Help! Buying a second hand family wagon.

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...

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.

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

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.

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 :-)

Mazda 6 wagon

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

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Clunk

Mazda 6 wagon

---

I have yet to look at them.

Mazda 6 wagon