Large SUV Volvo Xc90, Mercedes Benz GLS350 Other Suggestions Welcomed

Lclick40 on 21/10/2016 - 19:11

Hi ozbargainers!

I am looking to buy a new car for myself and family. I am looking for a large SUV (previously deposited 3k for a lexus RX200t but later thought of getting a bigger 7 seater as we are planning to have another baby, which will make 4 of us plus my parents which very often visit me for upto 3-4 months periods) So this is basically What I am looking for:

A large Dedicated 7 seater (SUV)
luxury models (Range 80k-130k)
I need a high tech car with features like adaptive cruise control, active break system and other features those new intelligent cars have) self Parking (not a must) heated and ventilated seats, sensor operated electric tailgate
Interior which looks flashy (Toyota lines dont offer that so they are off the list) Lexus is good though but their Lx570 is beyond my budget.

This is what I have short listed so far:

-Mercedes Benz GLS350 (price just around 130k, good interior, excellent technological features, good drive, but the reviews say its quite expensive for its features plus its an upgrade of a 10yr old version of GL so not worth it.)

-Volvo Xc90 (price around 117k, good interior and technology, good drive, poor resale value after 3 and 5 yr mark, but personally i liked it.)

-range rover discovery sport (good price, but didnt like the shape)

-Audi Q7 (excellent car, perfect interior , and technology, but sadly not a dedicated 7 seater. Last 2 seats are not very comfortably to sit in)

Any other suggestions are highly appreciated.

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • fruit on 21/10/2016 - 19:15
    -6

    Large SUV

    Compensating for something?

    • Diji1 on 21/10/2016 - 20:02
      -3

      Sometimes people with large penises also buy large vehicles.

    • click40 on 21/10/2016 - 21:38

      its just that I want to get the best out of my money. First time i am buying a brand new car so quite confused.

      • mskeggs on 21/10/2016 - 21:48
        +3

        Why would you seek to spend so much money on this?
        It seems a terrible waste.
        We bought a second hand Toyota Prado 8 seater 8 years ago that hasn't missed a beat and cost $14000.
        I can't imagine what could be worth almost ten times that cost!

        • Mad Max on 23/10/2016 - 12:08

          With cars it works a bit like buy the cheapest car your ego can afford.

  • spackbace on 21/10/2016 - 19:22
    +2

    Interior which looks flashy (Toyota lines dont offer that so they are off the list)

    Eh, Landcruiser 200 series Sahara would offer best reliability, strongest resale, probably cheapest servicing, little maintenance and have the features and space you need, and still be very capable off-road or towing (if you decide to later).

    That's my $0.02, if the badge didn't mean everything to you…

    • oscargamer on 21/10/2016 - 20:04
      +7

      i'm guessing the badge means a lot to the OP

    • 2jzzzz on 21/10/2016 - 21:26
      +2

      http://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/2016-toyota-land-cruis…

      The HIghlander is a pretty good option, just not the flashy badge.

      • spackbace on 21/10/2016 - 21:29

        Yeah but Hilux platform. So like Colorado 7 etc it'll always be more utilitarian compared to something like the Cruiser

        • 2jzzzz on 21/10/2016 - 21:32

          I agree, I'd just go the top end 'Cruiser. I havn't looked at prices, but is the top specced 'Cruiser close to the Lexus price anyway?

        • Cheeper on 21/10/2016 - 21:55

          Kluger is not on the Hilux platform. You are thinking of the Fortuner.

        • spackbace on 22/10/2016 - 00:48

          @xywolap:

          Yeah I was. What's the highlander again?

        • Cheeper on 22/10/2016 - 06:19
          +1

          @Spackbace:
          Highlander is the US name for the Kluger.
          Australian Klugers have been imported from the US since the introduction of their current shape, prior to that they were made in Japan.
          They could not use the Highlander name here because Hyundai (i think) used the name on one of their vehicles.

