Upgrading My Car To A Fortuner, Any Experience?

[WebBangkok]

I currently have 2005 Honda CRV which has been a great car, I also had one in Sydney when I was there and never had a problem with it apart from the normal wear and tear. If anyone was looking to buy a second hand car I would highly recommend getting one, My wife bought it as new and with a little care it has lasted.

But now we want an upgrade, we want to get a Toyota Fortuner. I drive to work everyday and drive through bumpy roads, love going on road trips and I think it would handle it better than the CRV. I have a friend who has one and he loves it, but would like to know from other people who has one, any common problems? etc. I test drove my mates one and loved it.

So whats the fuel consumtion like?

Any known faults?

Anything else would be nice regarding advice.

[juehoe]

I don't own either a CR-V nor a Fortuner - but I recently drove both for about 10 days, rented for a trip from Hua Hin to Roi-Et province.

For us, the CR-V was more comfortable to drive. The CR-V has a smoother suspension and is easier to handle. The Fortuner has more space, but is much harder to ride and has a wider turning radius, which can be annoying in tight spaces. The Foruner is more a «truck» where the CR-V is more a common «SUV».

We rented the 2 litre CR-V and the 3 litre Fortuner Diesel. The CR-V is underpowered in that configuration where the Fortuner is quite more powerful. Fuel consumption was about the same: 10 to 12 litres for 100 kilometres.

[transam]

I don't own either a CR-V nor a Fortuner - but I recently drove both for about 10 days, rented for a trip from Hua Hin to Roi-Et province.

For us, the CR-V was more comfortable to drive. The CR-V has a smoother suspension and is easier to handle. The Fortuner has more space, but is much harder to ride and has a wider turning radius, which can be annoying in tight spaces. The Fortuner is more a «truck» where the CR-V is more a common «SUV».

We rented the 2 litre CR-V and the 3 litre Fortuner Diesel. The CR-V is underpowered in that configuration where the Fortuner is quite more powerful. Fuel consumption was about the same: 10 to 12 litres for 100 kilometres.

Is the CRV an SUV. ?

[kkerry]

Is the CRV an SUV. ?

I would have thought so.

[MoonRiverOasis]

There's a few changes Toyota are claining on the new Fortuner minor change (just released), which if materially true, could mean it's a little more fuel effecient and a little more compliant than the outgoing model.

The best PPV (Pickup based Passenger Vehicle) in the segment for comfort and fuel economy has been the Pajero Sport up until now - there's no way the new Fortuner will be better on fuel than the Pajero though (not enough has changed in the engine/fuel system), and it's also yet unknown whether the suspension work has given it ride quality to finally rival the Pajero Sport.

Neither of these PPV's will handle the bumps as well as your CR-V though - the CR-V has a much lighter unsprung mass (smaller and lighter wheels/tires) and has independant rear suspenion, which all PPV's lack. Neither are as quiet or refined feeling as the CR-V either - it's not a huge margin, but if it's something you're particular on, you may find yourself a little dissapointed.

Both PPV's will cost far less to run than a CR-V though, offer more space, a higher seating position, seating for 7 or a large cargo area, while costing less per KM to run, and having much better abilities when loaded up with passengers and lugguage.

If you need the extra space, lower running costs or better abilites under heavy loads, and aren't ready to jump into the 3M+ Baht price range, go for it.

If you don't need the space or the cheaper running, my suggestion would be to spend as much time as possible behind the wheel before making the change - the nuances that may let you down might not be readily apparent in a shorter test drive.

Also, have a look at the recently updated Chev Captiva - it's a softroader like the CR-V but seats 7 and is available with an optional diesel engine. The gasoline version of the Chev now also runs on E85 (22-23 Baht/L) as well.

[kurnell]

Fortuner is Aussie designed so it a real man's car. Are you man enough?

