Best Toyota/Lexus for a small Caribbean Island?
10-03-13, 10:08 PM
#17
I would steer away from any Toyota/Lexus SUV that has air suspension. You also need to ask yourself, is it easier/cheaper to buy a truck in their new country? Or is it easier to import a model from the states?
Really for what they are using it for, ie not going to be driven a lot of miles, go with one of these if they are buying in the states:
01-04 Tacoma double cab, 4wd, V6, automatic
1995-02 4 Runner, 4wd, V6 automatic
Both of these trucks are pretty well unkillable in my experience. Several friends have Tacomas and 4 Runners with that v6, auto, 4wd combo, they all have a ton of miles, still run like new, and have been through hell and back. Plus you said being narrow is a huge advantage, that is why I didn't recommend a newer Tacoma or 4 Runner, they just kind of got too big IMO in their later generations. I also like the simplicity, no air suspension, 4wd is engaged with a lever, yet they're fuel injected and that v6 is pretty powerful and unkillable.
Really for what they are using it for, ie not going to be driven a lot of miles, go with one of these if they are buying in the states:
01-04 Tacoma double cab, 4wd, V6, automatic
1995-02 4 Runner, 4wd, V6 automatic
Both of these trucks are pretty well unkillable in my experience. Several friends have Tacomas and 4 Runners with that v6, auto, 4wd combo, they all have a ton of miles, still run like new, and have been through hell and back. Plus you said being narrow is a huge advantage, that is why I didn't recommend a newer Tacoma or 4 Runner, they just kind of got too big IMO in their later generations. I also like the simplicity, no air suspension, 4wd is engaged with a lever, yet they're fuel injected and that v6 is pretty powerful and unkillable.
10-04-13, 05:44 AM
#18
Hilux is overly popular in Trinidad...I think 3 or 4 of my family members there have one. A good vehicle I get to use when I'm down there is the Lexus RX (Toyota Harrier). Perfect sizing, can fit 5-6 people if needed and AWD (model we had was AWD)
Anything AWD is good for the dirt roads that can come about. Range Rovers, Cayenne's and Q7's are hugely popular in the islands as well. Uncle of mine has an Evoque that I used on a trip recently, quick nimble and fashionable, downfall m ay be seating which can really comfortably sit 4. I was impressed once again by it though...he had his since early Feb 2012, think one of the first in the islands at the time.
Anything AWD is good for the dirt roads that can come about. Range Rovers, Cayenne's and Q7's are hugely popular in the islands as well. Uncle of mine has an Evoque that I used on a trip recently, quick nimble and fashionable, downfall m ay be seating which can really comfortably sit 4. I was impressed once again by it though...he had his since early Feb 2012, think one of the first in the islands at the time.
10-04-13, 06:54 AM
#19
Lexus Champion
05-13-14, 01:47 PM
#20
Driver School Candidate
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I agree on the GX/4Runner/Tacoma/Hilux, but I wouldn't rule out 80 or 100 series LC or LX 450 or 470. I live in Panama and these are the trucks of choice.
05-13-14, 05:03 PM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
The GX and LX are no easy to DIY.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 05-13-14 at 05:46 PM.
05-14-14, 03:34 AM
#25
Lexus Champion
Ah I see.
Still, if ever they get tired or their car, then they should consider buying from the official Toyota dealer in the Caribbean.
Official warranty support and the speedometer is in kilometers per hour (not Miles Per Hour)
For instance, Toyota Caribbean is promoting the new RAV-4.
http://www.toyota-caribbean.com/rav4/rav4.html
4WD versions available in:
-2.0 liter engine (3ZR-FE) with 7-speed CVT
-2.5 liter engine (2AR-FE) with 6-speed A/T
Just a suggestion
Still, if ever they get tired or their car, then they should consider buying from the official Toyota dealer in the Caribbean.
Official warranty support and the speedometer is in kilometers per hour (not Miles Per Hour)
For instance, Toyota Caribbean is promoting the new RAV-4.
http://www.toyota-caribbean.com/rav4/rav4.html
4WD versions available in:
-2.0 liter engine (3ZR-FE) with 7-speed CVT
-2.5 liter engine (2AR-FE) with 6-speed A/T
Just a suggestion
05-14-14, 05:13 AM
#27
Pole Position
05-14-14, 08:59 AM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
The touchscreen of most Lexus products are different than the rotary ***** of a lot of Toyota cars. What happens when the touchscreen stops working? Its not an easy thing to fix compared to the set of rotary dials.
05-14-14, 10:25 AM
#29
Lead Lap
The Fortuner caused a riot in sales here and if you know the vehicle well, you will understand why. It has everything going for it. It is actually a hard core 4x4 with a very, very comfortable ride, reliability is up there with the 70- series Land Cruiser and the price is extremely reasonable. If it is avalaible in the Carribean, I wouldn't think twice.
05-14-14, 11:18 AM
#30
Lead Lap
Being over the first flush of youth myself, one must keep in mind that certain things might get more emphasis as you grow older. I don't fancy struggling to get in and out of a car or to be confronted with a break down, like in my younger days. Funny enough it is much easier to get out of an SUV, than out of one of these modern cars, Neither do one like to go for an electronics engineers degree to operate some stuff on the car. In all these categories the Fortuner comes out with flying colours and it is not an old man's car , nor is it some third world bare bones crate, on the contrary, it has all the creature comforts one do appreciate, no matter your age,
Last edited by nipponbird; 05-14-14 at 11:23 AM.