I’m not very mechanical when it comes to understanding cars or describing them, so this will be a short review of our new vehicle.
With my business car heading towards 150,000km and two new kids I decided earlier this year to shop around for a seven-seater.
Most of the wagons were more than $40,000 except the Kia Carnival and the Holden Zafira. The Zafira is on the small side.
That got me thinking I should look at 4WDs, which have the added advantage of enabling us to reach places near here that we couldn’t otherwise.
I looked online at all available models and read all the independent reviews I could. I was interested in the new Ford Territory, but it’s likely to be priced around $45,000 and doesn’t get released until July.
The cheapest seven-seat 4WD is the Hyundai Terakhan. What a shocking name! The web site tells you it should be pronounced “tera karn” but they shouldn’t have to tell you. I’m sure everyone calls it a “terror can”.
It didn’t stack up favorably in reviews and I’ve since heard it’s short on leg room.
I came to be impressed with descriptions of the Suzuki XL7 and organised a test drive with the nearest dealer in Albury. From the outside it looked a little smaller than I expected, but there’s plenty of space inside.
The rear-set passengers have good leg room. The middle seats are standard and there’s heaps of room for the driver.
The vehicle has good power and great suspension. It’s also well priced at $40,000 (auto) compared with 4WD rivals and the people movers.
Having been on the road with Suzie now for six weeks, and covered more than 2000km, I’m happy to say she’s a pleasure to drive. We’ve now encountered all conditions from rough bush tracks to freeways and today the snow.
I couldn’t believe the grip in snowy conditions compared with a 2WD.
I’ll mention it here if we have any problems down the track, but so far the experience has been terrific.
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Twitter: mgorey
says:
Hi John, our vehicle is over three years old and we're about to change it over for a Kia Grand Carnival. We're going with the Kia for its cheaper price and extra interior space.
That said, we've been very happy with the Suzie. It hasn't had any maintenance issues apart from breaking the wagon door handle, which cost about $100 to replace.
There's not much room for packing once you've filled all the seats and it's a little crowded in the back row. You'll need roof rails and a pod for holidays if you have a big family.
It's compact for a people mover and parks better in crowded spaces than most 4WDs.
We liked the 4WD capability while we lived in North East Victoria for going bush and driving in the snow, but don't really need that any more in WA.
The wholesale trade-in value on our 2003 model after 70,000km was $17,500.
Thanks Michael for the comments on the XL7. Any updates on your findings please as I have found a couple of nice 2nd. hand ones here in Adelaide(the locator on the top right of your page is very good) And will be commiting myself to an important decision in the next month or two.
Thanks, John Carr.
Hi Michael,
Many thanks for the very quick reply. I have read many owner reviews tonight on drive.com.au and other sites and they seem to comply with your observations (even to the rear door handle being a bit weak).
A common remark was that it used a BIT of fuel, so did my current car until I fitted a HICLONE and noticed the difference, with the suzi I would fit 2 of them.Luckily I have no kids/dogs etc. but still have a girlfriend and a tonne of camera equipment to cart around.
I don't suppose you know if the rear seats(squabs?/backs) can be removed? and did yours have a luggage cover?
Thanks again,
John.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
Hi John, the rear seats in the third row fold down to create space, but I don't know if they can be removed.
If you don't have kids/dogs but lots of gear to carry, then I think a Suzi will be fine. It's a good vehicle with lots of versatility at a reasonable price.
Hi Michael,
One last comment, it looks like this will be the one I will get, just waiting for the right one to appear.
I can get my hands on an angle grinder to get the buggers out:)
The brochure I got from the car show in 2003/4 shows the upgrade model but no mention of the rear luggage blind, I shall over come.
If no cruise control, will get one fitted(a must).
Good luck with the carnival,
Best wishes,
John.