Anyone been overlanding in a Hilux pickup?
After much deliberating in the last few months, I'm finally gonna take the plunge this June / July and buy me a 4x4.
I'm pretty set on a Toyota Hilux Pickup for it's lightweight, simple and rugged engine, storage capacity for extra fuel and availability of parts in Africa. I envisage being aone for most of the time, so interior space is not an issue.
I was just wondering how good they really are off road? I want to gop through most of Africa, and whilst I'm probably not going through major ergs, I want to be prepared for some pretty crappy roads. I also don't want something that's going to break down too much.
Are there any major things I shoul look out for when buying a HiLux? I'm looking at a 1992ish model, maybe 80,000 miles at around the £2500 - £3000 mark.
I have a few possible alternatives in mind:
(i) 2.4TD HiLux Surf - how good are these? Are they just a poorman's LC? Underpowered? Overcomplicated? Look nice though...
(ii) 2.4TD TLC VX (75?) SWB - I've heard these are not as rough and ready as the real 4L jobs?
(iii) the 4.0L TLC 74 Diesel. In comparison to the Hilux, is the fuel consumption much worse? I'll be alone with a minimum of extras. (i.e. no fridge or nonsense like that!)
Cheers
Dan
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