Toyota Fortuner is one of the most popular SUVs sold in the Indian market. Its capable 4WD drivetrain, powerful diesel engine, Toyota’s reliability, and good road presence has made it an ideal choice for many. Launched first in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has become a sales success for the Japanese manufacturer.
These are the points you should consider when looking at the Toyota Fortuner in the used car market.
The second-generation Toyota Fortuner was launched in 2016 and was completely different from its predecessor in terms of design. For this used car buying guide, we’ll be considering the second-gen Fortuner. Toyota completely rehauled the exterior as well as the interior, making it feel more premium than before.
Under the hood, the Fortuner came with two engines — a 2.7-litre petrol engine that made 166hp and a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produced 177hp. The petrol engine was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel engine got a six-speed manual gearbox. Both engines could also be equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Only the diesel engine had the option of Toyota’s Sigma 4 all-wheel-drive system. On the inside, the Toyota Fortuner got a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and seven airbags.
Which Fortuner you should select depends entirely on your usage. If it is confined to just city and highway use, it makes more sense to go for the two-wheel-drive version. While the petrol engine is more refined, it lacks the punch and fuel efficiency of the diesel engine.
Keep a budget of at least Rs. 25 lakhs for the Toyota Fortuner, as its reliability and robustness make it demand a premium over its competitors. Its reliability is backed up by Toyota’s extensive nationwide service network.
However, you should take the following factors into consideration while buying a used Toyota Fortuner. Some owners have reported issues with the injectors on the diesel engines. Although not common, the signs of busted injectors comprise erratic idling or a loss of power while driving.
Another thing you should ensure is the health of the brake pads, especially on the automatic versions. Some users report that they have had to replace the brake pads on their SUVs as early as 20,000kms. The body panels of the Fortuner are expensive, and as most owners use it for off-roading, it is advisable to check the whole car for damage. You should also check out the underbody and the lights for any damage.
[Featured Image Credit: Toyota]
Satvik Khare