The newest member of the family...bagong sasakyan, katas ng pagod at libag hehe. The Crosswind, despite being basically the same since its introduction 10 years ago, still offers some key value propositions to prospective buyers. Ang isa sa kinukunsidera ko pag bibili ng bagong sasakyan ay diesel. My wife and I considered the Crosswind or the D4D Innova. Parehong 7-seaters, one of my main criteria. I studied my options for more than 2 months reading forums and story and experiences of Crosswind owners regarding these 2
vehicles.
Eventually, I decided on the Crosswind Sportivo because it was essentially an old-school, straight-to-the-point vehicle. Call it a dinosaur if you wish but it was exactly being a dinosaur that made me choose it over the Innova:
1. It has a proven diesel engine that mechanics outside the Casa can service (unlike the CRDI where only the Casa has the expertise to service)
2. Its parts are widely available and are cheaper to replace than the CRDI
3. It can take in any quality of diesel fuel you put on it.
4. No ECU to worry about in case I encounter some flooded streets
5. Owners' testimonies of 250K mileage with relatively few parts replacements
6. The indestructible-bullet-proof-built-like-a-tank proven reputation of Isuzu vehicles.
The Crosswind answered my need for a diesel-fed, "keeper" vehicle which I can use for 10-15 years as my workhorse without worrying too much about parts availability. I can drive it around anywhere without worrying about diesel quality and I can easily find a neigborhood mechanic to service it. Things like styling or horsepower or acceleretion speed were not factors in my purchase decision.
My point is kahit mukhang "overpriced" ang Crosswind (dahil luma na nga ang specs nito) vs. the Innova or the Montero, meron at meron pa rin bibili nito kahit pa hindi palitan ang specs nito for the next 10 years. And the reason for that ay meron talagang solid value proposition ang Crosswind for a certain segment of buyers.
Garage under construction...
