Suggestions for a 7 seat SUV

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Diff/cradle bushes?
Centre bearing?
Trans cooler?
Roof lining?
Seat bolsters/base?

Lets not pretend you can throw a set of control arms at them and its all hunky dorey.
Great cars, but high maintenance which is why eliminating the additional costs of the diesel makes the Barra a smarter option on the now very used market.

All five of those are things that turned up on my Caprice, so its not unique to the Territory either, they're not huge issues to address.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Territory or Kluger.

Both petrol 6's, Kluger available in RWD/AWD.

Kluger has a transverse engine layout, so front wheel drive biased. Even the AWD, it wont activate the rears unless it starts to slip.

In any case, I would never buy a front drive V6 Kluger, it's too tall and top heavy for such a powerful engine. Same applies to a V6 Carnival.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I was talking about the Territory.

I know, you said the Kruger is still being built but a new one is not in the budget of the OP’S family so being in production is irrelevant.

It’s rather funny how without fail you rush to defend Toyota in such posts.

And to your list of territory issues, 8 vehicles and one had a diff replaced under warranty….we must have just avoided the Friday builds

[kevino]

Son in law has a v6 kluger in Brisbane
Does about 20 litres/100 kms metro work
Hates it

[Citroënbender]

Repairable write off ex-rental Carnaverals come up reasonably often. Although it would likely exceed the budget once fixed to pass a VIV check.

[.:4:.]

Grey market import nissan elgrand or toyota alphard???
The high spec ones of either of those are pretty pimped out from the factory.

[Crazy Dazz]

In most cars, the extra seats TAKE up space. So just stick with 5-seater variants.

If the budget was really limited, then it's hard to go past a decent Territory. But they are getting long in the tooth, and $20k will get them something much newer.

My personal recommendation would be a Subaru Outback. Very proven package on dirt roads, decent size, well equipt, and reasonable cargo space. Fuel economy is ok, and there's a diesel option if you insist.

If those extra two seats are a must, then go for one of the Korean twins, Santa Fe/Sportage. Well made, reliable, and the 2.2TD gives ok economy.

[Sprintey]

Watching the SZ petrol Territories in the used market currently, the low km ones go real quick, people realise the value

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

All five of those are things that turned up on my Caprice, so its not unique to the Territory either, they're not huge issues to address.

Because they're another example of cheap Australian build quality.
Take a look at any of the once locals, all have cheap roof linings falling down, seats stuffed and all beforev200k.

When you look back without blinkers on you realise just how cheaply built they were, a vehicle built in Australia shouldnt come with glued foam and material when inside temps reach 50*+, my Mazda2 has a better roof lining and seat quality at under half the price when new.

I've been watching 2007 to 2012 Santa Fe's for sale, many have over 250k km on them and are still holding together.

The only thing Territory really has going for it is the Barra, the rest of the car will fall apart around it.

[Citroënbender]

The roof lining on an X5 BMW or Citroën C6 will also fail; neither was a cheaply made car. It’s likely a byproduct of near-mandated European standards for what goes into certain materials in respect of sustainability, recyclability, toxicity.

To renew the Territory roof lining is no more than $600 all in, and a same-day job. You can DIY for under $200.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Because they're another example of cheap Australian build quality.
Take a look at any of the once locals, all have cheap roof linings falling down, seats stuffed and all beforev200k.

When you look back without blinkers on you realise just how cheaply built they were, a vehicle built in Australia shouldnt come with glued foam and material when inside temps reach 50*+, my Mazda2 has a better roof lining and seat quality at under half the price when new.

I've been watching 2007 to 2012 Santa Fe's for sale, many have over 250k km on them and are still holding together.

The only thing Territory really has going for it is the Barra, the rest of the car will fall apart around it.

Yep, cheaply built for sure, no doubt about it,

But they're easy to work on, parts can be bought from your local IGA, they're not sensitive on fuel quality and there's skills in your local workshop to fix anything that goes wrong with them.

I know where I live none of our workshops have the exposure and skills to diagnose and fix stuff on the latest modern cars, but you can get your Falcon, Commodore or Territory sorted same day and cheaply.

It's a good purchase for a mum with young kids, who probably doesn't have the means to finance upkeep on something the locals won't be able to fix or have parts available locally.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

The roof lining on an X5 BMW or Citroën C6 will also fail; neither was a cheaply made car. It’s likely a byproduct of near-mandated European standards for what goes into certain materials in respect of sustainability, recyclability, toxicity.

To renew the Territory roof lining is no more than $600 all in, and a same-day job. You can DIY for under $200.

