Suggestions for a 7-Seater for under $40k

jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 18:22
Last edited 30/03/2024 - 11:47 by 1 other user

Hey all, I am wondering about your suggestions for a 7-seater, years 2020-2022, for under $40k.

The third row is for occasional, and I can't see adults being there, but potentially a child seat. Ideally it would be reliable and have modern safety features.

Looking at different listings we're talking about Honda CRVs, or Nissan X-Trail, or similar. Not really looking seriously at your Havals because what I heard so far is that quality is quite poor. CRV doesn't look too great, though I can't substantiate it. X-Trail may be not bad but looks way too cheap to be reliable long term.

Currently driving a 2014 Camry and it's great for me but I'm starting to run out of space.

Educate me! What are your thoughts?

Automotive Nissan SUV

Comments

  • barge-in hunter on 29/03/2024 - 18:27
    +2

    You could probably get a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS for that money.

    Definitely a step larger and less car like than your options, but they’ve got a decent reputation

    • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 19:08

      I would be open to that but looking at auto trader or Facebook market I couldn't find any at all around Melbourne area 😕

      • barge-in hunter on 29/03/2024 - 19:44

        It looks like Carsales is the place to be in vic

        https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.(C.Make.Mitsubishi..(C.Model.Pajero+Sport..Badge.GLS.)).Year.range(2020..)..State.Victoria.)&sb=~Price

        Only a couple under $40k unfortunately

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 29/03/2024 - 18:54

    LDV D90 are from $35K driveway brand new.

    • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 19:07
      +4

      You know I was thinking about that. A used one is even less, but I am concerned about their current reputation. I know there are concerns about rust and few other items. It sure is attractive but I couldn't find any decent long term ownership reviews.

      • Drakesy on 31/03/2024 - 16:18
        -1

        The rust warranty lasts for 10 years.
        Cant find anything that'll come remotely close to it for the price.

        I have one

        • pizzip on 01/04/2024 - 11:54
          -3

          Good luck with your 'warranty' https://www.reddit.com/r/AusLegal/comments/vu3ema/legal_advi…

          • Drakesy on 01/04/2024 - 12:39
            +6

            @pizzip: Also the guy that took ldv to court worked at a life saving club and admitted the car was next to the beach 5 days a week, nothing is going to be rust free if exposed to that much salt spray.

            We have colorado utes at our club, they last 4 years before the chassis starts to rust out completely, they get sold for parts and we buy a new one.

            Just cherry picking one case and saying they all rust doesn't represent them all.

          • Kamsi on 01/04/2024 - 17:26

            @pizzip: One case of damages doesn't meant the whole brand is bad. If that is the case Toyota and Volkswagen shouldn't be on the market.

            • Drakesy on 01/04/2024 - 18:20

              @Kamsi: Oh no, but they're a protected species as only China is evil

  • charlierg on 29/03/2024 - 19:11
    +4

    Id certainly advocate for a CRV, especially over an Xtrail. Xtrail’s CVT transmission is both horrible to drive and maintain long term. I’d also suggest that Hondas interior quality would be a (small) step above Nissans, a friend has an Xtrail and the interior is terrible.

    • 87percent on 29/03/2024 - 19:19

      I had a CRV while my Odyssey was being serviced, and I really like the CRV. The interior was nice, spacious enough, dash was sensible

      • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 19:30

        Okay, maybe I was quick to judge the CRVs, I'll give them another look.

        • RandomDealHunter on 31/03/2024 - 08:52

          I would take one for test drive. On paper, it produces the right amount of power/torque. However, one of my colleagues has it and she mentioned that it has not much power when all seats filled up.
          I test drove her car and the 1.5L turbo struggles to go up the slopes and have to rev the crap out to get into turbo rev range (her car was filled with kids stuff and some party stuff at the time).
          Very nice and sensible family car though.

          • Chandler on 01/04/2024 - 22:47

            @RandomDealHunter: Oof… 1.5L.

            Have a Mazda CX-9 (2.5L? turbo). 7-seater but drives like a 5-seater sedan (in my non-motorhead opinion).

            Would recommend it to OP but I don't think it'll be in the desired price range.

        • OhNoUShiz on 31/03/2024 - 09:06

          Driving crv. Cheap and good. Back row is spacious. Only complaint is one section of rear left body paint becomes foggy after 5 years of driving.

