Thread: Navara ST-450 - Good deal?

Took Mitzi Triton Black Edition then Mitzi Pajero Sport then Toyota Fortuner GXL for test drives.

Triton was ok and I thought good enough however not great as daily driver. Wife liked the Triton as I thought she would.

That was until she drove the Pajero. Liked it sooo much more. She pretty much said that's it, buy it. I liked it however wasn't completely sure (too many gadgets, too much stress if scratched it). In hindsight it simply felt too flash and just not us. Also wondered about Pajero depreciation. Some colours available early in 2022 before the proposed new tax (1 April).

Fortuner instantly felt 'home' for us. Comfy, drove well and it's essentially a Hilux so good resale. We knew straight away it was the vehicle for us. There are only 2 versions of Fortuner and the issue is none of the GXL are available unitl mid 2022 (so after new tax) and they can't even take orders or start a wait list for Limited version. Said 18-24mth minimum before they'd have any! They're selling used Fortuner's for more than current retail.

Decision now is do we buy a used Fortuner (for new price!), or wait until mid 2022, or longer, and getting cheapy tow 4x4 in meantime. So many options but at least our big choice is made. Toyota Fortuner.

Ford Everest, Ranger, etc not on list and never will be. $$ too high and our thoughts about brand.

Fortuner not 100% selected as overnight some thoughts we should try used Prado as alternative to waiting 7mths or 18-24mths for Fortuner.

FYI we will hire a 4x4 for boat tows in meantime

saved enough for a STX550? going for around ~30k ish. highly rate mine.

Kind of feels like a newer version of Surf, which it is. Nothing flash, just does its job. Maybe why we felt at home. The Pajero felt way too flashy.
https://www.toyota.co.nz/new-car/for...40-22#features


Have chatted with an owner of a 2021 Foretuner and a 2021 Hilux (lucky guy!!). He prefers the Fortuner off road. Better departure angles. Says hilux drags it's ass where he goes. As its essentially same as Hilux, ladder frame chassis etc can get all the after market 4wd bits way into future if I want to.

Fortuner deposit paid. Due July 2022

Looking forward to seeing it. Guess we'll be taking my old Honda on this year's annual trip, tho

Originally Posted by mopheadrob

Looking forward to seeing it. Guess we'll be taking my old Honda on this year's annual trip, tho

Yep, afraid so. Hope you fixed that loose exhaust mount