[wandrinstar]

Here's a surprise apart from Thugability,i see no merit in a For-tuna, or a Sportivo.Juhos opinion is mine, as is MRO"s verdict on the Pajero.All you get is an Old Toyo Chassis with goodies bolted on over the years for 1.5 Mill.Same with the Isuzu Clacker. Moo7 is the right name an even bigger Pig. Try a Ford Everest and feel the difference.Id Go Pajero for a Change then theTrusty Honda. Being a Hi Miler I just hate the attitude i suppose of the Toyota drivers,plus being a Mountain Man,I'm sure id roll the Sportivo given time.I must add i cant hold a Pajero with my daughters Sportive in the hills, or a Toyota Vios come to that.!!.The Captivo gets the O.K.,from our Local Ferang, who goes flat out everywhere,and looks nice i think.Up to You as Thais love to say.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Fortuner is Aussie designed so it a real man's car. Are you man enough?

Well the new front bumper, front grille and Altezza style tail lamps might be, but the rest is all Japanese and Thai. But hey, if the new 2012 Colorado can be called "Aussie Designed" for no more than a badge change, red paint and blue leather inside, then I guess that statement is right

If the Fortuner were actually Aussie designed, it'd at least have 3rd row seats that fold away in such a way that the rear cargo area actually gets more useful not less, it'd have sat nav, it'd definitely have more KW HP, and it would have at least a 5-speed Auto.. Oh, and they would have changed the C-Pillar design so someone larger than 3' tall could navigate their way into the 3rd row seating without whacking their head on the way in, and shortened the rear doors so they can be opened in a normal sized car parking space.

But, sadly, what the Aussies were actually given was an old car with new hood and fenders, and told to make a front-end that looks like a cross between a 2012 Yaris, and Honda City and a Honda CR-V, and to add some old school Lexus tail lamps for good measure.

Edited July 19, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[juehoe]

You can also consider the Isuzu MU-7, which offers a lot of stuff for the money. It is very popular amongst rural Thai people.

[MoonRiverOasis]

You can also consider the Isuzu MU-7, which offers a lot of stuff for the money. It is very popular amongst rural Thai people.

Yes, but he's coming from a Honda CR-V - logic would suggest there's no way he's going to be able to step all the way down to a MU-7.

As for popularity, the Fortuner outsells the MU-7 2:1, and the Pajero Sport outsells it 3:1, so I'm guessing you're from an isolated area of die-hard Isuzu fans

[Big Guns]

MRO popularity of a product doesn't always mean that its necessarily the best product on the market. In the UK in my life time Ford has always been the top selling brand although their top selling products which were Escorts or Fiestas were not always class leading. Unfortunately in Thailand we have a very strange automotive market because of huge import taxes, ignorant consumers and profitable apathetic manufacturers. If that wasn't the case then the original poster would be able to add the LR Freelander, Discovery, RR Evoque, Rav 4, etc etc to his list.

[MoonRiverOasis]

MRO popularity of a product doesn't always mean that its necessarily the best product on the market.

Never said it did But a total lack of popularity, even with bargain basement prices, is a pretty good indicator

I guess I must come across as a Toyota fan?

Edited July 19, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[katabeachbum]

Please forget the Mu7 and present Everest with its dated rear leaf springs, and Mu7 tiny 3 sensor ABS brakes

Basicly 4 attractive SUV vehicles in TH below 1,5 million baht

CRV and Captiva, both frontwheeldrive car based, with viscose awd assisting when frontwheels are already slipping. Both car-like to drive, both useless off road, both sensible for loads (rear wheels start dancing uncontrolled when loaded), CRV very heavy on fuel if pushed above 120kmh, and all petrol models underpowered, only Captiva diesel adequate on power

Fortuna and Pajero. Both sturdy, both powerfull engines, both feels like something inbetween the 2 above and pickups to drive, full time 4x4 makes traction excellent, both seat 7 and still have cargo space, both excellent brakes even when loaded heavily, both low on fuel, both able to carry load and remain stability, both very low running costs for initial 2-300.000km

as I travel with load, high speeds on highways, and on dirt roads and in flooded areas, only two left to choose from, Fortuna and Pajero Sport

[wandrinstar]

They can carry 7, bloody hell, get a single cab at least you can put them in the back, and have time to think..Perhaps thats why the Spotivyoyo hops around like a Leaf Spring Ford unless theres a ton in the back..Bet the OPs thinking Brio by now.