      • Dose Pipe Sutututu on 31/03/2024 - 17:08

        X Trail also drinks big time, I have a 2024 ST-L that VW Australia has loaned me for the past 6 weeks.
        (Yeah yeah, serves me right for buying a VW lol).

        Overall the car is decent, nice tech, ride quality is not too bad. Only thing is the sound deadening is a bit weak (easily fixed with a few sheets of Dynamat) and the fuel economy, it's tragic! Drove to Jervis Bay from Sydney with a full car and it averaged 8.9L/100KM. Around town, it's averaging about 12 to 13L/100KM.

        Definitely CR-V would perform better on fuel, however I prefer the tech with the X Trail.

    • peekabooo on 31/03/2024 - 18:24

      I love CVT transmission on X-trail. They accelerate really smooth and fast. Compared to some other CVT transmissions I have encountered.

    • wade2006 on 01/04/2024 - 17:41

      Highly suggest the OP check out Redriven on youtube. They review used cars in the Oz market and are based in Sydney. They have reviewed CRVs and medium SUVs in general.

      Having said that, CRV (larger eng with auto transmission) are great, older Klugers and Lexus would be great options.

  • Ryanek on 29/03/2024 - 19:47
    +13

    2022 Kia Carnival

    • Ugly on 29/03/2024 - 21:49
      +2

      I’d go with a Sorento if the 3rd row is only for occasional use.

      • angywoo on 06/04/2024 - 03:47

        cup holders are shocking

    • [Deactivated] on 30/03/2024 - 23:36
      +16

      Correct answer. 7 seat SUVs universally suck, just get a people mover/minivan

      • Kangal on 31/03/2024 - 07:30
        +5

        Minivans are also great "work cars" much moreso than the Dual Cabs you see roaming around the city and suburbs.

        • SanguinarySeraph on 31/03/2024 - 11:35
          +1

          We have a mid-sized wagon, and a dual cab as my company car - the wagon has been vastly more useful for the Ikea/Bunnings trips and renovation supplies. Seriously considering a Carnival as the replacement simply because you can legitimately carry 4 people plus huge cargo, or 6-7 and still actually have a boot.

        • 0806449 on 31/03/2024 - 12:34

          What are the rules around loading zones and work zoneparking?
          Would the Carnival be accepted?

      • SanguinarySeraph on 31/03/2024 - 11:37
        +5

        Agreed, the 3rd row in SUVs are basically useless at the best of times. Carnival is cheaper than anything comparably sized, and way more useful. Only reason to go SUV is if you want to buy into the pretense that you'll totally take it offroading. rolls eyes

        • 0806449 on 31/03/2024 - 12:36
          +1

          I have a sedan Octavia, if trumps our Santa Fe after Bunnings trip

          • SanguinarySeraph on 31/03/2024 - 19:34
            +2

            @0806449: Yep, my Octavia wagon trumps my work Amarok too 95% of the time.

            • drprox on 01/04/2024 - 09:50
              +1

              @SanguinarySeraph: Octavia wagon owners unite. They are the best! Had mine 8 years and as it approaches 160k km I'm hoping it has another 100 in it…

              • 0806449 on 02/04/2024 - 10:28

                @drprox: I can only imagine what the Superb will fit.

                My 2015 RS sedan only has 55000k
                And I just can't think of another car that will have that boot size…..damn you Skoda

    • souljah on 31/03/2024 - 15:58
      +9

      We travelled half the country in a Kia Carnival for most of last year. 2 kids seats in the middle row, rear folded flat and filled with suitcases full of clothes, pram, portacot, dried food, tent, toys, beach stuff, beer etc. Had room to spare.

      Removed middle row centre seat (it's an underrated feature) and put a fridge/freezer with bluetti as backup battery so we could easily move fridge food from place to place and not waste.

      Mostly stayed in caravan park cabins, Airbnb or hotels as camping was too hard with young kids but good having the option!

      For a van it drives like a nice luxury car, we love it and glad we didn't go the SUV route (were too expensive at the time and hard to get anyway).

    • sponson on 31/03/2024 - 16:24

      Great cars. Enormous, but hard to beat from a functionality standpoint. Turbo diesel is a ripper. The newer ones have not-terrible ACC and LKA too.

    • TightAl on 31/03/2024 - 19:57
      +1

      I rented one of these in Tassie, really enjoyed it.
      Sliding doors, removable middle seat. So practical, especially with kids getting in and out.

