Hi Guys,

I got myself a new customer two weeks ago and i have to travel to Amata Nakon from Jomtien (140km both way) almost every day. I have done the trip on my PCX150 a few times but it is boring and a tough ride on such small bike. So I have decided to buy my self a car. First I was looking at Toyota Fortuner but later I fell in love with Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Then a couple a days ago I saw a very nice black Triton with large chromed wheels that i liked very much.… And it cost almost half of what Pajero is priced at.

Does anyone know how an almost similar car can cost 50% less. What does the Pajerao have that Triton lacks that is worth 600 000 baht?

And according to my Thai business partner, the Mitsubishi is a bad choice due to its much lower secondhand value. He suggests me to buy a Toyota instead.

I think I have to pay it cash as I don’t have any financial history (I’m not sure). I do have had my work permit for almost 8 years if that helps to get a finance for the car

Anyone out there who have some wise suggestions/ideas/comments?

/T

Edited September 9, 201213 yr by TramsRepus

Getting a car or a pickup would be a real good idea for your own safety if you are doing a long commute every day. There is nothing wrong with Mitsubishi PJS or the Triton. Most Thai people will tell you Toyota resale value is better but this may not really the case for the Triton and PJS. The Thai used car web sites asking prices for Tritons and PJS are very similar to Hilux and Fortuner. The Mitsu models cost slightly less when new and usually have shorter delivery time than Toyota as well.

Toyota and Mitsu both charge a premium for the SUV version of their pickup. They play around with the equipment level but the pickups are better value. Be careful with the lowest cost models of either, they are stripped and pretty basic. A 2WD Triton Plus with the 178hp VGT engine, Auto and reasonable equipment will cost around 800,000. The 2WD PJS with the same drive-train is about 1,000,000 for the GLS or 1,200,000 for the GT with a few more gadgets. For the extra money the PJS gets a nicer dash, coil rear suspension and more seats. The good thing about the pickup is you can get a manual transmission (if you want) and they are a bit lighter so fuel consumption is better. The disadvantage is the ride is not as good.

You can do a similar comparison between the Hilux Vigo and the Fortuner. There is a good summary of pros and cons of the different pickup models by IMHO on the thread titled Dilemma. Good luck with your car shopping.

Edited September 10, 201213 yr by Jitar

Getting a car or a pickup would be a real good idea for your own safety if you are doing a long commute every day. There is nothing wrong with Mitsubishi PJS or the Triton. Most Thai people will tell you Toyota resale value is better but this may not really the case for the Triton and PJS. The Thai used car web sites asking prices for Tritons and PJS are very similar to Hilux and Fortuner. The Mitsu models cost slightly less when new and usually have shorter delivery time than Toyota as well.

Toyota and Mitsu both charge a premium for the SUV version of their pickup. They play around with the equipment level but the pickups are better value. Be careful with the lowest cost models of either, they are stripped and pretty basic. A 2WD Triton Plus with the 178hp VGT engine, Auto and reasonable equipment will cost around 800,000. The 2WD PJS with the same drive-train is about 1,000,000 for the GLS or 1,200,000 for the GT with a few more gadgets. For the extra money the PJS gets a nicer dash, coil rear suspension and more seats. The good thing about the pickup is you can get a manual transmission (if you want) and they are a bit lighter so fuel consumption is better. The disadvantage is the ride is not as good.

You can do a similar comparison between the Hilux Vigo and the Fortuner. There is a good summary of pros and cons of the different pickup models by IMHO on the thread titled Dilemma. Good luck with your car shopping.

While supply is an issue with Toyota, the supply time for PJS can vary enormously. When I ordered, I was quoted up to three months waiting...

But I had the luck to get a model that was refused by a customer, so your luck may vary. My dealer was telling me that while the PJS sells very easily, her big issue is getting one of them to sell. She had however three of them on site Saturday (but I think all of them already sold out).

You get extra seats, extra windows and extra interior. You also get to look like you are well off instead of a red neck.

I'm told by someone who had a fortuner then a Pajero that the Pajero has a better ride. The Fortuner isn't much of a step up from the Hilux in terms of ride. In their opinion.