[katabeachbum]

They can carry 7, bloody hell, get a single cab at least you can put them in the back, and have time to think..Perhaps thats why the Spotivyoyo hops around like a Leaf Spring Ford unless theres a ton in the back..Bet the OPs thinking Brio by now.

sorry should have said they can seat 7 legally safely

a single cab is registered/ insured and legal to seat 2-3 in front seat

[MoonRiverOasis]

sorry should have said they can seat 7 legally safely

Last Songkran, my wife's Pajero had 13 on board, all seated (3 in the front, 4 in the middle, 3 in the back, and 3 facing backwards out of the open tailgate), admittedly 12 were diminutive Thai's, and it wasn't travelling very fast

Definitely not legal/insured, but at walking speed, safe enough

[kurnell]

Fortuner is Aussie designed so it a real man's car. Are you man enough?

Well the new front bumper, front grille and Altezza style tail lamps might be, but the rest is all Japanese and Thai. But hey, if the new 2012 Colorado can be called "Aussie Designed" for no more than a badge change, red paint and blue leather inside, then I guess that statement is right

If the Fortuner were actually Aussie designed, it'd at least have 3rd row seats that fold away in such a way that the rear cargo area actually gets more useful not less, it'd have sat nav, it'd definitely have more KW HP, and it would have at least a 5-speed Auto.. Oh, and they would have changed the C-Pillar design so someone larger than 3' tall could navigate their way into the 3rd row seating without whacking their head on the way in, and shortened the rear doors so they can be opened in a normal sized car parking space.

But, sadly, what the Aussies were actually given was an old car with new hood and fenders, and told to make a front-end that looks like a cross between a 2012 Yaris, and Honda City and a Honda CR-V, and to add some old school Lexus tail lamps for good measure.

From Wikipedia "The vehicle was designed by Toyota Technical Centre Australia"

[transam]

Fortuner is Aussie designed so it a real man's car. Are you man enough?

Well the new front bumper, front grille and Altezza style tail lamps might be, but the rest is all Japanese and Thai. But hey, if the new 2012 Colorado can be called "Aussie Designed" for no more than a badge change, red paint and blue leather inside, then I guess that statement is right

If the Fortuner were actually Aussie designed, it'd at least have 3rd row seats that fold away in such a way that the rear cargo area actually gets more useful not less, it'd have sat nav, it'd definitely have more KW HP, and it would have at least a 5-speed Auto.. Oh, and they would have changed the C-Pillar design so someone larger than 3' tall could navigate their way into the 3rd row seating without whacking their head on the way in, and shortened the rear doors so they can be opened in a normal sized car parking space.

But, sadly, what the Aussies were actually given was an old car with new hood and fenders, and told to make a front-end that looks like a cross between a 2012 Yaris, and Honda City and a Honda CR-V, and to add some old school Lexus tail lamps for good measure.

From Wikipedia "The vehicle was designed by Toyota Technical Centre Australia"

Thats very interesting.

[MoonRiverOasis]

Fortuner is Aussie designed so it a real man's car. Are you man enough?

Well the new front bumper, front grille and Altezza style tail lamps might be, but the rest is all Japanese and Thai. But hey, if the new 2012 Colorado can be called "Aussie Designed" for no more than a badge change, red paint and blue leather inside, then I guess that statement is right

If the Fortuner were actually Aussie designed, it'd at least have 3rd row seats that fold away in such a way that the rear cargo area actually gets more useful not less, it'd have sat nav, it'd definitely have more KW HP, and it would have at least a 5-speed Auto.. Oh, and they would have changed the C-Pillar design so someone larger than 3' tall could navigate their way into the 3rd row seating without whacking their head on the way in, and shortened the rear doors so they can be opened in a normal sized car parking space.

But, sadly, what the Aussies were actually given was an old car with new hood and fenders, and told to make a front-end that looks like a cross between a 2012 Yaris, and Honda City and a Honda CR-V, and to add some old school Lexus tail lamps for good measure.

From Wikipedia "The vehicle was designed by Toyota Technical Centre Australia"

It appears threre's some confusion..

The Fortuner is part of the Toyota IMV project, where Toyota Japan designed a platform (chassis, engine, drivetrain and electronics) as a common base for a range of vehicles, each of which was intended to result in a localized market-specific vehicle, with the cost reductions and effeciencies of a common base. Back in 2003-04 Toyota Japan designed the Hilux using the platform, Toyota Thailand designed the Fortuner, and Toyota Indonesia came up with the Innova.

