Prado/Kluger/Territory

[megs]

I currently fit 3 seats across the back of my commodore, I have the Meridan AHR in the middle and 2 Safe N Sound Hi Liner Boosters. For a while there I had one of the boosters, a Maxi Rider and the Meridian, they got across but it was a squeeze.

Too many decisions, and it is so hard to take cars for a test drive when you have small children but I think that might be the best way. I think then we would definitely only consider the territory if it was an AWD

[Olive]

breeze the first ever diesel territory will be out in May, you may be thinking of just the turbo.
we're looking into getting the diesel one

[megs]

Yay, they are out in May, that will give us plenty of time to fit in a test drive. You are correct Olive, this is the first Territory that has diesel. I don't know why Toyota won't do the Kluger in diesel and also the Mazda CX9 if they came in diesel I would be consider it also

[~breeze~]

Oh, I wonder why I was told it was a turbo diesel at the caryard... prob just trying to get us to buy it! Didnt work anyway

[Netix]

Being in a 4wd shop will probably make you all think that I would choose the Prado. Only because that's the one I've had the most exposure to. Territory's are a nice vehicle, haven't had any come into our shop with dramas (only getting towbars fitted, etc), but I think their interior lets them down (not keen on the very plasticky, easy to mark finish). I don't know anything about the new diesel ones (I haven't read up on them), but even though they are diesel, they still may be underpowered (meaning you pedal it harder to go anywhere thus burning more fuel, or you will just be all-round dissatisfied with its performance - or rather lack of). Just a point to consider with any diesel vs. petrol vehicle choice.

Kluger's, I haven't had much to do with, so can't say much. Aside from a 'nice softroader'.

So, I might choose a Prado. Also the biggest of the lot. (And you can get more things for them like bullbars, lift kits, and off road tyres for them. Ever seen muddies on a Territory or Kluger? lol If that's what you want though!)

And yes, you can get extra child seat points fitted to vehicles. Some are more difficult than others, but often possible.

Lastly, have you looked into the safety ratings of these vehicles? Passing single lane at 100km/h, you may want to consider this. If you're looking for rollover protection, from what I last heard, the Porsche Cayenne is the only 4wd with it (don't we all wish we could have one of those!) This factor may help in your decision. Good luck!

[*Belle*]

Megs we have spent the last 3 months researching some of the cars you mentioned.

Firstly the Kluger - the middle seat in the 2nd row (behind the driver) is not good enough it is shorter than the seats either side and the carseat will sit out over it, so this was a no go option for us.

Territory - All great with space for 3 seats in a row and the back seat too, only thing for us is back seat is not split therefore not much luggage or pram can go in the car. Definately have a look at that.

Mazda CX9 - just looked at this this weekend. It has a split back seat so you can fit more luggage in, also you can fit 3 carseats in a row also we measured it to be 1400mm rim to rim so they can fit, maybe measure inside your commodore from the widest point when both doors are closed where the kids sit and see if it measures the same.

Regarding carseats and anchor points call Vic roads authority because in NSW the RTA says its the following rules - with the backrow of seats in Kluger, Mazda Cx9 and Territory none have anchor points, so legally all you are allowed in that back seat is a foam booster only with no anchor point or tether, and no H harness is allowed to be used either, only the normal seatbelt.

The only car we have found that has anchor points in back row is the Kia Carnival. Which Im not sure how will go on your dirt roads?

Have you looked at Chrysler Voyager? they are bit bigger and im not sure but they may have anchor points in back seat.

Have fun deciding! we still havent decided...

[~breeze~]

with the backrow of seats in Kluger, Mazda Cx9 and Territory none have anchor points, so legally all you are allowed in that back seat is a foam booster only with no anchor point or tether, and no H harness is allowed to be used either, only the normal seatbelt.

The only car we have found that has anchor points in back row is the Kia Carnival. Which Im not sure how will go on your dirt roads?

Just wanted to point out that my territory DOES have anchor points in the back row It came that way, we didnt have them put in.
I agree with the space in the back of the territory with the back seats up, there isnt alot which sucks. I hired a kia carnival once on a holiday (I know alot of people dont like them) but I actually really liked it, it was comfortable to drive & comfortable as a passenger. There was HEAPS of room in the back behond the back row of seats, I could fit the P&T pram in plus heaps more at the same time.
Anyway, just wanted to add that