Toyota Fortuner V6 - The Recession Defender
Discussion
Hi All
Hopefully something a little bit different - a readers ride from South Africa on a car that has never been sold in the UK.
A few months ago I started a forum on whether I should throw caution to the wind and buy a new Defender, which I consider my attainable dream car. While I could afford it with some man maths, it certainly would not have been the most responsible purchase.
Now, working in finance, the last few months have been tough and entering into a high finance cost, high inflation, slowing growth recession, it just seemed like I needed a few more responsible car to tie me over to see where the dust settles in global economies.
Enter this 2012 Toyota Fortuner - South Africa's most popular SUV, and essentially an SUV version of the extremely popular Hilux Bakkie. I got an excellent deal on this particular vehicle as a result of it arguably being the least popular version. It's the heavy on fuel 4.0 litre V6 auto, and also only a 4x2 (with diff lock at least). I bought it approx 2 months ago when petrol prices were at their peak so got a good deal. It came with some nice extras including running bars, bull bar, towbar and long range tanks. The price for all this magnificence was approx R280k (GBP14k), with approx 113k km (70k miles). For context, the cheapest 2020 ND is approx R1.2m (GBP60k).
In South Africa, the 2 other engine options are a 2.5 diesel which only comes in a low spec (Cloth seats, no ICE screen, basic aircon, etc) or a 3.0 d4d also found in the Prado 120. The 3.0 is a major theft risk in SA as they use the engine (which has legendary reliability status) all over africa. The saving on list price and insurance vs the 3.0, made the v6 a no brainer, especially as I only do approx 10k km per year.
It's early days so can't comment too much yet on living with this vehicle but fuel economy is approx 13/14L per 100km (approx 21mpg) which is heavy, but fuel prices are approx GBP1 per litre so its manageable.
Otherwise specs are 175kw, 376NM of torque (235bhp and 277lb/ft) and a 5 speed gearbox. Looking forward to a couple of longer trips - hopefully to Namibia and more regional. Fire away if you guys have any questions
Hopefully something a little bit different - a readers ride from South Africa on a car that has never been sold in the UK.
A few months ago I started a forum on whether I should throw caution to the wind and buy a new Defender, which I consider my attainable dream car. While I could afford it with some man maths, it certainly would not have been the most responsible purchase.
Now, working in finance, the last few months have been tough and entering into a high finance cost, high inflation, slowing growth recession, it just seemed like I needed a few more responsible car to tie me over to see where the dust settles in global economies.
Enter this 2012 Toyota Fortuner - South Africa's most popular SUV, and essentially an SUV version of the extremely popular Hilux Bakkie. I got an excellent deal on this particular vehicle as a result of it arguably being the least popular version. It's the heavy on fuel 4.0 litre V6 auto, and also only a 4x2 (with diff lock at least). I bought it approx 2 months ago when petrol prices were at their peak so got a good deal. It came with some nice extras including running bars, bull bar, towbar and long range tanks. The price for all this magnificence was approx R280k (GBP14k), with approx 113k km (70k miles). For context, the cheapest 2020 ND is approx R1.2m (GBP60k).
In South Africa, the 2 other engine options are a 2.5 diesel which only comes in a low spec (Cloth seats, no ICE screen, basic aircon, etc) or a 3.0 d4d also found in the Prado 120. The 3.0 is a major theft risk in SA as they use the engine (which has legendary reliability status) all over africa. The saving on list price and insurance vs the 3.0, made the v6 a no brainer, especially as I only do approx 10k km per year.
It's early days so can't comment too much yet on living with this vehicle but fuel economy is approx 13/14L per 100km (approx 21mpg) which is heavy, but fuel prices are approx GBP1 per litre so its manageable.
Otherwise specs are 175kw, 376NM of torque (235bhp and 277lb/ft) and a 5 speed gearbox. Looking forward to a couple of longer trips - hopefully to Namibia and more regional. Fire away if you guys have any questions
That is different and very cool! I have visited the Philippines a few times and these are also extremely popular over there too. I don't think the 4.0 V6 is an option over there, most are either the 2.7 petrol, 2.5 diesel or 3.0 diesel.
A family member has an Innova, which is a 7 seat people carrier based off the same RWD platform as the Hilux.
Rugged things, they need to be in these places. Toyota must sell loads of these worldwide.
A family member has an Innova, which is a 7 seat people carrier based off the same RWD platform as the Hilux.
