2wd vs 4wd for SA
Hi all,
I'm plannning a trip around South America next year with my gf and will be looking to buy a vehicle over there, probably in Peru or maybe Chile (or wherever it's easiest)!
We have a minimal budget and want to see as much as possible over about a year. I've been considering a 2wd van as they are cheap, we could sleep in the back some of the time and they don't mark you out as a rich tourist. Also, spares should be readily available and most are simple to work on.
However, for similar money I could probably get an older, small 4x4. I don't think the extra off-road capability is essential, (or is it?) but would it survive the pounding from a year of travel on bad/dirt roads better than a van? I imagine spares might be harder to find and more expensive and obviously we couldn't sleep in it but that would be a worthwhile compromise if it meant less breakdowns. Might get to some less accessible places too. I'm thinking of a Daihatsu Rocky/Feroza, Suzuki Vitara for the 4x4 or a Chevy panel van for 2wd. Fuel economy should be roughly the same for a bigger van/small 4x4, if diesel, no?
Any thoughts appreciated.
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