An Ideal Vehicle for All DR

[beeza]

I want a medium SUV with good gas mileage, CRV too small and expensive. RAV 4 too small, poor mileage and way over priced. The Sportage, Santa Fe and Rogue OK - but Rogue gas mileage may not be as good.
I want the reliability and ride of the old Rodeos (mileage not so great). I wish Isuzu Japan was still exporting SUVs, and they weren't partnered with GM. When you are paying $4.50 a gallon mileage is too important to ignore

If fuel economy is one of the most important factors for your SUV, then it has to be diesel.  Diesel is cheaper than gasoline by almost 50 pesos a gallon and the engines are more economical.

I had a mercedes ML280CDI (3L turbo diesel V6) which did over 40mpg and really flew when you floored it.  Although I don't recommend these high end German marques if you're not handy with a toolbox and can work with an OBD2 scanner.  I put 90k kms on my ML before I sold it.  I did my own maintenance and enjoyed owning it.  I have since changed it for a 2012 Highlander Ltd, which actually feels more refined than the Benz.  The only maintenance i will probably do are regular oil changes (essential for Toyotas) and brake pads.  I highlight regular oil changes for Toyotas because their engines have a tendency to accumulate sludge in the sump which can eventually congeal and cause oil starvation problems.  The only reason a Toyota engine will fail prematurely will be down to lack of regular oil changes.

Now you say you want a mid size SUV that is fuel efficient, then I would go for the Toyota Fortuner.  Essentially a Hilux with an SUV body.  Rugged , bullet proof undercarriage and a 3L turbo diesel that will go on forever if you look after it.

 

[beeza]

Duplicate post

 

[Cdn_Gringo]

If gas mileage is not the top consideration, this would be my choice...

Lots of cargo space, no motos getting caught underneath, no worrying about anything other than those collision that would bring me to a sudden stop.

 

[beeza]

If gas mileage is not the top consideration, this would be my choice...

View attachment 2704

You have no idea how much I fantasize about driving an amoured vehicle through Santiago.  See those carro publicos cut me off and stop in front of me then!

 

[chico bill]

I have a Discovery. It is not trouble free but mostly little things. I was happy to find a german meistermechaniker who only does 
Land Rovers. He is such an expert and has a lot of used parts. So no problem having a LR.

Ford indeed is junk, as a lot of american brands. They are hardly sold in Europe.

I bought one in Puerto Rico with about 40 K miles. It rode well, was capable off road but I have never owned such a troublesome bucket of bolts - gas leaks, electrical trouble in wet weather, constant trips to the repair shop - these are worse than the old Volkswagen I owned as a college student. I gave it the boot after having to rebuilt the gear box and a head gasket failure. Sorry I can not afford a crappy vehicle just to park with a mechanic.
Now, although I would never would buy one myself, I have two friends in the DR that swear their Ford Escapes are rock solid - so go figure. For me I'll stay with a Japanese vehicle in DR.
Has anyone owned the Outlander ? Mitsubishi used to make the best SUV in the world - the Montero. They went down after switching to the Endeavor.

 

[the gorgon]

I bought one in Puerto Rico with about 40 K miles. It rode well, was capable off road but I have never owned such a troublesome bucket of bolts - gas leaks, electrical trouble in wet weather, constant trips to the repair shop - these are worse than the old Volkswagen I owned as a college student. I gave it the boot after having to rebuilt the gear box and a head gasket failure. Sorry I can not afford a crappy vehicle just to park with a mechanic.
Now, although I would never would buy one myself, I have two friends in the DR that swear their Ford Escapes are rock solid - so go figure. For me I'll stay with a Japanese vehicle in DR.
Has anyone tried the Outlander ? Mitsubishi used to make the best SUV in the world - the Montero.

i have a friend who has an Escape and he is very happy with it.

 

[JD Jones]

If fuel economy is one of the most important factors for your SUV, then it has to be diesel.  Diesel is cheaper than gasoline by almost 50 pesos a gallon and the engines are more economical.

I had a mercedes ML280CDI (3L turbo diesel V6) which did over 40mpg and really flew when you floored it.  Although I don't recommend these high end German marques if you're not handy with a toolbox and can work with an OBD2 scanner.  I put 90k kms on my ML before I sold it.  I did my own maintenance and enjoyed owning it.  I have since changed it for a 2012 Highlander Ltd, which actually feels more refined than the Benz.  The only maintenance i will probably do are regular oil changes (essential for Toyotas) and brake pads.  I highlight regular oil changes for Toyotas because their engines have a tendency to accumulate sludge in the sump which can eventually congeal and cause oil starvation problems.  The only reason a Toyota engine will fail prematurely will be down to lack of regular oil changes.

