Help Me Narrow down My Next Purchase of Used 7 Seater Car

We have welcomed our second baby recently and now looking to buy 7 seater. Calling all car enthusiasts and current owner/user to help me out narrow down the selection. While there are many forums are available on OzBargain about this, it didn't help me a lot. Based on my online research I have selected below cars as my initial options. I would like to narrow it down to two cars that I can focus on buying. Budget is around $35k. Any other tips and gotchas on buying used are also welcome.

Requirements: In the order of priority
Good resale value
Reliable
No more than 5 year old
Better fuel efficiency (Going to be driven 70+ km everyday)
Less maintenance cost
Spacious third row

Poll Options expired

  • 65
    Kia Sorrento
  • 35
    Other (Please Specify)
  • 33
    Mazda CX-9
  • 16
    Hyundai SantaFe
  • 14
    Toyota Kluger
  • 5
    Mitsubishi Outlander
  • 2
    Nissan Pathfinder

Comments

  • +21

    Toyota Camry

    Spacious third row

    Kia Grand Carnival

    /thread

    • +1

      Came to say this.

      …and Alphard if one has the coin.

  • +12

    Honda Odyssey

    • +2

      I'm surprised this is not in the list. Probably the best "people mover" out there. Looks a bit ugly

      • +3

        I own it and I love it as a seven-seaters.

        Like Op the third rows can be spare, it is very easy for me to fold and unfold the third row.

    • Great liable engine. You will visit mechanic less often.

      • +4

        An engine as a liability? Doesn’t sound good to me.

    • +2

      +1 Have one. Best car I have ever owned.

  • +4

    Kia Grand Carnival

    • Thanks.. I'll be sure to have a look at this option

  • +9

    Proper 7 seater = Kia Carnival
    Part time 7 seater = Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe
    Very occasional 7 seater = Mitsubishi Outlander

    • Appreciated..It would be a part time use for us having my parents staying on and off

      • +18

        The number of times I hear that…

        When a Camry/RAV4 Hybrid would be sufficient (and you could buy brand new for that budget) but you need the bigger SUV just for the occasional in-laws, even tho:

        • it's only occasional
        • no adult will enjoy the 3rd row
        • how is an adult getting into the 3rd row, if you have car seats on the middle row
        • once the 3rd row is up, there's no room for a pram

        It just doesn't make practical sense.

        You either a) buy a people mover, which will be overkill when it's the 4 of you, or b) buy something big enough for the 4 of you, and hire/use a Corolla or something when the in-laws are around (you and your partner drive each car).

        Spend $40k, buy a hybrid RAV4, keep the current smaller car for ferrying the in-laws as needed.

        • Thanks..Practical advice.

          I thought all the cars would allow the access to third row while having two cars by keeping one car seat in the middle and one on the either side..

          • +6

            @Danger: Very rare to get middle row seats that wide to accommodate.

            And car seats for a 3yo and newborn to be thin enough. They're bulky things!

            • @spackbace: Kia Rondo fits 2 baby seats and a near teen / not-fat adult along the middle row. One of the reasons we chose it. Decent room in the back row but yeh, tough to fit a pram in as well…

              • @Hoju: Yeah so does a Territory, but same thing when the 3rd row is up

            • +1

              @spackbace: I'll get flamed for this but partially they are bulky things because people insist on buying $500 car seats with 5 layers of plush fabric even though we live in a hot AF country because there's some perception that they are safer and their precious cargo can't ride in a cheaper seat. If you go to kmart and buy the rack australian standard car seat they aren't that bulky in many cases.

              Back on the OP's question, why has no one mentioned Prius V? If it's only for when the in laws are over they could swing that and save some coin on petrol.

              Also for all the people saying cars are too small to fit a pram/stroller with the 3rd row up, get roof racks and learn to tie a knot. It will be the best thing you have done since learning to drive.

          • @Danger: Not for kids that young. But if there are just 6 of you, it’s not that hard for someone to climb into the third row from the boot.

            The booster seats for 4 years and upwards are a lot thinner than your bulky Type G car seats so when the kids are older you can get third row access more easily.

