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

Danger on 12/01/2020 - 16:43
Last edited 12/01/2020 - 17:13

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
Automotive Car

Comments

        • Numlock on 16/01/2020 - 11:03

          They're so ugly and loud. LIke listening to a lorry.

          • Hayesy22 on 16/01/2020 - 11:09

            @Numlock: ahh I see, you have a preconceived idea what the mazda 8 diesel is like. its quite refined compared to those other diesels that are gruff and rattly.

  • Zeusy on 13/01/2020 - 13:24

    Kia Sorrento diesel, drive from Gold Coast to Sydney on less than a tank of fuel

  • Rockets84 on 13/01/2020 - 13:25
    +1

    Spacious third row for adults & boot space for a pram. Realistically the Kia Carnival is the only car that fits that bill. I think the Honda Odyessy is pretty close but it's third row isn't as flexible. The new Toyota people mover that replaced the ancient Tarago is super expensive. The Carnival with it's 60/40 fold flat into the floor seats is awesome for transporting big things.

    We are a family of 5. We bought a 2010 model in 2011 when all three kids were in either capsules or boosters. Took out the middle seat in the second row and it was easy to access the third row. With the third row up there's a heap of boot space too - you can fit 5 suitcases in there. We often do a drive of 800Km's to the wife's home town and the Carnival does it no problems carting all our gear especially when the kids needed port-a-cots & prams. Enough power to over take road trains comfortably. It was reliable too. Apart from service it regularly and a new battery we didn't have do much to it. It was a bit heavy on the tyre usage so they need to be rotated, balanced & aligned more than you typically would. We recently sold it to a young couple with 2 kids in seats & twins on the way. We replaced it with a 2019 model. Ours was in very good condition and we'd installed a few extra's like rear drop down DVD screen, Alpine head unit & reverse camera and we sold with in a few days of advertising it on Gumtree for good money for it's age.

    The newer model is an upgrade in every way but keeps the good features for space & seating arangement. The method of accessing the third row if there's three seats in the middle row is vastly improved. Infotainment supports CarPlay & Android Auto which is nice. It doesn't feel as powerful as the old model and the gearbox is a tad slow to down change when you need more power but it is there, otherwise it's a lovely car all round. My wife feels that the new model doesn't feel as big as the old one either when driving.

    • Danger on 13/01/2020 - 13:40

      Thanks for taking time to provide detailed review. Good to know that Carnival can fetch good resale $$. I'll discuss this option with my partner.

  • Altitud on 13/01/2020 - 15:27
    -5

    I can't understand why no-one has picked the Ford Territory which shits on every car mentioned so far - is hell cheap for maintenance and has bullet proof engines.

    Cheap as hell as well.

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-ford-territory…

    EDIT: 3rd row is smallish…

    • spackbace on 13/01/2020 - 15:42
      +2

      3rd row smallish (and doesn't split-fold, making boot space behind it almost nothing), petrol version drinks like a fish, last made in 2016 and that model doesn't get anywhere near the safety and tech features as newer cars.

      Don't get me wrong, the 4L I6 is a strong engine, but the car is just heavily lacking in features compared to newer cars (or even some of that vintage)

      (didn't neg you)

      • brendanm on 13/01/2020 - 17:37

        They also fall apart if you so much glance at them sideways. Engine is good though.

      • dealcrown on 15/01/2020 - 07:57

        @spackbace can you get any discount on the new Rav4?

    • Ash SA on 13/01/2020 - 23:01

      Bcos ford

  • od810 on 13/01/2020 - 16:21

    The Kluger & Cx-9 (pre skyactiv) are pretty thirsty. My Kluger average about 15L/100km for urban driving (about 17l for local driving, i live in quite hilly suburb), freeway is about 11-12L/100km. Honda Odyssey with captain chairs look pretty amazing :).

  • Soldier on 13/01/2020 - 16:33
    -2

    not my favourite, but worth a look-in - Dodge Freemont

    • spackbace on 13/01/2020 - 16:37
      +2

      Dodge

      No…

    • brendanm on 13/01/2020 - 17:39

      It's actually a dodge journey, or fiat Freemont. Not sure what would he considered the worse of the two, however, both are horrendous.

  • dono2 on 13/01/2020 - 17:20
    -1

    spend a bit extra get an x7

  • serpserpserp on 13/01/2020 - 17:49

    Why do you need a seven seater just because you have two kids? Seems like an overkill.

    Maybe wait 5 years or so when their might be the odd occasion when you have to ferry cousins/friends around. But then you need extra car seats which is a nightmare…

    • Danger on 13/01/2020 - 22:28
      +2
      1. My parents or in-laws can be in the same car while they are living with us and helping raise our new born
      2. More boot space when we (family of 4) go for camping. My current car (Mitsi lancer sedan) gives me hard time when we go camping. We usually go to easily accessible places that doens't need 4X4 car
      • pegasusx on 14/01/2020 - 23:08

        Subscribed to this thread as I am helping out my sister who have moved back from HK. Looking for 7 seater as well.

