Welcome to all owners of Toyota Fortuner [ARCHIVED]

[rhb]

*fortfan:

congrats on your new ride!

would you consider your fortuner to be a smoother ride?

[spiff41398]

OT:

Anybody know if Fuzion ZRi tires are available locally? Mura lang kasi ($153 each for 265/50R20. Low-cost line ng Bridgestone/Firestone.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....rtnum=65VR0ZRI

[bigbrother]

fortfan thanks for the info & feedback.
.. nakakingit....yun... ride...
still waiting the ride... sine May....

[beebs]

fortfan, suggestion ko unahin mo back sensors, medyo mataas kasi ang fortuner. pag 1 foot na lang ang distance sa bumper mo tutunog siya continously. tapos pag nakabitan mo na ng backsensors, salpakan mo ng 18" or 20" mags (he he).

[vicoyski]

OT: iba ba ang suspension ng gas variant ng PATROL sa diesel variant?

It's the same suspension. But, the 4.5L Gas variant has less engine vibration compared to the 3.0L Diesel variant of the Patrol. Kaya better ride s'ya than the 3.0V Fortuner.

*rhb: Compared to an Altis, the Fortuner will be a bit harsher ride. The Fortuner, after-all, is a high ground clearance, body-on-ladderframe SUV, while the Altis has a monocoque body with a low ground clearance sedan suspension. Coming from a car, you might get scared by the amount of body roll you'll experience during fast turns in the Fortuner.

*fortfan: I still haven't found time to have back-up sensors installed.

Guys, I got invited to the inauguration of the Toyota Bicutan dealership today. It was a nice affair. Lots of food and drinks. And, they gave away Toyota golf umbrellas as tokens.

[vicoyski]

Owners, here's something to be proud of...

Future owners, this should make waiting more worthwhile...

Wheels of Fortune: The Fortuner vs. the Alterra
By James Deakin


So you’ve just come from your Toyota dealership feeling like you’ve been sucker punched in the stomach. Apparently, you’re not the only one who thinks the Fortuner is nice. And there you were, thinking you had uncovered the most stylish bargain of the decade only to find ten month’s worth of people feeling exactly the same way. There, there. So now you scour the papers and magazines for alternatives. Its your way of getting back at Toyota for building your hopes up only to take the wind right back out of your sails. Surely, you must be thinking, there’s gotta be someone out there with big enough balls to take on Toyota. Ticky, ticky, ticky, tick....along comes this mutant D-MAX with scoliosis idling up to the plate to take on the challenge.

The Alterra is Isuzu’s first stab at the seven seater, pick up based segment. This was a segment started by the Montero sport, but later made popular by the Ford Everest. When Toyota unleashed its bombshell with the launch of the Fortuner, Isuzu reacted and brought in the D-MAX-based, Alterra. The timing couldn’t have been better. Not because the Alterra believed that it could go the full ten rounds with the Fortuner, but I believe it was strategically launched to capitalize on the over popularity of the Fortuner by serving as the next best thing to a lengthy waiting list.

And there’s absolutely no shame in that. Sometimes, that’s the fastest way in. Why spend all your budget making noise about yourself when you can get some big, fat, giant to shake up the market for you and then collect whatever falls off his table. The Fortuner did just that — it really took the market by surprise, Toyota folk included. What gets me is that, for a company as vain as Toyota, how could they have not perceived this success? Its got all the markings of a best seller. Its a Toyota, for crying out loud. But as smug as that sounds, it just means that Toyota is under even more pressure to perform. They know full well that the public and their own competitors are just waiting for the split second they screw up before they pounce on them. In other words, there’s more pressure to keep their lead than to snatch it away, which means they cannot afford to make any mistakes.

I’ll admit, approaching this test, even I found myself looking for the Fortuner’s flaws before features. The "too good to be true" syndrome. I wanted to bring it down, to uncover a flaw of "Gloria-gate" proportions that would make everyone who didn’t own one sleep better at night. I eventually found one. But more on that later.

