7 Seaters?

[maca]

What about sourcing a RHD Mazda 5 from somewhere?

[gareth_oau]

we had 4 kids, and people suggested we would need to buy a Tarago or similar. I told them i'd rather drown one of the kids than drive a Tarago.

I'm a car/performance fanatic, so your typical people-mover just wasnt going to cut it.

So we bought a Commodore SS wagon, chipped it, big exhaust, CAI, lowered suspension, 6 speed gearbox with quick-shifter - you know, typical mum's school bus type car, then we installed 2 additional seats in the boot and converted into a road-legal 7 seater.

In fact it was probably the world's fastest school bus!!

This option allowed us to have our cake and eat it too.

Oh, and when we sold it, we made a killing, very rare and in high demand!!

[The_Hawk]

What about sourcing a RHD Mazda 5 from somewhere?

They look alright, although there is not information on the child restraint points... oh and I expect them to be stupidly expensive. (and don't seem to be available in Australia).

While looking them up I stumbled on www.familycarguide.com which shows they sell for US$20k ish, mind you the same site says a CX-9 sells for US$30k ish which roughly translates to $60k ish in Australia

[Manaz]

Have you looked at the Subaru Exiga at all?

[The_Hawk]

Have you looked at the Subaru Exiga at all?

It only has two child anchor points and is essentially just a higher spec Liberty Wagon, released 2009 as far as I can see so read $40K+


If you neglect the anchor point thing and just assume everything can be fitted with extra points then consider all the options there still isn't alot out there. The car like wagons have zero luggage space with the back row in place, the larger wagon/van things like the Kia Carnival or Crysler Voyager have luggage space that's getting there...

Mind you the reality seems to be that unless you go full van space will always be an issue. So for the moment it's a little bit of wait and see... if the first ultra sound shows one baby we have more options... if of course it's twins... we have less options... might also need a new house

[Manaz]

It only has two child anchor points and is essentially just a higher spec Liberty Wagon, released 2009 as far as I can see so read $40K+

A bugger that they only have two anchor points. On the price, I figured that by the time you actually need to grab one, the prices would have dropped further (there should be some 2nd hand ones on the market by then). Regarding similarity to the Liberty Wagon, very similar, stretched lengthwise and heightwise I believe.

If you neglect the anchor point thing and just assume everything can be fitted with extra points then consider all the options there still isn't alot out there. The car like wagons have zero luggage space with the back row in place, the larger wagon/van things like the Kia Carnival or Crysler Voyager have luggage space that's getting there...

Mind you the reality seems to be that unless you go full van space will always be an issue. So for the moment it's a little bit of wait and see... if the first ultra sound shows one baby we have more options... if of course it's twins... we have less options... might also need a new house

Yeah, twins would change the equation somewhat. Then you may well end up with a Tarago...

[The_Hawk]

Then you may well end up with a Tarago...

Yeah, but if I can avoid it...

The first ultra sound should hopefully be this week (or next) after which I'll know what's going on and get more serious about a new car. When all is said and done the Kombi or Multivan sounds like the best options for both seating and luggage. Melissa's red Kombi looks almost perfect, so if I can convince the wife to drive manual (which she can do) we are all set

[Spook]

First thing that came to mind is the Kia Rondo 7. Currently driveaway from $24,990 brand new. Brochure says 3 child seat anchorage points (so aftermarket fix needed), and the boot space doesn't look too promising, but a good price for a brand new 7-seater.

All the best with the bub too!

[Golf Loon]

Pity they dont sell the Ford S Max in Oz.
Car of the Year in 2007 and Clarkesons favorite people mover.