Shopping with $25k - Large Family Car (must fit 4 kids) - It ain't very simple...

RedHotGT · 18-08-2010, 11:22 AM

Hey Guys,

I'm shopping for a large family car at the moment... i've got $25k to spend... and it needs to fit 4 kids (6, 3, 1, newborn) and obviously myself and my wife...

Now - you'd think that this might be an easy choice... but after hunting around... it is not as clear as you may think...

With the laws regarding children under 7 sitting in a booster seat... it means that there will be 4 x car seats in my car... 1 x booster, and 3 x capsule style (with harness systems) that need the specific clip to secure the seat to the car (as well as the seatbelt)...

NOW - this is where my problem is....

I was looking at 2005-2007 Territory 7-seaters (TX/TS/GHIA - preferably GHIA)... but it seems that there is no provision in the 3rd row of seats for a capsule/harness style seat to be fitted...

Even though there is 3 x clips for the capsule/harness style seats in the 2nd row of seats... I can't fit that either (how can I fold the 2nd row seat forward to access the rear seats???)...

Then - I was looking at a Honda Odyssey... and i've encountered the same issue with the 3rd Gen odysseys (2005-2007)....

SO - we finally get to my question...

Does anyone have any suggestions to a LARGE car that I can safely and correctly fit 4 x kids under 7??

Or - has anyone encountered the same thing and come up with a solution (apart from the logical suggestion which is STOP HAVING KIDS!!! hahahah

)

LightningStrike · 18-08-2010, 11:29 AM

Now this is a challenge!

Would the last series Explorer that we got here have them???

(My Territory puts in regular duty as a hauler of five kids and two adults - and does well - but they are all primary school age)

The easy answer is - can your 6 year old pass for 7?

Smoke Pursuit · 18-08-2010, 11:30 AM

Yes you can clip them in on the 7 seat territory, theres a clip on the floor at the very rear of the boot for the 3rd row.

LightningStrike · 18-08-2010, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfiipursuit

Yes you can clip them in on the 7 seat territory, theres a clip on the floor at the very rear of the boot for the 3rd row.

Is that the two chrome clips? Mine does have these (05 SX Ghia 7str)

RedHotGT · 18-08-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightningStrike

Is that the two chrome clips? Mine does have these (05 SX Ghia 7str)

I was under the impression that these were more 'tiedown' points - and not the correct clip system for a capsule/seat???

RedHotGT · 18-08-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightningStrike

Now this is a challenge!

The easy answer is - can your 6 year old pass for 7?

Even if he doesn't sit on a booster... still have the same issue...
3 x seats that need the clip....
and can't have all 3 in the 2nd row of the car...

Smoke Pursuit · 18-08-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loftie

I was under the impression that these were more 'tiedown' points - and not the correct clip system for a capsule/seat???

Im pretty sure you can you use them to clip down a seat ill have to double check and make sure they line up with the centre of the rear seat but im probably 80% sure they are.

RedHotGT · 18-08-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightningStrike

Now this is a challenge!

(My Territory puts in regular duty as a hauler of five kids and two adults - and does well - but they are all primary school age)

What did you do before you had the terry???
(assuming that if they are all primary school age now - they were once smaller... and in capsule/harness seats....)

RedHotGT · 18-08-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfiipursuit

Im pretty sure you can you use them to clip down a seat ill have to double check and make sure they line up with the centre of the rear seat but im probably 80% sure they are.

Looking forward to your response... because if that is the case... then 7 seat Ghia here we come...

Otherwise...hmmm.... ?????

Kryton · 18-08-2010, 11:44 AM

Maybe a Kia Carnival?

Smoke Pursuit · 18-08-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davway

Maybe a Kia Carnival?

Also known as death trap.

FPV8U · 18-08-2010, 12:24 PM

Without sounding a bit basic, if you called a local Ford dealer or even Ford direct with your question they should be able to give you a pretty firm yes or no.

RedHotGT · 18-08-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPV8U

Without sounding a bit basic, if you called a local Ford dealer or even Ford direct with your question they should be able to give you a pretty firm yes or no.

Possibly... but then i'd have to speak to a Ford Dealer, or a Ford Customer Service Representative...

I'd prefer to speak to someone who knows a bit about Fords....