            If you want a seven seat SUV just go for it. We used to ferry my in laws in two small cars and the mrs hated not being able to all drive and talk together, having to find parking separately especially at busy locations etc. We’re both way happier having a seven seater instead of 2 separate cars.

            And as long as you’re only carrying 6 people there’s still plenty of boot space with one seat folded down next to the person in row 3

            CX9, Sorrento and Kluger would be my picks for around $35k

            • +1

              @[Deactivated]: Thanks…My daughter is turning 4 tomorrow and soon we will have booster seat for her.

          • @Danger: You need to really get the one you like and try putting the two carseats. Most seats fold on 40:60. Most carseats are two wide and 2 will cover 66% of the seat(2/3)

        • RAV4 is expensive. GXL Hybrid ~$43k.There's also a ~6month wait.

          • @FrugalDealHunter: GX hybrid is $40k starting, $39k if you choose not to opt for GPS/DAB ($38,799 in Perth, to be exact)

            More like 4-5 months for GX/GXL hybrid models, and I didn't see anywhere saying OP needed it urgently.

            If their budget is up to $35k plus stamp duty, then $39k isn't exactly a push for a brand new car with full warranty, cheap CPS and cheap to run, compared to bigger vehicles which are outside warranty/CPS and use more fuel

            • @spackbace: Stripped out GX is for accountants at lease car companies :)

              "Starting at 40k" is already 5k over budget for OP.

              KIA have a 7yr warranty. a 3-4yr old KIA which has already taken the big depreciation and has a ~5yrs of warranty left is the goods.

              • @FrugalDealHunter: Checked QLD's prices, and with the lower stamp duty prices, they'd be looking at $37,863 starting price for a GX hybrid 2WD (no nav/gps)

                And I'd argue with you on the GX. Has all the safety features (inc BSM), hybrid adds keyless start and dual-zone climate, carplay/android auto, f+r sensors + rear camera etc.

                QLD stamp duty on a $35k car would bring it to $36k, most people have a fluid budget, again if it's the difference between new and used

                3-4yo Kia vs a brand new RAV4 hybrid? Lol well done…

                • @spackbace: 3-4yo is an exaggeration. Could pickup a 2018/19 model in OP's budget. It's simply more car for $$ compared to the new RAV4. KIA Sorrento is a different segment to the RAV4 anyway. Should really be comparing it to the Kluger.

                  Not to mention the wait time to get a rav4.

        • My family actually never complains about the 3rd row in the '10 Kluger. In fact they complain more about the middle seat in the middle row because I have a child seat next to it.

          • @od810: Yeah that middle seat is like a half seat lol suits being stowed away and replaced with the cup-holder armrest bit (that people don't realise is stashed away!)

        • Very Well said @Spaceback.
          I couldn't agree more.

      • +1

        I have the 7 seat outlander. The rear 2 seats are ok ferrying able bodied and not overly large adults short distances (i.e to the pub). For longer trips it's not really a 7 seater you'd want. True 7 seaters are all minivans really, and then you have the fuel and cool offset. Good advice received here is to buy cars for your 90% of the time needs, and you can always hire a larger vehicle/use the second smaller one as well for the 10% of times. That way, you're not compromising everyday life for occasional need. I wanted a ute, but if needed hire one every fe months from bunnings etc, as daily driving would be overkill, the Outy meets my 95% needs, they get slagged off but most people just want a car to get around, not make a statement, and my atatment is "i need to be able to get to work and carry stuff every day without calling NRMA!".

      • Have you considered were are you going to put the two child seats? Most 7 seaters only have child seat anchor points in the second row. If you have the two seats on, how will your parents (or anyone else) access the third row?

  • +2

    Kia Sorrento I believe is a good choice. New model is meant to be coming this year. Test drive your top three or four. Even taking them overnight preferably. Then make your choice of a particular model and start haggling with dealerships.

