Is It Possible To Drive Fortuners Slowly?

[Jim's_a_Thai_Fox]

Is it just me, or does every Fortuner seem only to be able to travel at break neck speeds? I witness the vast majority of these vehicles bombing down the ouside lane, flashing everyone else doing 120kph or less to move out of their way instantly or face the consequences?

I thought they were powered by a 163hp turbo diesel, but it certainly seems that they've all been secretly upgraded to a 5 litre V8...

Why are they only driven so fast? A theory I have is that the parent driving simply wants to get home and drop off the 5 screaming brats as fast as humanly possible...

Cheers for any insight into this rising phenomena of F1-esq driving.

[nikster]

Is it just me, or does every Fortuner seem only to be able to travel at break neck speeds? I witness the vast majority of these vehicles bombing down the ouside lane, flashing everyone else doing 120kph or less to move out of their way instantly or face the consequences?

I thought they were powered by a 163hp turbo diesel, but it certainly seems that they've all been sectrly upgraded to a 5 litre V8...

Why are they only driven so fsat? A theory I have is that the parent driving simply wants to get home and drop off the 5 screaming brats as fast as humanly possible...

Cheers for any insight into this rising phenomena of F1-esq driving.

Nah, they are fun to drive, that's all.

Now, I don't condone speeding, but have you ever seen a BMW go slow? Reason: Fun to drive, stable at high speed. Fortuner of course in no way compares to a beemer but for a vehicle its size, it's an awesome drive. Corners like a car.

I would never flash my lights though...

[jumnien]

I just drove my Fortuner (low HP non-diesel) up to BKK from Hua Hin. It is fun to drive and seems to be comfortable at 110 - 120. My wife's CR-V on the other hand hits a groove at 120 - 140! All in all, I much prefer the Fortuner - more comfort, more space, more quality and safer - does eat the gas though!

[kasi]

I've noticed fortuner drivers tend to drive like cnuts. Especially the ones painted black.

To own a black vehicle here is akin to having a bumper sticker saying "I'm stupid"!

Black is the most difficult color to take care of.

[taxexile]

the fortuner driver here is the thai equivalent of britains urban white van man.

[Gary A]

Joking aside, it IS a fact that they seem to want to pass everything on the road. As a matter of fact most people who are driving SUV's drive that way.

[Kujah]

I just drove my Fortuner (low HP non-diesel) up to BKK from Hua Hin. It is fun to drive and seems to be comfortable at 110 - 120. My wife's CR-V on the other hand hits a groove at 120 - 140! All in all, I much prefer the Fortuner - more comfort, more space, more quality and safer - does eat the gas though!

I'm trying to decide between the Fortuner and the CR-V. I've always been a long time SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD) man from the states but will to get a 'smaller' SUV (petrol, automatic w/ selectable 4x4 mode) here. A late model Fortuner goes for about 980K whereas I can get a used 2003 CR-V for 660K. I like everything about the Fortuner but do you think a 300+ K price difference would make the CRV-2 a more than equal competitor? The new CRV-2 has nice new styling, too...and a 2.4cc eng and larger wheels(?).....an overall advantage from the previous model? Since you own both, how do you compare the two, what would you recommend.....which is easier for a do-it-yourselfer to perform minor engine maintenance and repairs on?

[gpt]

Thai owner/drivers of Fortuners are supplied with an accessory which Toyota Thailand do not sell to Farangs. I'm sure that with the right amount of money changing hands they will order it for you. I cannot remember the part number but ask for MkII foot, right, lead, heavy.

[pop3]

Unfortunatly fortuners have attracted some right <deleted>, especialy the black ones as someone said, it's in a price range that they can afford where Range Rovers are not, it's now become a "jack the lads car"

[JacknDanny]

Unfortunatly fortuners have attracted some right <deleted>, especialy the black ones as someone said, it's in a price range that they can afford where Range Rovers are not, it's now become a "jack the lads car"

Hey, I drive a black one. Its a 'JacknDanny' car

[Nordlys]

I usually cruise on highways at 80 - 90km/h (to maintain fuel mileage at 15km/L or over), and I have a white Fortuner.

I only once drove it at 120 - 130km/h when I was frantically looking for expressway exit for bathroom.

[BlackArtemis]

Every one I have seen has driven so ###### slow that i blow by them with my honda dream...

