2009 Toyota Fortuner

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Toyota Fortuner

Fortuner buyers aren’t after flash—they want a seven-seater that’ll survive potholes on the N3 and the odd Sani Pass detour. That’s why it still sits at the top with the Everest, MU-X and Pajero Sport nipping at its heels. The numbers don’t lie: every one of the 104 listings is used, which shows Toyota’s holding back new stock, probably waiting for a refresh. Expect anything from R199,995 for a high-miler 3.0 D-4D to R779,900 for a nearly-new 2.8 GD-6, but the real volume sits bang in the middle around R445,000. That’s where you’ll find the best balance—enough kit, not so many years, and not yet thrashed by a third owner. On paper at least, the 2.8 GD-6 Raider auto is the bread-and-butter—nearly a quarter of all listings are some flavour of it, usually priced between R399,500 and R699,900. The 2.4 GD-6 shadows it, running R393,900 to R676,900, so you do have options if you pack smart and don’t need all the torque. The older 3.0 D-4D is tempting at under R350k, but with average mileages of 138,321 km, you’d better check every stamp in that service book. What keeps the Fortuner on top is the GD-6’s bulletproof reputation and a ladder-frame that laughs off bad farm roads—something the Everest’s monocoque just can’t match. When tar turns to track, the Fortuner just gets on with it.