Buying a new Toyota Fortuner

[Tom Lane]

Hi everyone, currently trying to decide on which model to buy and wonder if anyone has had any first hand experience with the 2014 Fortuner models. Is the Sportivo worth the extra?

[fredob43]

Horses for courses.
The bottom of the range one at just over 1 mil is a leave alone as it is at best base with nothing on it with I believe a 2.5 lump powering it. You can also disregard the petrol one as it's slow unless your going to convert it to Gas it's also heavy on Fuel.
It's all up from then on the more you pay the more you get. VSC 4X4 Cruse Control different Seats/Wheels tyres the list go's on & on.
You asked about the Sportivo that has all of the above there are also extra's that can be fitted to even the Sportivo Blue tooth, rear camera a must it also has a different suspension lowered but it is a trite harder on the ride, fixed by setting the tyres at 29PSI all round cold and not as recommended by Toyota 30PSI. It also has a better resale value Thais like names & goodies.
Other than that it's up to how much you want to spend.
As I have said horses for courses.

[Wong!]

Mutton dressed as lamb springs to mind

[Tom Lane]

Great, thanks for the info. Any accessories you feel are a must buy? Or perhaps any other changes to what rolls off the factory line like the 29 PSI you suggested? I just want to make sure I get the best setup possible for the money I spend! 

[chris2004]

Why do people buy these tanks to drive around the narrow sois of Thailand. Not like they ever go off road.

[Ace of Pop]

Toyota sure give the Public a Choice. Theres so much Lipstick one can slap on a Hilux,when Honda offer Nothing much on the CRV..the Fortuna Range is a choise You Make to suit You. With our T/Blazer there was nothing much apart from Gizzmoes. .Recon the top 4x4 Vigo is stil lthe best value all-rounder. Or Perhaps the New Nissan.?.

[Tom Lane]

I can't talk for others but I live in the country and play taxi driver for the family so need 7 seats. When it rains 4x4 is a must.

Edited August 3, 2014 by Tom Lane

[villagefarang]

I really like my TRD Sportivo and we have put 43000 km on it in roughly 1 ½ years.  Living 55 km outside of Chiang Rai it is a great all purpose vehicle.  Drives to town two or three times each week, road trips, take the golden retriever to the vet, haul the mountain bike by putting a couple of seats up and up to seven people if necessary.  

 

The 3 liter turbo climbs the hills with no effort and passes in a flash.  The interior looks and feels a bit more comfortable on the TRD model.  The only thing I don’t like is the feedback I get on really rough roads through the steering wheel.  Some people will give you grief for driving a Fortuner but my wife and I both enjoy driving ours.

[Tom Lane]

 

I really like my TRD Sportivo and we have put 43000 km on it in roughly 1 ½ years.  Living 55 km outside of Chiang Rai it is a great all purpose vehicle.  Drives to town two or three times each week, road trips, take the golden retriever to the vet, haul the mountain bike by putting a couple of seats up and up to seven people if necessary.  

 

The 3 liter turbo climbs the hills with no effort and passes in a flash.  The interior looks and feels a bit more comfortable on the TRD model.  The only thing I don’t like is the feedback I get on really rough roads through the steering wheel.  Some people will give you grief for driving a Fortuner but my wife and I both enjoy driving ours.

 

 

Sounds like fun! Looking forward to getting ours on the road.

 

Did you buy your Sportivo new? What extras did you get at the time of purchase and what add ons / changes did you make later? 

[villagefarang]

We bought it new and had to wait for quite awhile for delivery back then.  That was after the floods.  We went for the top of the line package and haven’t felt compelled to make any changes.  We had a Vigo for five years and no longer needed a truck so traded it in and moved up to a Fortuner.  Much more fun to drive than the top of the line Vigo.

[transam]

Why do people buy these tanks to drive around the narrow sois of Thailand. Not like they ever go off road.

 

Because we can drive anything and won't be wiped out by a drunk driving a Jazz............
 

[Tom Lane]

Delivery is estimated at 4-6 weeks. I think I will go for the Sportivo, just because I can :) This years model looks awesome. I don't care what others think, as I will have lots of fun driving it both on road and off-road! 

 

Thanks for the info villagefarang. 

[transam]

I would not go the Sportivo route.....

[Tom Lane]

I would not go the Sportivo route.....

Why not transam?

[transam]

I have a 4x4 Vigo, which is OK though as a truck the suspension is a bit stiff on bumpy stuff. I drove a late 4WD Fortuner and there was definitely an improvement in ride quality, yes I know the Fortuner has coil springs all round but if the Sportivo has stiffer springs, which l think it has, for me it would be a no no. also, is the Sportivo lower, looks like it to me ?, if it is, then off roading might be a no no too.

[Tom Lane]

Good points. I will find out from the dealer. But as fredob43 mentioned in comment #2, adjusting the Psi in the tyres should help slightly with the stiffer suspension and the ride height can be altered for more aggressive off roading.

