Toyota Fortuner - your thoughts

[Budleigh]

Facelifted Fortuners don't have the stability issues (lots of data on the 4x4 Forums about the issue) - remember that it's not an X5, and drive it as you'd drive any other high-riding sports utility vehicle.

They're purposeful and practical vehicles. Get the 3.0D4D, or the V6. Auto gearbox is stupid, but the newer dark interior is more practical. While a lot of the owners tend to be tail-gating cowboys, that's hardly the car's fault.

 

[andre320D]

Very common stability problem:

http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=31424


http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/Revised-Toyota-Fortuner-driven-20090202

Safer. On dirt roads too?

Let’s not evade the issue; Toyota had a veritable public relations disaster on its hands last year when rumours were circulating that Fortuner was about as stable on dirt roads as a fridge laden skateboard was downhill.

Now, with bigger (dare I say better?) tyres, comprehensive vehicle stability electronics (VSC) and six airbags, any issues surrounding Fortuner safety should be allayed. Or perhaps not?

We drove the Fortuners on dunes outside Walvis Bay, where the new Bridgestone Duelers were superb, and the D-4D torque characteristics and refinement reaffirmed its excellence.

Off-road, Fortuner is still a disarmingly easy, confidence-inspiring vehicle to drive. Though vehicle stability control electronics can hamper its ultimate off-road ability, the system automatically disengages when the transfer case is put into low-range.

Namibia abounds in dirt road routes; some good, others positively treacherous. We drove the 100km-odd route from Spitzkoppe to Henties Bay, which features a few long corners, which tighten up disconcertingly. Plenty of unsighted humps too; especially difficult to spot in the featureless Namibian terrain which is devoid of contrast.

The verdict? If you feel the need to travel at 140km/h on a dirt road – which I think is properly too fast in the first place – then you should not encounter any stability or dynamic issues (beyond possible Kalahari traffic cop speed fines) doing it in a Fortuner. We sure didn’t.

http://www.4x4community.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2463315

I believed that there might have been a problem with the very first Tuna`s. Still remembered that thread. It is very easy for a vehicle to get a negative reputation. The Fortuner have this roll over sort of thing clinging to its name.

:fencelook:

Oh man you went through all that googling just to DE-define "fine".
:fencelook:

I own one so no need for me to google but in the spirit of good sportsmanship :coolShake:

To the OP once good luck with your choice:thumbs:

 

[ChefDJ]

Hey don't get me wrong, I like them, especially the facelift ones. Not a fan of the incoming model though. Just saying don't go around a corner quickly :roflol:

A luxury based vehicle like this I would definitely opt for the autobox.

 

[Prenevan]

It is a very good SUV, the amount of them you see aroud should assure you that, our 2006 3.0D manual has 300000km on the clock with full service history and absolutely nothing has broken or needed repairs. So they will last forever if maintained which im sure you will do

 

[andre320D]

It is a very good SUV, the amount of them you see aroud should assure you that, our 2006 3.0D manual has 300000km on the clock with full service history and absolutely nothing has broken or needed repairs. So they will last forever if maintained which im sure you will do

Agreed:ty:

 

[chicane]

You really can't go wrong with a Toyota.

As was said above already, insurance is quite high. Toyota parts can also be expensive.

Apparently earlier Fortuners tipped over quite easily....but this was fixed (apparently).

 

[///Maniac]

Wait for the new Ford Everest. New technology, better features, less risk.

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[GAZ]

Its worth looking to "Buy" one on Toyota's GFV finance Scheme , that wway they take the buy back risk in a few years time.


If you can wait for the new one , it will be worth it . As much as people hate on them they are the benchmark in that segment.

 

[Enjay2008]

Having owned a 2.5D myself I think I am in a position to answer most of your questions as well as some of the concerns raised in this thread.

Firstly the 2.5D vs the 3.0D on fuel consumption you would get approx. 8 -10l/100km depending on driving style, compared to 10-12l/100km on an 80 litre tank.

Secondly peak power on the 2.5 is only about 10kw less than the 3.0 and honestly in a vehicle like that you would not feel the difference as the peak Torque figures are the same, however on the 2.5 peak torque is reached at 200rpm more than the 3.0.

Thirdly the 2.5 DOES come in an auto

The reverse cameras are NOT standard on any Fortuner, they are optional and can be fitted to the 2.5. Theonly Toyota SUV's that have the camera standard is the LandCruiser Prado and the Land Cruiser 200Vx.

As for the security on the vehicle, let's face these along with Hilux is considered a high risk vehicle, yet Toyota does have an internal alarm sensor available for those nasty parking lot break ins, as well as a standard extra bonnet lock to stop these bastards from opening up your bonnet and hotwiring the vehicle. As for hijackings you have a bigger chance to be hijacked in your 335 than in the Fortuner due to the Keyless Start on the BM, they need the key with the car so they hijack the BM's rather than breaking in and stealing it.