The coolest part about driving the Fortuner was seeing the faces of other motorists looking on with that look, like, "Hey, isn’t that the car with the long waiting list? Who’s the lucky bastard driving it?" It’s only like the hottest selling vehicle in recent history, and you really begin to feel that weight in people’s stares. It’s the light commercial equivalent of the Mazda 3. It’s kinda cool to have what everyone wants for a change. But it’s not in a spiteful, "who’s-the-prick-in-the-Ferrari" sort of way. It’s more like, "do-I-have-a-friend-that-works-in-Toyota-that-might-be-able-to-help-me-jump-the-queue" sort of way. All of a sudden everyone around you has developed car-envy.

The Isuzu is not like that. For one, it isn’t as pretty as the Toyota. I always reverse parked it in to the slot so that I didn’t have to approach it from that rear angle. I’ve always thought the D-MAX was the best looking pick up of the bunch, but somehow, in this guise, something got lost in translation. I guess it’s that rear end. It doesn’t look as well integrated as the Fortuner, or even the Everest for that matter. But then again, that is somewhat subjective.

Inside, the Alterra is very pleasant but dated by comparison. Don’t let that put you off entirely because there is still a vast appeal left for this utilitarian, sharp-edged, straight-line look. And once you twist the key, it all begins to make sense. From the idle alone you already know you’re driving something that could plough a field without breaking a sweat. Shove it into first gear and it doesn’t so much leap forward as much as "claw" its way out of the road and it feels like it will climb a brick wall. I thought it was just me, but my wife loved it, too. It has that secure feeling of a truck — a feeling that modern manufacturers seem to be engineering out of their SUVs to make them more civilized, yet if you think about it, wasn’t it precisely that invincible feeling that made the segment popular to begin with?

But that damn Fortuner, with its swanky styling and gorgeous wheel and tire package, sets a new benchmark in SUVs. It’s a CD when everyone else is using cassette. Pound for pound it will kick anyone’s *$$. It is so refined, so well designed, so integrated and fluid in its concept that it ends up punching above its weight and rattling the cages of its’ foes and poking its’ tongue out at even the big boys like the Nissan Patrol. I’m sure the others will catch up eventually, but history will always credit Toyota for raising the bar. And rightfully so. It’s roomy, comfortable, powerful and it feels as reliable as the moon.

And, as much as I rave about the Alterra’s engine, both the 2.7 gas and the 3.0 diesel plants of Toyota kick it square in the (place expletive here)... The Alterra may have the edge in torque when compared to Toyota’s gas engine, but the Fortuner wins the horsepower race on both counts. The Toyota also delivers the power more subtly and evenly, never leaving you wanting. It sounds like game, set, match for Toyota, doesn’t it? Well, yes, pretty much, unless you’re an audiophile.

Here’s the earth shattering discovery I promised you. The Fortuner’s stereo sucks. There, that’s the best I could come up with. The Alterra, on the other hand, capitalized on this weakness and came out with a killer, 5.1 channel, digital surround sound, ten speaker with detachable sub-woofer, DVD entertainment system with two LCD screens on the rear of the front headrests. Enough to shut even the wildest kids up on a long drive.

The only other area where the Alterra can shine is that it offers the choice of a five speed manual. The Fortuner only comes in automatic. For now. Big deal you might be saying. But to some, it really is. But to be honest, these are only tiny little jabs at Toyota, something it swats away as trivial. (Besides there is strong talk of a 2.5-liter, diesel, manual soon) Toyota knows that it has a winner in its hands. It doesn’t need to put home theaters inside because as far as Toyota is concerned, it is a Toyota — like, hello? What more do you want? Also, not to rub any salt in the wound, but, considering the price of the Alterra, which matches the top of the line diesel Fortuner, Isuzu really should have offered a 4X4 variant.

The Fortuner has only been released in Thailand and the Philippines so far. I suspect that Toyota has delayed the initial launch dates in other markets until it can actually meet the market}s demand. And so far, that’s its weakest link. That, plus there are still some dealers out there that are taking advantage of its’ popularity by forcing uncompetitive financing and insurance schemes on buyers as a way of cutting down the wait list. You know who you are, and trust me, when the bubble eventually bursts — which is inevitable — your customers will remember you too.

