      • MagicMikez32 on 24/05/2019 - 11:04
        -1

        They are quite reasonably priced if you don't buy new. You'll be surprised.

        They are serious family cars. We have had an early XC90, nearly 300,000kms on it when we recently upgraded to a 2012 R-design XC90 D5.

        Wife loved the old one so much we had to get another.

        • ShortyX on 24/05/2019 - 12:30

          What does 'serious family cars' mean?

          • BestofOZB on 24/05/2019 - 14:00

            @ShortyX: I think he means safety and cabin comfort, not off road.

  • Jugganautx on 24/05/2019 - 18:38
    -1

    Why do people keep posting these threads… use the search and you'll find atleast 5 in the last 6 months with hundreds of comments…

  • SomeRandom on 24/05/2019 - 20:23
    +1

    You'll get a lot of general car talk in this thread OP.
    Everyone has a different opinion… which is why there are soooo many Small/Medium SUVs available.

    I went with the Mazda CX-5 shortly after our first child was born.
    It's considered to be a "medium size SUV"… but be aware that when your carseat is "rear-facing" (which is has to be for babies)… even a medium sized SUV is going to require the front passenger seat to be scooted quite a long way forward.

    So, my advice is to think about the carseat at the same time as thinking about the car.

    I went with a massive baby carseat (Britax Safe & Sound Platinum Pro+)
    Some of the carseats are more compact (but not really by all that much)

    • brendanm on 25/05/2019 - 13:07

      This is good info, rear facing car seats take up a lot of room.

  • ozoner on 25/05/2019 - 08:29

    My suggestion is if you are "looking to" start a family, you have at least 8 months (probably more) to worry about a vehicle. Concentrate your energies on other important stuff for now, like accommodation, financial, anticipated emotional drain, perpetual lack of sleep, relationship pressure, and need for social/family support - the things that any parent will tell you come with the territory (and not the ford kind! :) ). Right at this moment your car should be reasonably low on your list of priorities.

    • Danstar on 25/05/2019 - 11:17

      True. In the end all new cars are pretty decent (except Holden Captiva. Stay away from them)

  • morse on 25/05/2019 - 15:23
    +1

    We bought a Honda CR-V in January specifically for ease of lifting a baby in and out, but also because we needed a new car to replace and ageing '94 Corolla. We haven't had the baby yet (due Sept) so can't comment as to whether this was a good choice. Some the things that made us choose this car in relation to babies was that the door opens a bit wider, the roof height is on the higher side compared to some other small SUVs, the roof doesn't slope down too much at back and there is air conditioning in the back. It's 1.5L turbo and seems to be quite fuel efficient compared to others to get the same height of vehicle (i.e. got height without it being a huge fuel guzzling car). We looked at a number of SUVs and looked a the rear seat height, roof height and door opening - basically imagined lifting a baby/toddler in and out of the back seat. Good luck with your choice.

    • SomeRandom on 25/05/2019 - 15:55

      The CRV really impressed me… incredible amount of room inside the cabin despite the size of the car.

      Dropped out of the running at the last minute because of this:

      https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news…

      • morse on 25/05/2019 - 17:13

        yep, we were aware of this when buying but took the risk… so far so good.

        • SomeRandom on 26/05/2019 - 21:53

          You might be OK if you got a 2019 engine.
          Apparently they rolled out the fix to those engines in the factory (pre-shipment).

          https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/honda…

          If it's a 2018 model (e.g. January 2019 run-out) then you might run into trouble later.
          They say it's particularly problematic in cold weather and with frequent short distance trips
          (i.e. while the engine is cold)

          Fingers Crossed.

  • TheNachoMan1 on 25/05/2019 - 18:57

    Would recommend a sensible sedan such as a Camry or Commodore. The camry is a slightly larger Rav4 which is significantly cheaper, but also safer in rollovers. Boot space is not an issue. If you require more boot space, a commodore wagon is a large car which wouldnt be too much money, be large in the back, safe, and have a huge boot. Also quite reliable.

  • ShanB on 25/05/2019 - 19:24

    Wise people of Ozbargain, what is your opinion on Suzuki Vitara? (not grand vitara).

    • spackbace on 25/05/2019 - 20:47
      +1

      Used to sell for Suzuki and I liked my Vitara turbo demo! Forget the 1.6L tho, far too little power!
      Had to close the doors harder than normal, and reports talk about lots of hard plastics (which I can't remember). Also relatively expensive servicing.
      But $30k asking vs $37k for an entry level RAV4 is a big difference

      • ShanB on 27/05/2019 - 09:33

        Thanks Spackbace for your response.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2019 - 21:53

    Cx5 mate. That's all you need

  • hamcp820 on 25/05/2019 - 23:10
    +1

    Op check out racv running costs https://www.racv.com.au/content/dam/racv/images/public-polic…

    • spackbace on 25/05/2019 - 23:29

      That list assumes every car is RRP

    • brendanm on 27/05/2019 - 10:04
      +1

      They have a haval depreciating at the same rate as a cx5…

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