Toyota Kluger Problems

Before buying the tow vehicle you should establish what you want to tow with it. It would be a good idea to decide on the caravan you want to buy and from that determine the total weight you want the car to handle, that is the weight of the caravan when it is fully loaded ready to travel. I say that because a car rated to tow 2 tonnes means you will only be able to tow a relatively small caravan. A diesel will be more economical when towing, and if that were your priority then I would go that way. I would suggest you consider a mid-sized SUV, like a Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Territory or a Toyota Kluger.

You're right to be dubious. Ask yourself, and the dealer if you dare, is Toyota's paint so poor that it needs this so-called protection, is the quality of its leather so appalling that it needs extra care, is the carpet rubbish and in need of special care. I think not. It's upselling, plain and simple, and I wouldn't part with my hard-earned cash for something that isn't needed. If you really want it get the dealer to throw it in for free.

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.

Toyota's Beck Angel says: "Orders for the new-generation Kluger have substantially exceeded the limited supply. The lead time for Kluger from the United States is longer than we're used to from Japan or Thailand."

It's a common problem and one that is normally fixed by the dealer when reported. Go back to the dealer and ask him to repair it. At the very least Toyota should supply the replacement part free of charge.

With traction control etc. it shouldn't be prone to wheel spinning as you suggest it is. I would have the electronics checked to make sure all is in order in that area. As for the creaking doors, I wouldn't expect the doors to be creaking because of heavy towing. In fact I wouldn't expect them to be creaking at all at 68,000km and only three years old. I would suspect it's been used on rough roads in the bush.

It’s the first I have heard of a “rattle” clause. If that is the case it is totally unacceptable. Their injectors are dodgy and they should cover the cost of replacing them. If they refuse to come to the party and continue to stick to their laughable “rattle” clause ask them to show you the clause in the warranty document that came with your car.

The Territory was good at first but has been completely overtaken by a range of rivals. Your decision to buy Australian is great but you're in a very small minority and the Territory is no longer a CarsGuide choice for quality or long-term ownership.

The Kia Carnival gets The Tick, every time, in that price range. And with four kids you will find that a proper people-mover gives far more flexibility than an SUV or even a converted van.

On seven-seaters, the Territory runs last, the Kluger is fine and reasonable value and the Audi is definitely the car to reward yourself, but the Q7 could get very expensive if anything goes wrong.