  • jatyap on 13/01/2020 - 19:33

    I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the iMax…
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-hyundai-imax-a…

  • roundnumbersonly on 13/01/2020 - 19:57

    I was in the same position and budget a few months ago- ended up with a diesel sorento, have no regrets whatsoever, my kids tend to fight if they're all seated in the middle row, so the third row is used most of the time (boot space is pretty much non existent because of this).

    • Danger on 13/01/2020 - 21:58

      Thanks..Can you put pram in the boot when third row is being use

      • roundnumbersonly on 14/01/2020 - 20:58

        I don't have a pram anymore, but it's a pretty small space (think 4 backpacks max).

        • Danger on 14/01/2020 - 20:59

          Thanks mate

          • roundnumbersonly on 14/01/2020 - 21:04

            @Danger: You may want to consider a Skoda Kodiaq if boot space with 3rd row up is important and your keen on an SUV. I personally think the 3rd row legroom in the Kodiaq and most other SUV's are too tight (CX9 being the exception, Sorento similar).

  • whatthecrappin on 13/01/2020 - 20:17
    +2

    we've got the cx9 - as a daily it would make me broke - the amount of fuel the thing uses is incredible. saying that, the space is enourmous! its our 2nd car, only used when primary car is not available and used primarily for family outings to beach (carries 4 boogie boards, esky, kayaks, beach chairs, beach tent - we dont travel light!). you can fit a pram even with the 3rd row down, but I dont think you could easily fit 2 seats in 2nd row with the 2/1 split - tbh I've never tried, but I imagine it would be tight. saying that if any car could do it though, it would be the 9!

    Ive never had the inlaws complain about legroom in the 3rd row, only issue they had was that it was a little awkward to get into, but that they found getting into the 2nd row awkward as the car sits high…..

    its been super reliable, then again it could be because I barely use it and when I do its on relatively long trips interstate or day trips. (ie 15 full tanks of fuel max a year. which means its probably cheaper to hire, but the convience of the 2nd car when I need it cannot be stressed enough

    TLDR - as a daily in constant traffic it would be $$$$$$$$$$ as a second car when you need the big car it fits our family perfectly. acceleration and handling is great and its super comfortable and quiet to drive

    • Fobsessive on 13/01/2020 - 20:32

      What's the fuel usage? Is the engine huge?

      • whatthecrappin on 14/01/2020 - 22:41

        I think they're all the same size engine - 3.7Lit. its a big heavy car though and is pretty responsive so that comes at a cost
        from memory we get around 5-6 hundred on a tank? fill up maybe once every month or 2, but like I said we barely use it. when we do go on the super long drives it is loaded to capacity :P

    • Danger on 13/01/2020 - 22:06

      DO you have Skyactive model ?

      • whatthecrappin on 14/01/2020 - 22:38

        nope, its the 2009 AWD model. still drives like new as we barely use it LOL

  • undercut on 13/01/2020 - 20:22

    We have a Mitsubishi Outlander 7-seater.

    It will be much safer to keep your 4 year old in a child seat with a 5-point harness, which will need to be tethered. The third row does not have tether attachment points, therefore your daughter will need to sit in the second row. If you have a child seat in the middle of the second row, it blocks the seat from folding down. So one of your in-laws will need to climb into the third row from the boot. Can be a fall hazard depending on their age and agility. The stroller will take up all the remaining space in boot with one of the third row seats folded down. No space for shopping etc.

    The third row is only suitable for children or small adults. I'm 162cm tall, and it's a tight squeeze.

    • Danger on 13/01/2020 - 22:59

      Thanks mate… I think you have covered the important and practical views of owning 7 seater. I'll be sure to keep this in mind when I go out inspecting the cars.

  • Fobsessive on 13/01/2020 - 20:31

    Honda Odyssey.
    Never to Xtrails.

  • SydBoy on 13/01/2020 - 21:30

    Mahindra XUV500

    • Danger on 13/01/2020 - 22:04
      +1

      Worried about resale value of it

      • SydBoy on 15/01/2020 - 16:19

        Well you get brand new to use for less upfront cost. So you either buy us d model and risk hidden cost or enjoy brand new.

        There aren't many on resale for this brand on carsales compare to other cars so buyers must be happy.

        If you can afford then Kia Carnival would be great choice as you get full third seat and comfort. Resell is not as great as Toyota.

  • jsrz18 on 13/01/2020 - 22:29

    I would have a strong look at the Holden Acadia. It ticks off all you're boxes except resale value.