Usually cause its a 70 year old farang who can't see or his 23 yr old bar errr fiance is driving in the middle of two lanes and can't drive for %^

[Aussietraveller]

Every one I have seen has driven so ###### slow that i blow by them with my honda dream...

Usually cause its a 70 year old farang who can't see or his 23 yr old bar errr fiance is driving in the middle of two lanes and can't drive for %^

Sad but true

[Rooo]

The size of the car, gives a false feeling of actual speed.

[kasi]

The drivers I really love are the rocket scientists who hang on your bumper for through curvy mountain roads at 60-70 kph then break their balls to pass the first chance they get, only to turn off 200 meters down the road. There are some truly brainless cnuts behind the wheel of vehicle around here in Phuket.

I wonder what the hurry is?

[jumnien]

I just drove my Fortuner (low HP non-diesel) up to BKK from Hua Hin. It is fun to drive and seems to be comfortable at 110 - 120. My wife's CR-V on the other hand hits a groove at 120 - 140! All in all, I much prefer the Fortuner - more comfort, more space, more quality and safer - does eat the gas though!

I'm trying to decide between the Fortuner and the CR-V. I've always been a long time SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD) man from the states but will to get a 'smaller' SUV (petrol, automatic w/ selectable 4x4 mode) here. A late model Fortuner goes for about 980K whereas I can get a used 2003 CR-V for 660K. I like everything about the Fortuner but do you think a 300+ K price difference would make the CRV-2 a more than equal competitor? The new CRV-2 has nice new styling, too...and a 2.4cc eng and larger wheels(?).....an overall advantage from the previous model? Since you own both, how do you compare the two, what would you recommend.....which is easier for a do-it-yourselfer to perform minor engine maintenance and repairs on?

The two cars really are quite different. The CRV would compare better with the Ford Escape or Mazda whatever. The Fortuner is quite a bit bigger and heavier. Like I said, I much prefer the Fortuner; however, my Thai wife much prefers the CRV. Advantages to both as in previous post. You won't go wrong with either. Test drive or better yet, rent one for the day and put a lot of km. on it and see which one is for you. I still regret trying to do a brake job on my 1951 BSA A7 when I was in college - I think it's still in pieces somewhere. I always leave the mechanics to the pros and I find the service much better here in Thailand at the dealers and it's cheap. The Fortuner would be much more of the same feel to your Grand Cherokee. The CRV has more acceleration as it's lighter. That said, the Fortuner has more than enough power and a third row of seats (which I have removed leaving a cavernous baggage area for the kid's stuff. When we lived in Bangkok, sometimes I'd grab the CRV as it was easier to park and skinnier for small sois. But out in the country where we live now the Fortuner takes the bumps on the bad roads much better. Don't let them put window tinting on the front windows, removed that quick!

[Bredbury Blue]

Some harsh comments on here! Can't say i agree about the car, the drivers or the colour.

Simply put its a great car, and for the price its the best and most adaptable car / pickup on the market.

The car moves so effortlessly at 120 km that you have to pay attention not to let it move up to 140 km! My ford ranger at 120 km sounds like its going to croak.

Brilliant car!

[Berty]

Sounds like there's a few jealous non-Fortuner owners here!!!!

[jumnien]

Sounds like there's a few jealous non-Fortuner owners here!!!!

In addition to the CRV and Fortuner I have a Honda Dream which runs like a charm. My mother-in-law much prefers the Honda Dream! No reason for anyone to get jealous... Anyway, if you own a pair of shoes and you are a farang in Thailand, that pretty much puts you in the top 10% of wealthy people on the planet right now. Envy isn't appropriate for anyone with the luxury of being a TV forum participant.

[pop3]

http://www.bridger.us/2002/12/16/CrashTest...ooperVsFordF150

Heres a link to an interesting photo and test results of two vehicles crashed at 40mph, one a small car the other a Ford 150 pickup truck, it shows the false security of the big strong truck !

[Plus]

Oh, the pickups are not safe brigade here again!

In Bangkok Fortuners drive like any other car/truck. Not too fast, not too slow. On demand they CAN shoot like a bullet, though.

CRVs never seem to drive fast. Maybe they have better acceleration than Fortuners but they keep it a secret.

Both are more or less reserved bunch of drivers, it's the pickups that drive like nuts.