  • +1

    Your choices are so varied, which tells me it's early days yet. Some of my thoughts:

    1) You're not going to get a CX-9 for that money with your requirements.
    2) Klugers are big and cheap to buy 2nd hand but you'll be crying with the petrol cost with 70kms+ everyday.
    3) $35k will get you a 7 seat demo AWD Outlander which will be cheap to fill up but depreciation is huge, and the 3rd row is verryyy small. Depending on what car you drive now it might be a pain to drive for you when fully loaded.
    4) Pathfinders, Odyssey's, CR-V's, Prius V's and MU-X's all have 7 seat options that might fall into your price range and age criteria.
    5) The Grand Carnival is huge and can be had used at a good price; very very comfy for everyone. But again like the Kluger is is a big gas guzzler you probably won't be happy about if you're driving 70kms alone.
    6) If you plan to go on long road trips while in laws are around, and are willing to go slightly above 5 years, you can look at the Prado and similar cars.

    In the end it is up to your own usage and what your priorities are, there is no one size fits all solution.

    • Thanks..Sound advice..Yes, i'm in my early days doing online study.

      I currently drive Mitsubishi lancer (2007) and partner has Kia Rio Hatch (2007). Plan on selling one of it to buy 7 seater.

      Happy to buy MY2015-2016 car, which would mean $35k should buy any of these cars.

  • +1

    I would recommend a diesel based on the current fuel prices tbh. They do use less fuel per 100km than petrol variants

    • Thanks..i'll keep in mind

    • +2

      Modern diesels need long runs. If OP's situation changes and the car becomes 'mums taxi', diesel isn't ideal

      • +1

        Going to be driven 70+ km everyday

        • +1

          If OP's situation changes

          DPFs don't like short trips, diesels don't like short trips.

          Not to mention diesels cost more to service over their petrol counterparts

        • +1

          70kms in the city isn't same as 70kms on the freeway.

      • Yes.. i do envisage new purchase becoming 'mums taxi' for the kids to take swimming, dancing and school pickups etc.

        • +1

          My diesel suv uses about 6.4L/100km on highway driving and about 7.2L/100km for city driving and short distances.

          This compared to our petrol car, which uses about 11L/100km per 100km.

          Based on the petrol prices, 1.40/L for diesel, and 1.70/L for petrol, think about it yourself.

          • -1

            @hmac: And a RAV4 hybrid will get 4.7L/100km off 91ron

            • @spackbace: Is that advertised consumption or real life? Might as well make it 5.7 to get real world consumption

              • +1

                @hmac: Our company camry hybrid (which cops abuse from all sorts of drivers) has a long term average of 4.7 l/100km. I regularly beat that on city trips too.

          • +1

            @hmac:

            Based on the petrol prices, 1.40/L for diesel, and 1.70/L for petrol, think about it yourself.

            Cheapest ULP in Perth today is 128.3, cheapest diesel is 139.9

            Nice blown out figures there 😉😂

            And 4.7 is achievable. I've seen it and I've seen customers achieve it.

            • @spackbace: Come to sydney mate. Average ULP is starting at 170.9

              • -3

                @hmac: No its not

                139.9

                Dont fudge figures to further an argument

                • +1

                  @spackbace: average does not equal cheapest.

                  • +1

                    @hmac: You can't have an "average starting at". An average is an average 😂 it doesn't have a start and a finish

                    Dunno about you, but I never choose to fill up at an average priced servo, I pick the cheapest…

                    NSW average for 91ron is 152.2
                    Its right there.

              • +1

                @hmac: The local coles is $1.75s something.

                • @whooah1979: It's convenient for people who aren't smart enough to shop around.

                  • -1

                    @Mechz: I am not going to drive 20+ kilometres for cheaper fuel. Certain parts of Sydney are more expensive than others. Sometimes you just don't get a choice

  • +2

    Honda Odyssey nice solid car.

    • +1

      ^^ This.

      Go for car like feeling in odyssey 2012 or before that. No mechanical issues, whatsoever. Cheap to buy, super cheap to run and maintain. And it drives like car, looks like car. Fab handling.

      I have prado for this 7 seater thingy and with 7 seats up it has Zero boot. We use 6 seats and a huge pram fits nicely with one seat down in 3rd row. Decent power, stupid pickup (i love prado and just comparing to car like driving for you), kinda ok handling, super strong and costly.

      Kluger and carnival have V6 so fuel burns like tank but nice pickup, no apparent lag. Carnival is people mover and kills the joy for me.

  • Requirements: In the order of priority
    Good resale value
    Reliable

    Prado.

    • I would generally agree but we only get the piss weak diesel engines here unfortunately. Hope they bring back the petrol V6s soon.

