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We are needing to buy a car for our five person family. We live up a rugged driveway and need a 7 seater due to kid's friends, etc being able to fit in the car at times and the road to our house is shingle and about 800 metres long including steep climbs. Probably need an all wheel drive or four wheel drive which can move down to all wheel when four wheel not needed. Want something as economical as possible. Just don't know where to start? Diesel or petrol as well, which choice? Thanks!

At first glance, it would seem that you need a 7 seat SUV, in which case diesel would most likely be the preference as large petrol SUV's tend to be very thirsty and do not hold their value particularly well due to the heavy fuel consumption.
However, in trying to determine which model would best suit your needs, we really need some idea of budget and whether you are considering new or used.

Probably looking at spending around $20,000, obviously used for this price. Thanks!

The model that immediately springs to mind would be a Toyota Prado. They hold their value very well as they have a very good reputation for reliability.
Other models you could consider could be a Mitsubishi Pajero or perhaps a Hyundai Santa Fe, although the latter is probably too new to fall into your price range.
With each of these models, 7 seats was an option, as was diesel.

Thanks, what sort of name has Hyundai got? We have been considering a hyundai terracun. We have been told Toyota holds value and have good reputation but we thought these sorts of vehicles quite gutsy on diesel or petrol.

Korean vehicles have got much better with the current generation, however feedback we've had on the Terracan would suggest it had more than its fair share of problems - mainly fuel injection systems, transmissions etc.
Whichever way you go, you are looking at a large vehicle to suit your needs, so fuel efficiency will not be as good as a small car - hence the recommendation of diesel in this category.

Thanks. What about a seven seater all wheel drive car - any suggestions for that? Best make and model? Something that can handle a shingle terrain? We did have a subaru grand wagon and it did well getting up and down out country.
I believe Nissan has a good name - what is your opinion?
Great to get your help - thanks.

Other than the Tribeca, which comes only in petrol and is likely to be out of your price range, Subaru models don't come with 7 seats.
As far as Nissan goes, there is an import 4wd 7 seat Presage, but it's not a common model and despite being 4wd, it's not all that well suited to rugged terrain. Being a V6, it is also likely to be thirsty.
Unfortunately, you are going to have to make some compromises to find a vehicle that meets all your requirements. Our thoughts are still that a diesel SUV may still be your best option.