Built for European conditions predominantly, unlike the local products that were always OZ first products and arent suitable.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Yep, cheaply built for sure, no doubt about it,

But they're easy to work on, parts can be bought from your local IGA, they're not sensitive on fuel quality and there's skills in your local workshop to fix anything that goes wrong with them.

I know where I live none of our workshops have the exposure and skills to diagnose and fix stuff on the latest modern cars, but you can get your Falcon, Commodore or Territory sorted same day and cheaply.

It's a good purchase for a mum with young kids, who probably doesn't have the means to finance upkeep on something the locals won't be able to fix or have parts available locally.

Which is why I suggested both Territory and Kluger, Kluger running gear is the same as Aurion.

The issue is, every time a Toyota product is mentioned on here, locals feel the need to trash them which supports my comments in the Vfacts thread that in the absence of Holden, Ford fans have to create an us v them mentality with Toyota to remain relevant.
And to then say im defending the Toyota when it was a Ford fan that fired the first shot for zero reason when I'd put forward both.
The reason I put forward both Territory and Kluger is they are both suited to the OP's needs, who didnt specify a Ford product I might say, both have plenty of get up and go, both good tourers, both well received and easy for parts.
Yes, the Toyota is barge like, its a big SUV with typical Toyota soft suspension tune, its also has plenty of metal around your family and packed full of safety, only it doesnt come at the expense of needing new bushes every 100k km or wont leave you stranded with a front wheel tucked up in the footwell from ball joint failure.

[DFB FGXR6]

To the OP, a 7-seat SUV is not actually going to give you any extra room in the boot, if anything, it's going to take up more space.

If the extra seats aren't going to be used and added cargo space is important, why are we even talking SUV's? In 99% of cases, an SUV will have less cargo room than a wagon.

A Holden Commodore or Ford Mondeo will have waaaay more cargo space, will be nicer to drive, safer, use less fuel, will have cheaper tyre replacements and service costs. Not to mention giving the buyer more for their money because they won't have the SUV tax.

SV6's with just over 100,000 km -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-17892576/
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...gType=showcase

Mondeo's with under 100,000 km (they actually have more room than a VE/VF) -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...G-AD-23982680/
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-18279278/

This would be my pick, Mazda 6 Wagon looks great, will be the most reliable, easy to resell -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-17266100/

To me, these vehicles would be a much smarter purchase at that price point compared to paying a premium for a higher km SUV.

[jstanovic]

Something a bit different is a Kia Rondo. We have a 7-seat SLi model, so far it's been a fantastic car. Middle row seats are separate from each other so can tilt/slide/fold individually so easily fit kids seats etc. Enough room in seats 6 and 7 to fit teenagers. Averages 10L/100km around town or 8 on a highway run from the 2L petrol auto.

https://www.carsales.com.au/research/kia/rondo/2018/

[Sprintey]

It would be remiss of me if I did not mention this fine vehicle:

https://www.daveymotorgroup.com/stoc...-van--g-444422

7 seats, compact size, hybrid economy, look exuberant in your different looking car choice

They have black one if that is too much. Also many other JDM imports in around that 20K range, Noah vans, Estima hybrids, Harrier SUVs etc. Got no relationship with them, just spun out a dedicated JDM importer sprung up in G-town with weird and wonderful things Japanese.

[Interceptor]

Given that you've told us that you're in mid-north SA and that the vehicle would be driven on dirt roads, I'd avoid anything 2wd like the plague.

If the budget can stretch to $25k, shopping carefully will get you a 100/105 series Landcruiser, 120 series Prado or a GU Patrol. Yes, the K's will be over 200,000, but I'd rather a higher K, fullsize, diesel 4wd in the areas I suspect you live & the roads you travel on, before buying a slightly newer/lower km suburban assault vehicle.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-13215316/
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-18296334/

Just avoid anything thats got all the typical P plater or weekend warrior rubbish crammed onto it.

[Fordman1]

Post 2011 Ford Territory, don’t listen to the trolls, who are here to talk up their love for Toyota.

I drove one at the Ford Proving Ground on their off road track, including water crossings and climbing those banks. It really was a great Australian vehicle.

Get a 5 seater with a 6 cylinder petrol engine.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by Interceptor

Given that you've told us that you're in mid-north SA and that the vehicle would be driven on dirt roads, I'd avoid anything 2wd like the plague.

If the budget can stretch to $25k, shopping carefully will get you a 100/105 series Landcruiser, 120 series Prado or a GU Patrol. Yes, the K's will be over 200,000, but I'd rather a higher K, fullsize, diesel 4wd in the areas I suspect you live & the roads you travel on, before buying a slightly newer/lower km suburban assault vehicle.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-13215316/
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-18296334/

Just avoid anything thats got all the typical P plater or weekend warrior rubbish crammed onto it.