Thats why I brought it to the Forums... Might be someone here who's had a similar issue...

**Polyal** · 18-08-2010, 12:37 PM

OK dont laugh but what about a Renault Scenic or a Citroen Picasso C4?

You can get a diesel which is good on fuel, I reckon the Citroen is a good bit of kit. If you can live with the "looks" the interior space is very well thought out.

Something different.

LightningStrike · 18-08-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loftie

What did you do before you had the terry???
(assuming that if they are all primary school age now - they were once smaller... and in capsule/harness seats....)

Unfortunately, they aren't all mine...

...my wife is a special needs teacher and the Terry does the runs to take them from school to outside activities (gymnastics & local excursions etc.). Saves parents having to dip into their pockets for buses! I'll ask around to see if I can find anoyone who has been up against this situation and how they coped without resorting to a Tarago.

irlewy86 · 18-08-2010, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfiipursuit

Also known as death trap.

Isn't it ironic that laws introduced to improve safety for kids results in more sales of vehicles without the safety measures that necessitated the laws in the first place.

phillyc · 18-08-2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irlewy86

Isn't it ironic that laws introduced to improve safety for kids results in more sales of vehicles without the safety measures that necessitated the laws in the first place.

Exactly. These laws are forcing people into vehicles like the Kia. Which aren't nearly as safe or dynamically capable as a good sedan.

A Territory is a 4-5 star NCAP rated vehicle.

phoonfan · 18-08-2010, 02:03 PM

You will find 2 harness points located next to those chrome tie down points, in the rear just at the opening of the tailgate.they are underneath a small plastic cover. They are on all 7 seat terry's! So 3 in the second row, 2 for the third.
Should solve your problem and keep in the blue team!
Good luck!

Franco Cozzo · 18-08-2010, 02:13 PM

Chevrolet/Holden Suburban?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1998-Holden-S...886?pt=AU_Cars

Seats 8 people comfortably.

falcon convert · 18-08-2010, 02:46 PM

You will get a VW Caravelle, 5 to 7 years old for around that money. T4 model as opposed to the T5.
The T4s were better in terms of occupant space and fitting capsules, booseters etc. Plus they have HEAPS of room for all the crap you lug around when you have a big family.
I have 5 daughters and have had a Caravelle for nearly 8 years. A brilliant family van. Boring as, but perfect for your needs.

**Raptor** · 18-08-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoonfan

You will find 2 harness points located next to those chrome tie down points, in the rear just at the opening of the tailgate.they are underneath a small plastic cover. They are on all 7 seat terry's! So 3 in the second row, 2 for the third.
Should solve your problem and keep in the blue team!
Good luck!

Phoonfan is correct

The plastic covers are about 5cm inside the chrome tie-down points, they are embossed with a baby/booster seat and an anchor (that should give you a clue as to their intended purpose

)

So the Terri has provision (and space) for 5 baby/booster seats (you'll have one spare

)

It'll work while they're small but kids grow quick.

Smoke Pursuit · 18-08-2010, 04:12 PM

I knew you could do it somehow but was going to check tonight when i get home!!

Good news, looks like theres another Terrritory Ghia on the forum

DJR David · 18-08-2010, 04:25 PM

Territoy is not an option for you as even though there are securing points for the third row, they are at the bottom where the tailgate closes to. So that means you can't use a stroller!! Idiots!!

Kia Grand Carnival is the most suitable, lots of seats, and room for strollers etc as well

Good luck!!

irlewy86 · 18-08-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJR David

Territoy is not an option for you as even though there are securing points for the third row, they are at the bottom where the tailgate closes to. So that means you can't use a stroller!! Idiots!!

Kia Grand Carnival is the most suitable, lots of seats, and room for strollers etc as well

Good luck!!

Roof pod could fix that.

DJR David · 18-08-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irlewy86

Roof pod could fix that.

True, but you can tell his wife she has to lift a stroller above her head to put it away when she wants to go to the shops!!

AWD Chaser · 18-08-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyc

Exactly. These laws are forcing people into vehicles like the Kia. Which aren't nearly as safe or dynamically capable as a good sedan.

A Territory is a 4-5 star NCAP rated vehicle.

Pfft - Please

The Kia Grand Carni comes with plenty of saftey..

