7 seater SUV advice

the eskimo

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So, I've come to a point now where I need to think about upgrading my Hyundai ix35 for something a bit bigger. Kids, golf clubs, luggage, occasionally carting extra family members mean that it's often a very tight squeeze.

I'm looking for any feedback/recommendations on any of the following, or similar cars in the segment that you think I should consider:
Ford Everest (this is the front-runner at this time in the 3.2 4x4 XLT variant)
Nissan X-Trail
Toyota Fortuner
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Isuzu Mu-X
others?

Some non-contenders at this time, you can try and convince me for a closer look though:
Hyundai Sante-Fe, Kia Sorento (not looking for Korean, just don't seem to be good value for money anymore)
Audi Q7, Landrover Discovery, Volvo XC90, MB GLE, X5 (too expensive, but may be twisted on a good deal)

Budget: up to R 750k, but preference for R 450k-500k-ish.

Preference for
mid-high spec-level,
diesel engine,
demo or <2 years old,
4wd

Not interested in the "mommy vans" eg Honda BR-V, Toyota Avanza etc
 
We have been hearing lots of good things about the Haval H9.

- Flagship-level full house.
- Ladder-frame chassis.
- 7 Seater.
- Tons of space.

Brand new at R599k. Only possible problem for you: engine option of the 2L turbo gasoline engine. No diesel option.
 
We have been hearing lots of good things about the Haval H9.

- Flagship-level full house.
- Ladder-frame chassis.
- 7 Seater.
- Tons of space.

Brand new at R599k. Only possible problem for you: engine option of the 2L turbo gasoline engine. No diesel option.

Thanks for this. Hadn't even heard of this car before. The 4x4 and the diesel part of my preference are really just that - preferences. I've gotten by just fine with a petrol, 2WD iX35 for 5 years already. I'll pop past a Haval dealer over the weekend and have a closer look.
 
Thanks for this. Hadn't even heard of this car before. The 4x4 and the diesel part of my preference are really just that - preferences. I've gotten by just fine with a petrol, 2WD iX35 for 5 years already. I'll pop past a Haval dealer over the weekend and have a closer look.

Here is a good review to read:

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/haval-h9-20t-4wd-luxury-2018-review/45719/

Here is a good video review to watch:


Thread on all Haval vehicles:

https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/haval-gwm-cars.882706/
 
I will for the tuna, best selling SUV in SA for reason.

The haval is just too thirsty, petrol in engine in a suv like that makes no sense.
 
I will for the tuna, best selling SUV in SA for reason.

The haval is just too thirsty, petrol in engine in a suv like that makes no sense.

I've driven in one of my colleague's Fortuna's (2.4D Auto) and really liked it. I'm a little worried about the risk of Hijack and theft? I work in insurance, and I know that at one time (not sure now as I've changed companies and not as involved in Motor underwriting) we required two separate tracking devices from two different companies on all Fortunas and Hiluxes.

I googling the H9, i came across the carmag article on the 5 least fuel efficient cars (https://www.carmag.co.za/news/5-least-fuel-efficient-vehicles-car-magazine-tested-in-2018/).

I would prefer something in the same ballpark as my Auto iX35 (10.9l/100km combined), but that won't stop me from having a look
 
I've driven in one of my colleague's Fortuna's (2.4D Auto) and really liked it. I'm a little worried about the risk of Hijack and theft? I work in insurance, and I know that at one time (not sure now as I've changed companies and not as involved in Motor underwriting) we required two separate tracking devices from two different companies on all Fortunas and Hiluxes.

I googling the H9, i came across the carmag article on the 5 least fuel efficient cars (https://www.carmag.co.za/news/5-least-fuel-efficient-vehicles-car-magazine-tested-in-2018/).

I would prefer something in the same ballpark as my Auto iX35 (10.9l/100km combined), but that won't stop me from having a look
Indeed the old tuna shared parts with the quantum, so they would steal them for parts etc. The new one does not share parts with the quantum.
 
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, a bit different to the mainstream offering and you can also enjoy the same Japanese reliability from Mitsubishi.

My personal favourite would be the XC90 thou.
 