This is why the petrol AWD Territory was just such a good thing. You could be driving that mix of country highway/gravel and you knew no matter what speed you went off the bitumen and onto the gravel, it was just so solid and tracked so well, it was completely unperturbed. On top of that, you don't have to drive a diesel truck like a 105, no handling lottery like many of the FWD SUVs, you can have Falcon-like comfort, ride and handling as well as the gravel capability. Snow, capability, too. And the Barra + ZF + AWD was such a good drivetrain.

A great shame they stopped making it in 2011.

Edit: and it was AWD all the time, 38/62 split front to rear - none of this shutting off the front diff to be in 2wd for economy's sake - which I think the diesel AWD does like many other new SUVs that are 'AWD'. Suby, Land Rover, LC, Prado I think are still full time.

[simon varley]

what about an early everest? mileage is getting up a bit, but there are a few $20-25k

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...E-AD-18037802/

[simon varley]

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...G-AD-23919617/

[simon varley]

or Graysonline? we picked up our BF3 wagon for Shitbox, for $1300 including fees. There are plenty of no-reserve cars

https://www.grays.com/search/automot...odel=Territory

[Toiler]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

. . .

Edit: and it was AWD all the time, 38/62 split front to rear - none of this shutting off the front diff to be in 2wd for economy's sake - which I think the diesel AWD does like many other new SUVs that are 'AWD'. Suby, Land Rover, LC, Prado I think are still full time.

The front axle is almost always engaged. The only time I have recorded it completely turning off is with a sharp (very sharp) turn of the steering wheel. Peak engagement is approximately 85% duty cycle while "idle" is approx 15% - percentages being the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal from the controller to the TOD box clutches.

Subjectively, with the AWD/RWD switch fitted you can feel the lighter steering when running RWD mode when compared to AWD. For this reason I do not drive in the country, at highway speed or in the rain in RWD mode. Steering feel is much better in AWD mode.

[Toiler]

Originally Posted by Toiler

The front axle is almost always engaged. The only time I have recorded it completely turning off is with a sharp (very sharp) turn of the steering wheel. Peak engagement is approximately 85% duty cycle while "idle" is approx 15% - percentages being the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal from the controller to the TOD box clutches.

Subjectively, with the AWD/RWD switch fitted you can feel the lighter steering when running RWD mode when compared to AWD. For this reason I do not drive in the country, at highway speed or in the rain in RWD mode. Steering feel is much better in AWD mode.

I should have added. In my opinion the implementation of the AWD in the SZII is very poor with too many shortcuts taken (bean counters?) and the SY option is far far better.

[Cav]

https://cherymotor.com.au/models/tiggo-8-pro-max

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by cav

https://cherymotor.com.au/models/tiggo-8-pro-max

image

_off topic_

[lamborghinifan]

Biggest downside for territory imho- far above the annoying but cheap to fix maintenance issues, is the 3rd row is very tiny, and doesn’t split fold. Meaning you’re stuck with seating for 5 and a healthy boot, or 5 in comfort, 1 or 2 in discomfort, and no boot. From an owner of 2 of them (much loved, albeit the turbo petrol models) and someone who’s been and tried everything to get the perfect all rounder.
Kluger has deeper footwells in the third row, and split folds. Decent enough to drive, but probably just as thirst as the Barra.
Prado similar seating and boot, just more biased towards the 4WD driving experience
Toyota reliability? Who knows.

Kia’s and Hyundai’s are worth a look, but still on the small side, especially in the boot

Vans are, well, vans. Very practical. But you love them, or you don’t. They’ve improved dramatically since the 80’s bongos and Targo. Comfortable seating layouts for 5+, and adequate boots, but driving dynamics can be lacking, particularity in FWD format only. Dirt might spoil that. The budget may struggle to stretch to a good example.

From territories, to Escalades, the Mercedes GL is the least worst compromise for me. But the maintenance bills leave me pining for the simple fixes of the annulled aussies.

Budget may be the biggest limitation, as everything newer in the 3rd rows has improved each generation with clever space saving, folding seats, and general driving dynamics.
PM me if you want more specifics, many hours of research.
Also check out baby drive.com.au very good reviews for things like car seats, boot space, but only basic driving dynamic tests. Might be helpful. She has a range of older models in the history also.

Good luck.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

….we must have just avoided the Friday builds

Same. Sold my diesel territory with 185k km on the clock after owning it for 7+ years and over 100000km. Zero of the problems mentioned. Very good car.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Fordman1

_OFF TOPIC_

- Quoting OFF TOPIC -

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Itsme

- Quoting OFF TOPIC -l

OP can't buy your Off Topic suggestion