Kia Grand Carnival Problems

I wouldn’t pay $6000 more for a 2015 model than I would for an equivalent 2014 model; the most I would pay would be $3000.

If you're using mostly it around town, as I suspect you are, the consumption is about what I would expect.

Kia's own claims for fuel consumption for urban (city) use is 15.1L/100km, and the driving range is a little over 500km, smack on what you say you are getting.

The average of combined urban (city) and extra-urban (country) is claimed by Kia to be 10.9L/100km.

The bottom line is that it's a big blob of a vehicle with a relatively large engine doing the work, that's not a recipe for fuel low consumption.

The iMax is reliable and would win in terms of storage space. The early Carnival with the V6 motor was troublesome, but the later one is quite reliable and could be bought with confidence.

You haven't said whether you want to buy new or second-hand, but with your requirements and just $22,000 to spend I would guess that you're looking for used model. My recommendation would be a 2010/2011 Kia Grand Carnival diesel. It would have the room you need, the economy you want, and it would be reliable.

Before I spent $2400 I would want to be sure the car would be fixed. As the car is out of warranty, it’s seven years old, I wouldn’t expect Kia to come to your rescue and pay the full cost of repairs, but I would expect them to take a kindly view and pay for part of the cost. Go back to the dealer, and to Kia head office, and put your case.

The latest Carnival is excellent, gets The Tick and rates for me ahead of the Odyssey.

The running costs will be much the same for all three cars you mention, but the Grand Carnival is probably the better bet given your needs for carrying three teenagers and two young kids. The rear seats in the Prado and Kluger are probably not as suitable.

The Avenso Versis is a good all-rounder in the people-mover class. Other people-movers you could consider are the Honda Odyssey, Kia Grand Carnival, or VW Caddy Life, you could consider SUVs like the Ford Territory or Nissan Dualis.

Don’t judge the Carnival by the badge, as it definitely gets The Tick. The The Multivan is also far more practical than any SUV, as you will find when you try to load all the stuff that comes with four youngsters. If you absolutely must play the SUV game, go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, also a Tick winner.