  • sumyungguy on 29/03/2024 - 19:51
    +3

    It's not a recommendation, but there's a post in the forums on Mahindra XUV700, sub-$40K 7-seater (petrol). Personally I'd go pre-owned Mazda CX-8 for the lower depreciation

    • Greyshirtguy on 30/03/2024 - 11:03
      +3

      Mahindra has Zero safety ratings…not sure how people justify buying it.
      https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/mahindra/scorpio/470…

      • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 30/03/2024 - 14:54

        I don’t think people seem to care, I’ve seen lots of MG5’s around and MG3’s despite them lacking basic features people still buy them.

        • Drakesy on 01/04/2024 - 14:38
          +1

          despite them lacking basic features

          It's more that ANCAP have developed such an ego that they think they're the be all and end all in safety mandating.
          In reality some guy's just gone on a power trip and said that all new cars need driver assistance aids built in. The same aids that are incredibly distracting and massive issues for people buying new cars

          Lane Keeping Assist
          Driver Attention Monitoring
          Emergency Braking

          In my new car i could definitely do without the first two.

          • Ozbar Gain on 02/04/2024 - 12:17

            @Drakesy: Can't you turn them off?

            I have them in my Hyundai and absolutely love the LKA etc but I do have the option to turn them off

      • May4th on 30/03/2024 - 22:31

        Thats impressive, I haven't seen a car with 0 stars for a while. I'm sure Mahindra fanboy/girls will find a reason to buy one though

      • opaque on 31/03/2024 - 07:16
        +2

        Apparently this rating is for Scorpio not xuv 500/700, xuv 500 showing 4 star.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 31/03/2024 - 10:21
        +9

        because ancap is cooked and they got 0 because they don't have any "active safety" features like lane departure. My 20 year old Liberty will score 0 on ANCAP, for example.

        All cars sold in Oz must meet the ADR standards, and Ancap has been criticised lately for being a checklist of features rather than safety.

        Can't ignore that the car itself doesn't fare well in crash testing, but to say that "0 stars" implies that it's a complete death trap is a bit silly IMO.

        Tesla and a few other cars recently had their updated ratings on ANCAP withheld because their new cars couldn't be rated with the changes in rules for ANCAP, so yeah, it's not as simple as "0 stars" vs "5 stars".

        I still wouldn't buy one.

        • pizzip on 01/04/2024 - 12:03
          +1

          It's honestly a bit of a joke. I was driving a new Camry a while ago and the adaptive cruise or whatever it was basically stopped the car dead in the middle of a highway because someone was sitting in a turning lane (and nowhere close to blocking the actual road). Dangerous, luckily no one was behind me.

          • coffeeinmyveins on 01/04/2024 - 16:56
            +1

            @pizzip: AKin to the stop/start feature of newer cars with the motor, people often look at how to turn this stuff off

        • Drakesy on 01/04/2024 - 16:53

          Bingo
          Nothing more than a bunch of risk adverse safety dropkicks who are out of touch with reality.

      • Darayus on 02/04/2024 - 10:55
        +1

        Scorpio and XUV 700 are different vehicle.

    • TightAl on 01/04/2024 - 11:38

      Ain't no body buying an indian car

      • Darayus on 02/04/2024 - 10:56

        All Suzuki are made in India.

        Check the build label

  • Sye on 29/03/2024 - 20:05
    +13

    Currently driving a 2014 Camry and it's great for me but I'm starting to run out of space.

    Just upgrade to a 6 wheel Camry

    • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 20:45

      Do I store the additional people in the boot?

  • TEER3X on 29/03/2024 - 20:17
    +1

    Not really looking seriously at your Havals because what I heard so far is that quality is quite poor.

    I get that older models have these complaints, but my understanding is that 2023 and 2024 models are vastly improved.

    I'll be buying a Haval hybrid next year as my mechanic recommended it to me. Yeah that doesn't qualify him as an expert, but he's never steered me wrong in the past.

    Unless I can convince the Mrs we'd be better off investing the money we've saved, since buying a car is a horrible investment if you've already got one that works

    • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 20:45

      Interesting. Thank you for the insight.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 31/03/2024 - 10:22
      +6

      Unless I can convince the Mrs we'd be better off investing the money we've saved, since buying a car is a horrible investment if you've already got one that works

      cars are never investments and the cheapest car you can get is (mostly) the one you already have.

  • Euphemistic on 29/03/2024 - 20:46

    Do any of the smaller 7 seater actually allow a child seat in the third row?