And I've never seen a fast driving BMW in Bangkok, not for a few years at least. A new pickup can probably outrun 3 series anyway. Those are true girl cars.

[Moonfruit]

Ive got a Ford Escape, and a Ranger.

I really dont like the Fortuner coz its such a big lump. The Escape to me is the perfect family car with lots of get up and go.

I think the answer to the OP may well be that the Fortuner offers those (thais mainly?) people who are not rolling in money the option to buy a car that lets them think that they are. Image is everything as we all know here, and driving a big shiny assed bus with some poke lets them become the big man they always wanted to be. Im not judging them! I fit in that category too!

Somebody said above that their Ranger wanted to die at 120. Mine is happy cruising along at 150 all day long.

I must admit, i do drive like a clown and always have. I once got stopped by the police back home in my MR2 turbo and he told me i was driving it like it was stolen. The Escape kurbs this kind of thing in me.

[Kujah]

I just drove my Fortuner (low HP non-diesel) up to BKK from Hua Hin. It is fun to drive and seems to be comfortable at 110 - 120. My wife's CR-V on the other hand hits a groove at 120 - 140! All in all, I much prefer the Fortuner - more comfort, more space, more quality and safer - does eat the gas though!

The two cars really are quite different. The CRV would compare better with the Ford Escape or Mazda whatever. The Fortuner is quite a bit bigger and heavier. Like I said, I much prefer the Fortuner; however, my Thai wife much prefers the CRV. Advantages to both as in previous post. You won't go wrong with either. Test drive or better yet, rent one for the day and put a lot of km. on it and see which one is for you. I still regret trying to do a brake job on my 1951 BSA A7 when I was in college - I think it's still in pieces somewhere. I always leave the mechanics to the pros and I find the service much better here in Thailand at the dealers and it's cheap. The Fortuner would be much more of the same feel to your Grand Cherokee. The CRV has more acceleration as it's lighter. That said, the Fortuner has more than enough power and a third row of seats (which I have removed leaving a cavernous baggage area for the kid's stuff. When we lived in Bangkok, sometimes I'd grab the CRV as it was easier to park and skinnier for small sois. But out in the country where we live now the Fortuner takes the bumps on the bad roads much better. Don't let them put window tinting on the front windows, removed that quick!

Thanx for all the first hand info and tips! What (approximate) fuel economy have you gotten by driving both cars? Do you do have the 2.0cc eng in the CR-V or that new 2.4cc eng?

Hopefully I will be able to get four wheel disc brakes.....those are a piece of cake to work on (2 bolts and a c-clamp)! I was forced into 'very' minor auto repairs by the USD $72.00 hr labor - 'not' including (dealer-markup) price of parts - standard shop rate charged by the big city mechanics in the 'States'!

I did test drive a CR-V in the States and it rode just as you have described it - especially on the bumpy roads as compared to the Grand Cherokee, but it was also 'peppy' and quite roomy and had a lot of head clearance for its size.

I'll test drive the Fortuner.....I'm just afraid I'll lose all sense of rationalization if it compares too favorably to my 'ole Grand Cherokee......then again, maybe the price tag will 'dope slap' me back to reality!

[mobile69]

How did the recent ad on tv for the fortuner go? Something like "the world is MINE"

Pretty much sums up most fortuner drivers eh?

[qualtrough]

Nah, they are fun to drive, that's all.

Now, I don't condone speeding, but have you ever seen a BMW go slow? Reason: Fun to drive, stable at high speed. Fortuner of course in no way compares to a beemer but for a vehicle its size, it's an awesome drive. Corners like a car.

I would never flash my lights though...

One of the cars I drive here is an old Land Rover Series III. Top speed with a tailwind would be 110kph. I usually cruise on the tollway in the left lane at about 100 kph. It is not unusual at all for me to have to pass a BMW or Mercedes idling along in the left lane. They seem to come in two speeds as well, slow and extremely fast.

[Plus]

I've never seen a fast driving BMW in Bangkok, not for a few years at least. A new pickup can probably outrun 3 series anyway. Those are true girl cars.

Possible it could outrun a 318i, 320i. Have no chance with even a badly driven 325i or a 328i and would be absolutely hammered by a 330 or an M3.

They sell one 323 for a hundred 318s, and I don't remember ever seeing 325 on the road yet. I might have missed a couple since they look the same. I have never seen 330 here, but lots of M stickers.

