Upgrading from Duster, but to what?

[Schambies]

Recently bought a 3.0 D4D Fortuner (4x4). Very comfortable and capable offroad (with diff lock). Not the most frugal diesel out there but awesome on and off road.

[HugoNotte]

No man, I don't own a fuel station! Haha!

If you consider a Rubicon, you might as well think about the FJ Cruiser. Unmodified it'll give you 8 km/l. Open road slightly better.
If you only consider a diesel Wrangler, the Sahara, make sure there is a FJ near by to recover you...

[jelo]

If you consider a Rubicon, you might as well think about the FJ Cruiser. Unmodified it'll give you 8 km/l. Open road slightly better.
If you only consider a diesel Wrangler, the Sahara, make sure there is a FJ near by to recover you...

Ag asseblief. FJ needs an SFA and is heavier on juice.

[PhlippieV]

Everest

Still considering the Ranger, but will keep forum's comments in mind RE maintenance...

Yeah no. I've had three Rangers, all three had issues. Current one needed a new engine at 26k kms. 8 weeks later and it's going back on Thursday for the fourth time to fix some niggle left over after the rebuild.

Will an Isuzu MUX fit in your budget? That is where I would go in the SUV mix.

I'm arguably biased as I love my Isuzus, and my whole fleet is slowly but surely swinging over to Isuzu.

[SJN]

Will an Isuzu MUX fit in your budget? That is where I would go in the SUV mix.

About 100k out of my budget from what I could find that and the D-Max were on my list initially, but both slightly too expensive unfortunately.

[TJWM]

Something that might be worth considering is the next generation THAR if you like the Wrangler look.

https://www.news24.com/wheels/offroa...-2021-20210104

https://youtu.be/gG6XtHK8pHQ


Or maybe even look at the S11 now available in auto.

https://youtu.be/H1BuQCDKj3s

[Hamtheman]

Does likelihood of theft come into the equation? If so forget fortuner , even the current model, we have a number in the fleet or should I say had.........one was stolen a few days back while the driver was having a covid test......

[jelo]

Something that might be worth considering is the next generation THAR if you like the Wrangler look.

https://www.news24.com/wheels/offroa...-2021-20210104

https://youtu.be/gG6XtHK8pHQ


Or maybe even look at the S11 now available in auto.

https://youtu.be/H1BuQCDKj3s

Only if you like replacing parts. Especially gearboxes.

[SJN]

Does likelihood of theft come into the equation? If so forget fortuner , even the current model, we have a number in the fleet or should I say had.........one was stolen a few days back while the driver was having a covid test......

That's my only concern with Toyota's, otherwise I definitely would have considered a Hilux as well. Fortuners also big targets?

[Bex]

Ag asseblief. FJ needs an SFA and is heavier on juice.

What does it need the SFA for?

[SJN]

yep, that is a good option, ticks all the boxes

Did a bit of reading last night, and feedback on the reliability of these (and the Rubicon for that matter) seems to be a mixed bag? "Official" ratings are low, but owners praise the reliability?

[SJN]

Something that might be worth considering is the next generation THAR if you like the Wrangler look.

https://www.news24.com/wheels/offroa...-2021-20210104

https://youtu.be/gG6XtHK8pHQ


Or maybe even look at the S11 now available in auto.

https://youtu.be/H1BuQCDKj3s

Not really a fan to be honest. Also have a mate who drives one, and he has had nothing but issues so far.

[jelo]

Did a bit of reading last night, and feedback on the reliability of these (and the Rubicon for that matter) seems to be a mixed bag? "Official" ratings are low, but owners praise the reliability?

OK, take the Jeeps off your list.

[HugoNotte]

Did a bit of reading last night, and feedback on the reliability of these (and the Rubicon for that matter) seems to be a mixed bag? "Official" ratings are low, but owners praise the reliability?

Owners of any brand and type of vehicle are convinced that their choice of vehicle is the best, unless they are waiting for the tow truck next to the road. This is not aimed at anyone specifically.
If you have spend time reading the various forum sections, you would have noticed that there are a lot of Discovery TDV6 owners who are convinced that the crankshaft failure issue is blown out of proportion.
There are several Ford owners here who have suffered several engine failures, others had gearbox issues. Those not experiencing these kind of troubles defend the brand.
You can go on and on. Toyota never fails is also a myth. A whole batch of Hiluxes and Fortuners started rusting or had dust ingress problems. Some Landcruisers have or had weak gearboxes.

Fact is, there is no 100% certainty, no matter what you buy, specially when you buy 2nd hand. It's called buying another man's problems...