Earlier this year I had both the new model PJS and facelifted Fortuner at the same time, one as my personal vehicle and one as a project vehicle. They are both OK and the ride and handling is not too different, the Toyota engine is smoother and quieter but the PJS just feels alot nicer place to sit, The Fortuner interior and accessories have been upgraded a bit with the facelifted model but is still somewhat dated and the third row seat configuration is something out of the 1980's. Have to also consider the price difference.

There are an abundance of threads on these vehicles and comparisons already so I would suggest searching through them rather than going through it all again.

If you just want basic transport, don't need to carry a bunch of people around, and want to save some money I am sure one of the pickups are fine.

If you just want basic transport, don't need to carry a bunch of people around, and want to save some money I am sure one of the pickups are fine.

Or if you have to carry lots of people around

The ride quality of the Fortuner was improved with the "Champ" generation released last year, and is now up to par with the PJS. Unfortunately, the styling of the Fortuner took a big step backwards/downwards at the same time, and not enough was done to the interior - which continues to feel a bit like a taxi-pack with carpet and leather.

Have test driven the Trailblazer - the performance isn't as good as what paper specs suggest, and the interior is just a mish-mash of awful IMHO. If it were a little more aggressively priced I would likely not be as harsh on it though.

The Everest and MU-7 have both aged so badly they're simply not worthy of consideration, IMHO.

So that leaves the PJS... which remains the stand-out option in this crowd, IMHO.

The ride quality of the Fortuner was improved with the "Champ" generation released last year, and is now up to par with the PJS. Unfortunately, the styling of the Fortuner took a big step backwards/downwards at the same time, and not enough was done to the interior - which continues to feel a bit like a taxi-pack with carpet and leather.

Have test driven the Trailblazer - the performance isn't as good as what paper specs suggest, and the interior is just a mish-mash of awful IMHO. If it were a little more aggressively priced I would likely not be as harsh on it though.

The Everest and MU-7 have both aged so badly they're simply not worthy of consideration, IMHO.

So that leaves the PJS... which remains the stand-out option in this crowd, IMHO.

Seems like you will be putting on the miles, or km as it may be

I do an CM - BKK or Pattaya run almost weekly I have the Triton NGV. very happy with it. and with what I save in fuel cost using the NGV in 3 years with what I saved in Fuel cost the truck is Free.

Yes, with a work permit you can get a loan, not everywhere, but look around you can get it

Seems like you will be putting on the miles, or km as it may be

I do an CM - BKK or Pattaya run almost weekly I have the Triton NGV. very happy with it. and with what I save in fuel cost using the NGV in 3 years with what I saved in Fuel cost the truck is Free.

Yes, with a work permit you can get a loan, not everywhere, but look around you can get it

NGV is hard to find and takes ages to fill up , in latproa 71 there's always a big Q of taxis waiting

My mate drives a 10 wheeler and he said to change to gas " mai kum" not worth it with the waiting

I have a PJS and it's OK , I have never drive a fortuner but I still think its the dogs for looks

Each to there own

Dogs for looks sounds not good?

I assume you are talking ugly mutts, not cute little furry pets?

Edited September 11, 201213 yr by Jitar

Just bought the Everest, as I like that look, a lot more roomier inside than any of the others, but then I carry a larger load than most with 7 all the time.

If I was going for a Pick Up I'd go the new Mazda Racer. 6 speed manual, very nice 150 hp.

But very happy with the Everest. Not as flash as the others, but more the wife and my style.

Dogs for looks sounds not good?

I assume you are talking ugly mutts, not cute little furry pets?

Dogs = The Dogs <deleted> = Sweet, The Best etc..

It's a Brit thing

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/dog's%20bollocks.html

Edited September 11, 201213 yr by Banzai99

Thanks for the translation.

Fortuner owners will be relieved.

Fortuner is as dogs <deleted> as a vigo. cant blink an eye without seeing one. successful yes, beautiful - hardly.

Thanks for the translation.

Fortuner owners will be relieved.

and I think my new Isuzu is the cat's!

Thanks for the translation.

Fortuner owners will be relieved.

and I think my new Isuzu is the cat's!