Currently the black leather interior is the standard interior on the vehicle, which is awesome as this was NOT around when I bought mine.

As for parts and servicing, while under Service Plan I never paid a cent, however they do not cover wear and tear items such as brakes and shocks, once out of service plan a major service should not cost more than R3200.00.

On stability you do tend to have body roll when cornering, but I had Toyota fit a set of Old Man Emu Counter Adjustable shocks to the back at a cost of about R1200.00 that sorting the rolling out and made the ride even softer

Ride Quality wise it is better than any other SUV in the same price range. For what you want the vehicle for it would be perfect, however keep in mind that this vehicle is built to move mountains not for a hot lap around Kyalami.

 

[BlackMotherWucker]

I am a new member and busy getting my profile in place but saw this post and thought I need to say something ... to all those WISE PEOPLE I see here.

I had a 4,0 V6 Fortuner 2006 model for many years and only sold it a couple of months ago to replace it with a Hilux 4.0 V6.

I have owned various BMW's, 2 of which were 5 series, 2 SLK's etc etc and I can say that my Fortuner was one of the best cars I have ever owned. The auto box on the V6 is super smooth (dare I say better than any of my BMW's, though they were a few years ago) and it was super quiet.

Offroad its was superior to almost anything. Initially I had a problem with stability but then I replaced the shocks and tyres and it all went away. Maintenance was limited to whatever it cost to service at 15000 km intervals. so if any spares are expensive I would not know about it but I doubt its more expensive than any other car.

Risk .. hell you live in South Africa!!

Buy it, but if you can wait, wait for the new shape.

 

[444YYY]

Calling HugoZA, share your opinion on the fortuner please

 

[Peejay]

Keep in mind the new one will be launch next year February. So expect a price drop on the resale value

 

[Bernard///M3]

Hi Beemster.

I'm assuming you going for a new vehicle, maybe consider a year or two year Prado, they have have same 3.0D4D or 4.0, but with a 5 Speed auto so it has more torque.

Yes it is say around R200k more expensive than a Fortuner, that's why I say look for a preowned one.

I bought mine 3 years ago which was 1 year old and with 22000km, it now has 118000km it's used mainly by my wife, then for holidays and my bundubashing!

These vehicles are fully loaded, the only option you can order is the Sunroof, before it leaves the factory and the other accessories is basically a Nudgebar and a Towbar, here is a list of standard equipment I can think of:
PDC
4x 360degree cameras
Navigation, not the best though
Fridge, the best feature in my opinion
Electronic rear seats, which go flat into the floor.
KDSS suspension levels itself and can be raised and lowered.
Crawl control, Google Toyota Crawl Control, it's flippen amazing
Keyless entry and start, there are lights under the sidesteps which come on when you about 2m away
There must be much more features.
Also it's a Landcruiser!!!

I've been 4x4ing with some Hiluxes and Fortuners and in places where they have wheels in the air mine are all still touching the ground because of the awesome suspension.

No regarding the theft rate, we only hear about them, because the Hilux has been the most sold vehicle for over 30 years, except a month or 3 many years back Isuzu outsold them and recently the Ranger D/c, which will be short lived! In the past Hilux would sell more units than Ford, Mazda, Nissan and some others put together in a single month. So obviously there are more Hiluxes and Fortuners to steal!
Don't think they really want to steal the Fords with all the Turbo and Gearbox issues they having, they might get stuck when stealing it:rollsmile:

Finally regarding the Rolly Polly, older Hiluxes and Fortuners had smaller wheels, my 2007 Hilux I put 17" Prado Wheels with BFs what a difference from the 15", since they went to 17" standard and fitted traction control, they were much more stable, my 2011 Hilux felt so much better, but still you must respect that it has a high centre of gravity and isn't a F30.

So my 2c either wait for new Fortuner or go for 1 year old Facelift Prado 150, Good Luck

 

[Ratslaaf]

I had a 2007 4L V6 from new. I loved it and was very reluctant to sell it in the end, but had no choice, as my wife was hijacked in it and obviously refused to drive it anymore. I bought her another car and the Fortuner ended up not being driven for a few months.

Issues I had were stability and the cream colored seats. From a resale perspective I'd also opt for the Diesel over the Petrol.

 

[RAArmstrong]

I drove a 3.0D4D Fortuner for a couple days with family that visited from the UK. 7up and towing a trailer with 7 people's luggage for a month it hardly felt it. I actually REALLY enjoyed driving that thing. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

I just don't like the idea of a 3 liter 4 cylinder :fencelook:

 

[ASH]

It's basically a Hilux converted or dressed up into a "SUV" type vehicle. Not sure about the new model, but the previous generation was prone to roll over on gravel road, later facelifted version addressed some of those issues.

