after a long wait of 8 months, my agent finally called. ****! my silver 4x4 fortuner is available! but!!!!!!!!!! im getting second thoughts, because the 3rd generation rav 4 is now release! could somebody plss share your opinons as to which suv i should buy?
Get the Fortuner, anytime over the Rav4! You have waited this long already! Besides, I dont like the new RAV4 and it is in limited numbers only (60 units per dealer for the year 2006).
But if you choose not get the Fortuner, you can pass that option to me and I'll get the Fortuner from your agent. seriously, I'm rotting already from all this waiting and i'm dying to get my hands on a Fortuner.
As for the RAV4, its in a different league because its a car-based compact SUV. Its smaller than the Fortuner. Sadly, it is currently way overpriced. The price premium of the new RAV4 ain't worth it. For the same price you could get yourself a 4x2 Ford Explorer (or save your money and look at competing models instead).
The fortuner is a good truck, but against a RAV4, get the fortuner ONLY IF:
1) you will be going off-road and you are considering the 4x4 Fortuner
2) you need space for seven
3) you are planning to get an SUV to tackle floods
4) you will be frequenting unpaved roads (even if not necessarily 4x4 country)
5) you like a high-riding SUV
otherwise, the quality and on-road performance of the RAV4, even in front-wheel drive, completely demolishes the Fortuner.
The RAV is much like a high-rider Camry. It has a car-based chassis, as always, as well as similar powertrain. It's only classified as an SUV because of its body shape, well in fact it's just a tall wagon with 4WD. The only reason why I'd buy this is because it's utterly cute and slightly more economical than the gasoline Fortuner. Other than that, the still 4-speed automatic doesn't cut it, a notch below the CR-V that has 5 gears already (and soon to be replaced as well).
The Fortuner is indeed a steal, even with the (ewww) VAT increase. You get an SUV more handsome yet much cheaper than the others, useful space for 7, and off-road ability when needed. The 3.0 4X4 is the best buy.
Fortuners are being built with engineering borrowed from the 80's. I mean come on... A Fortuner is simply a bloated Toyota Innova that has overgrown wheels, slightly bigger body and higher center of gravity. The ride is not specially comfortable, but not sporty as well. Infact, given the same engine and transmission between a Fortuner and Innova, the latter will win on a speed test. It isn't especially practical and frugal on fuel as well. The diesel engine could save you a lot, but it is currently being pestered by alleged D4-D problems. Some even say the 2.5L diesel engine is slow. The 2.7L VVT-i engine said "lethargic", I guess the 3.0L D4-D will be slower given they will speed up to their peak power.
The only thing people admire about the Fortuner is the look (although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, looks won't matter much really). People buy it because there's no other else to look for at the given price. Annoyingly, it is a bargain until Toyota dealerships started pumping up the prices. And the best of all, it's a Toyota.
Although the all-new RAV4 isn't really a looker, but that car makes more sense. It has power, handling, it's got the quality. You could still make your own reasons where your money has gone wisely (because you'll still feel shortchanged given the price Toyota is willing to sell to you).
i drop by toyota tarlac yesterday, ok pala inside rav4 06, maluwag yup para ngang camry inside, usually i extend the driver seat hanggang dulo masikip na sa 2nd row but with 06, luwag pa=), laki din space sa likod, i had a chance to see inside fortuner, para sa akin given a choice rav4 pa din ako,though pricey, i asked why it cost so much more than fortuner, sabi nun taga toyota, fortuner is from thailand, rav4 from japan, mas ok na yun rav4=)
do we really need 4x4? yun rav4 ko now 4x4, kung sakali kukuhan ako baka 4x2 nalang, what's the big difference?
need help! fortuner or rav 4?
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