Would like some recomendations on 7 seater cars to buy also able to tow a small van.
I carnt find the choice recommendations
1 Like
Well welcome to the Community @Rebecca1 but testing cars is not something Choice is into.
There are quite a few online sites and indeed magazines that do test and compare cars. The main focus of 7 seater tests is how well they do at accommodating that number of passengers, not so much towing capacity. That can be found by looking at the specs of the cars. Pretty much any car is capable of towing something ‘small’. What that means is really up to what the van actually is.
There could be some members here who could provide first-hand advice. Let’s see.
4 Likes
HI @Rebecca1, welcome.
Your request is an unusual one for the Choice Community or for the Choice consumer reviews. @Gregr has shared it’s a request most would look to motoring websites for reviews and comparisons.
Your inquiry which other community members may be able to offer first hand experience of would be better understood if,
- Is the definition of 7 seater car broad and intended to include 4WD utes and extra large non urban vehicles, or just passenger cars such as a Toyota Torago, and SUV’s and passenger station wagons?
- By second hand can we assume that’s the car and not the small van?
- As @Gregr suggested knowing some further details of what one considers a small van by weight and size will also be relevant. One could think this is a pop top with a maximum loaded weight of 1200kg or a full size van weighing in at around 2000kg.
- Are the extra seats required to accommodate 7 adults or a family of adults and children?
Our experience is with an aging Toyota Kluger. It has a tow bar and 3rd row seat suitable for children less than adult size. We’d rate it great for accessibility and comfort. The compromises include very limited luggage space when the 3rd row is in use. Fuel economy around town is very poor at around 13 l/100km. Towing capacity is 700kg unbraked or 1500kg braked. We’ve towed single and tandem trailers up to those limits without issue. However the suspension is relatively compliant (soft) and could be an issue with a high profile van that is unstable at speed. A pop top might be a better choice. To consider that the rated towing capacity needs to be reduced if one is carrying extra weight in the vehicle to stay within the GVM. (For another discussion.)
For any second hand vehicle the motoring web sites often provide advice on reliability and defects typical of older vehicles. Some makes and models are better buys and some poor choices. Although any older vehicle is not well maintained can be a poor choice.
4 Likes
Welcome @Rebecca1. Please note, As your title is ambiguous, I have modified it to reflect that you want a second hand car, not a second hand van. Please let me know if this is incorrect and either I or one of the other moderators can amend the title to better reflect the information you are seeking.
As stated above, vehicles are not something Choice covers. Community members may be able to assist based on their personal experience.
Are you a NRMA member? NRMA reports annually on their evaluations of the best available vehicles by category. If you are a member, you could make enquiries through NRMA or another motoring body you belong to.
2 Likes
Hi, thanks for your reply, Im new to the group and didn’t realise that Choice didn’t normally test cars. Thanks, yes I am an NRMA member also.
Yes it’s a second hand car we are wanting with 7 seats and something to tow a pop top. The 7 seats are for 4 or 5 adults and then 2 or 3 children. Thanks for you patience with me
2 Likes
Thanks for your reply, I definitely wasn’t very clear with my questioning, and I didn’t realise that Choice didn’t test cars. We are wanting a 7 seater to fit 3 or 4 adults and then 2 or 3 children and to tow a pop top van.
would prefer not diesel as we do a lot of smaller trips. The Kluger sounds good except for the fuel economy.
Thanks again for your reply, I will have a look at some of the motoring sites also
2 Likes
Not the only option, but the only one we can relate experience of. Ours is 20 years young. Reality is towing increases fuel consumption. Older cars are by their design and features generally less fuel efficient compared to the latest models. Especially petrol models. Which ever vehicle you choose, 4-5 adults plus family plus luggage and pop-top will add weight, hence needing more power.
Most ICE owners accept the compromise of greater fuel consumption. If for infrequent use towing, petrol may be OK. If significant use with a full load is contemplated, most would look to a diesel. One’s budget is likely to make the final decision. Something not mentioned.
P.S. An additional thought, outside the box of what you are considering?
If we had our time again - our family are now all grown up and on their own. We’d likely look at a people mover. Especially with the capacity to hold teenagers who seem to grow faster and taller than we thought possible. One train of thought follows, although these are not the only people mover options. Toyota and Honda when looking at used vehicles each offered noteworthy alternatives.
3 Likes