I drove, at the time,a new face-lifted 3.0 D4D 7 seater version from Durbs to JHB, costing in the region of R450K. The extra seats take up boot space when not being used, & I would say they are more occasional seats than proper seats. The ride is fairly soft, I couldn't get used to it as I felt it was almost bouncy even on a smooth road. The vehicle does feel agricultural in relation to most modern day sedans. Quality is mediocre at best for a vehicle costing nearly half a bar.

It offers space and practicality and that's about it, I guess. Its definitely is not a SUV, as the handling leaves much to be desired. If you are not fussy with the quality of your surroundings and the level engineering, and ultimately desperate for a vehicle with space and practicality and not much else, it fulfills the role perfectly.

A note on safety, it does not offer auto lock up of doors when driving off, something I feel is an absolute necessity when having kids in the car. This would probably have to be an aftermarket fitment, if possible.

 

[andre320D]

It's basically a Hilux converted or dressed up into a "SUV" type vehicle. Not sure about the new model, but the previous generation was prone to roll over on gravel road, later facelifted version addressed some of those issues.

I drove, at the time,a new face-lifted 3.0 D4D 7 seater version from Durbs to JHB, costing in the region of R450K. The extra seats take up boot space when not being used, & I would say they are more occasional seats than proper seats. The ride is fairly soft, I couldn't get used to it as I felt it was almost bouncy even on a smooth road. The vehicle does feel agricultural in relation to most modern day sedans. Quality is mediocre at best for a vehicle costing nearly half a bar.

It offers space and practicality and that's about it, I guess. Its definitely is not a SUV, as the handling leaves much to be desired. If you are not fussy with the quality of your surroundings and the level engineering, and ultimately desperate for a vehicle with space and practicality and not much else, it fulfills the role perfectly.

A note on safety, it does not offer auto lock up of doors when driving off, something I feel is an absolute necessity when having kids in the car. This would probably have to be an aftermarket fitment, if possible.

I have a 09 Fortuner and it does have auto lock when driving off.


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[ASH]

it was a topic on the Toyota forum, it needs to be setup requires additional installation, but not easy to config.

http://za.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/1957-fortuner-auto-lock-function/

It's basically a Hilux converted or dressed up into a "SUV" type vehicle. Not sure about the new model, but the previous generation was prone to roll over on gravel road, later facelifted version addressed some of those issues.

I drove, at the time,a new face-lifted 3.0 D4D 7 seater version from Durbs to JHB, costing in the region of R450K. The extra seats take up boot space when not being used, & I would say they are more occasional seats than proper seats. The ride is fairly soft, I couldn't get used to it as I felt it was almost bouncy even on a smooth road. The vehicle does feel agricultural in relation to most modern day sedans. Quality is mediocre at best for a vehicle costing nearly half a bar.

It offers space and practicality and that's about it, I guess. Its definitely is not a SUV, as the handling leaves much to be desired. If you are not fussy with the quality of your surroundings and the level engineering, and ultimately desperate for a vehicle with space and practicality and not much else, it fulfills the role perfectly.

A note on safety, it does not offer auto lock up of doors when driving off, something I feel is an absolute necessity when having kids in the car. This would probably have to be an aftermarket fitment, if possible.

I have a 09 Fortuner and it does have auto lock when driving off.


Sent from my iPhone 64
using Tapatalk

 

[Andrew]

Utter KAK - dull, dreary un-imaginative appliance. With tears in my eyes I ask you WHY??? What would possess you to torture yourself by having to needlessly drive this thing unless you are a farmer and simply want to load your family and a few sheep in the back for your Sunday trip to the NG Kerk.

I wish I had a rand for every time I have been stuck behind one of these miserable over rated asthmatic vehicles plodding along unsteadily taking up valuable road space.

God man ! what are you trying to say about yourself? Because this vehicle shouts to the world that you are an unimaginative loser with zero imagination.

By an X5 - if you want the best 4x4 then get a Range Rover (used supercharged can be had for relatively little money).

Toyota's suck balls and the mere mention of them on a performance car forum sends shivers down my spine ----- Ughhhhhhh

 

[Bernard///M3]

I see the negative comments are by people who have never owned a Fortuner or took a drive in one once!

Fortuner owners tend to love their Fortuner's and will trade in on a newer version, the current Fortuner might basically have the same body shell and motor, but there has been so much development since the 1st one.

Please don't compare a Fortuner to an X5 or Range Rover, they are not the same, firstly you can buy 2 or 3 New Fortuners for the price of one of these, Fortuners are built to be ruggered hence they based on the Hilux, you not going to take a X5 to the same places you can take a Fortuner off road, it might go half way but not all the way!!
Rather compare it to the Ford Everest, (old one was a piece of crap, let's see what the new one will be like) Everest is based on the Ranger, then the old Izusu Frontier, (also based on The KB bakkie, not available in SA, but looks there is a new one coming), then there is the Nissan Pathfinder, also based on the bakkie equivalent the Navara.
These are proper 4x4s with low range, not just all wheel drive.