Even with all of that, I know it still must sound fairly one sided by now. But one thing I’ll say for Isuzu is that the company builds very good diesel engines and that it has earned for itself a cult following from loyalists — especially in Davao, Isuzu’s largest market. And, considering its limited model line up, Isuzu has still managed to keep its vehicles fresh by keeping tabs on local trends and responding quickly through clever product planning. Isuzu has also really supported their local community over the years and that will have an effect. If you’re an Isuzu fan because of Isuzu engines, here’s a fact — this is the best one yet. I also like the fact that it tackles the segment differently. It feels far more utilitarian than sport, relying on pure muscle rather than fitness to get the job done.

The Fortuner is the best thing to happen to the segment since the introduction of the CRV in 1998 — remember? It delivers bucket loads of style, practicality and comfort, all within a sensible price tag. It feels solid but yet still quite agile and has very sharp steering responses for an SUV with such big, fat tires. It deserves all its praise, I’m afraid. It’s not often that a new model comes in and rewrites the rules of upscale family motoring. So, as much as I would have liked to make Toyota wait ten months for this verdict, it would only be postponing the painfully obvious — the Fortuner wins this battle by a margin that not even Garci could make up. But in the end, only you can decide if it is worth its’ wait for your gold.

[SIZE=1]Lifted from The Philippine STAR, 03-July-2005[/SIZE]

[oldblue]

The Fortuner is the best thing to happen to the segment since the introduction of the CRV in 1998 — remember? It delivers bucket loads of style, practicality and comfort, all within a sensible price tag.
[SIZE=1]Lifted from The Philippine STAR, 03-July-2005[/SIZE]

kung totoo ito sigurado kukuhanin ulit ng Honda trono hehehe

[horexen]

magmula noon ma-news na nag headon yun Land Cruiser at Trooper
sa flyover ng Ortigas, nawalan na ako ng bilib sa Trooper.

celebrated itong news na ito, lasing yun scion na driver ng Land Cruiser
at biglang tumalon sa opposite lane. na head-on nya yun trooper who
happens to be a presidential adviser of GMA na papunta lang sa work at 530AM.

durog na durog yun harapan ng Trooper as in umabot sa front passenger
seats yun pagka-crumple. while yun Land Cruiser wasak lang yun half ng
front.

the scion survived and was later on captured somewhere in a fishing boat
in the South escorted by two police superintendents. They were trying
to escape from the backdoor. When arrested, nakiusap yun mga escort
pulis: "papatayin ang bata kapag d na nailabas ng bansa".

Sir, sa driver side po bumangga ang front bumper ng Prado. Hindi po nasira ang bumper ng Trooper tignan ninyo sir sa picture: http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug09/index.htm. Kaya, hindi patas, kung Prado o fortuner o Lexus ang tinamaan ng ganito gayon din tiyak ang mangyayari o baka matumba pa nga. May side impact beam ang Trooper kaya lang mataas ang tindig ng Prado kaya doon tumama sa itaas. Pati stepboard hindi nga nasira kasi sa itaas tumama, stock kasi gulong ng Trooper. Kung 265/70R16 ang gulong niya malamang magkasing taas sila ng Prado kasi ito ang gulong ng Prado. Pero sa kabilang banda hindi nagroll-over ang Trooper kahit malakas ang pagkabangga sa tagiliran nito.

[fortfan]

But that damn Fortuner, with its swanky styling and gorgeous wheel and tire package, sets a new benchmark in SUVs. It’s a CD when everyone else is using cassette. Pound for pound it will kick anyone’s *$$. It is so refined, so well designed, so integrated and fluid in its concept that it ends up punching above its weight and rattling the cages of its’ foes and poking its’ tongue out at even the big boys like the Nissan Patrol. I’m sure the others will catch up eventually, but history will always credit Toyota for raising the bar. And rightfully so. It’s roomy, comfortable, powerful and it feels as reliable as the moon.

