Carens or Innova Diesel

[pidoy]

I am planning to buy a diesel car and my budget is around 1M. Which of the 2 is the better choice. Thanks for the advise...

[niky]

The Carens is definitely more carlike and comfortable, but the Innova is more rugged.

In our testing, the Carens isn't quite as economical in mixed driving, simply because it has a more powerful engine and you can't resist wringing it out. Highway economy is good. The Innova diesel MT is close to the Crosswind in terms of mixed economy, but I'm not quite sure about city economy.

In terms of acceleration, it's not even close. The Carens hits 100 km/h in just ten seconds. The Innova only hits 80 km/h in 10... then takes another four to six seconds to hit 100 km/h. The power drop-off at high rpms is severe. The Carens also has less diesel noise and shudder.

The Innova trumps the Carens in interior space. The Carens is a bit narrower and shorter, the third row is more for emergency use than anything else... but if you only need seats for five, the Carens' fold-flat third row is more convenient for loading items in the rear. And the Carens seats are better. I don't like the foam on Toyota IMV seats, stiff, thin and brittle. Seat covers will fix this, though.

Both cars have rubbery shifters. The Innova's is clunkier. The Innova has heavier steering, too.

The main thing I don't like about the Carens is the suspension is too soft... making emergency maneuvers a bit iffy. The Innova has better body control, but the ride suffers as a result.

If you're getting the Innova, it's worth getting in Sport Runner trim. The Sport Runner has more carlike tires and a better ride. Of course, you could just get the regular package, take note of the tires on the Sport Runner and swap out yourself. Either way, the Innova is the only Toyota IMV (Hilux, Innova, Fortuner) that actually rides halfway decently.

Best to test drive... if you really need a seven-seater, then the Innova is the cheapest decent one around. If you need a five seater with two occassional seats, it's also worth taking a look at the Grand Livina, particularly as it comes with the excellent MR18 engine (no diesel, though). The Grand Livina is a step up in terms of refinement compared to these two.

[pidoy]

thanks for the quick reply..

[GTi]

I'd suggest the Carens, especially in 6 speed manual form if you don't mind manuals. You get better performance and fuel economy over the 4 speed A/T. Where is your route? And also what is your usual payload? If you run far flung provinces often, have to do lots of flood wading and often carry heavy loads with you, then the Innova would be the one for you. But otherwise, get the Carens for a more comfortable ride, more civilized handling and that bad-ass engine.

[niky]

Hehe... if you need to wade through floods all the time, better to get a manual transmission Crosswind... no electronics (as long as you don't have the immobilizer), so nothing to go boggo when you get caught in a flood.

Of course, comparing the Crosswind to the Carens is like comparing a Donkey to an Arabian Stallion...

[pidoy]

Thanks GTI & Niky for the inputs. I live in Cainta and work in Makati & during the weekends will use the car to carry shoes & clothes (my wife is into direct selling). We have a Toyota Revo and will not sell it because it is my wife's favorite and for coding day.

With the current gasoline prices, I am comparing the two cars to get the best for my hard earned money. It seems the Innova is the better choice.

It is still okay to send comments, as I intend to buy the car in September

[first_light]

I am planning to buy a diesel car and my budget is around 1M. Which of the 2 is the better choice. Thanks for the advise...

You need to list down what you want in a car.
If you consider the following:
1.) Maintenance Cost
2.) Parts Availability
3.) Like to Accessorize
4.) More Passenger
5.) Not into racing

Then choose Innova.

[cnxpr08]

*ts
ano napili mong ride if you don't mind kamusta nman yung nabili nyong car?

[pidoy]

I am still weighing my options right now because of the cost of the car. My thought is "would I be happy spending 1M"? I would like to feel good in buying this car and will use it for more than 5 years.

Kaya heto ako, nag-iipon for tucson or sportage diesel na...

[alwayz_yummy]

nangaling na ako dyan.. eto kita naman pinili ko...

why..

69T down, 22025/mo, stock LX-AT unit, 1.1M ang insured value (alam naman nating 949T nalang ang bago diba?), and kaya sibakin kahit anong ricers along the road...including yang mga innova na yan.. and will put up a fight with any SUVs na magtatangka mag-angas sa yo sa kalye...

at eto--- dito lang ako nakatikim ng 18km/l FC on mix-urban highway drive!

pero ang concern lang is, needs a bit more ground clearance and needs more road holding to match the power specially when you'll play at sumulong highway, ung daan pababa mula antipolo to teresa, manila east road, kennon road, marcos highway, etc..

[cnxpr08]

*ts if your planning pala to spend 5yrs. on a car then go for the new sta fe diesel 4x2 para makamura ka wag na yung 4x4 if your not into offroading,mag ipon ka na lng muna and wait for the reviews on the new owner of sta fe if maganda then go!
I think HARI will bring the all new sta fe this coming march or april.
Better wait na lng talaga para masulit mo yung perang pinaghihirapan mo at makabili ka ng magandang car na good to go for 5years at may warranty din w/in that years.
Huwag na yung tucson or sportage baka kailangan mo more space in your ride for the future.

Hope this will help.

[pidoy]

Thanks for the info.hmmm sta fe...then 4x2...ok...price naman.. let us see...thanks again

[gicB]

*ts, anu na napili mo?out na ang 2013 carens pati santa fe dumadami pagpipilian lalong humihirap mamili hehe

[joemarski]

TOTL Carens = P1.480M vs TOTL Innova = P1.228M

Pinag- iisipan pa ba 'yan?

[gicB]

Wow nman, Presyo lang ba batayan? LOL

[joemarski]

Welcome! I'm sure you'll enjoy reading Threads in between boring office hours.

[motocyclist]

Innova = for first timer / newbie owner. (more parts, more mechanic familiar with the symptoms.)

Carens = for experienced owner. (with knowledge on maintenance, on where to get cheaper parts, knows technology, wants more handling & performance, and willing to pay more for a better driving experience.)