New Suv Or 4 Door Truck

[rocky3]

Should I get the MU-7 or the Isuzu Highlander 4 Door Truck? Toyota VIGO 4 door I think costs more but has the same Diesel motor. Isuzu makes most of the Diesel motors in Asia from what I understand. Can someone line these up by prices for me as I am still in California till July or later.

Thank-you

Rocky

[Phil Conners]

I have an Isuzu Highlander and would buy the Toyota Vigo if I was buying a new truck now. The MU-7 is just a more-seater version of the Highlander at 50% extra cost. You decide if the extra seats are worth the extra cost.

[Crossy]

Most of the manufacturers have Thailand based websites with English options, so a quick search should show the prices and you can check the options available.

Also look closely at the new Ford Ranger (it's not the same as the North American Ranger), the new (Mazda) 3L common-rail turbo diesel is considerably better on fuel than the old unit (yes I just bought one)

[gjones]

If you are thinking of a 4x4 and intend doing a lot of driving in Thailand especially in the wet season, I would suggest the better option is a Toyota Fortuner.

I have been stopped loads of times by the boys in brown whilst driving a pick-up but never in the SUV – at night they slow me down and wave me on.

I tested the MU7 but did not like it from the moment I sat in it. To make things worse it has cart spring suspension on the rear as does the Ford Everest which makes the rear insecure on some of the Thai roads especially the twisty rural ones.

I can only find one English language link on the Fortuner but I am sure there are much more - > http://4xforum.co.za/vguide/fortuner.html .

The only thing I did not like after a month of driving, which I modified about 9 months ago is the braking system. My Dealer took the Fortuner to a place on the Srinakarin road that fitted a larger disc and calliper in the front and converted the rear drum brake to disk. This has reduced the stopping distance by quite a bit.

[jayjayjayjay]

I drive the Highlander, it has the worst gearbox I have driven for a decade. If you want pickup go VIGO, if you want SUV go Fortuner (auto in the Fortuner, manual in the Vigo) avoid both MU-7 and Highlander. PS_ I have been very happy with Ford pickups in recent past. Those I have driven have a beautiful gearbox and steer like a dream.

Jay