    Keep in mind that the cargo space in some of these 7 seaters is almost non existent.

  • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 20:47

    Good point about the child seats in the third row, thank you.
    I do realize that with the seven seats deployed there is no boot space. I don't expect to use them much, it's nice to have an option as a backup.

    • Euphemistic on 29/03/2024 - 20:49

      I hear you on the third row being a great backup. Being able to take 2 extras is quite handy, just don't expect to be able to use the extra row for more than urban commuting. There isnt enough luggage space for a holiday trip for 7.

      • jrchurvnjef on 29/03/2024 - 20:57

        Thank you for that. I looked at some reviews and you're right, you can barely fit a carryon in there. A few groceries at best. Urban is what I was thinking as well.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 29/03/2024 - 22:18
    +1

    It will be much older, but look at a Toyota Avensis.

  • MeesusEff on 30/03/2024 - 02:00

    I have 2 kids but I want a kia carnival so bad 😂 I have a Kluger and it's quite roomy for 2A2K, compared to my sister's Forester. But I can't imagine using the 3rd row as we got the car seats behind each front seat so we can't get to the back, unless your kids are older and just use the seat belt boosters.

  • Hoju on 30/03/2024 - 07:32

    Have you looked at the Kia Rondo?
    If you have a Camry now you’ll really enjoy the fact the rondo isn’t a massive car externally, but has some very comfortable and well sized flip up boot seats as well as a pretty much full sized middle seat in the middle row. I don’t think it was made through to 2020 but it is worth looking at. Ours hasn’t skipped a beat since 2016, lots of school runs plus long drives fully loaded to snowies etc

  • zerocritical on 30/03/2024 - 07:46

    Have a look at Skoda Kodiaq.

    • OhNoUShiz on 31/03/2024 - 09:09

      Didnt see many of this car on the road

    • Minimum chips on 31/03/2024 - 16:07

      I drove one of these as a rental a month ago.

      Surprisingly good fuel economy, some really neat little features all over. I like the little plastic fins that keep you from dinging anyone's car with your door.

      Fold up 3rd row would only suit kids. Small kids, with short legs. Not ideal for regular transport of more than 3 kids, but acceptable in a pinch.

      Dealt with going up Mt Wellington and all over Bruny island no issues. Definitely tuned for road though, bumpy on dirt tracks.

      My only complaint would be that the GPS was out of date and bugged out once.

  • altomic on 30/03/2024 - 08:45
    +4

    Mitsubishi outlander. Ive had a 7 seater for 9 years. Would recommend.

  • JownehFixIT on 30/03/2024 - 10:57
    -3

    Not a Kia EV9. I hope this was helpful 🙏

  • dtc on 30/03/2024 - 12:05

    No suggestions for the car, they are well covered. For luggage don’t forget you can use a roof pod, very spacious and pretty easy to use.

  • p1 ama on 30/03/2024 - 12:55
    +4

    CRV doesn't look too great, though I can't substantiate it.

    In other words, it's a boring, practical car.

    This is why people end up spending too much money buying dumb, large shitbox cars that end up becoming landfill because they were not built to last.

    The CRV is a great car.

  • Littlelegs1979 on 30/03/2024 - 15:35

    I’m no expert but I got my 7 seat Nissan trail as a demo 4.5 years ago for $27.5k. The capped priced servicing and eco mode for fuel economy has made it cheaper to run than my old ford territory. I love it, it’s a great little car and very handy for extra seats when we have visitors. It’s starting to cost a bit more to service now but that’s to be expected with brake pads etc. it’s no frills but comfortable and spacious.

  • Dundundunnnn on 30/03/2024 - 17:29

    I got a 17 pathfinder sti and it has a child restraint on the rear fold down seats and rides very nicely. Had it a few years but got it 2 years old for like 37k with extended warranty etc.

  • yellowfever on 30/03/2024 - 20:56
    +2

    Your expectation should match you budget

    • jrchurvnjef on 31/03/2024 - 08:29
      +3

      Of course. But I'm on Ozbargain because I'm looking for a bargain 😄

      • coffeeinmyveins on 01/04/2024 - 16:57

        I don't think you'll get much of a bargain with a car nowadays to be honest.

        It's most the opposite. If you want anything remotely special or unique, you're waiting for 12months or more.