, think you mean Dogs, but ..................

Thanks for the translation.

Fortuner owners will be relieved.

and I think my new Isuzu is the cat's!

, think you mean Dogs, but ..................

Cat's = The Cat's Meow = Sweet, The Best etc..

It's a US thing

Thanks for the translation.

Fortuner owners will be relieved.

and I think my new Isuzu is the cat's!

, think you mean Dogs, but ..................

Cat's = The Cat's Meow = Sweet, The Best etc..

It's a US thing

The cats whiskers is a more polite British thing. I wonder why Transy didn't know that ?

, As an ex yob, the dogs b...........cks was the , pussy's were for another subject. ...

Seems like you will be putting on the miles, or km as it may be

I do an CM - BKK or Pattaya run almost weekly I have the Triton NGV. very happy with it. and with what I save in fuel cost using the NGV in 3 years with what I saved in Fuel cost the truck is Free.

Yes, with a work permit you can get a loan, not everywhere, but look around you can get it

NGV is hard to find and takes ages to fill up , in latproa 71 there's always a big Q of taxis waiting

My mate drives a 10 wheeler and he said to change to gas " mai kum" not worth it with the waiting

I have a PJS and it's OK , I have never drive a fortuner but I still think its the dogs for looks

Each to there own

Clearly you talk but have no understanding and have never driven one.

Yes in the very back country there are times it is hard to find.

Most major routes and towns are covered and more stations open every week

And yes, it takes about 3 minutes to fill up,pay, and get my change back, maybe that is ages for you

With what the average big rig saves on each round trip to BKK CM and return is about what your thai driver makes a month

We all must ask if it is infact worth it or not. To me fuel savings enough to pay for the truck cost in 3 years IS worth it

Thanks guys for your reply. I still haven't bought any car due to some issues that happened. But now i have started to look around again.

I'm in for the Pajero V6 Gasoline 2WD (1.3Mbaht) and convert it to LPG - Will i lose a lot of power then? How much do i save on LPG or even NGV? Pros and cons between them? Is it possible to switch between Gasoline/LPG and get the higher power "back" then "need it"?

The other option is a regular car, Lancer EX GT (1.05Mbaht) It looks good and are probably much more comfortable to ride and seems to be a fair price for a 2.0 liter nice looking car.

Ive played the numbers. Dont do a LPG conversion, the engine wont like it too much, and the diesel has just so much more power.

Lancer is expensive. Pickups have just so much more value.Have you actually driven any of these?

thats your answer right there, go drive them.

Thanks guys for your reply. I still haven't bought any car due to some issues that happened. But now i have started to look around again.

I'm in for the Pajero V6 Gasoline 2WD (1.3Mbaht) and convert it to LPG - Will i lose a lot of power then? How much do i save on LPG or even NGV? Pros and cons between them? Is it possible to switch between Gasoline/LPG and get the higher power "back" then "need it"?

The other option is a regular car, Lancer EX GT (1.05Mbaht) It looks good and are probably much more comfortable to ride and seems to be a fair price for a 2.0 liter nice looking car.

I guess a sedan is another option. But what are the roads like and will you have to carry many passengers? If it's just yourself I'd get the most comfortable vehicle that's in your price range. You could also look at the more basic 1.6 for focus that they have as a manual. For lots of highway driving a manual should be fine but would suck around town. Then there is a new vios coming out soon; not sure on delivery. Or even a honda city cng to save some money. All depends on your priorities. I's really only opt for the pickup/suv if you are travelling on harsh roads for long distances upcountry or need to carry heavy loads or many people. Note that the larger vehicles may be a little safer though, simply because of their mass.

I rather like the Tirtion partly because appart from the Nissan Navara and Fortuna its the only truck ive driven any distance.Mr J Mc C makes good sence,if your a Hi Click Driver. JEEEZ im Bored having nothing to drive..

To put a spanner in the works, over the last couple of years Thai 5 friends have bought the Proton Exora, so far + one had put very high km on the clock all are more than happy... [2 had the now discontinued Toyota Wish before]

New the 1.6 Turbo engine is around 750,000 baht, so in the same price as the medium range 2 dr pickup