      • It'll be hybridised at some point in the next few years

        • Few years 😶

    • Prado isn’t really a town car. Great for towing or off road but not designed for rushing the precious to kindy in traffic.

      • +2

        Big tyres and high ground clearance makes mounting those pesky kerbs and speed bumps a piece of cake. The 265/65R17 makes it almost impossible to get gutter rash.

  • -1

    No LDV or Mahindra? Probably get a new one for that budget.

    My vote: 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
    Good resale value
    Reliable
    No more than 5 year old
    Better fuel efficiency (Going to be driven 70+ km everyday)
    Less maintenance cost
    Spacious third row

    Spacious third row

    Nek Minnit… "Mitsubishi Outlander"

    • -1

      Nek Minnit… "Mitsubishi Outlander"

      4th comment in

      • No, I have heard that the Outlander is very spacious in the 3rd row for double below the hip and hemipelvectomy amputees.

        • Pretty sure one of OPs visiting family members is one of those.

          • @MS Paint: Then the Outlander will be the obvious choice

  • your requirements are very contradictory, better get a RAV4 hybrid for a bit more, and when the inlaws are here just rent a grand carnival

  • So many RAV 4 suggestions, but does anyone want to wait a year for delivery?

    • 6 months, likely less this year because production is increasing

      And yes, many people do

  • We have Nissan Elgrand 2008, can’t wish a better family car. Super spacious and comfortable but not much efficient on fuel. However, this is always a balance between car’s size/fuel efficiency.
    You can get a decent Elgrand for 15-18k and save lots of your budget for your growing family needs.

    • whats the insurance like for the elgrand?

      • $900-$1200 depends. I pay about $1100 per year. (Lumley)

  • +1

    A VW Caddy 7 seater can be had brand new for $38000~.

    It's a bit no frills but it'll seat 7 adults comfortably with proper boot space.

    • +1

      Or go one bigger and go the Multivan, best car I have owned; fits everyone comfortably, you can pull all the seats out and you have room to transport furniture etc. Perfect camping car too.

  • -4

    Dont bother with a CX-9

    Mazda dropped the ball on the last CX-9 and listened to idiot masses who want to drive an Audi SUV for $50,0000.
    So Mazda decided to spend all the money to make it appear like a euro-car with all the bells and whistle looks whilst "dumbing" down the engine to a 2.5L 4Cyl T.

    Inside is just as worse, the 3rd row - no-one above 170cm height can fit comfortably without hitting their heads on the ceiling.
    Also, a car that size you'd expect decent AC ducting? Nope, just 2 small rear vents for the 2nd row - way to go for the people in the 3rd row.

    Oh wait, but it has nice LED indicators that flash like an Audi when turning!! Mum, get it!

    • I had the V6 CX9 for a work car, no one wants to spend $100pw on fuel for less than 400km travelled. Unless you get a Chevy Suburban (just had one in Mexico for a week and you can fit a LOT of people and baggage in them), all 3rd row options are for kids/teens really.

      • -5

        What you're saying all V6 SUVs run $100/w on fuel?

        Don't you think it's up to the car manufacturer to tweak the engine for efficiency?
        What do you think the Toyota Kulgar runs on?

        all 3rd row options are for kids/teens really.

        Dumbest comment on earth, the Kids/Teens 3rd row comments are for 5+2 Cars like the Qashqai, VW Allspace, not for a full-size SUV champ.
        You know jack-all about cars please stop browsing threads on car advice, I'll make sure I tag your username to avoid your rubbish advice

        • +3

          R U OK?

          It's like you've taken offence to a fairly mild comment which in part was actually agreeing with yours

        • all V6 SUVs run $100/w on fuel?

          V6 SUV are pretty thirsty. Spending $100 p/w on petrol is normal for a work vehicle doing ~100kms p/day.

          • @whooah1979:

            V6 SUV are pretty thirsty

            That's a given. However a 2-tonne 4 Cyl car will not see a significant decrease in fuel consumption over a car with a a decent and optimised V6. Where the difference can be seen was comparing the current 4 Cyl to an un-optimised and terrible V6 (in this case the previous CX-9).