  • nasesco72 on 13/01/2020 - 22:43

    I bought a Merc v-class in 8-seat config 2 months ago - yes it’s a bit pricey compared to other MPV but it’s worth every cent IMO. Easily carts 8 people plus luggage in comfort (no squashy middle seats - all seats are same size).

    Second hand ones can be hand for around 50k

  • Bills22 on 14/01/2020 - 00:13

    Have you had a look at Toyota Estima - import from Japan? There are a few 7 and 8 seaters. Comfy on the third row and it can pack down for a bigger boot.

  • This Guy on 14/01/2020 - 01:05

    This is a Sorento after flipping and sliding on it's roof for "800 metres" on Friday.

    The latest Santa Fe uses a derivative chassis. Kia and Hyundai is a steel mega company. Like Samsung is with electronics. Kia/Hyundai uses 10's of different blends of steels in their cars to make most serious crashes survivable.

    Buy A Kia Carnival. They drive the same as the Sorento and Santa Fe but the Carnival has miles more room and a better driving position. And it's only 10cm wider, 30 cm longer.

    • Danger on 14/01/2020 - 07:36

      Wow.. That's one serious accident.. Good to hear safety features of Sorento came rescue.

  • dannyboi on 14/01/2020 - 06:47

    We just upgraded to a CX9 after 10 years with a Lancer. It’s a very decent car but keep in mind that it’s pretty wide and long.
    The third row seats are fine for adults but keep in mind that there are no dedicated air vents back there.

    With your budget, you might be able to find an older example of the current body shape. However, the older lower grade ones do not have the same safety tech as the current versions.

    • Danger on 14/01/2020 - 07:37

      Thanks… Do you know if you can install booster seat in third row of CX-9?

      • This Guy on 14/01/2020 - 10:28

        Yes. Booster seats are available tether free. You can install them in the third row of most cars.

        You will need to shop around for a booster seat if you want to install on in a CX-9 because you will be limited in both height and length. I don't know if the CX-9's third row reclines, so you might also have to consider rake.

        I have not been following Mazda for a few years. I know their latest small car chassis is as advanced as the Sorento, but I have not heard of any major chassis update for the CX-9.

        Carnival looks a little awkward, but ask anyone who owns one. They love them. You only hear that from Mazda owners until they have an issue…

      • dannyboi on 14/01/2020 - 12:23

        Apparently it has 5 top tether points.

        Have a quick read: https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/suvs/2018-mazda-cx-9/

        • This Guy on 14/01/2020 - 13:29

          You don't need tethers on most boosters.

          Tether are for baby seats. Baby seats are usually to bulky and to awkward to operate in the third row.

  • tissue on 14/01/2020 - 08:42
    +4

    As ive posted a few times before, get an Odyssey. If I had stopped at only 2 kids I would get an Odyssey VTI-L (with the captains chairs) in a heartbeat.

    Do your research, best places ive found are www.babydrive.com.au which gives you a great idea of space and room with and without the third row up, using the metric of Aldi blue shopping bags and different prams. Much better than owners opinions of ‘Yeah its fairly spacious’ which I would disagree with a few of the SUVs posted here as being spacious.

    Another tip is to go to a Pickles auction house to have a look – you can crawl/climb in and out through all the cars without being pestered like a car yard, and most times I went they had at least 4-5 of the vehicles off your list. Also be aware there is obviously a relationship between the exterior size and the interior, noting though that new CX9s are notoriously inefficient, and every people mover I have been in and driven (Odyssey, Carnival, Imax, Rondo) is very efficient.

    Lastly with a people mover having sliding doors is a godsend, let alone having remote opening electric sliding doors when the kids are old enough to unbuckle themselves.

  • alz on 14/01/2020 - 09:21
    -2

    Ford Ka LOL

  • Alexaxis on 14/01/2020 - 09:56
    +1

    ever considered a Toyota Alphard?

    • Tiredman on 14/01/2020 - 13:07

      Love this. Sat in them a few times. Like a business class seat!

    • pegasusx on 14/01/2020 - 23:13

      Would want it as a MPV. Its basically a luxury mini-van with price to match 120-130k AUD.
      OP budget is >35k

  • Numlock on 14/01/2020 - 10:10

    Prado or Honda Odyssey.

  • gezza90 on 14/01/2020 - 14:20

    Many people nowadays just buying SUVs. Makes me wonder how my parents raised me and my brother with a 1980 Datsun and Nissan Sunny. In case you don’t know, they’re little sedans. I think your lancer could also do the job.

    • nickxau on 14/01/2020 - 16:42
      +1

      Probably coz back then you didn't even have to sit in a car seat… just sayin'

      Source: Myself - I've thought about this one myself.

