Overlanding vehicle preferences?
 

hey guys,
Im debating doing overlanding, as my wife doesnt like to adventure ride on the bike. I was Army SSF, and was used to sierras etc. My question is this... Are there like a top choices for overlanding for the average person? I used to own a VW Touareg and loved it but was looking at the Tacoma or Xterra or something as an option. Figuring it cost and avalibity of aftermarket parts, ease of repairs, etc and capability off road of the machine ( not the driver ) lol. Any ideas? I know its a loaded question but still need to ask. Its like Adventure riding, alot of adventure bikes will do it, but some are better then others or are better at certain points etc.
Thanks
gary:funmeteryes:

Chose something the 'locals' use .. that way there is plenty of local parts/help available (and the tracks should be acceptable).

If you going to lots of places and there is no common vehicle then chose something that has one or more good suppliers that know how to send stuff to you there. Preferably it should have stuff you need frequently (like tyres, filters) of a common type.

Forget the fancy do dads... just attract unwanted attention. Things like fuel and water tanks .. yes.

It depends on where you are heading with your expedition , if its just north american continent , then it a lot different answer than say Africa.
If it is the first then you have a much wider scope , ROW then it rules out most US vehicles , due several factors. If buying for elswhere then , as previous see what locals use, most overlanders seem to go toyota, landrover , mercedes iveco. But avoid latest models , due emission req , that make them not like 3rd world diesel . HTSH

One of which is shipping .. you want it to fit inside a normal shipping container, for cost from ports not frequented by RORO ships. Even RORO have limits as to size.

If you want a precise answer, put some more detail into the question. Saying that you are 'doing overlanding' is pretty vague, where are you planning on going and what route will you be taking? for how long? will you be sleeping in the vehicle, tent or hotel ? do you specifically need a 4x4?

Maybe this arcticle can help you a bit:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdHI09LsIN...reaker_2wd.jpg

Choosing the right vehicle for overlanding

The article is in german, I dont have translated it yet. But there is a translate button.

Surfy

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses.

I didnt put alot of detail into it as I am not sure to what degree the wife will like this. 90% of the time I will be in Canada, USA or Mexico, with pretty good possibility Central america and possibly South America. I would like to not be limited in case I chose to goto europe or asia etc.... seeing as if I have to start I wanted to start with a good foundation. For Example I used to own a VW Touareg. great off road, but pricey and alot of sensors and modules requiring a VAGCOM etc. So instead of re-invernting the wheel with trial and error I prefer to find out what others find good base vehicles to start with IE Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, 4 runner land cruiser, Xterra etc etc... Im sure some vehicles have better capabilities off road and more options of aftermarket items. So just trying to sort out the good from bad options. Im sure Ill hit alaska and moab etc.. Id like to be able to off road.

hope this helps.:mchappy:

Broad brush..........

For the Americas you need something American, For anywhere else you need something Toyota!

was the second part an attempt at humour ? :confused1:

not if your refering to my postdoh

Sounds like you are still choosing new cars with lots of electronics (FJ, tacoma, etc). A early 90's 4 runner or landcrusier is much better..... Having said that the places you mention will all have big dealerships close by, so maybe not a problem to buy new after all.

This is such a hang up in the overlanding world. There will come a time when all the older cars just no longer exist and you will have to go with a more modern, hence more electronic deviced vehicle.

If you are really going into the wilds, then having a simple to repair car is a sensible option, however I live and work in disadvantaged environments all the time and just do not want to rely on an older vehicle when it comes to taking my wife and children across the middle east and africa.

So now in Ethiopia I have the latest generation LR Defender 110 which has never let me down. I import my own spares and servicing items (there is no LR approved dealer in Addis), and use the best local garage I can find.

Both at work and privately I have used a wide range of vehicles in some very tough environments including Toyota LC100 and latest generation 200, LR Disco 2, 3 and 4 as well as Defender and a Range Rover. Mistsubishi Pajero etc Nissan pickups and Toyota hi lux etc (never used a Pathfinder).

issues have included suspension problems (Range Rover air bags going bang!) punctures (Many), accidents etc but having ensured they were all well serviced as a result have had very little in the way of breakdown.

The problem will always be servicing and repairs, so IF you can get the vehicle repaired adequately and you have a decent budget, the world is your oyster.

(Just look across the middle east at the cars the arabs use, some amazing stuff. But if staying off road for long periods of time, say in Wadi Rum, the venerable Toyota 70 series is still king, whereas in Kenya it is Series and Defender LR's).

As has been said above. look seriously at the intended use and make your choice from there.

and although said jokingly, across a large part of the world Toyota is king and has an excellent world wide infrastructure (again Ethiopia does not have an authorised Toyota dealer, but lots of independants).

good hunting, the choice is half the fun.

regards.

Will you be sleeping in the vehicle?


That's the biggest deciding factor on what you should buy, if you are, you will probably need a pickup with a demountable camper, or you could get any one of the SUV's you mentioned and mount a roof tent or simply tow a trailer (caravan)


If you are hoteling it then get anything North American, a tricked up Jeep Wrangler Rubicon will give you good off road ability with a few modifications, at highway speeds they are not so comfy for a long journey, but id probably look at the new shape FJ Cruiser - it has a Torsen centre diff and with front and rear diff locks and a modest suspension lift is very capable, much nicer on the highway and has a decent amount of room for 2 people + gear.

Juno put it better than me and I agree with his comments. On another note, most older cars will need alot of money spent on them to bring them upto scratch. Therefore, very little in costs between old Vs new. I am I the process of throwing cash at an older Toyota and spent alot of time deciding which way to go with this question. Pays your money....makes your choice.

what you have overlooked is that a new diesel vehicle bought in Europe will be unusable in Africa because of the use of euro5 and now the even worse euro 6 engines. Sure, some can be modified to accept worse fuel, but then they don't comply in their country of origin. Maybe once all the old cars are used up the rest of the world will have moved onto euro 5 or 6 (we will probably be on euro 57, or not even using diesel vehicles!!) so then they will be more viable but until then, unless you can buy a new vehicle to the same spec as locally sourced vehicles (which currently probably couldn't be registered in Western Europe, due to it's emissions), old (pre euro 5) rules!!

I did like Tonka, and rebuilt an older vehicle, for a similar price to buying a new one! but it should outlive me now. Old vehicles will always be around, how many original willys jeeps and series 1 landrovers are still around!! Look after them well and an older vehicle can provide very fine service