      • Cheeper on 21/10/2016 - 21:55
        +1

        @2jzzzz…
        Kluger would be the common sense option for the op and he said he wanted the best for his money. He wont be towing a monster van or hunting wild pigs in Kakadu. Same motor and transmission as the Lexus without the stupid price rip off.
        New model very soon with 8sp auto and direct injection motor.

        • spackbace on 21/10/2016 - 22:16
          +1

          Landcruiser allows for better people transport than Kluger. Much more room in the back for passengers as well as general stuff.

          Don't just think of it as a 4wd, most people in the richer suburbs don't ;)

        • Cheeper on 21/10/2016 - 22:19
          +1

          @Spackbace:
          Tons of room in the second row in the Kluger… 3rd row not so though.

        • spackbace on 21/10/2016 - 22:56
          +1

          @xywolap:

          3rd row not so though.

          Yep, hence my LC200 recommendation :)

        • Pumpkin_rrr on 22/10/2016 - 07:22
          +2

          A friend has a Kluger and I don't like these few things:
          - the interior looks rough and cheap plastic
          - the second row seems weird: they have 2 child seats and after they put them on, there's hardly any room left for a third person (adult)
          - just the overall feela as a passenger when driven

          Compared to another friend with a Mercedes large SUV (I believe is a GL350), the quietness and general luxury feel is just one class anove. Or could it be because of its creamy interior?

        • Cheeper on 22/10/2016 - 07:40
          +1

          @Pumpkin_rrr:
          Been driving one for nearly 5 years now. For the money they are a mile ahead of the toy boxes.
          I like a vehicle to be firstly reliable and solid which they are.
          I find nothing wrong with the interior at all.. compared to some of the tacky ones with bits constantly falling off or not working… but some find that exciting??
          Also servicing costs are sensible.. no $500 oil changes.
          It is also a point in the Klugers favour when you have to compare it to vehicles more than twice the price LOLLLLL….
          I have no babies so the baby seat dilemma is of no concern. It does have captain seats and a removable console that takes the 3rd person if needed. I do find it good for carrying two full size bicycles inside rather than on a rack. I even fitted a laundry tub complete with base inside once along with the bikes.
          As for the ride & drivability … we have been looking at replacing our second vehicle and were looking at the mid range suvs and that is where the kluger has spoilt us… everything is precise, the ride stable and the power is effortless. It is nice to have a motor that does not have to strain itself to move the vehicle like a lot of the mid range 4 cyl suv's do.
          Persoanlly if I wanted to go up market for the look at me effect i would go with Lexus and forget the european rubbish. I like cars to be reliable, cheap to service and durable.
          If a person wants a vehicle to be used as a bus to transport a heap of people around they should buy a bus… :-)

    • click40 on 21/10/2016 - 21:39

      Thanks for your advice. I will go and have a look at the sahara too.

      • click40 on 21/10/2016 - 21:44

        btw the lexus Lx570 is priced at 180k drive away. Sahara around 130-140k mark

        • spackbace on 22/10/2016 - 00:50
          +1

          Yeah should be able to get the Sahara for $115-120k I reckon

          Funny that 1yo ones still sell for $90k+ (plus stamp duty and LCT!). Resale on them is crazy :)

  • chumlee on 21/10/2016 - 21:13

    The new Land Rover Discovery 5 was previewed last month and goes on sale in Australia in July if you are not in a rush. All new shape/design and disco's are great 7 seaters as you can fit adults in the 3rd row.

    Also, 7 seat VW Touareg will be out sometime next year.

    • bluesix on 22/10/2016 - 09:38
      -1

      We've got a Disco 4. Great car, excellent ride, good tech. Can fit adults on the 3rd row.

      • Yorkshire-Man on 22/10/2016 - 21:40

        Ok.

        Have to disagree here.

        Just sold the HSE Disco 4 top of the range. Great space but the tech was a decade out of date. Bluetooth slow, Ui was horrible and lacked even basic things like heated seats…

        Great car 10 years ago but in 2015 (when I bought it new) I expected more. Purchaed a BMW and although smaller the Tech is amazing, much better on fuel and overall a heaps better car.

