www.CostaRicaTicas.com
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/

Advice on SUV's
https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=39352		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  BondTrader [ Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:11 am ]
Post subject:  Advice on SUV's
Arriving in 3 weeks for my much needed 10 day vacation in CR. Will be staying at Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula (about a 45 minute drive from Puerto Jimenez on a challenging road. Last year I flew Nature Air into P.J. and then paid for rides (taxi's) from hotel to town (about $60 each time). This time am renting an SUV so here's my question:

What, in your opinion is the sturdiest of SUV's that you would recommend. The roads to Bosque are rough and challenging and I will be there nearly a week and I want something that will hold up (not one of those tin can Suzuki's). Also--price is not an issue. I'm thinking perhaps Mitsubishi Montero but would like to hear any other ideas. Thx.
Author:  Planenutz69 [ Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
Rented a Montero with Diesel engine last year from Hertz.

It was a great rental SUV for CR.

The GPS was worth every penny too
Author:  Seabreeze [ Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
BondTrader wrote:
Arriving in 3 weeks for my much needed 10 day vacation in CR. Will be staying at Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula (about a 45 minute drive from Puerto Jimenez on a challenging road. Last year I flew Nature Air into P.J. and then paid for rides (taxi's) from hotel to town (about $60 each time). This time am renting an SUV so here's my question:

What, in your opinion is the sturdiest of SUV's that you would recommend. The roads to Bosque are rough and challenging and I will be there nearly a week and I want something that will hold up (not one of those tin can Suzuki's). Also--price is not an issue. I'm thinking perhaps Mitsubishi Montero but would like to hear any other ideas. Thx.


Mits Montero or Toyota 4runner
Author:  JazzboCR [ Fri Nov 18, 2011 4:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
I agree with the above selections but may I add the older version of the Subaru Forester (I have a 2011 but it's unibody--the older ones [and what you want] are body-on-frame if any off-roading is in the plans or being ready for the unexpected.) Here's an older article explaining why with examples:
http://autos.aol.com/gallery/top-10-off-road-suvs/
Author:  Nhhank [ Fri Nov 18, 2011 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
I have been on some of the roads Bond T is talking about... ain't no Suburu going threw that :shock:
The road is not as bad as it once was to PJ but no cake walk :shock:

I would still fly to PJ and have the local car rental place import the bull you need

Get it at the grave yard... steps from the plane :shock:

Have fun great place to go
Author:  CRGolfer [ Sat Nov 19, 2011 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
How you doing BondTrader?

I have lived here in CR for about 7 years and am constantly driving in and out of projects I am involved with. Good SUV's are something I am familiar with in CR.

Your rental companies are going to offer a few choices across all companies.

On the big end you have the Toyota Prado. This is really a Lexus LX 470 (I believe I have the number right on that) with a Toyota emblem on the outside. All rental companies have them in a standard cloth interior with a diesel or turbo diesel engine. Toyota rental car offers a premium version with review camera, leather, bluetooth, etc. The prado is about $150 and up per day in CR.

You will also find diesel versions of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport... good car on the back roads. About $120 and up per day.

On the mid size SUV's you will find gasoline versions of the Toyota Rav 4 and a 4 door Suzuki which the model names escapes me at the moment. These will go for about $100 per day.

Compact SUV's you will find a Dihatsu Beego as well as another which the make and model escape me at the moment. These will be about $85 per day.

Any of these SUV's will get you there. The Beego is a little tall for how narrow the wheel base is. If you plan on driving fast when off road it would be a shitty option.

If flying into SJO, try Vamos rental car (search for it on google with VAMOS rental car Costa Rica) they have some of the best pricing on the bigger SUV's. They are slightly older than the inventory of the other companies but I have never heard of anyone with a bad experience.

All CR comanies will make you responsible for any tire issues and will not offer roadside assistance. Was hung up on the first time I called Hertz while I was doing monthly rentals before buying my first Prado a few years ago.

Let me know if you have any questions I can help with.

CRG


BondTrader wrote:
Arriving in 3 weeks for my much needed 10 day vacation in CR. Will be staying at Bosque del Cabo on the Osa Peninsula (about a 45 minute drive from Puerto Jimenez on a challenging road. Last year I flew Nature Air into P.J. and then paid for rides (taxi's) from hotel to town (about $60 each time). This time am renting an SUV so here's my question:

What, in your opinion is the sturdiest of SUV's that you would recommend. The roads to Bosque are rough and challenging and I will be there nearly a week and I want something that will hold up (not one of those tin can Suzuki's). Also--price is not an issue. I'm thinking perhaps Mitsubishi Montero but would like to hear any other ideas. Thx.
Author:  BondTrader [ Sat Nov 19, 2011 7:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
Thank You CR Golfer.

Actually used Toyota Rental about 4 or 5 years ago and remember that experience as being a very positve one. I will contact them regarding your suggestion of the Prado. Sounds like what I'm looking for.
Author:  JazzboCR [ Sat Nov 19, 2011 9:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Advice on SUV's
I'll save you the trouble of looking up Brother CRGolfer's motor mention, Vamos:
http://www.vamos4x4.com/vamos/
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
https://www.phpbb.com/