[transam]

Good points. I will find out from the dealer. But as fredob43 mentioned in comment #2, adjusting the Psi in the tyres should help slightly with the stiffer suspension and the ride height can be altered for more aggressive off roading.

 

Vigo is 29 psi factory setting, same as basic Fortuner.
 

[fredob43]

 

Good points. I will find out from the dealer. But as fredob43 mentioned in comment #2, adjusting the Psi in the tyres should help slightly with the stiffer suspension and the ride height can be altered for more aggressive off roading.

 

Vigo is 29 psi factory setting, same as basic Fortuner.
 

 

The tuna is recommended at 30psi your right that the Vigo is 29 psi though both all round. I have just found that setting it at 29 cold it runs smoother.

 

The ride cannot be altered factory set it's some 1+" lower all round than a standard tuna due to the to the springs and shocks being shorter/firmer.

One thing is with the lower/harder suspension it hold's the road like a leach at high speed. I've had mine tweaked engine wise and it's pretty rapid even at speed's around 200kph "not recommended to often on Thai roads" it runs as smooth as a baby's butt.

Before anyone asks what does it do I have no idea as at just over 200kph on the clock the needle would hit the counter changing knob.

 

No tuna's are terrific off roaders they are MPV not Land Rovers just don't have the right tyres for a start, but saying that my one got me out of a lot of problems during the floods.

 

What extras did I have fitted rear camera a must Sat Nav + the usual mud flaps on the front as well as the rear auto folding side wing mirrors why when I had my Vigo had them buggered several times in car parks, under wing liners, electric tyre pressure gauge Free bee, over carpets they are black quite smart, have also had xenon light bulbs on all 6 of the front lights, Tint's just the reflective type not those you cant see where your going at night ones and certainly not on the front screen but saying that have had a small tint strip some 30cm down from the top just above my eye view. 

 

I did test drive a new MXU the other week and it had 4 exhaust pipes so got to get some of those just looking for a set up that has 6 cant be outdone.   

 

Not including the last bit that's a jest, you can do without any of the above except for the Camera and the tints. 

if you decide to get one I hope you have as much fun and enjoyment as I have great MPV to drive and with the rear Camera you can take it anywhere.

 

Lot's of peep's don't agree with me they think they are crap but most haven't owned one the Sportivo that is not the base ones. 

Ask if I would swap it for any other limo on the road not on you life, even though it only has one exhaust pipe.

Note to self learn how to spell so I don't have to make to many modified posts.

Edited August 3, 2014 by fredob43

[Bpuumike]

 

Why do people buy these tanks to drive around the narrow sois of Thailand. Not like they ever go off road.

I think Volvo originated the term SIPS - Side Impact Protection System.

Rather be in a Fortuner in Thailand than in a Mini.

[Zeegator]

Horses for courses.
The bottom of the range one at just over 1 mil is a leave alone as it is at best base with nothing on it with I believe a 2.5 lump powering it. You can also disregard the petrol one as it's slow unless your going to convert it to Gas it's also heavy on Fuel.
It's all up from then on the more you pay the more you get. VSC 4X4 Cruse Control different Seats/Wheels tyres the list go's on & on.
You asked about the Sportivo that has all of the above there are also extra's that can be fitted to even the Sportivo Blue tooth, rear camera a must it also has a different suspension lowered but it is a trite harder on the ride, fixed by setting the tyres at 29PSI all round cold and not as recommended by Toyota 30PSI. It also has a better resale value Thais like names & goodies.
Other than that it's up to how much you want to spend.
As I have said horses for courses.

 

"...the ride, fixed by setting the tyres at 29PSI all round cold and not as recommended by Toyota 30PSI."

 

Yes you are right, the ride will be so much more comfortable by dropping the tyre pressures by 1psi.

[NE1]

Haven't Toyota got a new platform / upgraded vehicles coming out at the end of the year ?

 

[fredob43]

 

Horses for courses.
The bottom of the range one at just over 1 mil is a leave alone as it is at best base with nothing on it with I believe a 2.5 lump powering it. You can also disregard the petrol one as it's slow unless your going to convert it to Gas it's also heavy on Fuel.
It's all up from then on the more you pay the more you get. VSC 4X4 Cruse Control different Seats/Wheels tyres the list go's on & on.
You asked about the Sportivo that has all of the above there are also extra's that can be fitted to even the Sportivo Blue tooth, rear camera a must it also has a different suspension lowered but it is a trite harder on the ride, fixed by setting the tyres at 29PSI all round cold and not as recommended by Toyota 30PSI. It also has a better resale value Thais like names & goodies.
Other than that it's up to how much you want to spend.
As I have said horses for courses.

 

"...the ride, fixed by setting the tyres at 29PSI all round cold and not as recommended by Toyota 30PSI."

 

Yes you are right, the ride will be so much more comfortable by dropping the tyre pressures by 1psi.

