Hi all,

It’s been a while since I last was on the HUBB, shame! We returned from an Africa overland trip in 2013 and now intend to go to Australia in about 2 years with our (by that time) 2-3 year old daughter for 6 months.

In Africa we were only two and had a fantastic equipped LC HZJ78. Now we think for Ozzie and three of us a LC 79 double cab would be best. I don’t mind an older model and high mileage, as long as the vehicle is in perfect condition.

We cannot find a vehicle that suits our needs: (something like a) LC 79 double cab, ‘overland ready’ (fridge, storages, extra battery, decent tires, heavy duty suspension, cooking place, snorkel, extra fuel tank, bull bar, etc.). Plus a family sized ‘roof top tent’ (4p, 1.80m width).

Does anyone know such a thing is on the market in Australia? Or should it be better to either change our wish list or find someone who can build this for us?

The thing is that I am not technically gifted, so I cannot build it myself (leaving aside absence of time and the distance; I live in the Netherlands).

What would be the best way forward? Just wait until something comes by on Gumtree? Is there someone who could build what we need? Other suggestions?

Many thanks!

P.s. After our trip we shall have to sell the vehicle, so it is not worth to invest an extreme amount of money, nevertheless a safe vehicle for some serious 4x4 is key

You might start here https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/toyota/landcruiser/ Australia is choka full of Toyota's and other 4x4's. Your always going to pay a premium for a landcruiser. Don't discount the other Japanese brands. Forget Landrovers, only the die hards who don't know better, still bother with them.

Do as DPerkins suggests, look on Carsales.
But the 79 dual cabs are fetching silly prices now as the Covid has restricted new stock somewhat and driven prices up. Also people are (unnecessarily) buying because they are fearing a new model.
There are some around if you look hard, but generally they are way overpriced at present. I've owned many 75 and 79 Utes but still feel they are basically a tough but fairly primitive farm ute.
But if you're planning a lot of rough off road stuff they will last the distance, if you pick a decent well maintained unit.
Just be prepared for some sticker shock.

As others have said Landcruisers down here are really expensive, particularly the 79’s.

Prado’s are always a good buy, particularly the V6 4000 petrols. Lots of these setup with good suspension, rear drawers and fridges etc that have not seen much work.

have fun down here.

Thanks to all! It sounds quite ridiculous, expensive LC’s and unnecessary premiums. A LC brings back memories and emotions. If I can get the premium back, I could consider. If not, an alternative would be better, espcially since I will only do a relatively small tour in 6 months.

The Prado is duly noted. Any other suggestions (preferably with lots of space; unbelievable how much extra you need with a child)?

No need to build a vehicle down here, there are heaps of used vehicles already set up for touring for good prices.

If you are looking for large, wagon type 4wd’s IMO you have two groups.

The 120 series Toyota Prado and the 2000 on Mitsubishi Pajero.

Prado has 180l fuel tanks as std.
Petrol V6 is powerful and indestructible.
The older 1KZ-TD engine is reliable and gets along ok.
The newer D4D TD engine is less reliable but gets along awesome.
I have had all three and would take the V6 over the other two (and I started life as a diesel mechanic LOL).

Pajero has about 85l fuel tank.
An awful V6 petrol engine really only found in ex cop 4wd’s.
A wonderful DiD Diesel engine.

Prado’s and Pajero’s are really common and most have had pretty easy lives. These became the replacement for the family station wagon in the 90’s. Some will have rear drawers etc but not many.

Pajeros are normally cheaper than Prado’s, the Toyota badge makes the Prado a premium buy. My money - a V6 6sp manual Prado in white. The Australian sun kills the clear coat on Metallic paints. It is very common here for 4wd’s to have a 50mm suspension lift.

The next group are the bigger wagons - 100 series Toyota and Nissan Patrols.

Land cruiser 100 series have 150l (ish) in dual tanks and have either a 4.5l twin cam petrol engine, V8 Petrol or the 1HDTE diesel. The 4.5l has a solid front axle, the other two are independent. 1HDTE is now unaffordable. There was a std model with a 1920’s diesel in it, but the mines have wrecked all those by now LOL.

Patrol has comes in a 4.5l or 4.8l petrol six and a 3.0L TD. There was a 4.2TD but that is also unaffordable now. The 4.5 is a complete dog and the 3.0l is called the handgrenade. Which leaves the 4.8l petrol.

The Patrols tend to have had a harder life than the Landcruisers, as they are viewed as the tougher of the two. The 100 series front axle was known to break crown wheels when a wheel lifted under hard work.

My money - V8 100 series Landcruiser. These have generally had an easier life.

It is easier to sell a Prado than a Landcruiser. I had a 3.0 patrol for work and loved it, but not my engine to worry about, and owned a 4.5l Landcruiser which I used to tow my race car with. Drank like a fish but was really good otherwise.

There are smatterings of other makes - Land Rovers and other heart breaking things, but these are the main four.

You should be able to get a well set vehicle, however, if not, there is a store down here called Kings 4wdsupacentre.com.au that sells everything you need at really cheap prices. Quality is so-so but if its not long term it should be okay, and you wont lose on the other side.

From personal experience;
No need for a bull bar - just steer clear of dusk/dawn or if you have to drive slower. Plus, they weigh the front of these IFS vehicles too much IMO.

No need for a snorkel. You would have to be going out of your way to find deep water to need one, or you are trying to drive through flood water, which is ill advised over here anyway.

Despite the hype, most of Australia can be done in a bog standard 4wd, provided it has proper 4wd, decent tyres, a compressor, snatch strap and recovery boards.

Even somewhere like Cape York is fine - unless you go looking for trouble.

A big thing down here is to to tow a camper trailer. Though they are slowly getting stupidly big in size, like our Americanising Bellies, there are still lightweight ones that tow easily, and have a modest footprint. Most of these will have a kitchen setup and watertank etc.

Have fun. If you are flying into Brisbane or the Gold Coast and need a hand send me a PM.

Homers - thanks a lot for the awesome reply! This was what I had been looking for. I disregarded the Prado thus far, but seemlingly totally for no good reason.

You are correct: for some reason Ozzie Landcruisers are having prices as if they were ferrari’s (although I would still prefer a LC