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Land rover defender or Toyota land cruiser for Africa? Land rover defender or Toyota land cruiser for Africa?
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  #1  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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Land rover defender or Toyota land cruiser for Africa?
Apologies in advance if this question has been asked before!
Hello everyone!
I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.
I'm planning an overland trip through Africa and am still trying to figure out what vehicle to have.
I've narrowed it down to Land-rover Defender or Toyota landcruiser
Can anyone give any helpful advice or opinions on which is best?
Thanks
africaman
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  #2  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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This will start an argument, so I'll get the first punch in.

If you like Land Rovers specifically, like fettling with low-tech engineering and can live with the gearbox / engine problems that the various models are prone to, go for a Land Rover.

If you want something that is unlikely to break down, is found in very nearly every country, and is altogether better engineered and more refined, go for a Toyota.
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  #3  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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troopy or 70 series
maybe 79 series with alu-cab
good luck
kp
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  #4  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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heart vs mind
Hi,
If I decide with my heart I would again choose the Defender (like the one I'm traveling with through Africa now). If I decide with my mind it would be a recent Toyota Bush Taxi.

Happy travels,

Gee
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  #5  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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Wink
If I decide with my body/soul/mind/wallet/desire for proven reliability etc etc
There can be only one- The Toyota Hilux-
Anyone who says any different is entitled to their wrong opinion!!!! Lock 'n load!
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  #6  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
If I decide with my body/soul/mind/wallet/desire for proven reliability etc etc
There can be only one- The Toyota Hilux-
Anyone who says any different is entitled to their wrong opinion!!!! Lock 'n load!
!!

Do you travel with a Hilux??
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  #7  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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Have you any experience of either ?, or any other 4x4 for that matter ?
If not then its mostly down to personal preference , all have pos and neg , and how important each of these is will decide which one you plump for .
I am a Landrover person , but that doesnt mean a land cruiser is rubbish .
A defender or cruiser take your pick , a hilux isnt in same area . Which ever you decide needs to be diesel , and neither will walk on water, also dont think that you can take the kitchen sink , as the heavier it gets the more problems you will have. The biggest factor for reliability is its previous life , and how well it was serviced and maintained . In both makes you dont want the latest , as the more modern you get the less suited they are for remote travel , to the point that EU emission vehicles may need modification to even run on 3rd world diesel. HTSH
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  #8  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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Talking
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Originally Posted by danielsprague View Post
!!

Do you travel with a Hilux??
I do, D4D 2.5 pickup - Truckman top blah blah blah
Even rigged with a hot shower heated up from engine- Life's a
One recommendation is to feed it clean diesel- a Mr Filter helps keep the crud and the water out from some supplies... Modern common rail Toyos are sensitive to and do not like debris-filled fuel-!
(bring your own water and cough up 3 euro if you want a hot shower ! )
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Old 23 Feb 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
I do, D4D 2.5 pickup - Truckman top blah blah blah
Even rigged with a hot shower heated up from engine- Life's a
One recommendation is to feed it clean diesel- a Mr Filter helps keep the crud and the water out from some supplies... Modern common rail Toyos are sensitive to and do not like debris-filled fuel-!
(bring your own water and cough up 3 euro if you want a hot shower ! )
Nice! I have a 1993 2.4, with a rear deck for putting a tent on. Looks like a normal vehicle and blends in everywhere. You don't get anywhere fast, but you always get there!
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  #10  
Old 23 Feb 2014
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Much as I like Land Rovers, the Defender is cobbled together with poor build quality, weak running gear and chassis' that should have been galvanised from new instead of rotting badly like they do. As mentioned, if you like fixing and tinkering with things, the Land Rovers will do it, if not buy a Toyota.

Also which market (country) are you buying and preparing a vehicle in ? if you are in the UK, Defender parts are pretty cheap, I wouldn't bother trying to build a Defender in North America as parts here are bloody expensive.
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  #11  
Old 24 Feb 2014
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Thanks for the info and opinions guys, keep 'em coming!

I LOVE the Toyota Hilux, always have, I had one back when I lived in Kenya and would love to get one for when I'm more settled. But I didn't think it was the right choice for this kind of trip, perhaps I should reconsider it in the runnings. . . .

I wasn't planning on getting a new model, older models are better to find spare parts for and besides, the older they are the better they look.

I've driven both vehicles but don't have a massive amount of experience with either, most of my experience was with the Hilux, so I know Toyotas more than the Landy's.

Am hoping to get the vehicle in South Africa rather than UK. Last time I checked it was a little cheaper out there and they're already kitted out for off road travel. But I haven't looked into the red tape of buying one in SA yet.

My feelings right now are that I'm leaning more towards Toyota. I'm no mechanic, and although I'll be brushing up on my mechanical knowledge before I leave ideally I want a vehicle that is mechanically sound as possible!

I'll have to be really picky when I purchase, make sure it's an older model, but not an overused vehicle.

Thanks again people!
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  #12  
Old 24 Feb 2014
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If you want to go on an expedition, take a landrover, if you want to come back again, take a Toyota!

Toyota parts are eyewateringly expensive compared to Landrover, but then, you'll need less of them!

a good 80 series TLC is probably the best buy in the UK, a 70 series elswhere. Landrover is probably only worth thinking about in the UK because of the massive number of specialists and aftermarket bits available. 200 or 300tdi is the only landie worth considering IMHO.

A lot of Toyota drivers have had landies in the past (me included). very few go back to the landie.
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Old 24 Feb 2014
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To drive an well maintained car, to drive at a weight who the car is designed for too the suspension is designed for, looks like the more important part than the brand itself.

Any well well maintained car should be able to handle a journey through africa.

If something goes wrong, that car is better where do you be able to buy spares on a local market. Because you dont have to flight in these spares.

Guess this speaks for toyota.

We was glad to find a new Windshield in mauretania at sample, without spending much time for searching or shipping.

But i still would choose that car who fits my needs, not the brand who is possible easier to repair. Focus in direction of travelling, not repairing...

Surfy
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Old 25 Feb 2014
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I'm speaking from an unbiased point of view. I've used LR and Toyota but own neither. I have respect for both but in very different ways, which follows just about all the previous replies.

You say that you are not a mechanically minded in an earlier post, that answers the question for me. Toyota. For some it's as much about the preparation and the vehicle as the journey. If I'm wrong and that is you then LR.

Of course there is a 3rd way Mercedes G Wagen. Combines the durability of a Toyota with the iconicisum (yes I know it's not a word) of a Defender.
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  #15  
Old 25 Feb 2014
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Spend a few hours sitting in a defender and a few hours sitting in a landcruiser, then decide which one you want to spend a few months in.


Add in the reliability issues and I think the Toyota wins hands down.
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