about the fortuner, if you get one make sure you get Atleast 2012 model with squinty eyes. there are some major mechanical changes, including brakes.
the 2009-10 models are quite unsafe, period. I've driven 1.5 lac kms it's my humble opinion.
I was initially considering only the 2012+ model Fortuners, had mentioned in my initial post itself, but the challenge with that is the asking price starts at 18L, even for 1.2L+ driven cars, for less than 1L driven cars its 20L+, insane quotes all over.
Regarding the mechanical changes between the pre & post 2012 models, I think its really limited to the brakes and bringing in 4X2 options, nothing beyond that. The front & rear bumpers, head lights, tail lamp, interiors, etc. underwent major overhaul, also the suspensions were made stiffer. Was there any other changes? May be am mistaken also, let me know.
If am not wrong the brakes were upgraded in the later half of 2010 itself, also upgrades are available for the older models. Again, spending 12L to 14L on a 6 to 7 years old car doesnt seem to be sensible, that is the dillema...
I feel its insane waste of money to spend 12-14L and go for a second hand car as a used car doesn't have any good image in the market. The model is changed, older model had issues etc and real life resale value is not as high as people here are trying to inflate and show and if it is then better avoid that car. If you are spending 15-16L then a brand new Hexa XM makes a lot more sense but you would miss out on features compared to W8 but still a brand new car is a brand new car and Hexa is doing great with that awesome engine. But a used car only if you get it very cheap.
Indeed, I agree. Hence did the fallback to Storme which should be available in the 6L to 8L bracket (good ones, 2013 or 2014 models). I have no plans to spend more than 10L on a used car now, after a lot of thoughts, I cant convince myself, though my family will agree to what I decide, which brings more responsibility and burden on me.
Buying a new car now is not really on the cards at the moment; even if I do, most likely it will not be another Mahindra or Tata, as they suffer terribly in the used car market, value depreciates to about half in the first 3 years itself. Really burnt my fingers with XUV. I like the Hexa to be honest, the plan is to get a Storme now and replace it with a used Hexa in next 3 or 4 years.