Rugged things, they need to be in these places. Toyota must sell loads of these worldwide.
It is a relatively rudimentary drive but the state of our roads generally does make driving an SUV worthwhile. The higher spec of this V6 definitely goes some way to making it more comfortable.
The Gauteng plates were because I bought the vehicle from a JHB dealer, It now subsequently has the CAA plates for Cape Town. This particular model was not an ex rental. The rentals would all be the 2.5 diesel in poverty spec and in appliance white.
Heroically reliable - its not uncommon to see these vehicles with 400/500k km on them with only consumables replaced - as a testament to the reliability, I got a fully comprehensive Toyota extended warranty for 2 years at R6000 (GBP300) - an equivalent Disco 4 extension as a comparison would have been nearer R150k (GBP7500).
These vehicles are also used in the mining industry to ferry workers all across the rural mining towns - often you will see 2/3 year old versions for sale with 300k km on them, no doubt having lived a very very tough life.
The Gauteng plates were because I bought the vehicle from a JHB dealer, It now subsequently has the CAA plates for Cape Town. This particular model was not an ex rental. The rentals would all be the 2.5 diesel in poverty spec and in appliance white.
Heroically reliable - its not uncommon to see these vehicles with 400/500k km on them with only consumables replaced - as a testament to the reliability, I got a fully comprehensive Toyota extended warranty for 2 years at R6000 (GBP300) - an equivalent Disco 4 extension as a comparison would have been nearer R150k (GBP7500).
These vehicles are also used in the mining industry to ferry workers all across the rural mining towns - often you will see 2/3 year old versions for sale with 300k km on them, no doubt having lived a very very tough life.
Nice to see a fellow South African on here. My dad is on his third Fortuner. For all that they're extremely common, and the others in the segment have some aspects to them that are better (the intrusive third row, the, er, involving ride), Fortuners are fun. What is it like with the V6? They seem to get out of their own way speedily enough.
The power is great, but if you enjoy the loud pedal you can see the fuel gauge decreasing almost as quickly as the speed increases. Another big draw to the V6 is the fact that both the 2.5 and 3.0 diesels have a 4 speed auto, while the V6 has a 5 speed auto. I have not heard too many complaints about the 4 speed but my experience of a past Jeep Cherokee 3.7 is that 4 speeds is just not enough and each gearshift drops you out of the powerband.
Regarding the 4.0 V6 - it is Toyota's own engine and has been a mainstay in the range for a number of years. It comes in 2 states of tune, namely the single VVTi version with 175kw in the Hilux and Fortuner and then the dual VVTi version with 202kw which comes in the Prado, FJ Cruiser and even Land Cruiser 200 and 300 in some markets. Its an exceptionally well regarded engine and even does service in the 76/79 Series Land Cruisers which do duty all across Africa. I remember when the Hilux and Fortuner were first launched with this V6 in 2006, they did not yet have stability or traction control and when they were road tested they were described as borderline dangerous, especially in the wet and with rear wheel drive only.
As Budleigh also mentioned, the 3rd row seats fold up toward the side which is not only terrible for visibility but also eats boot space - not sure why they haven't managed to develop a system like its competitors where the seats fold into the floor.
Regarding the 4.0 V6 - it is Toyota's own engine and has been a mainstay in the range for a number of years. It comes in 2 states of tune, namely the single VVTi version with 175kw in the Hilux and Fortuner and then the dual VVTi version with 202kw which comes in the Prado, FJ Cruiser and even Land Cruiser 200 and 300 in some markets. Its an exceptionally well regarded engine and even does service in the 76/79 Series Land Cruisers which do duty all across Africa. I remember when the Hilux and Fortuner were first launched with this V6 in 2006, they did not yet have stability or traction control and when they were road tested they were described as borderline dangerous, especially in the wet and with rear wheel drive only.
As Budleigh also mentioned, the 3rd row seats fold up toward the side which is not only terrible for visibility but also eats boot space - not sure why they haven't managed to develop a system like its competitors where the seats fold into the floor.
So a roughly 6 month/5000km update from the Recession Defender. Have done a few longer trips and definitely appreciate the massive petrol under the bonnet - effortless overtaking and fuel consumption around 10-11L/100km on the open road is possible. Also exceptionally good on a recent trip to the Tankwa Karoo, about 300km from Cape Town, with bad quality dirt roads after a recent flood washed them away. Where you lose some refinement on the open road due to the Hilux underpinnings, it gives a real sense of unburstable indestructability off road. and Also love the versatility - bicycle and associated paraphernalia chucked in the one week, and the next week ferrying 7 passengers up to my brother's wedding in the winelands. For the price, its a very good do-it-all vehicle.