ESC, ABS (unlike Great Wall), Front and Side Airbags...

May not be 5 stars... but its a damn good car... And its faster then the Terri too

...

So quick to judge just on brand... but yeah, the previous model (pre 2006 - before the redesigned the car from ground up and used the Hyundai engine - which is actually the exact same engine thats used in the Hyundai Genisis..) were exploders!

I own both a Kia Grand Carni and a Terri Ghia and I think they are both great. To be honest, I've had more things go wrong with the Terri then I have with the Kia...

phillyc · 18-08-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWD Chaser

Pfft - Please

The Kia Grand Carni comes with plenty of saftey..

ESC, ABS (unlike Great Wall), Front and Side Airbags...

May not be 5 stars... but its a damn good car... And its faster then the Terri too

...

So quick to judge just on brand... but yeah, the previous model (pre 2006 - before the redesigned the car from ground up and used the Hyundai engine - which is actually the exact same engine thats used in the Hyundai Genisis..) were exploders!

I own both a Kia Grand Carni and a Terri Ghia and I think they are both great. To be honest, I've had more things go wrong with the Terri then I have with the Kia...

Well, you own both so it's a valid opinion. I'm glad your happy.

http://www.euroncap.com/tests/kia_ca..._2006/269.aspx

2006 model scored 4stars in Euro NCAP and 3 star for children.

http://www.euroncap.com/tests/kia_ca..._2003/167.aspx

2003 model scored 2stars.

Ford Territory has scored 5 stars since the update which added an audible seatbelt alarm. In essence it's been 5 stars since 2004 release.

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/475...ating-in-sight

http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xch...ry-2010-on.htm

I have driven both eras of the Carnivale and the first was definite rubbish. The current model much better. Needed to be. Still inferior to a Territory in many ways for dynamic and therefore active safety.

As for faster, not really relevant for a family hauler. The torque of the I6 is much superior. But, the times for the 0-100kmh from Wheels are 8.4s for the Ford and 10.5s for the Kia. Probably the lack of refinement and additional revs that the Kia uses which is what gives the impression of speed. Like a Commodore V6 compared to a Falcon I6.

The Territory is still one of the best medium SUV you can buy. They are definitely my favourite when it comes to the driving of them. At work I've driven Landcruiser, Prado, Kluger, RAV4, Patrol, Pajero & Territory.

Now for the OP. The Territory is in my opinion the BEST he can buy.

PS I'm in the market now / very soon for a Territory... You live locally. So if you want to sell.

AWD Chaser · 18-08-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyc

Well, you own both so it's a valid opinion. I'm glad your happy.

As for faster, not really relevant for a family hauler. The torque of the I6 is much superior. But, the times for the 0-100kmh from Wheels are 8.4s for the Ford and 10.5s for the Kia. Probably the lack of refinement and additional revs that the Kia uses which is what gives the impression of speed. Like a Commodore V6 compared to a Falcon I6.

Just FYI:

Kia GC - 184Kw, 343Nm - I've done my own 0-100 run in 7.5 seconds on flat ground, several times every week for that...
Terri - 190Kw, 383Nm, and 8.4 seconds for the Terri...

Either way, in my opinion, the Kia is the better car... but the brand alone will drive alot of people away
But the Terri has other features that I prefer - AWD (Or at least RWD), better bottom end torque, Better interior, ground clearance, more reliable brand name...

**El Venom** · 18-08-2010, 09:55 PM

I agree with AWD Chaser. My partner and I are in the market for something with 7 or more seats. I have 4yr old twins and it looks like my partner and I could have twins due next February. With 4 young kids the practicality of the Kia wins hands down.

I worked for a rental car company and had both the kia and the terry on fleet and although the Kia has a cheaper feel, they proved to be as reliable if not more reliable then most of the terrys we had. Now I wouldnt hesitate to buy a kia carnival right now except for the fact that we need our 7 or 8 seater to tow a horse float so we are looking at 80 and 100 series landcruisers.

Another option could be a late model Falcon wagon with aftermarket 3rd row seats. I have one coming for my EL wagon that has 3 mount points on it suitible for car seats, so in theory we could fit 6x capsules/car seats space permiting

TheZHLANE · 18-08-2010, 10:09 PM

gq patrol