  • inthemoney114 on 30/03/2024 - 21:52

    2021 Mazda Cx8.

  • May4th on 30/03/2024 - 22:34

    An 1-2yo CX-8 or CRV VTI-L7 would be my pick. The all new Honda CR-V 7 seater is larger, nicer looking and comes with a lot more tech but you're looking at an extra 7k. You can add Tiguan Allspace to the list but would be out of warranty soon and higher KMs. Or a previous gen Kluger, those things are indestructible but not very exciting

  • mrvaluepack on 30/03/2024 - 22:38
    +2

    Cx8

  • DiscoJango on 31/03/2024 - 08:19
    +3

    Toyota Tarago the og undisputed heavy weight king of 7 seaters.

  • bargainfinder on 31/03/2024 - 08:43

    New xtrail owner here from 2018, the car has been very reliable with no isssue, i bought the base model as i dont care too much about the interior. In regards to your third row, dont pick xtrail as the third row seat is too small even for kid, no leg room. I would go for kluger 7 seater for more space.

    • jrchurvnjef on 31/03/2024 - 08:44

      Thanks mate. Kluger is what I'm currently considering, that or a Santa Fe. Santa Fe is easier to find at sub-40k, Kluger more difficult, but there are a few out there.

  • RandomDealHunter on 31/03/2024 - 09:02
    +1
    • Left field option - Ssyangyong Rexton. Really huge and can be found in your price range.
    • Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (2.4L) as recommended by others
    • Mitsubishi Pajero NX 3.2L (got ours for less than $43K 2021 with below 40K kms) in 2023 - Pajeros are quite efficient diesel guzzlers too.
    • Mitsubishi Outlander - the new model is very spacious and is almost as big as the next size up (Kluger, Sorrento etc.) however reliability of 2.5L Nissan/Renault built is stilll unknown. However, comes with 10yr warranty.
    • Kia Carnival (if found) is good but a massive Petrol guzzler. Next door neighbour reports 17L/100km average on city driving but is very happy with the space for the family.
    • Mazda CX9 or CX8 - the tiny 2.5L petrol engines are poor in efficiency and diesels can be a little but these are as close to a luxury brand like Lexus that you will get for the price range. Very reliable cars though.

    Won’t mention any Euros and American brands due to general reliability issues.

    I would go for the later years in any of the models due to the ongoing advances in active and passive safety as you are carrying family and friends

    • altomic on 31/03/2024 - 11:14
      +1

      17L/100km

      WTF. there is something seriously wrong with that car.

      • SanguinarySeraph on 31/03/2024 - 11:45

        Assuming it's the Aspirated V6, that probably tracks if you're only doing short, urban trips and heavily loaded. Mixed trips or highway and it should come down to ~10l/100k average. There is also the 4 cylinder Turbo-Diesel which should be better on fuel, but possibly higher on maintenance.

      • RandomDealHunter on 01/04/2024 - 00:43

        Nope. Dealer maintained, fully serviced and with less than 60k kms. It is a 2020 model and platinum model which looks to be stuffed all you need for the fam.

        They use is mainly as a family hauling car with 7 people in the family. I was surprised initially but the petrol v6 is a gas guzzler. Their Kluger v6 was even worse at 19L/100km but is known for poor economy. My Pajero (diesel) is at 11L/100kms but servicing is more expensive.

        • us3rnam3tak3n on 01/04/2024 - 18:40

          Kluger v6 was even worse at 19L/100km but is known for poor economy

          Ouch! My old first gen with the 3.3L gets around 12L/100km, mostly suburban driving.

    • souljah on 31/03/2024 - 16:05
      +3

      Kia Carnival diesel the worth the extra, ours averaged around 6.7l to 7l per 100km driving all over the place (cities, mountains, hwy). And it was fully loaded weight wise!

      • RandomDealHunter on 01/04/2024 - 00:44

        Agree but only if you can take it out for long trips each month and keep the dpf clean as with all diesel engines these days.

    • sponson on 31/03/2024 - 16:29

      Kia Carnival

      I think you're bananas if you don't opt for the turbo diesel. I think the earlier ones were petrol only though.

    • Drakesy on 01/04/2024 - 00:39

      Mazda CX9 or CX8 - the tiny 2.5L petrol engines are poor in efficiency

      Its probably the best out of the list next to a hybrid kluger ($60k+) and the skyactive engine is a powerhouse.

      Ldv d90 would be my pick nonetheless, 2010's era engine, garrett turbo and a tried and tested 6 speed auto. Nothing overly complicated running gear wise.

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