So the original Fortuner was a Thai design, the 2008 minor change also a Thai design, as were the Sportivo I/II/III and Aperto I/II models, but responsibility for the 2011 minor change was handed over to TTC-AU. Before the minor change even launched, TTC-AU were putting out press releases beating their chests over their involvement in the project, and it would appear quite a few people have misconstrued their actual level of involvement in the vehicle - which isn't terribly surprising given that most Aussie journos know practically nothing of the vehicle as it's completely foreign to them, and due to the carefully selected/open wording style used in the press release.

Edited July 19, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[MoonRiverOasis]

It appears threre's some confusion..

The Fortuner is part of the Toyota IMV project, where Toyota Japan designed a platform (chassis, engine, drivetrain and electronics) as a common base for a range of vehicles, each of which was intended to result in a localized market-specific vehicle, with the cost reductions and effeciencies of a common base. Back in 2003-04 Toyota Japan designed the Hilux using the platform, Toyota Thailand designed the Fortuner, and Toyota Indonesia came up with the Innova.

So the original Fortuner was a Thai design, the 2008 minor change also a Thai design, as were the Sportivo I/II/III and Aperto I/II models, but responsibility for the 2011 minor change was handed over to TTC-AU. Before the minor change even launched, TTC-AU were putting out press releases beating their chests over their involvement in the project, and it would appear quite a few people have misconstrued their actual level of involvement in the vehicle - which isn't terribly surprising given that most Aussie journos know practically nothing of the vehicle as it's completely foreign to them, and due to the carefully selected/open wording style used in the press release.

And just to wrap this all up before anyone wastes their time scouring Wikipedia for more evidence that Aussies designed the Fortuner, here's a quote from the TTC-AU Director:

''We started working on the Fortuner in 2006 and it's manufactured not only in Thailand but also South Africa, South America, Venezuela, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, so our people have had to go all over the world to support the localisation of the vehicle and at the same time, co-ordinate the overall program.''

The Fortuner entered production in mid-2004, and was on sale in November 2004, so it would be quite a feat for TTC-AU to have designed it 2 years later, heh. Sadly, not a lot has changed since 2004 either

If memory serves me correctly the only changes to the Fortuner in 2006 were the addition of a filter on the A/C, a passenger side cup holder, and a leather gear knob.

Also,just to clear up further confusion, the markets listed in that quote are some of the markets where it's sold, but it's not actually made in all of those.

Edited July 19, 2011 by MoonRiverOasis

[fredob43]

To reply to the OP question. You will find that you have got the same old comment's I dont like this, I dont like that. Fortuna driver's are ALL CRAP. But you asked if anyone has had problem's with their's, and how did they find them. I have had a Fortuna for just over two year's, and find it great. The turning has been improved with the new 4x4, the brake's are very good, seat's excelent, vision also great. But I would suggest that if you buy any MPV that you fit a rear view camera. Problem's what Problem's It's a Toyota. Lots of peep's have said go for the Pajero yes another option. One thing I found with them was the bad vision out of the rear window that's because the tail light's are at the top of it and the wiper is at the bottom, + load's of black blanking out bit's round the side's. Just get in one and have a look in the rear view mirror. They are a little better on bumpy road's but not a lot, their main fault is they lean on bend's like the tower. Other than that there much of a muchness. What ever you get enjoy.Fuel as someone else has stated anything up to 12 kmpl it depend's how you drive it could go down to 8+

Edited July 19, 2011 by fredob43

[katabeachbum]

sorry should have said they can seat 7 legally safely

Last Songkran, my wife's Pajero had 13 on board, all seated (3 in the front, 4 in the middle, 3 in the back, and 3 facing backwards out of the open tailgate), admittedly 12 were diminutive Thai's, and it wasn't travelling very fast

Definitely not legal/insured, but at walking speed, safe enough

We v been 8 farang and 2 Thais in Fortuner several times when my family visits, and it works fine for short restaurant trips. Besides they all have travel insurance

[katabeachbum]

It appears threre's some confusion..

