Help just found out we are expecting twins!
So have to look for a 7 seater with good fuel efficiency and sufficient room for 5 adults and 2 kids at times(+ kit). Read about Captiva,Pajero,Sante fe and the mnew Kia Sorento -advice welcome-I am based in Chiangmai so would have tofind a local dealer
Would have to have rear beepers as I am used to smaller vehicles

If you're looking to save money and want a new car, you might consider the new Suzuki APV. I just spent 6 hours in one in Indonesia, and it was quite good. They're only 650k Baht in Thailand. Here is the weblink:

Suzuki Thailand

Also, you mentioned you like more compact car, and the outer dimensions on this are quite compact compared to other people movers.

This post has been edited by keemapoot: 2009-11-05 16:40:02

will 5 adults and 2 baby seats fit in ?

Isuzu MU7, good fuel economy, real 7 seater, reverse camera on screen.


Ah, almost forgot. CONGRATULATION!!

This post has been edited by angiud: 2009-11-05 17:59:59

congrats

Toyotas 7 seat minivan, forgot name, comes with 2,0 petrol/cng/lpg or 2,5 VN turbodiesel. Based on Fortuner frame but less expensive as minivan. Several as taxis in BKK.

Yes, it will fit all. Has a large foldable 2nd bench seat that seats 3, and 3rd rear seat that will seat 2 or 3, of course in addition to the driver and front passenger. There is not a lot of room in the rear for luggage though, but still good enough I think.

I rode in the back seat 3 hours each way to meetings, and the seatback reclines and it's comfortable and runs tight.

If you've ever ridden in a Hyundai mini-van, it reminds of the feel of that. All the other Japanese brands are I think considerably more expensive.

hmmmm a Hyundai van with Benz sourced diesel is almost double the size of the suzuki van, at double the price.

just remembered the name of the inexpensive toyota minivan, Innova. 2,5 diesel would be my choice to save on fuel, but perhaps 2,0 cng/lpg comes in cheaper

Edit, hold on, a Honda Jazz based 7 seater will be presented in december at 7-800k. With 1,5 engine it should run fuel as innova diesel.

This post has been edited by katabeachbum: 2009-11-05 22:04:21

Toyota Commuter. I think it seats 11. The top of the line one looks like it might be nice enough to forget you're riding in a shipping container. Considering getting myself, between that an an Alphard, when my Granvia finally kicks the bucket.



This post has been edited by Heng: 2009-11-05 23:29:05

Drove a Toyota Commuter for 2,000k a few weeks ago to CM and back. Very impressive and easy to drive. I doubt it meets your fuel economy requirements though. For a very big family I would thoroughly recommend it. We averaged about 13 k per litre (but with some reasonably fast driving).

A Fortuner of course would be out of the question - too expensive - I only get 10.6 out of my new one (with reasonably slow driving).

I should take possession of a Toyota HiAce, the flat top version, not the"hit-top" of the Commuter, next week. Opted for the flat top as a number of places I go to for indoor parking have ceilings of 2.1 to 2.2 m. The Commuter is 2.285 m.

Presently have a pretty well used up HiAce, 1996 version, quite happy with the handling both highway and downtown, coming on 340,000 km on this one. Should get baht 100,000 on the sale.

I do like the vans, like to sit up and look down at most of the traffic. First experienced this with my 2nd hand VW Combi Camper lots of years ago, circa 1973.

Mac

1600cc engine for a 7 seater is underpowered IMHO.

The Google translation of their page was a hoot though.

Looks like Honda don;t agree with you - Honda Freed MPV anyone?
http://www.bkkautos.com/Honda-to-Rejoin-Th...rket-with-Freed

7 seater and only 1500cc Jazz engine. feel sure it will be more expensive than the Suzuki APV.

Alphard (or the cheaper Hyundai version for those that can't afford the 2.8mil. starting price ) is definately the go.

I borrowed a new model Commuter from a friend for a week recently, and although it was nice to drive, sets 9 and luggage comfortably, it was like driving a small truck.

If the OP is on a buget, but wants to get a lot of car for his Baht, he could consider the Ford Explorer 2.5L 2WD. NAVI model (Rear reverse camera included) 300k++ cheaper than Fortuner. Website.

Yeah, I like the Alphard as it'd be like getting a newer Granvia with lots more options, no parking height issues either as mentioned. It'll come down to how social (more seats = more cousins along for sports and whatever lessons; AND parents don't have to take their own car for family dinners out) I'm feeling around purchase time, and how long we decide each kid needs a nanny along.

Thanks for the ideas
Nobody mentioned Pajero or new Kia
Ron