 

Have you tried it ??? if not don't try and be a smart arse, it only make you look stupid.

It does work.

Edited August 4, 2014 by fredob43

[fullcave]

Haven't Toyota got a new platform / upgraded vehicles coming out at the end of the year ?

 

 

Yep, that’s why I’m waiting to trade in my 2010 Fortuer until then.  

[fredob43]

 

 

Good points. I will find out from the dealer. But as fredob43 mentioned in comment #2, adjusting the Psi in the tyres should help slightly with the stiffer suspension and the ride height can be altered for more aggressive off roading.

 

Vigo is 29 psi factory setting, same as basic Fortuner.
 

 

The tuna is recommended at 30psi your right that the Vigo is 29 psi though both all round. I have just found that setting it at 29 cold it runs smoother.

 

The ride cannot be altered factory set it's some 1+" lower all round than a standard tuna due to the to the springs and shocks being shorter/firmer.

One thing is with the lower/harder suspension it hold's the road like a leach at high speed. I've had mine tweaked engine wise and it's pretty rapid even at speed's around 200kph "not recommended to often on Thai roads" it runs as smooth as a baby's butt.

Before anyone asks what does it do I have no idea as at just over 200kph on the clock the needle would hit the counter changing knob.

 

No tuna's are terrific off roaders they are MPV not Land Rovers just don't have the right tyres for a start, but saying that my one got me out of a lot of problems during the floods.

 

What extras did I have fitted rear camera a must Sat Nav + the usual mud flaps on the front as well as the rear auto folding side wing mirrors why when I had my Vigo had them buggered several times in car parks, under wing liners, electric tyre pressure gauge Free bee, over carpets they are black quite smart, have also had xenon light bulbs on all 6 of the front lights, Tint's just the reflective type not those you cant see where your going at night ones and certainly not on the front screen but saying that have had a small tint strip some 30cm down from the top just above my eye view. 

 

I did test drive a new MXU the other week and it had 4 exhaust pipes so got to get some of those just looking for a set up that has 6 cant be outdone.   

 

Not including the last bit that's a jest, you can do without any of the above except for the Camera and the tints. 

if you decide to get one I hope you have as much fun and enjoyment as I have great MPV to drive and with the rear Camera you can take it anywhere.

 

Lot's of peep's don't agree with me they think they are crap but most haven't owned one the Sportivo that is not the base ones. 

Ask if I would swap it for any other limo on the road not on you life, even though it only has one exhaust pipe.

Note to self learn how to spell so I don't have to make to many modified posts.

 

Just come to me I have also had a peddle lock fitted one that also cut's out the engine. Not a bad idea in todays world.

[Albertosez]

Slightly off topic - but does anyone know if there is a central place to view quality 2nd hand imported MPVs? I am wondering about the 2nd hand price level of imported vehicles- given that the import tax has already been paid. I will be in the market for another vehicle soon and something similar in size to a Fortuna would suit me, but I would like to have a look at the imported 2nd hand options first of all.

[SantiSuk]

Have a 4 year old Sportivo. It has done 130,000km. Yes I can relate to the mutton dressed as lamb comment (I'm such a poser when it comes to cars) and it certainly has a hard ride. I've got used to that now.

 

The most worthwhile additions to the basic diesel is the full-time 4 wheel drive, which maybe you can get with an intermediate model. Not because I go off road, but because it gives great stability to the vehicle in rain and wind storms. Feels rock solid. Biggest disappointment which they have probably solved by now - the worthless DVD player in the console and the lack of a USB hub for playing MP3s (you can get accessories to give a sub-standard alternative via the radio and no doubt I could have got a vehicle electronics specialist to do a better fit, but I could not be bothered).

 

As far as I know the Sportivo has no performance improvements in terms of speed/acceleration (hence mutton), but I'll leave the geeks to correct me.

[SantiSuk]

Haven't Toyota got a new platform / upgraded vehicles coming out at the end of the year ?

 

 

Yes, that's what the ThaiV threads told me four years ago. Glad I ignored them
 

[NE1]

Slightly off topic - but does anyone know if there is a central place to view quality 2nd hand imported MPVs? I am wondering about the 2nd hand price level of imported vehicles- given that the import tax has already been paid. I will be in the market for another vehicle soon and something similar in size to a Fortuna would suit me, but I would like to have a look at the imported 2nd hand options first of all.

 

I would imagine that they will still be very expensive as the original owner will be looking to claw most of his money back from the import taxes etc.

[NE1]

Sneak Peek.

 

http://toyota-dealer.org/2014-toyota-hilux-vigo-major-change-model.html

 

 

[attachment=277826:2015-Toyota-Hilux-Vigo-spyshot.jpg]

Edited August 4, 2014 by NE1

[transam]

Haven't Toyota got a new platform / upgraded vehicles coming out at the end of the year ?

 

 

[attachment=277825:buffy.jpg]