Father-in-law in search of new SUV

[Bogeyman]

My father-in-law is in the market for a new vehicle to replace his aging Adventure. He was initially eyeing the new X-Trail, but decided against it since it does not have diesel and M/T. My wife suggests the Tucson, but it only seats 5 and the base CRDi variant is only available in A/T. So what else is out there? We're looking for other choices based on the following non-negotiables:

Budget: 1.3M - 1.4M

Mandatories: Diesel, M/T, can seat 7, third-row seatbelts (not lapbelts)

The most probable choice at the moment is the Montero Sport 4X2 M/T because of the looks and the ride quality, but he's somewhat concerned that the bigger tires might affect fuel consumption. Plus, my in-laws aren't too keen on vans (since they don't want to be 'conscripted' into ferrying relatives at events), and no Fortuners either, since an uncle already owns one.

[Titleist983k]

My father-in-law is in the market for a new vehicle to replace his aging Adventure. He was initially eyeing the new X-Trail, but decided against it since it does not have diesel and M/T. My wife suggests the Tucson, but it only seats 5 and the base CRDi variant is only available in A/T. So what else is out there? We're looking for other choices based on the following non-negotiables:

Budget: 1.3M - 1.4M

Mandatories: Diesel, M/T, can seat 7, third-row seatbelts (not lapbelts)

The most probable choice at the moment is the Montero Sport 4X2 M/T because of the looks and the ride quality, but he's somewhat concerned that the bigger tires might affect fuel consumption. Plus, my in-laws aren't too keen on vans (since they don't want to be 'conscripted' into ferrying relatives at events), and no Fortuners either, since an uncle already owns one.

You pretty much ruled out everything you can buy locally.

[Titleist983k]

My father-in-law is in the market for a new vehicle to replace his aging Adventure. He was initially eyeing the new X-Trail, but decided against it since it does not have diesel and M/T. My wife suggests the Tucson, but it only seats 5 and the base CRDi variant is only available in A/T. So what else is out there? We're looking for other choices based on the following non-negotiables:

Budget: 1.3M - 1.4M

Mandatories: Diesel, M/T, can seat 7, third-row seatbelts (not lapbelts)

The most probable choice at the moment is the Montero Sport 4X2 M/T because of the looks and the ride quality, but he's somewhat concerned that the bigger tires might affect fuel consumption. Plus, my in-laws aren't too keen on vans (since they don't want to be 'conscripted' into ferrying relatives at events), and no Fortuners either, since an uncle already owns one.

You pretty much ruled out everything you can buy locally.

You eliminate the following by requiring gasoline engine and/or 3rd row seats;

CR-V
X-Trail
Tucson
Sportage
CX-7
Forester
and the like.....

You eliminate the medium sized suv's simply by not wanting big tires unless you will change them to smaller ones which I do not recommend both on aesthetics and performance. Fortuner, Montero, Alterra, Sta Fe etc.

An Innova is a logical choice, smaller tires, 3 rows.... but your father in law wants an SUV.

What you are looking is simply not in the market

[Titleist983k]

CORRECTED: Did not have a chance to edit my post last night due to forum maintenance.

You pretty much ruled out everything you can buy locally.

You eliminate the following by requiring a diesel engine and/or 3rd row seats;

CR-V
X-Trail
Tucson
Sportage
CX-7
Forester
and the like.....

You eliminate the medium sized suv's simply by not wanting big tires unless you will change them to smaller ones which I do not recommend both on aesthetics and performance. Fortuner, Montero, Alterra, Sta Fe etc.

An Innova is a logical choice, smaller tires, 3 rows.... but your father in law wants an SUV.

What you are looking for is simply not in the market

[OTEP]

Bigger tires don't affect fuel consumption that much. Its the bigger car itself that does. The gearing is always optimized to the tires installed. Hence the need to regear a vehicle when you do any significant tire upsizing as a some 4wd enthusiasts do.

[Titleist983k]

Bigger tires don't affect fuel consumption that much. Its the bigger car itself that does. The gearing is always optimized to the tires installed. Hence the need to regear a vehicle when you do any significant tire upsizing as a some 4wd enthusiasts do.

Agree. Replaced the 205's in my Navara with 265's. If there is a difference in fuel consumption I hardly notice it at all.

[OTEP]

And if having to change a flat tire is another concern against 'large' tires, just buy a portable air compressor so you can at least drive to the nearest repair facility or at least some place safer.

I also went from 31" tires to 33" (that's height) and increased width by 2 inches. Fuel economy is just as bad

[GTi]

diesel M/T that can seat 7 for 1.4M and you don't want the Montero and Fortuner? I suppose you're left with the Isuzu Alterra then. A robust and reliable truck it is. Performance and fuel economy is surprisingly good as well.

And then again, if you are OK with grey market imports, you can always consider getting a grey market base model Santa Fe with the 6 speed manual transmission and 2.2ReVGT engine. Now that is a blast!

[SiRbossR]

^i was also about to say the Santa Fe from the Grey Market but i don't think the Father-in-law would like the idea of getting an import.

[OTEP]

The montero has headrestraints on all seating positions including 2nd row center and both third row occupants. You just have to pull them up to deploy as they fit flush with the seats to aid rear visibility and allow for the seat to fold flat.

[Bogeyman]

The montero has headrestraints on all seating positions including 2nd row center and both third row occupants. You just have to pull them up to deploy as they fit flush with the seats to aid rear visibility and allow for the seat to fold flat.

So that's why the third row seats look the way they do, thought it was just for aesthetics. Makes sense, then.

[OTEP]

Old folks can drive Land Rovers with super stiff clutches. Even ernest hemmingway did. The mitsu clutch is lighter. The shifter is a bit trucky with long throws. Hehe

[Bogeyman]

The mitsu clutch is lighter. The shifter is a bit trucky with long throws. Hehe

Couldn't be much worse than on the Adventure. :D

[OTEP]

Yep, that's it! hehehe.