Now you say you want a mid size SUV that is fuel efficient, then I would go for the Toyota Fortuner.  Essentially a Hilux with an SUV body.  Rugged , bullet proof undercarriage and a 3L turbo diesel that will go on forever if you look after it.

Second that. I've changed mine every 5000 Km for that very reason. The oil on my dipstick always looks clean which is very hard to accomplish with a diesel engine. I suspect it's because I have the simpler non turbo engine which is a dream.

I've been thinking about selling it, but only because I have too many vehicles.

 

[playacaribe2]

Has anyone tried the Outlander ? Mitsubishi used to make the best SUV in the world - the Montero.

Save your money. Drove the Outlander two weeks ago and it is not only not as impressive as its Japanese/Korean cousins, the base model is slightly more expensive than other models in its class. It was like steering a box that howled when you stepped on the gas.....but it does have a tiny third row seat.

As to the Montero, I never understood their popularity in the DR. Decent vehicle, not great but decent.............but prone to roll overs.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

 

[AlterEgo]

As to the Montero, I never understood their popularity in the DR. Decent vehicle, not great but decent.............but prone to roll overs.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

Wow, never knew that. Mr. AE totaled his on Thursday, rolled over, landed on the top. Seat belt saved his life.

 

[playacaribe2]

Wow, never knew that. Mr. AE totaled his on Thursday, rolled over, landed on the top. Seat belt saved his life.

Hope he is ok?

Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

 

[ju10prd]

If fuel economy is one of the most important factors for your SUV, then it has to be diesel.  Diesel is cheaper than gasoline by almost 50 pesos a gallon and the engines are more economical.

I had a mercedes ML280CDI (3L turbo diesel V6) which did over 40mpg and really flew when you floored it.  Although I don't recommend these high end German marques if you're not handy with a toolbox and can work with an OBD2 scanner.  I put 90k kms on my ML before I sold it.  I did my own maintenance and enjoyed owning it.  I have since changed it for a 2012 Highlander Ltd, which actually feels more refined than the Benz.  The only maintenance i will probably do are regular oil changes (essential for Toyotas) and brake pads.  I highlight regular oil changes for Toyotas because their engines have a tendency to accumulate sludge in the sump which can eventually congeal and cause oil starvation problems.  The only reason a Toyota engine will fail prematurely will be down to lack of regular oil changes.

Now you say you want a mid size SUV that is fuel efficient, then I would go for the Toyota Fortuner.  Essentially a Hilux with an SUV body.  Rugged , bullet proof undercarriage and a 3L turbo diesel that will go on forever if you look after it.

Considering that many European countries and indeed China intend to phase out diesel cars this may be a factor going forward.

I enjoyed driving a 2.5 diesel BMW 3 series several years back and that gave me nearly 55mpg with motorway driving at and a tad above the UK limit of 70mph. It was also very quick off the mark and had a turn of speed when you put the foot down and handled exceptionally well added to proven German quality. Driving a BMW makes you never want to drive another car. I do see a number of BMW 5X's around and I am sure that could be a very good package to enjoy all the types of driving here.

What worries me most about having a diesel car here is fuel quality. It is awful in the islands and my plant mechanics told me to forget diesel cars there and I bet we get the same quality fuel here in DR.

 

[AlterEgo]

Hope he is ok?

Respectfully,
Platacaribe2

Still hospitalized because ER tests found unknown heart issues, but everyone agrees it's a miracle he walked away - literally - from this:

PS. Airbag did not deploy. 

 

[beeza]

Considering that many European countries and indeed China intend to phase out diesel cars this may be a factor going forward.

I enjoyed driving a 2.5 diesel BMW 3 series several years back and that gave me nearly 55mpg with motorway driving at and a tad above the UK limit of 70mph. It was also very quick off the mark and had a turn of speed when you put the foot down and handled exceptionally well added to proven German quality. Driving a BMW makes you never want to drive another car. I do see a number of BMW 5X's around and I am sure that could be a very good package to enjoy all the types of driving here.

What worries me most about having a diesel car here is fuel quality. It is awful in the islands and my plant mechanics told me to forget diesel cars there and I bet we get the same quality fuel here in DR.

Yes diesel quality was a concern for me.  But recently the DR have been selling more "Euro-diesel" and has become more widespread.  It costs a few pesos more per gallon, but has lower sulfur content which extends engine and injector life.  These common rail diesel engines produce up to 3000psi at the injectors, so good quality fuel and an OEM fuel filter is essential.

In the 90k kms I travelled, I only had one incident where I picked up bad fuel.  It took a gulp of water and died on me right in traffic in Santo Domingo.  Luckily was able to bleed the fuel filter and get going again.

