New SUV

[StevePIraq]

Looking to purchase a new SUV and wife can't find any English brochures.

Looking at Honda CRV
Isuzu MUX
Toyota Fortuner

In my opinion, Honda is the most high tech but read some reviews with stories of rumbling drive shafts on new models.
Isuzu MUX no experience, but wife likes
Toyota, well I have lots of experience with twin cabs, Prado and Cruisers used in the harshest conditions and I cannot find anything wrong with Toyota. Old tech but well proven diesel jobs that run forever.

Anyone got good, bad experience with any of them, suggestions of where to get the best deals etc

[STEVE G]

Here's all the information for a Fortuner, my neighbour has one and they're a pretty good deal for what they cost:

http://www.toyota.co.th/lite/en/product ... l=fortuner

[VincentD]

Depends on what your main use will be, urban or a bit more off the beaten track. Honda is popular in Thailand and is a decent urban runabout. Isuzu is a larger (I think 7 seater) vehicle so a bit more work to use in a purely urban setting. Fortuner is dated. Nissan have a new SUV just on the market, the X trail. It's a 7 seater so I would guess quite large though it has got some decent reviews. I have the older 4wd X trail and as I don't need 7 seats I'm happy with the one I have.

[HHTel]

Mitsubishi Pajero is worth looking at and now outselling the Fortuner. So many extras that it doesn't leave any left to get!

[VincentD]

If you want something different take a look at the Subarus (I did) but be prepared for sticker shock.

[BOZ]

I bought a new Chevy TrailBlazer this year did the entire review of all of the available products... MUX came in 2nd... The Tuner is outdated and rides like a truck.. The rear seat arrangement is a total waste of space... The Mitzu had a very tight roof line that I hit my head on getting in and out with the seat at its lowest setting so that one went out of the running... We have been very happy with the TrailBlazer, great ride, comfort and finish is good... Motor is quiet and the tranny shifts very smooth, we get 40MPG on the Hiway... 25 around town.... Deserves a look.... Good luck with your search!!

[VincentD]

Neighbor has a Trailblazer and concedes it has issues. Didn't ask too much. Used a Captiva as a company car, bit of a disappointment - diesel lacks power and a bit ponderous but can't complain about the space. Basically a Daewoo with another face.

[Dannie Boy]

The CRV only comes with a petrol engine whereas all the others offer diesel too. I drive a Pajero Sport and have been happy with it, my complaints would have been that it has rear drum brakes and no ABS but the latest model has them both, as well as in built Satnav, rear DVD screen to keep the children (big or small) happy on a long journey as well as a number of other improvements. If I were buying new, I would definitely compare one with the Isuzu and try to find out when the Fortuner replacement is due - meant to be sometime in 2015.

[migrant]

Don't know if Toyota offers the highlander there. I've had one for 2 years and really like it. Good power, handling and headspace.

Of course if they do offer it they may make it over there and different?

[dundrillin]

I bought at Mazda CX-5 very happy with it, 2.0 petrol just the right size for us. The deals on the fortuner were unbeatable due to the new model coming out later this year but it was just too big for my wife. Good service so far from the Mazda garage.

[Dannie Boy]

I bought at Mazda CX-5 very happy with it, 2.0 petrol just the right size for us. The deals on the fortuner were unbeatable due to the new model coming out later this year but it was just too big for my wife. Good service so far from the Mazda garage.

Size wise the CX-5 is a close comparison to the Honda CRV and in UK road tests, the CX-5 scores very highly, so if that's the size you're after, worth putting on your list.

[StevePIraq]

Well so many responses which certainly gives me plenty to think about, I use a Land Cruiser Prado and V8 diesel Land Cruiser B6 Armoured over seas and they are both fantastic. Both old tech especially the V8 but damn they will go anywhere and never fail. Just crazy prices here in Thailand

If only Thailand would see the sense of scrapping the excessive import tax on foreign manufactured cars

[VincentD]

Also looked at the Prado before I got the Xtrail, it was a little too large for the use I had in mind. Just had a look at the new Xtrail, I think it's something you can scratch off your list. I was not impressed.

[Terry]

Bought a Chevy 2.4 Ecotec Captiva LTZ for Mrs T 6 months ago.

Runs on E85 but any petrol will do.
Good finish, bags of room for a car that is NOT a converted pickup truck.

7 seats if needed - rear two folding very flat for good loading, middle row will also go flat if needed for even more space.

Discs all round, full front and side airbags, self levelling lights, reasonable sound system, bluetooth phone, satnav plus a load more.

Very pleased with it so far

Agree with Vincent D, it's not a racer, but then that's not what SUVs are for.

[StevePIraq]

I recently checked the web sites posted and appreciate all of the posts. I really like the Mitsu, only thing is it look a bit plasticky and I really don't like the silver dash which looks like it will fade fast.

Honda CRV is now sold as a diesel overseas so that may come soon

Newer diesels seem to be so much quieter than when they were just small truck engines and a good one will outlive a petrol job by a long way.

Still a lot to look at before I will spend 1.5m on a vastly overpriced Thai vehicle, the same price I can get a Merc or V8 Land Cruiser overseas