There's a version of family life where the school run feels like a chore, and a version where you're quietly smug about your car. The 2013 Toyota Kluger KX-R belongs firmly to the second category.

The KX-R was the top of the Kluger range, and it shows. Leather throughout, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, satellite navigation, and a powered tailgate that opens before you've even wrestled the groceries out of someone's arms. Seven seats that actually fold flat -- not the half-hearted "technically seven" kind. This is proper family space, done properly.

Under the bonnet is Toyota's 3.5-litre V6 -- 202kW of effortless, naturally aspirated grunt that doesn't need to shout to make its point. The five-speed automatic is smooth and unhurried, and the front-wheel-drive setup keeps fuel consumption sensible for a car this size. In Nunawading and out on the freeway to the Peninsula, it just eats distance.

At 154,000km, the Kluger is barely getting started. Toyota's V6 drivetrains have a well-documented reputation for going well past 300,000km with basic servicing, and the KX-R's March 2013 compliance date means it's still well within that window. The VIN is JTEDS41A302123978 for full history checks.

Seven seats, full leather, sunroof, reverse camera, tow bar capability -- the KX-R ticked every box when it was new, and at $16,000 it ticks a different, equally important one: the budget.

Honestly, the hardest part of owning this car is deciding whether to tell people you paid $16,000 for it or let them assume you spent more.

All prices displayed exclude government charges. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MM Carz recommends you confirm with one of our consultants to confirm specific specifications/features about the car. Please also note our vehicles may not always be on display, as they may be in for detailing--please contact us in advance to confirm availability before visiting our showroom.