SUV buyer - help

mumpty1, Mar 13, 2:14pm
Hi there,
I’ve read through a few of these chats so I understand that some people really don’t think SUV is the way to go but it’s what we’re looking at getting and I would love some advice please.
My husband has a 5 seat Mondeo which we use for our main car - it’s his work vehicle that can be used for our family as part of his salary package. Our situation is we have 3 children living at home 15, 13 and 9 but also have an adult daughter who lives in Dunedin and is recently engaged. My vehicle needs to be used for the school run and general run around for me. However, there are times when all 6-7 of us need to go in the same car (not terribly often) so we need something large enough to accommodate us all. I’m DONE with people movers and I really don’t want a van. Our budget is around $13,000. We have been looking at 2009-2011 Outlanders and Vanguards and also a 2009 Diesel Santa Fe (with low k’s). I guess I’m looking for advice please on what (if any) is the better option? I really have no idea and don’t want to be led astray by an enthusiastic car sales person! TIA
vtecintegra, Mar 13, 2:25pm
Sante Fe is probably the best with regard to space in the third row but even then it's the extra passenger OR luggage because there isn't enough space for both.
mumpty1, Mar 13, 3:25pm
Thank you, that’s good to know!
mumpty1, Mar 13, 3:27pm
I like the look of these, the fuel costs seem quite high? Are they more expensive to repair?
tamarillo, Mar 13, 3:49pm
They’re big things so yes will use gas, but more than others of similar ilk.
Servicing is fine if you stick to a specialist non main dealer. Lots of bits are used on other cars and by other makes and parts are plentiful , and cheap if you plan and get from states.
kazbanz, Mar 13, 3:56pm
Sorry Mumpty but IMO you are begging for trouble buying ANY SUV.
This reply is not a generality but very specifically aimed at you.
To explain my reasoning. Frankly you are not going to have enough leg room in any of the SUV type vehicles--Unless your family are very short.
Keep in mind too you don't think for now but instead in a year or two's time.
My STRONG suggestion would be to take your entire family shopping. Put the youngest two in the back row of seats and mr?15 along with you and hubbie in the middle row. -then remember those kids are not gonna shrink.
The one exception would be the Mitsubishi Delica D5
Space wise inside its a "people mover" but the shape wheels etc are very much SUV. If you by chance need the SUV then there is the 4wd version--that looks like the 2wd
By the way my other thought--if you currently have a people mover then just "suck it up" for another couple of years. By then the family dynamic will have changed and you could just about buy a sports car if you wanted to
itsafamilything, Mar 13, 3:58pm
ONE important consideration is that by 2005 most cars/ SUVs are timing chain whereas the XC90 2.5L is cambelt. All things being equal incl regular service with quality filter and oil etc at 100k with a timing chain engine usually a timing chain is not up for consideration sure there are exceptions but you stay away from those brands / models anyway. You would want to ensure that the whole timing belt assembly (not just belt) and water pump and correct coolant have been replaced with a quality kit by a competent service centre. Or at least factor in the cost of such a job and you'll need proper and not artificially low) quotes to know what sort of bill that would be. Ball park figure may be $1000. Remember too that it is not just the km travelled but the age. Some manufacturers say replacement should be every . km / 5 years whichever comes first. The km interval for the XC30 I think is between 100 and 150k but find out for sure. All the best.
kazbanz, Mar 13, 4:04pm
Why would anyone buy what is now a 16 year old vehicle?
The XC90 from 2006 has a cam chain engine.
kazbanz, Mar 13, 4:11pm
Yea but nah. "family friendly" if you have little kids not so much given the OP's YOUNGEST is 11 and the rest are (In fairness Im guessing) full adult sized. Im NOT talking in theory or even based on sales but on actual current personal ownership of a 2006 -Yea ok technically it belongs to the yard but its "mine"
Honestly theres just enough leg room for lil miss 8 in the very back row when the front two rows are filled with adults.
It literally is virtually identical space wise to my Toyota Zio which I intended to retire and replace with the XC90. I prefer the Toyota in every possible
itsafamilything, Mar 13, 4:16pm
I was responding to the suggestion put to the OP re a 2005 XC30 2.5L which the OP was showing some interest in as per above, It think that it is relevant that THAT vehicle has a belt. Re your specific question, people obviously do buy 16 year old vehicle and for different reasons however it was not something I was promoting I don't think. And no, Volvo is not on my top 5 recommendations list.
mumpty1, Mar 13, 4:16pm
Thanks heaps for your thorough response, I totally hear what you’re saying. We took our kids and you’re right, the back row is pathetic in comparison with people movers. My 2 youngest are tiny but absolutely they’re going to grow. We’ve tossed up the idea of getting a 5 seater now as we can always take 2 cars when going out. Mr15 will begins the process of getting his license this year. It’s more the fact I still want the option of chucking 2 kids in the back row eg my daughter and son in law fly up to visit periodically so for me to go out during the day with them x my 3 other children. Or like what happened the other weekend, my husband, 3 kids and I to visit them in Dunedin and my eldest wanted to come to the pool/mall etc with us and we are now in a situation of having 6 of us but a 5 seater car. 90% of the time it will just be me and between 1-3 of my children and occasionally a hanger on so a 5 seater is sufficient. After over 15yrs with people movers I’m over them and want something a little ‘cooler’
The struggle is real lol
kazbanz, Mar 13, 4:26pm
I really do recommend having a look at the Mitzi delica I mentioned. its got that "tough guy" look but inside its a people mover.
OR -something REALLY off base.--Have a look at the 2015 or newer Toyota sienta.They really have gone out of theur way to give them some cool appeal
mumpty1, Mar 13, 4:30pm
Thank you, good food for thought.
mumpty1, Mar 13, 4:39pm
Thanks! I guess I’m asking quite basic questions that I haven’t been able to find objective answers to. Are all these models we’ve looked at Santa Fe, Outlander, Vanguard apples to apples and it just comes down to finding a good deal with comparison to year and k’s? Or is model and/or year more important? Eg older Santa Fe better than a newer Outlander, or vice versa? Is diesel better/worse? If I can narrow those things first is helpful in my brain at least.
mumpty1, Mar 13, 4:40pm
will have a look, ta
itsafamilything, Mar 13, 5:07pm
No problem! The WORST thing some / too many do is simply rush in. You are doing the right thing. I didn't say but I had thought your solution was to go for a 5 seater and on those rare occasions take an extra car. Makes so much sense! So was pleased to see you arrived at that.

