Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
Auto Overland Choices Auto Overland Choices
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jul 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 5
Auto Overland Choices
Hey guys,
Due to a medical problem (Arthritis at 25!) I find cars with clutches very hard to operate on longer journeys, so am looking at the usual suspects for a vehicle in Nissan Patrol's and Landcruiser's.

Are there any other vehicles that came in auto versions from the late 80's-early 2000's that are suitable for long overland trips or that I should be looking into in general?

Mostly traveling in Europe , the middle east and possibly a large trip up through Scandinavia into Russia.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Godalming, UK
Posts: 20
Mercedes G-wagen?

For the best combination of comfort, payload, off-road ability and reliability I'd probably say go for a Toyota 80 series auto, but get a Wholesale Automatics extreme valve body, manual lock-up switch and ATF temperature gauge fitted for peace of mind.

Might also be worth bearing in mind that at least some, if not all, the manual gearbox UK spec 80 series have a servo assisted clutch pedal...

Best of luck,
Toby
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 108
what about a LR discovery? there are a few jap import discovery's about with the 300 tdi engine in rust free condition.

I have a mate with one and its very comfortable, plenty of space though not the fastest auto with only a 2.5ltr engine pulling it.

regards

Gren
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 5
Yeah a Disco was on my list, but so far I'd almost discounted it as rust free examples are very hard to come by. Also my experience with the 300Tdi hasn't been the best.

The G-wagen was not something I'd looked into, will have a closer look at that for sure, an 80 sounds good if we head for Asia/Russia as their everywhere in that end of the world.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
With arthritus, I think I'd be looking at a 4x4 campervan so that all the mod cons are in the back - hot shower, heating, etc. Theres been a few threads about 4x4 Ivecos and Merc Sprinters over the years.

I'm assuming you intend camping or roof tenting with a 4x4 station wagon? I'd have thought cold and damp are your worst enemy.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jul 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ireland
Posts: 5
Yep I had looked into it, but Auto 4x4 Vans are very hard to come by unfortunately, and their prohibitively expensive for me new. Something like a VW T4 Syncro would be an option if I see one that I like for sure.

I would be camping inside the vehicle on short trips and a RTT on longer ones.

Cold and damp are my worst enemy, but I refuse to let the condition run my life, if I can ease the strain a little (Auto, Good Suspension Seat etc) I will but if not I will continue to go ahead with any plans.

Looking at it a Landcruiser 80 is most likely my best choice still. Best mix of availability, parts, and suitability.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 194
Auto Choices
G Wagen auto boxes are extremely robust, being far stronger than the manuals. From around 1995 you can’t get a manual G Wagen. Early non turbo 5 cylinder diesels barely move, newer 6 cylinder still pretty sloooooow, but built like the proverbial brick out house. Down side is the price.
I see you are in Ireland so you may want to contact this guy:
Needamerc - Classic Mercedes Services in Dublin, Ireland


VW T4 auto’s seem to have very poor reputation. By the sound of it heat and or electronic control issues. I guess an aftermarket oil cooler would sort the heat out. T4 Syncro’s seem very rare in RHD though and I can’t remember seeing an auto variant. Having siad that I have a T4 and you can drive it all day every day, extremely comfortable and eats miles.

On balance by the sound of it a LC80 sounds the best choice (and that’s from someone who has a G Wagen


Russ
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Brighton UK, Prague CZ
Posts: 47
Mitsubishi Delica would be my choice, because we have one and it is great.
__________________
www.delicajourney.webnode.cz
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jul 2010
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
The Pajero often comes in auto too, and the Jap market models are generally better equipped than the UK (Shogun) models.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Normandy,France
Posts: 39
My 4 wheeled mode is a Mitsubishi L200 3.0 V6 auto on petrol/lpg (500 mile range)
I would and have taken this anywhere altough I dont know what the lpg situation is outside of Europe, but then outside of Europe I could afford to run it on petrol!
Ive had it 3 years adding 60k to it and its been pretty indestructable.
When/if I can`t ride anymore this is what I turn to for trips
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Aug 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Lincolnshire, England
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayGannon View Post
... but I refuse to let the condition run my life, if I can ease the strain a little (Auto, Good Suspension Seat etc) I will but if not I will continue to go ahead with any plans.
These seem to have a good reputation in Oz. I think they sell the whole seat or just the suspension system. Stratos Seating - Products - Light Truck Seats
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Sep 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 33
look into older range rover classics, they came with good ZF automatics, are dirt cheap vehicles and share lot of things with defenders.

reason for recomendation is dirt cheap parts, and availebilety of them from england...paddockspares ect.

rover can be fixed, with out ruining the bank account...cant say the same about japanese vehicles.

to get idea:

YouTube - Wheeler Dealers Land Rover Range Rover part 1

and disco:

YouTube - Wheeler Dealers Land Rover Discovery TDi - Part 1.avi

just keep your hand of the rusty ones...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Too many choices...... restless Which Bike? 11 1 Jun 2010 20:25
Seat Choices guinness1761 Kawasaki Tech 4 1 Apr 2007 16:26
Bad equipment choices ignatieff Equipment Reviews 1 7 Mar 2006 17:39
too many choices.... zx6r Which Bike? 6 26 Feb 2005 13:59
Choices Choices Choises in Routing Fuchur North Africa 7 14 May 2002 21:56

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:07.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top