 

[playacaribe2]

Still hospitalized because ER tests found unknown heart issues, but everyone agrees it's a miracle he walked away - literally - from this:

PS. Airbag did not deploy. 

View attachment 2707

View attachment 2708

It appears to be an older Montero without side curtain airbag(s) AND perhaps did not sustain the minimum required front end impact damage (but the damage to the right front surely seems like the airbag should have triggered the sensor and deployed).

That and if the airbag had deployed prior and was not properly re-installed.....could also be a possibility.

Hope he has a speedy recovery.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

 

[AlterEgo]

It appears to be an older Montero without side curtain airbag(s) AND perhaps did not sustain the minimum required front end impact damage (but the damage to the right front surely seems like the airbag should have triggered the sensor and deployed).

That and if the airbag had deployed prior and was not properly re-installed.....could also be a possibility.

Hope he has a speedy recovery.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

Thank you. Yes, it was our extra car, that he used for fishing, hunting, baseball, etc., his mobile man cave. I think I  rode in it twice.  

 

[playacaribe2]

Thank you. Yes, it was our extra car, that he used for fishing, hunting, baseball, etc., his mobile man cave. I think I  rode in it twice.  

And Mr AE's accident can also begin another discussion that is not widely recognized.

If the vehicle was a direct import into the DR, it may not have had certain features, safety and otherwise, mandated by law elsewhere.

And airbags could be the obvious one here to focus on.

In order to meet certain pricepoints in third world countries, manufacturers often cut corners on safety, emissions, engines, transmissions, fit and finish etc., to meet those price points.

The vehicle may look identical to its North American cousin, but can be vastly different upon closer inspection. Which is why so many dealers highlight in their ads for used vehicles "version Americana."

Caveat Emptor.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

 

[AlterEgo]

And Mr AE's accident can also begin another discussion that is not widely recognized.

If the vehicle was a direct import into the DR, it may not have had certain features, safety and otherwise, mandated by law elsewhere.

And airbags could be the obvious one here to focus on.

In order to meet certain pricepoints in third world countries, manufacturers often cut corners on safety, emissions, engines, transmissions, fit and finish etc., to meet those price points.

The vehicle may look identical to its North American cousin, but can be vastly different upon closer inspection. Which is why so many dealers highlight in their ads for used vehicles "version Americana."

Caveat Emptor.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

Thats important information, thanks.

Our Montero never left NJ, so it should have had an airbag

We shipped in a Toyota Venza to DR, we bought it new in NJ with the intention of shipping it there, so we ordered it with AWD and a 4 cylinder engine. I can't tell you how many Dominicans have asked us to sell it to them, from an agrovet to strangers at La Sirena.  I think we have about 45,000 miles on it, and it's a 2009. 

 

[playacaribe2]

Thats important information, thanks.

Our Montero never left NJ, so it should have had an airbag

We shipped in a Toyota Venza to DR, we bought it new in NJ with the intention of shipping it there, so we ordered it with AWD and a 4 cylinder engine. I can't tell you how many Dominicans have asked us to sell it to them, from an agrovet to strangers at La Sirena.  I think we have about 45,000 miles on it, and it's a 2009. 

Yes it should have had an airbag............and side curtain airbags if it was a 2006 or newer.

Many Dominicans know that there are differences in vehicles imported directly to the DR and those indirectly imported from elsewhere in North America.

Same experience with all my cars I have shipped there from the US too. Always a line of people wanting to buy when I am ready to sell.

Version Americana is another selling point. Ever wonder why Dominicans seem to leave the import stickers on their cars forever?


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

 

[chico bill]

Yes it should have had an airbag............and side curtain airbags if it was a 2006 or newer.

Many Dominicans know that there are differences in vehicles imported directly to the DR and those indirectly imported from elsewhere in North America.

Same experience with all my cars I have shipped there from the US too. Always a line of people wanting to buy when I am ready to sell.

Version Americana is another selling point. Ever wonder why Dominicans seem to leave the import stickers on their cars forever?


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

Because typically the roads in the US don't have the jarring potholes which destroy suspensions and maintenance is usually better and performed by certified shops not Tio Tony who is drunk by noon, owns two tools a hammer and rusty screw driver, or the maintenance is not done because an oil change buys 6 bottles of rum.
But beware of North East cars and salt damage

 

[chico bill]

Thats important information, thanks.

Our Montero never left NJ, so it should have had an airbag

We shipped in a Toyota Venza to DR, we bought it new in NJ with the intention of shipping it there, so we ordered it with AWD and a 4 cylinder engine. I can't tell you how many Dominicans have asked us to sell it to them, from an agrovet to strangers at La Sirena.  I think we have about 45,000 miles on it, and it's a 2009. 

Hold onto your Venza as that model was discontinued that model a couple years ago. Parts could be scarce here ?