Here’s the earth shattering discovery I promised you. The Fortuner’s stereo sucks. There, that’s the best I could come up with. The Alterra, on the other hand, capitalized on this weakness and came out with a killer, 5.1 channel, digital surround sound, ten speaker with detachable sub-woofer, DVD entertainment system with two LCD screens on the rear of the front headrests. Enough to shut even the wildest kids up on a long drive.

The Fortuner has only been released in Thailand and the Philippines so far. I suspect that Toyota has delayed the initial launch dates in other markets until it can actually meet the market}s demand. And so far, that’s its weakest link. That, plus there are still some dealers out there that are taking advantage of its’ popularity by forcing uncompetitive financing and insurance schemes on buyers as a way of cutting down the wait list. You know who you are, and trust me, when the bubble eventually bursts — which is inevitable — your customers will remember you too.

[SIZE=1]Lifted from The Philippine STAR, 03-July-2005[/SIZE]

Very true indeed

[cardo]

Owners, here's something to be proud of...

Future owners, this should make waiting more worthwhile...

Wheels of Fortune: The Fortuner vs. the Alterra
By James Deakin

The Fortuner is the best thing to happen to the segment since the introduction of the CRV in 1998 — remember? It delivers bucket loads of style, practicality and comfort, all within a sensible price tag. It feels solid but yet still quite agile and has very sharp steering responses for an SUV with such big, fat tires. It deserves all its praise, I’m afraid. It’s not often that a new model comes in and rewrites the rules of upscale family motoring. So, as much as I would have liked to make Toyota wait ten months for this verdict, it would only be postponing the painfully obvious — the Fortuner wins this battle by a margin that not even Garci could make up. But in the end, only you can decide if it is worth its’ wait for your gold.

[SIZE=1]Lifted from The Philippine STAR, 03-July-2005[/SIZE]

This is so true!!! Its the nail on everyone else's coffin. Very very nice package indeed. Esp if the 4x2 diesl comes out... I remember the CRV had long waiting lines as well, then the RAV4 in 2000, then the 2nd gen CR-V... It was almost the same scenario. Kelangan lang talaga is patience in waiting but then again meron yun mga e-vat, no discounts etc that poor consumers have to face. I'm just curious what the other manufacturers are thinking off now. Copy the IMV concept? Who knows...

[bigbrother]

for yor info ...check your reservation deposit...

At Toyota Manila bay we deposited a downpayment reservation fee of 100t on May 17, 2005... for the fortuner where #8 according to the sales, I got the official receipt.hand written..theres no indication of fortuner not like makati's receipt indicating the reserve unit with amount( computer generated...parang naisahan kami..Kaya pala ang tagal ng unit.
TODAY Toyota manila bay want as to sign the VEHICLE Sales proposal....curious ako why our downpayment for the fortuner hindi naka indicate doon sa proposal just the sales price, insurance of 49,459, registration 9t,... Hindi kaya as of signing the paper today lang nila ni reserve yun?

September daw ang release ng unit.. according to them...

And ad to that kapag di raw namin na sign yun vehicle sales proposal matangal daw kami sa pila. as of ano kwenta ng deposit as of May an may sign din ako doon hand written lang nga daw sabi nila e parang sila ang ng pa sign sa akin noon... WOW parang ang gulo.....

[Onestab]

Manila bay din kami nagpareserve, ganyan din set-up. I never signed any VSP but the OR has a VSP number. Yoko lang makialam noon because my dad is the one talking to the agent. The agent also mentioned that they signed the VSP for us para ma process agad (because my dad made the reservation by phone). Matanong nga yung VSP na yun kung asan na. Makikialam na nga ako.

