Kluger (current model) child restraint anchor points??

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Hi all,

Have not posted for some-time. Might have somthing to do with having 2 kids and another on the way.....and having sold my SS...

Need some advice re: a new car to accomodate the growing family.

Currently have Rav 4 and is a great car, but come the arrival of number 3 (all of which will be under 4) need to look at a larger vehicle.

All the kids will need to be in child restraints due to new rules...

Am considering the current model 7 seat Kluger, but would preferrably sit the 2 little ones on the middle row and our eldest in the third row. However there are no anchor points?? Can these be installed?? and does anyone know who does this sort of work?? Is it safe??

After selling the SS for the Rav 4 last year, which was a huge sacrifice, I really don't wont to go for a Tarago which seems like the 'sensible' decision. The Kluger still offers some decent performance and looks pretty darn good too.

Would appreciate any help....

[superoo]

Do a google search for "Littles Child Restraints".
I've used them before and they can install anchor points.

Not sure if you are aware but you can fit 3 child seats across a larger sedan/wagon (may need to purchase a compact seat that is narrower) which may actually provide you with more load space than a SUV. A Sportswagon may fit the bill nicely but can understand the SUV attraction in this case.
I'm going to be in the same position as yourself early next year with 3 kids 4 and under so I'll be saying goodbye to the back seat of my car.

Good Luck.

[racketsports]

Mate, just gone through the exact same dilemma but I was lucky enough to be able to keep my Calais. We just sold our 120 series Prado and purchased a series 2 CX9 Luxury which is due for delivery at the end of next month. We spent many hours agonising over a replacement for the Prado which has been a brilliant vehicle ( 8 seater and all ) and finally narrowed it down to a KXS Kluger and the CX9. The Kluger lost out for a very simple reason in that it's third row seating doesn't split fold so is either completely up or completely down. We planned to put my eldest over in the third row and have my daughter and "soon to be newborn" in the middle row to save on fights. In the Kluger this meant no room for luggage and especially a pram as there was next to no room behind the third row when in use.

The CX9 on the other hand has a 50/50 splitfold rear seat which folds into the floor and also has a large useable luggage space behind it. This means that there is plenty of room for the pram and other luggage too. There were plenty of other reason we went the CX9 as well but space is too short. Just my 2cents worth so good luck.

Cheers
Racketsports

[Marco]

Isn't the current model Kluger the only car ever to roll over in Wheels COTY testing? Something to do with poor ESP calibration IIRC.

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Thanks all for the replies.

Have considered a VE sedan/wagon but are thinking when the kids get older and we are potentially transporting more than just the family. I believe that you can put a dickie seat in the back of VT-VZ wagons, but space then becomes an issue. SO WANT TO AVOID A TARAGO......

Looked at the CX9 also, but is the next pricepoint up and unfortunately just out of reach. Will have to keep an eye out for a bargain??

Have heard that the Kluger did roll in testing, but I can't imagine I will be driving the car that hard with all my loved ones in the car!! Pre kids in the SS maybe...

Have contacted Littles and the contractor that I spoke to had not put anchors in a Kluger before... Will perhaps try again.

Thanks again for the help. Not a typical question on this forum, and appreciate the help.

Cheers.

[racketsports]

Blackbetty, you can get great deals on the runout series 1 Classic CX9 atm and I'm ure you could pick one of these up for well under what you'd get a Kluger for if you searched hard. Good luck.

Racketsports

[CLUBRED]

Only problem I see with this is carry space for prams etc... 7 seaters not real great on luggage space, and with the child anchors, those seats aren't moving to make room, and you'll probably have tethers running through any usable room anyways...

Thanks for reminding me not to have many kids, LOL...

[Ghia351]

Thanks all for the replies.

Have considered a VE sedan/wagon but are thinking when the kids get older and we are potentially transporting more than just the family. I believe that you can put a dickie seat in the back of VT-VZ wagons, but space then becomes an issue. SO WANT TO AVOID A TARAGO......

Looked at the CX9 also, but is the next pricepoint up and unfortunately just out of reach. Will have to keep an eye out for a bargain??

Have heard that the Kluger did roll in testing, but I can't imagine I will be driving the car that hard with all my loved ones in the car!! Pre kids in the SS maybe...

Have contacted Littles and the contractor that I spoke to had not put anchors in a Kluger before... Will perhaps try again.

Thanks again for the help. Not a typical question on this forum, and appreciate the help.

Cheers.
Vicroads have a list of approved installers for fitting child seat anchor points. I once used a local certified workshop to fit an anchor point in my previous VW T4 Transporter. Take a look atthis link: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/SeatbeltsChildRestraints/ChildRestraints/Restraint+Fitting+Stations.htm

[ls2maloo]

Currently working in NZ for 6 weeks and was given a kluger or highlander as the're called them over here and been off road in it,up to the snow,threw river crossing and general h'way use and to sum it up,drives nice has plenty of power....but would i buy one no.Offroad capabilities pretty poor,thirsty,pricey and terrible ground clearance well going up slopes anyway,scapes badly.But in a hire car you don't really care anyway.
But it sure has it's +'s as well.

[nudenut]

Am considering the current model 7 seat Kluger, but would preferrably sit the 2 little ones on the middle row and our eldest in the third row. However there are no anchor points?? Can these be installed?? and does anyone know who does this sort of work?? Is it safe??
Are you sure the anchor points aren't there, but without the bolt/loop installed? Even our 2001 LX Pulsar has 3 anchor points above the back seat (had flat plastic covers on each one, but they're there), and I'd be amazed if a new "family" SUV didn't have at least the same.

All I needed to do was to buy a bolt kit (got it from Target, of all places) and bolt it in myself. No need to pay for a licensed anchor point installer or anything.

Edit: Sorry, looks like they're not there! Incredible. Here's a Toyota Owner's Club thread (http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14020) with a bit of info ...

[BlAcKbEtTy]

Vicroads have a list of approved installers for fitting child seat anchor points. I once used a local certified workshop to fit an anchor point in my previous VW T4 Transporter. Take a look atthis link: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadSafety/SeatbeltsChildRestraints/ChildRestraints/Restraint+Fitting+Stations.htm

Thanks for the tip, bit I think that these are simply restraint fitting stations and do not install additional anchor points. I'll make a few calls.

Cheers.


Are you sure the anchor points aren't there, but without the bolt/loop installed? Even our 2001 LX Pulsar has 3 anchor points above the back seat (had flat plastic covers on each one, but they're there), and I'd be amazed if a new "family" SUV didn't have at least the same.

All I needed to do was to buy a bolt kit (got it from Target, of all places) and bolt it in myself. No need to pay for a licensed anchor point installer or anything.

Edit: Sorry, looks like they're not there! Incredible. Here's a Toyota Owner's Club thread (http://au.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14020) with a bit of info ...

Yeah thanks. I have spent a lot of time searching the net and found the very same article that you listed. It seems that this can be done, but it is just a matter of finding someone that will do it...

I'll keep searching.

Cheers.