Buying a 7 Seater - Advice/Opinions Plz

[RedHotGT]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to buy a 7 seater in the next couple of months...
I've got 3 young kids (oldest is 5) so they're only gonna get bigger.
The 2 x cars listed in my signature aren't going to cut it for much longer...
Budget is around about $20,000k (give or take for the right car)

So i'm shopping around for a 7 seater... I like my Ford's, so the obvious choice would be a RWD Territory 7 Seater...
BUT - I'm probably a little biased because I like the look of them, and have owned a number of I6 cars and been very happy with them...

Looking for advice on 7 seaters... anyone who can offer some tips, advice, or recommendations on the Territory, or any other alternatives...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...
Cheers,

Loftie

[Jason[98.EL]]

What about getting a dickie seat for the EF wagon then the smaller of the 3 could sit in the back

Just a thought

Jason

[sgt_doofey]

Having grown up with two other brothers and gone on long trips with the family as kids in the old XE Falcon, I'm sure the EF and AU will survive a few more years until the kids are in their teens and not wanting to go with you anymore.

[RedHotGT]

Originally Posted by Jason[98.EL]

What about getting a dickie seat for the EF wagon then the smaller of the 3 could sit in the back

Just a thought

Jason

Jason - have considered this - but the kids are only gonna get bigger, and by law must sit on a booster seat until the age of 8 (here in VIC) so dickie seat isn't really ideal...

[daz82]

Biggest test from what one of the ladies at work has told me, what ever you look at try and fit your three seats in it. A friend of hers bought a Kluger......She cant fit the three seats accross the 3 seater bench in the middle row. She then had to trade it in with 1500km on it on a Territory Ghia, lol.

[ZA-289]

Territory or get a 4WD, Patrol, cruiser, pajero, prado....

Can you see yourself with a tarago in the driveway???

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by loftie

....
I like my Ford's, so the obvious choice would be a RWD Territory 7 Seater...
I like the look of them...
I have owned a number of I6 cars and been very happy with them...

Territory seems a given with what you've said above, but I'm probably biased too ;)

Terri's have one of the widest rear seats going that I believe can accept 3 child seats across (not many can do that). Search the Terri forum for confirmation.

Using the rear 3 across will be a much better day-to-day option than using the 3rd row all the time, even if the kids like the novelty of it. With the 3rd row up you'll loose much of the cargo area as it isn't split, there's still some space there though.

Your budget should find a good used one given the market these days.

Cheers, Raptor

[RedHotGT]

The AU that I have now does fit 3 x seats... (i've got a 5yr old, a 3 yr old, and a 1yr old) so they are in 3 x different carseats...
though - it is mighty tight... luckily the older one can fit his hands between the seats for the seatbelt buckles...

That would be my biggest concern with a large car, is that I can actually close the doors with the 3 x seats ! maybe I should take the seats with me to a dealer!! they'd love that...

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by loftie

The AU that I have now does fit 3 x seats... (i've got a 5yr old, a 3 yr old, and a 1yr old) so they are in 3 x different carseats...
though - it is mighty tight... luckily the older one can fit his hands between the seats for the seatbelt buckles...

That would be my biggest concern with a large car, is that I can actually close the doors with the 3 x seats ! maybe I should take the seats with me to a dealer!! they'd love that...

Man that would be a tight fit.

Im in the same boat, minus one child, ones 22 months and now a 2 week old. I dont think another seat in the back will work for me; although I am not planning on number three!

But a Terry will be the next car for sure, hoping the new diesel or LiLPG will fit the bill.

The wife quite likes the new Renault SUV aswell, quoted on the TV at $34k but not to sure what the diesel would be, in a car like that, small engine a diesel would be a must.

Good thing about the euro's this that you can get them in a manual, actually think its standard.

[RedHotGT]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Man that would be a tight fit.

Im in the same boat, minus one child, ones 22 months and now a 2 week old. I dont think another seat in the back will work for me; although I am not planning on number three!

But a Terry will be the next car for sure, hoping the new diesel or LiLPG will fit the bill.

The wife quite likes the new Renault SUV aswell, quoted on the TV at $34k but not to sure what the diesel would be, in a car like that, small engine a diesel would be a must.

Good thing about the euro's this that you can get them in a manual, actually think its standard.

I like to tell the kids that its COZY (not something you would expect someone to say about the ample room in the rear of an AU... hahahaha

[Carby]

Dodge Journey.

[Brazen]

Territory would be my first choice.

[aussie muscle]

keep in mind they don't rear end crash test the 7 seaters, so make sure their heads aren't too close to the rear.

[TheInterceptor]

mistubishi delica 4x4 turbo diesel series 2 or 3

[Bushbasher]

Originally Posted by TheInterceptor

mistubishi delica 4x4 turbo diesel series 2 or 3

Here here !! , have a look Here and Here for owner reviews

Definitely go the TD then use the change to get LPG injection put on as well. Improve both power and economy another 20%.



Bushbasher

[TheInterceptor]

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

Definitely go the TD then use the change to get LPG injection put on as well. Improve both power and economy another 20%.

And make sure its done properly, otherwise the fuel consumption will have you s***ing bricks.

Alternativley, you could run it on good ol vege oil.