Quote Originally Posted by dos2 View Post
Since your MOM is concerned with the SUA, I recommend focusing solely on Fortuner options. (Although I personally do not believe in the Montero's SUA issue)
Also, if you don't need the 4x4, better to settle with 4x2 variants.
The note for the SUA is just to qualify for statistics and tell our mom "see SUA is not real", not really a deal breaker. I don't believe it as well. We don't do heavy off-roads so 4x2 is fine but with the budget, we can get older 4x4s which is a plus already and the extra money can go for upgrading and do general checkups for the bought unit. Only concern is the turn radius, not sure if that is true with all 4x4s that the turn-radius is wider, because we live in a village with a tight road and we have to park it inside our lot area.

Quote Originally Posted by Sleepcare View Post

"Note: Mom's a little worried about Montero's SUA."

Yan palang, nararamdaman ko na Fortuner ang ending. Kasi everytime na may mangyayaring accident, pwedeng masisi niyo yung SUA. And the blame is on you kapag yan nangyari. (Not a believer of SUA but i'm just creating scenarios )

BTT: Sa totoo lang Montero GTV or GLS SE ang pipiliin ko sa choices. But i think you'll have to settle with the Fortuner. Doon nalang ako sa newest na good condition. 4x2 models would suffice but yung models with that budget, "sakto" lang yung acceleration. Unless you'll go with the 4x4 na medyo mas luma ng konti.
Not a believer of the SUA too and it wont have an impact on our decision, note is just for the stats and reasoning for our mom if we go the montero way. We found a 2010 GLS SE around the 700k budget and I think is a 3.2L, di ba mauhaw yun? As for the Montero GTVs they are at 800k range and na-viewing na namin yung 2012 GTV and it still looks brand new and low mileage with rims na din.

Quote Originally Posted by GTcervan View Post
If you want something practical, I think the fort fits your criteria since I've heard that the diesels are more fuel efficient than the montero. The pre-vnt 4x2 diesel models are not that powerful though and their a/t's come only with 4-speed. The suspension setup is also said to be stiff too and the ones with beige interior looks dated.

The montero is a better choice if you want something more powerful, more features and more comfortable. The 2012 vgts have 5-speed a/t and paddle shifters. However, the steering is heavier and it is also prone to smoke belching. It is also crampier inside. The sua is only a myth, I guess. But if you still have doubt about that, then choose the one with a manual tranny.

Want something bigger and different? Try looking at a '13 trailblazer ltz. I've seen some of those at a similar range of 800-900k and they're totl models already, which has 4x4 and additional safety features over your choices. It is also more spacious and has a 6-speed a/t. The downside is the reputation of some chevy casas which may give you headaches and the crude materials inside. The upgraded 2014 2.8 models already have 200hp and 500nm of torque.

So try looking at them each and see what fits you the best. Choose the one that still has a good and presentable condition. And don't forget to conduct a test drive.
For Fortuner, how do we know its a pre-vnt 4x2 diesel model?

Sorry, not really an expert on the engine models. What model/year have the VGTs? SUA not a deal breaker, just want to hear your opinion on that and for stat comparison.

I did a quick search for trailblazer and found only one (Trailblazer 2l4 model - Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Malaybalay, Bukidnon - Marketplace | Facebook) its a 2014 version and it's a 6 hour travel from our city. Not really sure about the reputation of the chevy casa here but I'm worried about the parts.

Let me update the topic head with some details. Please recheck and let me know your thoughts.