Fortuner, which model to pick?

[Bob12345]

So I decided to buy a new Toyota Fortuner but have a bit of doubt which model would suit me best; hoping you guys would chime in with some knowledge.

 

Basically I love the TRD (great looks) but am not sure I am willing to spend the extra money on some extra's I dont need (nicer interior and cruise control).

That leaves 2 questions open:

- 2WD or 4WD?

- 2.4ltr or 2.8ltr?

 

I basically live in the city (Phuket) and will be using the car for road trips around the island and every now and then to BKK or further. 

Since I never go off-road I think 4WD is kind of useless, correct?

And what to base the decision of 2.4 vs 2.8 ltr on? The price difference is 160K, but then again for another 80-90K you got the TRD 2WD.

[shady86]

Unless you are going off road a lot, 2wd should be enough. Cruise control is a must if you do a lot of long distance trip on expressway. I still don't understand why all cars above 1 mil baht don't get this. 2.4 should be sufficient and use less diesel.

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[Bob12345]

Unless you are going off road a lot, 2wd should be enough. Cruise control is a must if you do a lot of long distance trip on expressway. I still don't understand why all cars above 1 mil baht don't get this. 2.4 should be sufficient and use less diesel.

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Cruise control is only on the 2.8ltr model. So thats 160k for cruise control and a bigger engine.

[transam]

2WD with auto trans, the manual is 'orrible. If me I would use the 2.8 engine...

You don't need cruise control..

[shady86]

Cruise control is only on the 2.8ltr model. So thats 160k for cruise control and a bigger engine.

I'm not sure if you have driven a car with cruise control before. It makes driving along express way much more relaxing. In fact it's already obsolete. Adaptive cruise control more advanced but you won't find in a fortuner. Did you consider Ford Everest? The top model has adaptive cruise control.

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[transam]

1 minute ago, shady86 said:

 

I'm not sure if you have driven a car with cruise control before. It makes driving along express way much more relaxing. In fact it's already obsolete. Adaptive cruise control more advanced but you won't find in a fortuner. Did you consider Ford Everest? The top model has adaptive cruise control.

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Cruise is OK in farangland but l reckon in LOS being in control and concentrating for every "eventuality" it is not needed. Probably the same as the OP don't need 4WD for the use he stated and the additional cost..

[dave_boo]

36 minutes ago, transam said:

Cruise is OK in farangland but l reckon in LOS being in control and concentrating for every "eventuality" it is not needed. Probably the same as the OP don't need 4WD for the use he stated and the additional cost..

Usually you and I agree, but this time we definitely don't see eye to eye.  Travelling long distances and freeing your leg from having to hold down the accelerator pedal definitely increases your comfort level.  Being more comfortable means that you can then spend time watching the road and id10ts that are trying to get on the road.  This is safer.

 

I won't say anything about 4WD as I have a Subbie and am slightly biased. :)

[transam]

1 minute ago, dave_boo said:

Usually you and I agree, but this time we definitely don't see eye to eye.  Travelling long distances and freeing your leg from having to hold down the accelerator pedal definitely increases your comfort level.  Being more comfortable means that you can then spend time watching the road and id10ts that are trying to get on the road.  This is safer.

 

I won't say anything about 4WD as I have a Subbie and am slightly biased. :)

Perhaps looking at cruise from my driving perspective. In my long life of driving which includes rides with cruise l would not want or need it in LOS. Was great on first world country highways but for me not in LOS, and for sure not pay the extra for it..

[dave_boo]

7 minutes ago, transam said:

Perhaps looking at cruise from my driving perspective. In my long life of driving which includes rides with cruise l would not want or need it in LOS. Was great on first world country highways but for me not in LOS, and for sure not pay the extra for it..

Aren't you in Bangkok or Pattaya?  Thus your situation/experience is different than mine up in Nakhon Nowhere.  It's 300 km down [1] to BKK.  475 km up [1] to Chiang Mai.  Hell, it's 170 km to the nearest airport for me.

 

I understand not wanting to pay extra for it; but does any manufacturer actually allow you to 'build' a car in LOS?  I thought that they just had trim levels that you can choose from.  If they would allow you to select options I would have got my current car as manual and added on all the nice things; however just looking at various models you can't even get air bags with most (all?) manual transmission cars that I've seen.

[shady86]

As I mentioned cruise control is already obsolete. Cara above 1 million now should Adaptive cruise control which works even there is a slower car in front.

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[fredob43]

As most know I have just brought a new top model TRD Spivo

Yes I know not cheap but if you can afford it go for it. Resale on a 2.4 will be rubbish as everyone will want the 2.8.

 

Not going down the power route suffice to say you will be peed off when you realise that it is well under powered loaded.

I received well over 100th bht discount fully loaded. They do seem to be offering very good deals lately.

 

Ask around you might be very pleased on what's being offered for the top models. N/B not such good deals on the cheaper ones.

Someone mentioned the Ford Everest but they are even more expensive to start with.

 

I know that some have said that C/C is not needed but having in on runs is a Buddha send. Had it in the UK never used it. But here is a different matter. No aching feet and very relaxing after a long run. 

