Anyone have the new Toyota Fortuner ?   I just moved to Pattaya and I want to buy one.  

 

I was here last year and thought the 3.0 liter was nice, but I was dismayed to discover today that the 3.0 liter engine has been discontinued in the new models.  The biggest you can get now is only 2.8 liter, and the price has gone up 150,000 baht to boot !     This kinda sucks because I am used to my 4.7 liter V8 Toyota 4runner from the US.  Sad I had to sell it, but couldn't bring it here.  

 

Before I buy the 2.8 liter turbo diesel fortuner, I'm curious to know if anyone has driven it.   The 3.0 liter engine could take off pretty nice from a dead stop, but trying to accelerate once you were already doing 80 kph was pretty sluggish.  floored it ... and nothing !    I'm apprehensive the power to weight ratio on the 2.8 liter is going to suck.  

 

It also looks like I will have to go to Bangkok to buy it.  None of the Pattaya dealerships can deliver it in less than five months.  

 

I'm miffed I didn't reserve last year's model when I had the chance.  Anyone have alternate recommendations ?   I want something big to haul stuff and with a high clearance.  no yaris for me.  

Just read this

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/856294-new-fortuner-roomier-and-more-appealing-with-better-performance/

 

apparently the 2.8 liter has more horsepower and torque than the old 3.0 liter, and it comes with a 6 speed automatic transmission compared to the 4 speed transmission in the older model.   This is good news, I think I'll buy it ... if I can find a dealer who can get it and not make me wait five months.