The Fortuner is part of the Toyota IMV project, where Toyota Japan designed a platform (chassis, engine, drivetrain and electronics) as a common base for a range of vehicles, each of which was intended to result in a localized market-specific vehicle, with the cost reductions and effeciencies of a common base. Back in 2003-04 Toyota Japan designed the Hilux using the platform, Toyota Thailand designed the Fortuner, and Toyota Indonesia came up with the Innova.

So the original Fortuner was a Thai design, the 2008 minor change also a Thai design, as were the Sportivo I/II/III and Aperto I/II models, but responsibility for the 2011 minor change was handed over to TTC-AU. Before the minor change even launched, TTC-AU were putting out press releases beating their chests over their involvement in the project, and it would appear quite a few people have misconstrued their actual level of involvement in the vehicle - which isn't terribly surprising given that most Aussie journos know practically nothing of the vehicle as it's completely foreign to them, and due to the carefully selected/open wording style used in the press release.

And just to wrap this all up before anyone wastes their time scouring Wikipedia for more evidence that Aussies designed the Fortuner, here's a quote from the TTC-AU Director:

''We started working on the Fortuner in 2006 and it's manufactured not only in Thailand but also South Africa, South America, Venezuela, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, so our people have had to go all over the world to support the localisation of the vehicle and at the same time, co-ordinate the overall program.''

The Fortuner entered production in mid-2004, and was on sale in November 2004, so it would be quite a feat for TTC-AU to have designed it 2 years later, heh. Sadly, not a lot has changed since 2004 either

If memory serves me correctly the only changes to the Fortuner in 2006 were the addition of a filter on the A/C, a passenger side cup holder, and a leather gear knob.

Also,just to clear up further confusion, the markets listed in that quote are some of the markets where it's sold, but it's not actually made in all of those.

wikipedia 5555

The Fortuna aussies got to work a facelift on already had new hood, scoop, fenders, so the "major" design job they have done is front grill, frontlights, rear lights and.................

[WebBangkok]

Thanks for the info, hey my CRV is a 7 seater too, but the back seats (which I took out) face the rear and folds out.With the leather seats and arm cushion its really comfortable. But its time to upgrade.The Pajero IMO looks like sheet, I love the look of the Fortuner, it looks nice and meaty.A black Fortuner looks great IMO, just want to know if they have any regular problems, like sheety gear boxes etc.

[transam]

Thanks for the info, hey my CRV is a 7 seater too, but the back seats (which I took out) face the rear and folds out.With the leather seats and arm cushion its really comfortable. But its time to upgrade.The Pajero IMO looks like sheet, I love the look of the Fortuner, it looks nice and meaty.A black Fortuner looks great IMO, just want to know if they have any regular problems, like sheety gear boxes etc.

It's spelled shitty.

[WebBangkok]

I thought shit would be blocked.

[transam]

I thought shit would be blocked.

Noooooooooooooooooo, not on this forum.

[katabeachbum]

I thought shit would be blocked.

Noooooooooooooooooo, not on this forum.

If something looks shit, it looks shit, at least in motoring

Issues Fortuna?

New brake pads at 50-90k km, some have cooked turbo at 100-120k km(they all use similar turbos, so its not a Fortuna issue) due to short cooldown time to frequently.

each 40k km service is rather expensive at approx 8k baht, due to replacing all oils including brakefluid

Aisin auto is bulletproof, designed to load a ton and pull 2,5 ton trailer

[fredob43]

I thought shit would be blocked.

Noooooooooooooooooo, not on this forum.

If something looks shit, it looks shit, at least in motoring

Issues Fortuna?

New brake pads at 50-90k km, some have cooked turbo at 100-120k km(they all use similar turbos, so its not a Fortuna issue) due to short cooldown time to frequently.

each 40k km service is rather expensive at approx 8k baht, due to replacing all oils including brakefluid

Aisin auto is bulletproof, designed to load a ton and pull 2,5 ton trailer

They must charge bundle's for the brakefluid change just had mine serviced "full" all oil's changed axle front rear, gear box just 3,670bt and at Toyota's. Answer to how the gear box's are, there 4 speed not the best would be better if it was 5 but other than that no problem as said before it's a Toyota. Brake pad's will last what ever depend's how you drive. Mine now done 40,000 look like new.

[WebBangkok]

This is why I trust toyota

Trying to kill a toyota