  • NancyCat on 21/10/2016 - 21:28

    I don't like Volvo, but I do like Volvo's built-in child booster seats.

  • scbrother on 22/10/2016 - 07:39

    Not luxury but Skoda Kodiak is coming out which is 7 seats. Top model might be close to what you want?

  • gobbledegook on 22/10/2016 - 08:30
    +2

    Add the BMW X5 and VW Toureg to your list of options.

    Do you want full sized seats for the last 2, and also how much boot space do you need with 7 passengers? If so then the list thins out quite quickly.

    Driver visibility also varies a lot between models so keep this in mind when test driving.

    • tooslow8888 on 24/10/2016 - 10:13

      The Toureg is hopelessly outdated compared with anything that is currently on the market. A new Q7 is within reach and rides on a significantly improved platform and engine over the Tourag and Cayenne.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 22/10/2016 - 09:03

    Looked at 'em all (even thought about importing a GMC/Chev Suburban), the issue was the rear seats (ie 6 & 7) varied from useless to ok for short journeys for anyone taller than a hobbit. The best we felt (build quality & rear room) was the top of the range Land Cruiser, but even then people in those back seats can hit their heads on the roof. The Land Rover was close, but we know a few people who have had them and they always seemed to have issues. Our neighbours replaced theirs a couple of months ago with a Land Cruiser.

    I know it does not have the snob appeal, but consider the Kia Carnival Platinum. 8 seats, drives like a car, lots of room, all the mod cons and more, 7 year warranty, and the $70k or more you save you can put into an investment account for the kids for education, travel, or to help them get their first home.

    Oh - both Merc and VW have 'people movers' that are basically converted vans. Good room inside - the VW even has a table option - but they still feel like vans.

    • PlasticSpaceman on 22/10/2016 - 11:07

      Tesla model X is another possible option if you can wait… Love the 'ludicrous' mode. But I've heard of build issues so not sure about them. Issued are resolved quickly by Tesla but I don't like the concept of a car that needs to go in for repairs all the time…

      • click40 on 22/10/2016 - 22:41

        I live in Perth so not sure the scope of a Tesla here, but I do love the Teslas. they are great.

        • PlasticSpaceman on 23/10/2016 - 07:38

          No superchargers but would be fine for driving around Perth - but longer trips would be a challenge. Reliability (for me) is the biggest concern.

    • click40 on 22/10/2016 - 22:51

      Thanks for your input. Is it easy to import? GMCs are great i believe.
      You are right about Kia Carnival, i rented that 2 wks ago for a trip down South of WA. It was really good. and comfy. But I wont be using it with full family all the times so would prefer an SUV to a people mover.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 23/10/2016 - 07:33

        Very easy to import. Just costs money….. Can do it yourself or go to specialist. Converting to rhd is also possible but not cheap. You also end up with something not much different from the Kia, although you can pretend you're CIA or FBI so there is that. Need to get a black one of course.

        Basically it's a compromise - if you only plan to use those extra seats occasionally, and when in use only small people are in them, then an SUV is fine and the top of the range Land Cruiser was our choice. If you will be using them more often then I'd go the people mover and of them the new Kia is hard to beat. We have three kids (kid number two turned out to be twins) and on long trips it will give them lots of space. I put the deposit on the Kia last week. ;-)

        Oh, keep in mind if you have two kids in baby seats, you will want to have those in the middle row. So your parents would be in the third row.

  • simmos on 22/10/2016 - 09:09
    +2

    Porsche Cayenne - just mention it because I believe the resale is very good.

    Go for a S/h late model - my brother got one for $113k and extremely happy with it. If you go for diesel you will be astounded at the fuel economy which is better than even many small cars on a run.

    • click40 on 22/10/2016 - 22:47

      @simmos yes ive seen Cayenne, it beautiful but smaller so dropped it from my list.