Go to each brand's forum section, at the top you'll find a "Sticky" with the title "Volkswagen Problems" or "Toyota Problems".
Browse through those and make up your own mind about perceived reliability.

There are some vehicles that are better known for their reliability.

Some brand's reliability largely depends on what fluids have been used during their maintenance. E.g. Jeeps can last for ever if maintained with the right stuff while giving costly problems when maintained with other fluids, which seem to match the same specs.

For VW there are certain oils that may be used on some TDi engines, but not on others.

If you are really interested in a certain type of vehicle, speak to an indy as to what to look out for. Sometimes these guys know of vehicles for sale, which they have maintained.

Owners will either tell you theirs is either the best or the worst.

[Bex]

The buying process can sometimes be more fun than owning the vehicle , don't skip out on this process, go test drive some of the vehicles , get the sales people working for you. if the salesman is not going out of his way to give you good service move on to another one.

We had a Duster with bash plates and suspension upgrade join a group of bigger 4x4's on our trails, and it managed the easiest 2 of the 5 trails, but not without some minor damage.
Upgrading is a logical next step, enjoy it.

I was doing something similar a year ago, and a V6 Fortuner was my end goal until I looked looking at the FJ.
The Fortuner, especially the 2013 - 2015 Fortuners are a very good option. But don't make your final decision without at least going and having a closer look at some of the other suggestions. Sit in the vehicle , take it for a test drive.

[Quiksilver]

Thank you! Have given them a shout. Am I correct when I say the GC doesn't have a manual diff lock though? It seems bloody capable, but from what I could find, it seems to have a computer controlled electronic diff lock?

It has an automated system like the Land Rovers. You select the terrain and it decides what the best combination of systems to engage.

I have the older system in the WK, and it works like magic.

I think this is an important point. As HugeNotto said, you are now buying second hand vehicles and all will have some possibility of issues. All will most likely use more fuel. Again, you need to way up that risk with buying a brand new Duster with 5 years warranty.

[jelo]

Owners will either tell you theirs is either the best or the worst.

I owned a lemon of a Jeep. I didn't chuck the whole brand away..........
I owned a few great Nissans, but I wouldn't buy one now apart from the Patrol Y61.
I loved my VWs........I'd consider one as a softy.
I hate French cars.........but my sons have Renaults and Peugeots.
I'd buy a Toyota LC70 series if I could afford one.
I own a Tata, but I'd avoid buying an Indian vehicle.
I owned Defenders, but I won't buy another type of Land Rover.

I think SJN has made up his mind. Like most of us, this thread is just to solidify his decision.

[SJN]

I think SJN has made up his mind. Like most of us, this thread is just to solidify his decision.

You wish I was that decisive! Haha! I am appreciating all the input and feedback though. Really helping the decision along. I went and drove the Grand Cherokee this morning. Wasn't in a great condition, but the ride was lovely! Salesman (who owns a Jeep) told me to stay away from Wranglers if I'm doing 80%+ city driving Going to try the Paj Sport, as well as the Fiat Fullback this afternoon. Also itching to try the Disco, but keeping in mind the jump in fuel will be a huge factor...

[SJN]

The buying process can sometimes be more fun than owning the vehicle , don't skip out on this process, go test drive some of the vehicles , get the sales people working for you. if the salesman is not going out of his way to give you good service move on to another one.

We had a Duster with bash plates and suspension upgrade join a group of bigger 4x4's on our trails, and it managed the easiest 2 of the 5 trails, but not without some minor damage.
Upgrading is a logical next step, enjoy it.

I was doing something similar a year ago, and a V6 Fortuner was my end goal until I looked looking at the FJ.
The Fortuner, especially the 2013 - 2015 Fortuners are a very good option. But don't make your final decision without at least going and having a closer look at some of the other suggestions. Sit in the vehicle , take it for a test drive.

100% Started the test drive process today. Did the Cherokee, sat in the Wrangler, going to do the Paj Sport and Fiat Fullback this afternoon. Still want to try the Disco 4 as well as one or two others and see what sits right. You mos only know once you've driven it which one is THE one!

[WernerDL]

100% Started the test drive process today. Did the Cherokee, sat in the Wrangler, going to do the Paj Sport and Fiat Fullback this afternoon. Still want to try the Disco 4 as well as one or two others and see what sits right. You mos only know once you've driven it which one is THE one!

Don't know if you like listening to music while you drive, but the PS has an awesome sound system, at least compared to the other SUV's I drove.
Also, one of the reasons I did not go for the Triton, or any double cab, was because there was actually to much space in the load bin. Stuff would continually be falling all over the place while driving because I did not have the need to pack everything including the kitchen sink all the time.