What is the best 6/7 seater vehicle to buy with a RM300K budget

[krazeepete]

Hi guys,Looking for your opinions on which you think is the best buy for a 6/7 seater? My budget is RM 250 - 300k and I generally looking for a second hand or recon carMy current interest is a Mercedes R350' year 2007 but am getting feedback that is is not very reliable. Looked at a audi Q7 but the back row is impossible to get in.. Thought about the Alphard but I don't have a driver and never expect to have one...Please give me your advice and comments...Btw... Am not "moving" to the dark side... Am still keeping my Beemer and looking for a four door family car with more seats...

 

[pussy]

Honda Odessy ?

you looking more to jap or conti make ? the chervolet Captiva ia also nice but 4WD suv...

 

[JFT63]

IMHO,

Estima ACR50, Odyssey Absolute (200hp)= Sporty and Powderful.

Alphard / Vellfire 2.4 = XL size plus luxurious.

Hmmmm...Its your cup of tea bro..

 

[pratt]

You do know the new X5 has a 7 seater model right a used registered unit runs just slightly above $300k so its still within your 'budget's as you mentioned you tried the Q7 as the Audi is above $370k.
Only thing is the 3rd row on the X5 is strictly for kids and young adults. Get one with adaptive drive so the occupants won't take the firm ride too badly. I've got the R Class as well and it actually very comfortable and spacious. Power wise its sufficient even when you've got a full 7 adults and luggage but handling wise the roll on corners are quite apparent. Ride on bad roads or bumps it does takes them quite well as its able to absorb them pretty well. But personally, the X5 would be my choice

 

[krazeepete]

Thanks for feedback

Thanks to all and Pratt especially for the great feedback.

Open to both Conti and Jap makes but probably with a slight preference in Conti manufacturers. Used to own an S2000 and that was probably the most fun and reliable car I have ever owned!

Didn't know the X5 has a 7 seater and definately will want to check it out. Have been owning Beemers for a long time and am quite loyal to the brand I suppose. Thanks for the tip on that Pratt. Should look at the Odyssey too which was not in my radar previously

How is the reliability on your R Class Pratt? Have been warned by workshop that it has quite a lot of issues.

If I get the R Class, am looking a a local CBU 1997 with 68,000km on it for a price of RM260K

Is that a good buy?

Hope for more feedback.

Thanks much again

PS. Hmmm went to the Toyota and Honda local sites to check out specs for the Estima and Odyssey but don't seem to find these cars on their site...???

 

[andrewk]

Have you considered a Hyundai Starex? Ignoring the brand for a moment, it is huge. Remove the 4th row seat and you have a comfy 7 - 8 seater and more luggage space than an Alphard/X5/R class etc. Diesel 2.5 so you'll save on fuel cost too. Being a bus, don't expect too much in the handling department though...

Best of all, half your RM300k budget for a new unit. Can spend the other half on another UDM....

 

[Al_Tamby]

VELLFIRE PLATINUM is more reliable, equally luxurious and cheap to maintain. R Class 350 is great to be in. 350 engine is not popular though.

 

[krazeepete]

Thanks for the tip AndrewK

Will look into it... no issues with the Hyundai brand... their new designer is quite kickass..

just a little scared of diesels still... not until Malaysia goes into Euro 4 which is hopefully 2 years from now...

also looking for a 3 litre and above engine if possible

Have you considered a Hyundai Starex? Ignoring the brand for a moment, it is huge. Remove the 4th row seat and you have a comfy 7 - 8 seater and more luggage space than an Alphard/X5/R class etc. Diesel 2.5 so you'll save on fuel cost too. Being a bus, don't expect too much in the handling department though...

Best of all, half your RM300k budget for a new unit. Can spend the other half on another UDM....

 

[krazeepete]

Actually like the Vellfire form the outside but the dashboard looks like a cardboard engine.. think it is more a car which is one where I have a driver but am driving it myself

VELLFIRE PLATINUM is more reliable, equally luxurious and cheap to maintain. R Class 350 is great to be in. 350 engine is not popular though.

 

[ALBundy]

Bro, if you are looking for a real 7 seater or more, then stick with the Estima. Vellfire is a little too big but plenty of space, and you would want to sit behind instead of driving it.

Estima is a good compromise, very comfortable and if you choose the 3.0 liter version the power is sufficient.

The other option is the X5 as mentioned earlier, Jacob can easily sit behind or any adult that is vertically challenged. For you, I think the X5 is perfect and if willing to spend a little more get the X5 with twin power turbo. That thing rocks!! With some slight modification, it will eat the 645 for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper

 

[TheTaj]

PS. Hmmm went to the Toyota and Honda local sites to check out specs for the Estima and Odyssey but don't seem to find these cars on their site...???

Those cars are all grey imports, i.e. recond. Local agents dun bring in. Local Honda agent used to sell CBU Odyssey before but that was a long time ago.

 

[Apiz]

the new toyota wish looks okay i guess 200k++

 

[astroboy]

2 new MPV on the block, Ford S-Max and VW Touran Cross. The S-Max is packed with over 200hp and can easily chipped to 260, DCT transmission, twin single tail pipe like the 335i. The Touran's only selling point in the huge staggered wheels and panoramic roof that can partially open.

Check out the Mazda 8 while u at it. The 2.5L engine is aging though but packed with customer comfort features like DVD, multi LCD, power boot and etc.

Good luck!

Signing off with a nice S-Max ad..
[video=youtube;7AXFwgROUIM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AXFwgROUIM[/video]

 

[BobTheBuilder]

I agree with andrewk regarding the Starex....
New facelift version (full spec) now come with power sliding doors, ESP... but at a slightly higher price of RM169k.

But only have 2 airbags (front) and no shoulder belts for rear seats....

Or you can opt for Mercedes Vito Grand Luxury...

 

[ck318ci]

I agree with andrewk regarding the Starex....
New facelift version (full spec) now come with power sliding doors, ESP... but at a slightly higher price of RM169k.

But only have 2 airbags (front) and no shoulder belts for rear seats....

Or you can opt for Mercedes Vito Grand Luxury...

Yeah... The Mercedes has great potential

Check out the latest edition

Transfer the interior to this:

Mother of all Luxury 6/7 seater

 

[gendong]

What about Volvo xc90 T6? can accommodate 5 adults + 2 kids nicely

 

[Toffeeman]

How about VW Sharan

 

[alpina b5]

c4 grand picasso? renault espace?

 

[seewai]

I've sat on a cousin's Honda Stream RSZ, no complaints.

 

[mizhan]

Go to Danok.. rent a custom Toyota MPV from Oscar Palace Hotel. Now that's my kind of MPV :biggrin: