Thanks everyone for your input! Seriously I've been doing research like crazy now.
It's clearly a Mu-X / Pajero Sport / Fortuner. Of the three I'm leaning towards a Fortuner. But I'm looking at all three with local dealers and seeing which of the three I can get in my budget in the best condition.
Insurance is not really a concern and I'm not too concerned with hijacking / theft where I live and go crime is lower thank usual or gated.
You have 2 outstanding options for this requirement. The Toyota Fortuner and the Mistubishi Pajero Sport, out of those 2 I'd go with the Pajero because it's far more likely to remain where I parked it than a Fortuner.
Another dark horse could be the Mahindra Scorpio N, they seem to have upped their game signifcantly with it. They have always been fairly reliable but always a bit too agricultural, Scropio N is a big step up on the styling and cabin quality also has 5-star NCAP.
One final option to consider is the the Ford Everest, but personally I have seen too many Ford horror stories to be brave enough to drive one.
Looked into the Everest (I like the back two seats fold down and flush) but also have a personal engine trouble story with the Ranger so don't really want to go that route. Looking for more reliability.
If it’s purely for space, convenience and fuel economy, a vw caddy / caddy maxi 7 seater 2.0tdi.
Been driving 1 for about 2 months now and it’s great. Best part is it’s really fuel efficient. With decent mixed driving, I get around 6.2l / 100km.
Probably can’t pull a massive boat but a small one should be fine. There’s also the alltrack version that’s got more power plus dsg.
Looked into the Caddy Maxi (no auto rn and not handle farm roads as well) and the Tiguan Allspace (back seats a bit small compared to other 7 seaters)
Pajero / Pajero Sport would be another good option. Well priced compared to the Toyota.
But, there is one particular vehicle NO ONE has mentioned yet. Ticks all your boxes. Just as reliable as the Toyota (maybe more?) but costs less. Also built on a ladder frame chassis and will tow your house if you need it to.
Isuzu Mu-X.
Fits your budget. 3.0 TDi engine that's more reliable than a hammer. 15 000km service interval. 5 year warranty came standard. Wont cost as much as
Shot for the epic message! I'm currently looking at them.
Fuel economy again anything around 10 l/100km is what I'm expecting from a diesel at this size of car.
Went through similar experience in November for the vrou, Drove the MuX and then drove a 2017 Prado afterwards.
We bought the prado (for R500k) as the amount of gadgets and comfort the car has is just fantastic. Desember Holiday got 10L/100km and town driving sitting at 11.5L/100km so happy with that aswell. Service was R2600 at Toyota and did discs and pads all round last month for R 7 500.
I didn't consider the Prado cause of the budget but will definitely look into them. Ik they're solid vehicles.
What do you want from the vehicle? Usage? Kids?
Nissan xtrail accenta 7 seater awd. Seats fold flat.
Thanks will check it out.
It's complete personal bias but for this buy I'm leaning away from German, Chinese and South Korean vehicles for this buy.
Again thanks for everyone input