[transam]

38 minutes ago, dave_boo said:

Aren't you in Bangkok or Pattaya?  Thus your situation/experience is different than mine up in Nakhon Nowhere.  It's 300 km down [1] to BKK.  475 km up [1] to Chiang Mai.  Hell, it's 170 km to the nearest airport for me.

 

I understand not wanting to pay extra for it; but does any manufacturer actually allow you to 'build' a car in LOS?  I thought that they just had trim levels that you can choose from.  If they would allow you to select options I would have got my current car as manual and added on all the nice things; however just looking at various models you can't even get air bags with most (all?) manual transmission cars that I've seen.

No, I am up in the boonies.....

[fredob43]

Just had a look in the book. None to sure but I don't think the cheap 2.4 model comes with things like a rearview camera as standard. A must have. Also will be minus lots of other bit's LED head lights. If you want to see at night you'll need to pay to upgrade those as well.

So if you are thinking of a 2.4 you have better go check what you get for your monies. 

Please let us know what you end up with.

[dave_boo]

1 hour ago, transam said:

No, I am up in the boonies.....

Definitely changes my perceived notions about why you think the way you do.

[transam]

3 minutes ago, dave_boo said:

Definitely changes my perceived notions about why you think the way you do.

And you ain't heard me.................yet....

[dave_boo]

Just now, transam said:

And you ain't heard me.................yet....

[DavoTheGun]

I would not but a Fortuner at all Look at the Isuzu MX a much better vehicle, more power more stable great suspension, why go with the Herd, that is Thai Mentality! also Nissan leaves it for dead.

[DavisH]

I recently heard that all fortuners will now have rear disc brakes. My first preference would be 2wd trd 2.8.  I prefer the interior in the trd, has discs, better sound system, better syspension etc. The next choice would be 4wd 2.8, as I don't like the brown seats in the 2wd 2.8. 

No need to consider the 2.4. trd will have better resale also. All the second hand ones I see online have been booked already. 

 

The main complaint with the fortuner I've read of is the suspension on the road. It could be better. I'd plan to use something like ironman foam cell pro comfort shocks to replace the stock ones. Trd ones would do until they are dead. 

[Robert24]

I would get the 2.8 2WD TRD Sportivo for 1.65m. The Sportivo has much nicer interior and it's well worth the extra 50k over the normal 2.8 2WD version. Btw they all have reversing cameras.

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[shady86]

I think Toyota are all over priced for their specs. People are paying for the badge and resale value.

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[DavoTheGun]

41 minutes ago, DavisH said:

I recently heard that all fortuners will now have rear disc brakes. My first preference would be 2wd trd 2.8.  I prefer the interior in the trd, has discs, better sound system, better syspension etc. The next choice would be 4wd 2.8, as I don't like the brown seats in the 2wd 2.8. 

No need to consider the 2.4. trd will have better resale also. All the second hand ones I see online have been booked already. 

 

The main complaint with the fortuner I've read of is the suspension on the road. It could be better. I'd plan to use something like ironman foam cell pro comfort shocks to replace the stock ones. Trd ones would do until they are dead. 

The Isuzu had a much better suspension, more  power, better equipped all round, and the Resale is good.

[transam]

28 minutes ago, shady86 said:

I think Toyota are all over priced for their specs. People are paying for the badge and resale value.

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Don't think so...The badge is not a Merc badge, it is a reliability badge, a badge that if you ever have a prob anywhere in LOS you can get it fixed....Same as Isuzu...

 

But the plus is folk will buy your Toyota or Isuzu and pay top dollar because it will still go on and on and on virtually trouble free...

[DavisH]

8 minutes ago, DavoTheGun said:

The Isuzu had a much better suspension, more  power, better equipped all round, and the Resale is good.

My wife rides in the back of one (her company car) and hates the ride quality. So then the fortuner must suck. 

[spetersen]

Look at this YouTube video it will help you to make the right decision ...

 

 

[transam]

Just now, spetersen said:

Look at this YouTube video it will help you to make the right decision ...

 

 

That vid is old news here....

[Robert24]

I would not but a Fortuner at all Look at the Isuzu MX a much better vehicle, more power more stable great suspension, why go with the Herd, that is Thai Mentality! also Nissan leaves it for dead.

Do you understand then why the MUX doesn't sell well? Isuzu seems hugely popular for pick ups but doesn't do well at all with SUVs. I see lot more new Pajeros then I see MUX. And clearly Fortuner is the number 1 in terms of Sales numbers.

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[transam]

33 minutes ago, DavoTheGun said:

The Isuzu had a much better suspension, more  power, better equipped all round, and the Resale is good.

I thought the MUX had less power than the Toyota equivalent....?

[mike324]

If you can afford it, and don't need to save. Get what you like in terms of look and not regret it later.

 

Like others have said, if only city driving 2.4 is enough. 

[Mansell]

Like you I live on Phuket. If you plan on driving in Phuket Town this SUV is overkill, and good luck finding a parking place. Other places on the island might be slightly better. Why not get a Subaru with AWD then you don't even have to worry about which choice to make. Also has the horizontally opposed engine for lower COG and very efficient design. Had a few of their vehicles and always found them excellent. Let us know your decision and thumbs up or down on your eventual vehicle.

[sawadee1947]

4 wheel is not only for off-road but safety when heavy rain or flooding. (For me the Everest looks more grown up and with 6-valve driving smoothly)