[oldblue]

Sir, sa driver side po bumangga ang front bumper ng Prado. Hindi po nasira ang bumper ng Trooper tignan ninyo sir sa picture: http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug09/index.htm. Kaya, hindi patas, kung Prado o fortuner o Lexus ang tinamaan ng ganito gayon din tiyak ang mangyayari o baka matumba pa nga. May side impact beam ang Trooper kaya lang mataas ang tindig ng Prado kaya doon tumama sa itaas. Pati stepboard hindi nga nasira kasi sa itaas tumama, stock kasi gulong ng Trooper. Kung 265/70R16 ang gulong niya malamang magkasing taas sila ng Prado kasi ito ang gulong ng Prado. Pero sa kabilang banda hindi nagroll-over ang Trooper kahit malakas ang pagkabangga sa tagiliran nito.

iba na naman version ito ng news. sabi sa dyaryo noon head-on. pero tama ka sa driver side pala tumama kung tignan sa pics. I stand corrected.

that's one messed up trooper, kahit pala large SUV walang ligtas kung
kasinlaki SUV din tumama. victim na kasi kami ng na total na Corolla GLi,
kaya hanggat maari ayaw na namin ng sedan and that's why I'm very
particular sa mga accident news.

binangga ng speeding 16-yr old without a license from the left back yun corolla namin, then nawalan control dad ko diretso pa right sa six by six na truck at sumuot sa ilalim. hit and run ito, tumakbo pero nakonsensya yun parents at tumawag sa hospital the next day.

[nugundam93]

a bit out of topic...oldblue: when did that happen? alam ko pwedeng obstruction of justice ang kalalabasan ng parents ah or something to that effect.

and true, even a big car or an SUV can get defeated too.

[Juan Tamad]

Heard through the grapevine

TOYOTA's pending orders for its hot-selling Fortuner SUV have breached 4,000. At the current importation rate of 300 units a month, that represents over 13 months' waiting list.

[oldblue]

a bit out of topic...oldblue: when did that happen? alam ko pwedeng obstruction of justice ang kalalabasan ng parents ah or something to that effect.

and true, even a big car or an SUV can get defeated too.

well, naitago na nga yun anak nila and nag-offer na lang yun parents magbayad ng hospital bills. didnt know what happened since then. My dad never wanted to talk about it na. might as well charge it to experience na lang

speaking of accidents na din, do you think a fortuner might roll over
when hit on the side. medyo kasi ito, not really a road hugger-type body
ito.

[oldblue]

Heard through the grapevine

TOYOTA's pending orders for its hot-selling Fortuner SUV have breached 4,000. At the current importation rate of 300 units a month, that represents over 13 months' waiting list.

imagine that 4,000 orders x 1.2M = P 4.8 Billion pinoy purchasing power. and
this is just minimum, assuming all orders are 2.7gas hehehe

[Juan Tamad]

imagine that 4,000 orders x 1.2M = P 4.8 Billion pinoy purchasing power. and
this is just minimum, assuming all orders are 2.7gas hehehe

I thought the philippines is poor???? The people can spend 4.8 Billion pinoy purchasing power just for the Fortuner...

[111prez]

OT: PHP 4.8B is not real purchasing power or new money and neither is this indicative if the philippines is rich.

firstly, you have to deduct the amount generated by old money, i.e. money generated from sales of assets such as currently owned cars in order to finance the purchase of the fortuner. because of this the current asset based has not grown exponentially or as expected, i.e. by the asset value of the fortuner. secondly, you have to deduct purchases made through loans as these do not represent real purchasing power. this is credit and a continuing liability until paid. while the value of credit rises (due to add on interest), the value of the property being purchased goes down (due to depreciation). so in real terms, there is a reduction of wealth for the purchaser. while there are benefits from the interest generated from the credit to the credit companies or entities, we are not sure if this goes back to the economy. these profits could be remitted abroad as profits to foreign entities or not properly reinvested.

in the ultimate analysis, unless the purchasing power above is new cash generated from existing value added economic activity, only then can we really say that the philippines is rich. unfortunately, my analysis is that it is the contrary situation

[BoyFerrari]

I thought the philippines is poor???? The people can spend 4.8 Billion pinoy purchasing power just for the Fortuner...

These 4,000 people who can buy a Fortuner can very well be people living in Ayala Alabang and Forbes Park combined, for all we know. We cannot use this "Pulse Asia Style" statistics method to conclude whether the Philippines is poor or not.