Carwow just released a list of best large SUVs.

Top 3
1. New Bmw X5 (out of budget, no demos yet)
2. Audi Q8 (Same as above)
3. Audi Q7 (Plenty on the used market)

Personally I'd go for the Q7 in 3.0Tdi guise.
 
Carwow just released a list of best large SUVs.

Top 3
1. New Bmw X5 (out of budget, no demos yet)
2. Audi Q8 (Same as above)
3. Audi Q7 (Plenty on the used market)

Personally I'd go for the Q7 in 3.0Tdi guise.
There is a reason q7 are cheap 2nd hand, they burn your wallet almost as quick as landrover lol
 
There is a reason q7 are cheap 2nd hand, they burn your wallet almost as quick as landrover lol
Not quite. The previous gen engine was known as the most bulletproof engine in perhaps the entire Vag stable. Tiptronic gearbox just kept going, air suspension was better than most others in the same league on reliability.

Leaves injector failure as being most concerning (low quality diesel) but I'd buy a few and keep as they pop up for not all that much all considered.

Know a few of the older gen over 200kkm and the owners swear by them as hidden gems.
 
Not quite. The previous gen engine was known as the most bulletproof engine in perhaps the entire Vag stable. Tiptronic gearbox just kept going, air suspension was better than most others in the same league on reliability.

Leaves injector failure as being most concerning (low quality diesel) but I'd buy a few and keep as they pop up for not all that much all considered.

Know a few of the older gen over 200kkm and the owners swear by them as hidden gems.
Seems I had them mixed up all q7 had torque converter boxes, q3 and q5 had the option of other gearboxes which I dont trust. From 2010 all q7 had zf 8 speed.
 
Not a 4WD off roader, but I strongly recommend the VW caddy maxi - performs like a sedan, costs the same as a sedan to maintain, it's not awkwardly hard to park, and the 6/7 seats are for adults, not children or people without legs, lots of space.
 
Seems I had them mixed up all q7 had torque converter boxes, q3 and q5 had the option of other gearboxes which I dont trust. From 2010 all q7 had zf 8 speed.
Yeah. I'd avoid an S-Tronic, but basically just means regular oil changes (60kkm) and budgeting for a mechatronic (or get a solid warranty).

As I boot up Gumtree and stare at huge 7 seaters I don't current need.
 
Splashing about R 600k on a Haval without a reliable forecast of what the trade in will be in a few years?

No way.
 
OP, in a similar position - 2 kids, often times carting bikes, luggage and occasionally the odd grandparent here and there. So we considered a bigger vehicle. Then we looked at how often we needed more space. And the answer was, not that often. So we got a roof top box to cater for the 4% of the time we need more carrying capacity. Grandparents are visiting, we do need two cars. But that's a few times a year and we didn't want to buy a car that would be less fuel efficient, cost more, be harder to park etc for the 1%.
But every family is different so if you do need that extra space, do you need off-road capability? If not, then second hand H1s, Caravelles, Kombis, Sorentos would get my vote.
 
So, I've come to a point now where I need to think about upgrading my Hyundai ix35 for something a bit bigger. Kids, golf clubs, luggage, occasionally carting extra family members mean that it's often a very tight squeeze.

I'm looking for any feedback/recommendations on any of the following, or similar cars in the segment that you think I should consider:
Ford Everest (this is the front-runner at this time in the 3.2 4x4 XLT variant)
Nissan X-Trail
Toyota Fortuner
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Isuzu Mu-X
others?

Some non-contenders at this time, you can try and convince me for a closer look though:
Hyundai Sante-Fe, Kia Sorento (not looking for Korean, just don't seem to be good value for money anymore)
Audi Q7, Landrover Discovery, Volvo XC90, MB GLE, X5 (too expensive, but may be twisted on a good deal)

Budget: up to R 750k, but preference for R 450k-500k-ish.

Preference for
mid-high spec-level,
diesel engine,
demo or 4wd

Not interested in the "mommy vans" eg Honda BR-V, Toyota Avanza etc
Volvo XC90 , it has semi-autonomous driving mode as standard
 
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