Toyota Fortuner

[Snorkel]

hi all, it's been a while, but I have been checking out the Toyota Fortuna after seeing them in Laos. I think they look awesome! and not overly big either. I know it's not all about looks (which is a personal thing anyway) but the Fortuner replaces the 4Runner, and I asked about importing one here, but Soni Motors in Thailand said currently it can't be done doh!

Fortuner

I want to get one for Laos though, funds permitting. Unless anyway knows a reason not too??? I heard there is a little issue with the brakes, but think this is kind of the same with all 4x4s. Seen quite a few Surfs out there, but think the Fortuna sits between the Surf and the Landcruiser. Anyway any thoughts or info from those in the know would be great. Cheers.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Blimey, it's a bit fugly ain't it?

[Snorkel]

fugly? fugly he says!? well, hehe, as I said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I like it.

That site says:-
"Fortuner has turned Thailand's SUV market upside down. According to Bangkok Post, it has grabbed a 70.4% share of the market by increasing its sales by a whopping 1,204%." ... So some people like it

[Scorpion]

Looks a lot like the new Kia Sportage!

[Bogus]

Saw a few while I was in Singapore. I thought they looked OK but not much room in the boot

bogus

[John h]

How much ?

[Apache]

Dont listen to that bushwhacker person, he knows nowt. Thats not a bad looking motor. Its a bit like the current RAV4 inflated to 200PSI.

[MattF]

and I asked about importing one here, but Soni Motors in Thailand said currently it can't be done doh!

Did they say why?

[Snorkel]

Yeah I can see the similarity with the Kia, but definately different seeing it in person. Especially with a few 'extras' on it.

The cost in Thailand is about 1-1.2million Baht (approx £16k). Taking a car into Laos however adds an insane amount of tax.

Soni Motors didn't state any reason, but I presume it's to do with anti capitalisation laws or something and the manufacturers bidding for certain countries I guess. I've sent a mail to another exporter to confirm however.

But yeah I think it is a good looking motor, and it is basically a surf/4runner, which is what it evolved from.

I quite like this one (but in black):-


or a nice white one:-

[RodLeach]

Looks like the Mk6 Hilux from the front to the B pillar. then it all goes a bit... squashed!

Are you looking for a truck for the UK? or elsewhere?! £16k is a lot of money. You have a LOT of options in the 4x4 market for £16k

[Snorkel]

As of last month (the date I decided to start a business) I'm not able to buy anything till early next year. I do want one for out there, but yeah, depending on what work I do here next year it could be a 4x4. It really depends on how the business goes out there, hence whether it's worth me coming back here and if so what type of work I could put up with.

Since Jan till last month I had been placing bids with a Jap Auction company to try to get a Surf, but kept getting out bid (one time by £80 I think!) - there's no way to increase your bid (on the day). My budget was £8k for the newest one I could have got my hands on - but no more as right now I need all the cash I can get

So really, money permitting I'd only want a Surf as I think they're the best one, unless the Fortuner was sold here (which may not actually be better than a Surf I don't know - but I do like it).