So far, no additional unforeseen expenses have been incurred, and business as usual.
One thing I am also enjoying is just how rare the Petrol model is. In South Africa, approved Used Toyota is called Automark and of the 658 Fortuner's for sale there, only one is petrol, and 657 are diesel. The giveaway of the petrol engine is no bonnet scoop, so when I see another on the road it's quite a spot!
While we don't have nearly as strict emissions standards here in Africa as in Europe, it is sad that globally big naturally aspirated petrol's are being phased out and definitely enjoy every pull away from standstill with the associated growl from under the bonnet and instant throttle response.
Thanks for reading, for your troubles a recent picture from the beautiful Tankwa Karoo
So far, no additional unforeseen expenses have been incurred, and business as usual.
One thing I am also enjoying is just how rare the Petrol model is. In South Africa, approved Used Toyota is called Automark and of the 658 Fortuner's for sale there, only one is petrol, and 657 are diesel. The giveaway of the petrol engine is no bonnet scoop, so when I see another on the road it's quite a spot!
While we don't have nearly as strict emissions standards here in Africa as in Europe, it is sad that globally big naturally aspirated petrol's are being phased out and definitely enjoy every pull away from standstill with the associated growl from under the bonnet and instant throttle response.
Thanks for reading, for your troubles a recent picture from the beautiful Tankwa Karoo
So with bated breath, another update from the Recession defender.
Almost 2 years of ownership without a hitch, now on approx 133k km. I continue to get a kick out of the huge displacement petrol engine and ferrying a full complement on the open road makes you appreciate how little difference a heavy car makes when you have an engine like this under the bonnet.
Regarding servicing, I had a service at a Toyota dealer in July 2023, and was quoted a scarcely believable R3,300 (about GBP130). When I picked her up they said they had a 15% promotion on parts and the actual price of the service was R2800 (!). To put this into perspective, I got the missus to service her car (a 2014 Peugeot 1.0vti) at an approved dealer and it was almost R9,000! The next service, I was told will be closer to R7k due to it being the major 150k service. Still, unbelievable value, and you can see why South Africans have an obsession with Toyota.
I constantly have a wondering eye with what to do next, and the new Prado (250, Land Cruiser) launches here in a few weeks with a starting price of R1.3m. It's expensive, but they have amazing residuals so may just be worth the plunge. On the other hand, continuing with the recession Defender seems like a no brainer at 1/6th of the cost.
Of course the reason I bought this vehicle was in the hope that actual Defenders get a bit cheaper but with 4 year old ones still around R1m and getting dangerously close to being out of warranty, I don't see myself in one of these anytime soon.
Thanks for reading and for your efforts, a pic of the old girl all nice and clean - not bad for a 12 year old brute!
Almost 2 years of ownership without a hitch, now on approx 133k km. I continue to get a kick out of the huge displacement petrol engine and ferrying a full complement on the open road makes you appreciate how little difference a heavy car makes when you have an engine like this under the bonnet.
Regarding servicing, I had a service at a Toyota dealer in July 2023, and was quoted a scarcely believable R3,300 (about GBP130). When I picked her up they said they had a 15% promotion on parts and the actual price of the service was R2800 (!). To put this into perspective, I got the missus to service her car (a 2014 Peugeot 1.0vti) at an approved dealer and it was almost R9,000! The next service, I was told will be closer to R7k due to it being the major 150k service. Still, unbelievable value, and you can see why South Africans have an obsession with Toyota.
I constantly have a wondering eye with what to do next, and the new Prado (250, Land Cruiser) launches here in a few weeks with a starting price of R1.3m. It's expensive, but they have amazing residuals so may just be worth the plunge. On the other hand, continuing with the recession Defender seems like a no brainer at 1/6th of the cost.
Of course the reason I bought this vehicle was in the hope that actual Defenders get a bit cheaper but with 4 year old ones still around R1m and getting dangerously close to being out of warranty, I don't see myself in one of these anytime soon.
Thanks for reading and for your efforts, a pic of the old girl all nice and clean - not bad for a 12 year old brute!
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