Help! Buying a second hand family wagon.

[mudnut]

G'day and all. We are in the market for a car to replace the Yota van. The vehicle needs to be Awd or 2wd, seat 5 tall adults and carry three dogs behind the cargo barrier.
We looked at a couple of vehicles in Mt Gambier and my head is spinning with all the info collected.

We test drove an X-trail but the clutch failed the stall test.

We also drove a 2006 Territory, which had a heap of room but was sucking 14l/100ks which is more than my 1994 Patrol.

I also felt the auto was a bit dodgy. I like the straight 6, but wonder if it has a timing belt or chain? Is the auto a quick fix or a major PITA?

Is a Kluger worth looking at, but its a V6.

Has anyone got some inside info on a good vehicle that would suit. We have a budget of 12 grand with on roads included in that price.

Time for a Bex and lie down...

[MB]

Maybe try the ExGov type auctions like Fowlers. We had a couple of newish Bommodore work wagons years ago and they served our needs well. Come with tie down racks and cargo barriers in place already, Ex-Telstra I believe they were.

[garett]

the terra is a timing chain if its a just replace the auto box its not hard. suspension in the terra check it goodly cos its pretty common

[mudnut]

I have done a little research on the Territory now, and the auto is a common problem, and can cost a mint. The early model ball joints were atrocious, but an upgrade was available, so we will have to find out if they have been fitted.

[MB]

Yep, unfortunately one of my workmates has his territory of that vintage still sitting in the garage, cost of tranny fix he said I believe. Worth considering a lower 2WD family/dog type wagon too if the dogs might be ageing. Nothing like lifting a wet mutt mate up into a 4wd wagon :-)

[Clunk]

Mazda 6 wagon

[mudnut]

Yeah, you are right there. Our Boxer, Lab X is a bloody big dog to get into the van, now.

[Winnie]

What about a Camry or Corolla. wagon? They aren't a tiny car like they used to be. We have an Aurion which is basically a Camry sedan with a few extras and it is such a good car.
We used to have Rav4's as work cars and I reckon they are crap... The auto sucks and they weren't comfortable.

[mudnut]

Mazda 6 wagon

I have yet to look at them.

[Clunk]

Mazda 6 wagon