  • mickyd on 14/01/2020 - 14:44

    Isuzu MU-X

    diesel
    7 seats
    heaps of space inside
    4wd or 2wd versions

  • Bugs Bunny on 14/01/2020 - 17:35

    We just went through this and after quite a bit of research ended up buying a 2018 Kia Sorento for less than $30k.
    So far very happy with it. The 3rd row is extremely spacious for an SUV (tried others that were quite cramped). Also, the features that come with the standard models of the Sorento are fantastic!
    We thought about the Carnival, but my wife doesn't want to drive a minivan.
    The downside of an SUV is that when the 3rd row is up there isn't much boot space.

    Good luck with whatever you end up going with.

    • roundnumbersonly on 14/01/2020 - 21:01

      Can I ask if that was for a petrol or diesel version? Kms?

  • Logical on 15/01/2020 - 01:37

    Mazda CX-8…. Based on the CX-5 but longer wheelbase. Beautiful car and economical on fuel.

  • singlemalt72 on 15/01/2020 - 08:13

    Second baby -> 7 seater

    The math just doesn't make sense!

    • Danger on 15/01/2020 - 08:53

      In-laws visiting and living with us and then my parents to come for extended period of time

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 15/01/2020 - 10:38

    2018 Holden Acadia

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/holden/acadia/?sort=%7ePric…

    The poor 1st owners have already taken the depreciation hit.

    All reviews point to it being an excellent car

    https://www.caradvice.com.au/holden/acadia/

  • Twitchy on 15/01/2020 - 15:45

    Consider a Ford Everest Trend. They are an awesome 4wd, very safe, plenty of features (adaptive cruise, auto high beam, lane keep assist), very capable off road and great to drive. Unlocks places to take your kids camping etc, get off the beaten track a bit.

    I've had mine for 3.5 years now and haven't had any issues, best car in the category in my opinion.

    There have been some great options come up 2nd hand around the $35k mark, around 60-90k kms. Definitely worth considering. Take one for a test drive if you get a chance.

  • dracoknight92 on 15/01/2020 - 16:03

    I think 35k should be able to get you a good 2nd hand late model CX-9 (2016 upwards), pretty good review especially on its turbo engine, spacious inside too.

    If you like a bit of off roading there's also the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport that should be in your price range (2nd hand). I sat in the 3rd row at a dealership recently, I'm 170cm tall and found it adequate. The whole car is a bit on the narrow side though.

    Toyota Kluger is very popular but from what I've seen its 3rd row is quite small compared to the competition

  • Brick Tamland on 15/01/2020 - 17:00

    Another vote for the Honda Odyssey. If I had to go SUV then I like the look of the Holden Acadia. They standout a little from the usual swarm of SUVs and the reviews write them up as good things.

  • Switchblade88 on 15/01/2020 - 17:43

    My 2010 Kia Sorento diesel still maintains 7.5 to 8l/100km, and I've got odometer records every fillup to measure it (not bad for 248,000km on the clock!)

    Only 'issues' we've had is a dirty accelerator pedal sensor (diagnosed with a $9 bluetooth OBDII dongle for the engine light) and a loose ignition barrel replaced under warranty when we bought the car 5 years ago.

    The fact that all brand new Kias and Hyundais are still on this same diesel engine - after 10 years - is a really reassuring sign.

  • Danger on 15/01/2020 - 21:31
    +3

    Thanks everyone for taking time to comment and suggest/recommend the cars. I have learned few things to look for when inspecting the cars. Understand that it could be an overkill for the family of four to have a SUV. However, we would like to enjoy the 7 seater while our parents live with us for a year or two. Based on the feedback on this forum and our reasearch, we have down selected the CX-9 and Sorento (Petrol) for our purchase. We are also going to checkout Kia Carnival to see the difference between SUV and MPV. Special thanks to Spackbase for the contibution on pretty much all automative forums on this site.

    • spackbace on 15/01/2020 - 23:34
      +1

      Spackbase

      sigh

      • pegasusx on 15/01/2020 - 23:36
        +1

        LOL. I was trying to Find in Chrome for your comments with "spackbase"

      • Danger on 16/01/2020 - 07:33

        Using the backspace to correct Spackbasece

      • nickxau on 16/01/2020 - 10:36

        LoL… here here buddy… I know that feeling…

  • H E B on 16/01/2020 - 21:30

    The mister and I had a discussion about this not that long ago with the growing family.

    The Kluger we ruled out as it was a thirsty v6 our insurers also wanted a higher premium too.

    I might get some negs for this but have you thought of the Skoda Kodiaq? 2L turbo and good fuel economy.

    When considering fuel specs I recall the rest of your options above all have heavy fuel consumption, with the Sorrento and maybe the CX9 on the slightly lower end from memory.

    That being said real 7 seaters would be a good tossup against a Carinval and Odyssey (quite popular). You won't love it at first but it'll grow on you.

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