            Which brings us back to my very point, Mazda didn't bother upgrading the crappy V6 up to a decent standard, they opted for a slot-in 4Cyl Turbo which is essentially the existing CX-5 Engine + Turbo.
            Why? because they wanted appease the masses of people salivating over an SUV looking like an Audi with blinking LEDs that can be had for $50K plus.

  • This may sound like a dumb question, but as someone who is not a parent, why do you need 7 seats with only 2 kids?

    • Yes.

      School runs.

    • With two kids and 2 adults most of the time it’s ok. Then I’d the bikes arrive you immediately have 6 to cart around. So a 6 seater is ideal, but no one makes them so you want a 7 seater.

      If you have 3 kids a 7 seater is great if we want to take give someone a lift when the whole family is going somewhere.

      At 180cm I’ve sat in the back row of a few different 7 seaters. Sure, it isn’t great but for short trips is a lot better than taking two cars and having to park them both. A few times I’ve been in the back because the other passengers were less flexible/agile than me and would have struggled to get into the back.

    • I'm a family of 3 and have a 7 seater Tiguan. We got it over the 5 seater version for the extra boot space. With the rear seats folded down, there's a lot of boot space which seems to be a downside to SUVs.

  • If space and comfort are what you're after, you should get an MPV instead of an SUV.

    Something like this:

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2015-toyota-voxy-we…

    I drove a Toyota Voxy for a few days in Japan. Excellent car. More spacious than an SUV with a similar external dimension.

    If you want a bit of luxury, your budget can get you a low KM Toyota Alphard although it's older than 5 years.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2013-toyota-alphard…

    With those vehicles you can fit 7 people, at the same time carry a few suitcases! SUVs typically require you to fold the third row if you want to fit in luggage.

    • Wow..never heard about those car/models.Thanks…My partner would disapprove of Voxy and alphard are not being 'stylish'.

      • +1

        My partner would disapprove of Voxy and alphard are not being 'stylish'.

        SUVs are the big thing at the moment, although one has to wonder how useful they are in real life………perhaps convince your partner to at least check one out? The extra comfort and room really speaks for itself. Try to convince your partner that the low floor design means one can stand up in the car. Then let the partner know that having a sliding door means taking a baby seat in and out is extremely easy, especially when parked in a narrow spot.

        Those cars are typical function over form designs. Won't be flash, but very pragmatic choice and niceties are all on the inside.

        Man the Toyota Alphard is so comfy and luxurious on the inside - they are considered VIP cars in Asia. You don't lose anything just by checking one out :)

      • +1

        Yet you have the Mitsubishi outlander in your list.

      • -1

        Nissan Serena is what you need

  • +1

    Love our 2016 / 2017 Kia Rondo, however have specific desire / requirement to not have a big SUV / people mover (wouldn't fit in the garage)
    Long thread on it and our options that we looked at if you do a search

    • Same here. Kia Rondo is a hugely undervalued family car.

  • +1

    We have both a Toyota Avensis Verso (Essentially a 7-seater Camry) and a Subaru Tribecca. The Toyota Avensis has fantastic room in middle & back rows while the Tribecca is more an occassional 7 seater with the back row better suited for kids, but it's incredibly sporty and I love driving it. The Avensis is what we take for our family trips to Adelaide. Each seat has an air vent, cup holders and power points. Get about 700k's on a tank of fuel with a full car. Pretty happy with it these past 10 years.

  • +1

    Honda Odyssey with the sliding door.

    You'll get a 2017 VTi-L with all the bells and whistles for under your budget. Be sure to haggle as there were good discounts when we "bought" our 2016 VTi-L. It was a fleet purchase and we paid $42k. It was ~$10k under RRP I think.

    VTi will be <$30k

  • Considered the X-Trail? I can fit in the 3rd row of seats and would be fine for occasional drives. I'm 173cm.

  • if you are going to check out the mazda 9 I would suggest looking at the mazda 8 too which is also a 7 seater.
    my wife loves ours, its basically the same length as the 9 but with the width of the 5 making it easier in car parks etc.
    it has a really enjoyable diesel engine with great fuel economy. only downside is 10,000km service schedule.

    • it has a really enjoyable diesel engine

      O.o
      Who enjoys diesels?

      • anyone can

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