Opens up more possibilities too. Ask if you need some suggestions but I believe I would generally be feeling ill to suggest most things Euro. Cheers
trogedon, Mar 13, 9:19pm
Get a 5 seater stationwagon and spring for an Uber when needed.
s_nz, Mar 14, 12:02am
You are going to need to take some of your kids car shopping and see if the third row's in any of the cars you are interested are viable for your intended use, and will remain that way for at least a couple of years growth.

In general the third row's in medium SUV's are strictly for small children.The one on the previous generation out lander is partially bad (can't comment on the vanguard). In many of them the center seat in the 2nd row is also badly uncomfortable. I think the Santa Fe is considered the next size up, so may be a little better.

Sadly it is only really SUV's, people movers and van's that come with 7 seats, and the SUV's often such when it comes to third row space.

What are your thoughts on fat wagon's:
- Prius V (alpha)
- 2009 era honda Odyssey
- Subaru Exiga

All three are probiably considered people movers, but have more of a wagon aesthetic and don't have sliding doors. The likes of a Prius V would cost half what an outlander would to run.
tamarillo, Mar 14, 8:00am
That era Hobday Odyssey is interesting. How day sold it as the wagon version of accord but overseas it’s clearly a sporty people mover. You get the excellent accord 2.4 running gear that’s capable of great economy and an extra row of seats. Not as spacious as big boys but sounds like that’s a compromise you will make.
3tomany, Sep 3, 3:00pm
I would not dwell to much on how good the third row is. I would buy a seven seater that works best as a 5 seater wagon yet has a third row capable of carrying some children if you needed to. If you are carrying 6 or more constantly then the people mover or van is the only logical option.