  • golfer dad on 22/10/2016 - 10:17
    +2

    We have had 2 medium SUV with 3rd row seating (Ford Territory and the current Discover Sport) for the same reasons as you - 3 young kids with the occasional visits from the in-laws. With both cars, the third row is really only good for young kids due to limited legroom and the floor level of some is higher up so u have to sit with legs up. As the elder kids turned 10, they started to complain about the sitting in the third row and any drives of more than 20 mins. A proper people mover is a whole lots more comfortable for carrying for 5+ people but we didn't settle for that type of vehicles for just the occasional use.
    The larger premium SUV such as the Merc GLS, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 should have slightly more space. The new Discovery (bigger and better off-road capability) would be in the mix but they have modeled the styling of the Discovery Sport which you said you are not a fan of.
    I had a Volvo XC60 T6 for 5 years and not a single issue and it was still rattle free when I sold it so I had a great ownership experience with Volvo. The XC90 looks good and good tech. They are popular - the old model (10 years old design) was still selling well in its final year. You definitely pay a premium for a Mercedes Benz due to their desirability and technology (provided you option up) but have better resale value because of it. The current GLS is a significant update and it drives well and is as modern as its competitors. The current shape of the Q7 is so much better than the previous model and Audi is known for their quality & interior design.
    You have to sit in and drive the cars with your family to get a really good perspective. The good dealers will let you take the car overnight so you can spend extended time with car and drive it on roads you are familiar with (school run) and enables you to really test the ride, controls and night driving. Good luck, you can't really go wrong with any of these cars.

    • click40 on 22/10/2016 - 22:44

      Thank you very much for such detailed suggestions. I really appreciate that, First hand experience is what I am after here.

  • Daddos on 22/10/2016 - 22:35
    +1

    have you looked at the nissan pathfinder? i bought one recently as i also have 3 kids and regularly take out my parents too and required a seven seater. I bought top of the range model Ti, it has a stack of features, crusie control, heated/cooled front seats, sunroof + x-large moonroof, 14 speaker bose speaker system with subwoofer, gps with live traffic, rear headrest dvd screens tri-zone entertainment system (i.e can play 3 different things at the same time) and so on. The reasons it sold me was the large adult sized seats in 3rd row and still has gpod boot space when 3rd row being used and 360degrees birds view camera when parking, so u can see all around the car when parking. So so so handy. Costs approx. $65k -$70k mark, depending on 2wd, 4wd or even hybrid. I did alot of research before choosing this one. hope it helps

    • click40 on 22/10/2016 - 22:45

      I havent yet. But will do. Thanks for your input.

    • chumlee on 23/10/2016 - 06:57

      May as well wait for the new Pathfinder which comes out mid 2017

  • JimB on 27/10/2016 - 12:25
    +1

    XC60 owner for 5 years here, so I could be bias.

    When it comes to upgrading the XC60, I'll definitely look at the XC90. Been very pleased with the XC60 and the XC90 is a massive upgrade in terms of luxury. I'd look at a demo Diesel at ~$80k which will offset resale.

    I wasn't a fan of the old Q7, but the new Q7 should definitely be considered.

    Check this very comprehensive review of Audi Q7 v BMW X5 v Jaguar F-Pace v Lexus RX350 v Mercedes-Benz GLE v Porsche Cayenne v Range Rover Sport v Volvo XC90

    http://www.caradvice.com.au/470932/luxury-suv-comparison-aud…

    Reasons I like Volvo is I have 2 young kids, and safety is a priority, Volvo don't design their cars to ace current safety test (which they do) but they design their cars to be safe in the real world and ace safety tests that don't exist yet. Secondly the car just seems to work really well for a family, a well designed car. I've noticed that many Volvo buyers have previously owned a Volvo.

  • urzu on 10/11/2016 - 11:59

    The Volvo XC90 looks fantastic. Such an aggressive, yet refined looking front grille. Apparently Volvo is working on getting their cars not to depreciate so quickly, not sure how.

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