You think that BMs are girls cars in comparison with CRVs or Fortuners???

If CRVs or Fotruners can outrun 99 out of 100 BMWs sold, what else should I think of them? BMWs here are like Gucci bags for B199.

[jumnien]

I just drove my Fortuner (low HP non-diesel) up to BKK from Hua Hin. It is fun to drive and seems to be comfortable at 110 - 120. My wife's CR-V on the other hand hits a groove at 120 - 140! All in all, I much prefer the Fortuner - more comfort, more space, more quality and safer - does eat the gas though!

The two cars really are quite different. The CRV would compare better with the Ford Escape or Mazda whatever. The Fortuner is quite a bit bigger and heavier. Like I said, I much prefer the Fortuner; however, my Thai wife much prefers the CRV. Advantages to both as in previous post. You won't go wrong with either. Test drive or better yet, rent one for the day and put a lot of km. on it and see which one is for you. I still regret trying to do a brake job on my 1951 BSA A7 when I was in college - I think it's still in pieces somewhere. I always leave the mechanics to the pros and I find the service much better here in Thailand at the dealers and it's cheap. The Fortuner would be much more of the same feel to your Grand Cherokee. The CRV has more acceleration as it's lighter. That said, the Fortuner has more than enough power and a third row of seats (which I have removed leaving a cavernous baggage area for the kid's stuff. When we lived in Bangkok, sometimes I'd grab the CRV as it was easier to park and skinnier for small sois. But out in the country where we live now the Fortuner takes the bumps on the bad roads much better. Don't let them put window tinting on the front windows, removed that quick!

Thanx for all the first hand info and tips! What (approximate) fuel economy have you gotten by driving both cars? Do you do have the 2.0cc eng in the CR-V or that new 2.4cc eng?

Hopefully I will be able to get four wheel disc brakes.....those are a piece of cake to work on (2 bolts and a c-clamp)! I was forced into 'very' minor auto repairs by the USD $72.00 hr labor - 'not' including (dealer-markup) price of parts - standard shop rate charged by the big city mechanics in the 'States'!

I did test drive a CR-V in the States and it rode just as you have described it - especially on the bumpy roads as compared to the Grand Cherokee, but it was also 'peppy' and quite roomy and had a lot of head clearance for its size.

I'll test drive the Fortuner.....I'm just afraid I'll lose all sense of rationalization if it compares too favorably to my 'ole Grand Cherokee......then again, maybe the price tag will 'dope slap' me back to reality!

The new Fortuner will be cheaper than the new CRV. I have a 2004 CRV 2.0 (I think) and a 2006 Fortuner 2.7 petrol. I have no numbers for you on kpg, but the Fortuner does eat gas (maybe 15% more than the CRV) Doesnt' bother me, the money's got to go somewhere.

[Kujah]

The new Fortuner will be cheaper than the new CRV. I have a 2004 CRV 2.0 (I think) and a 2006 Fortuner 2.7 petrol. I have no numbers for you on kpg, but the Fortuner does eat gas (maybe 15% more than the CRV) Doesnt' bother me, the money's got to go somewhere.

I think I'm going with the Fortuner! What's your take for choosing the 2.7 Petrol over the 3.0 Diesel engine? Besides performance and access of service, is there a difference in fuel availability throughout LOS between the two engine types?

[jumnien]

The new Fortuner will be cheaper than the new CRV. I have a 2004 CRV 2.0 (I think) and a 2006 Fortuner 2.7 petrol. I have no numbers for you on kpg, but the Fortuner does eat gas (maybe 15% more than the CRV) Doesnt' bother me, the money's got to go somewhere.

I think I'm going with the Fortuner! What's your take for choosing the 2.7 Petrol over the 3.0 Diesel engine? Besides performance and access of service, is there a difference in fuel availability throughout LOS between the two engine types?

I confess, I am a petrol lover! I hate the noise of a diesel engine. The diesel should have a bit more power and it uses cheaper fuel. Both fuels are available nearly everywhere in my experience. I would never buy a diesel, but talk to a diesel lover and listen attentively to their opinion. To each his own. Back when fuel prices were peaking it was a bit more painful. Now that fuel prices have dropped considerably its not so bad. Hard to predict which way that will go.

[oxymoron]

Kasi, could not agree more.

Although I have not had it done to me yet by a "Fortuner" (don't you just love the name)