Due to the addition of my chinese crested to any travelling I will now be doing,the 2 wheel option is now out[ looked at sidecars but think might as well do 4wheel travel]. So will probably sell the xrv 650 or use it up until I go once i finally get my full licence.

Pretty much narrowed it down to 2 vehicles but both will have to be jap imports-

One is hilux possibly a surf- not sure which version yet as Im think the newer ones are based on land cruiser where as older ones were based on the hi lux.

the other is the 4x4 version of the Hiace van [old style]. There are fully kitted out camper versions which could make life a bit moe pleasant. MITSUBISHI DELICA was another option but dont think they are as widespread around the world for parts.

Has anyone had any experience with these. Ive read most the posts about the hilux so know its a very sound vehicle and easy to get parts for but what about the hi ace. Not planning on anything to hardcore in teh offroad dept, so a rough road vehicle would suit.

Hi Pictish,
the Surf is basically a Hilux and so obviously as you know pretty tough and durable. I believe that later ones are based on Prado running gear. The Hiace is also tough and 2x4 minibus versions here in West Africa (mostly just vans with windows cut out and home made seats) are common as hell. I know that the Hiace 2x4 is based on a Hilux 2x4 so again they are tough - especially bearing in mind most of them here are driven by "professional driving license holders" - in other words 17 year olds who learned driving on a village football field and paid 10 quid for a license <BG>. Maintenance is not their priorities and these things go well!!! I have never actually seen one here, but imagine the Hiace 4x4 is also Hilux based and so an even better option. I cannot claim experience of them but the Hiace and the Urvan (Nissan version) have pretty much cornered the market in mass transit in rural Ghana, so they are pretty tough!
Of course the Brit version of the Surf (4Runner) would not have to be imported from Japan although no doubt you can get a good deal with a Jap import.
I have often been astonished at the places I have seen a 2 wheel drive Hiace, although 15 disgruntled passengers make quite effective recovery!
Gil

for years I see (about only) old shattered 2WD Hiaces being used as minibusses till the most remote places of Africa and South America. Seems like it is a vehicle which even the hammer-mechanics cannot destroy. The last years the only minibus competition is coming from Mercedes Sprinter.
My personal experience is that the Hilux is the vehicle which you find in most countries of the world, after that the HiAce, than the Landcruiser.After a long (..)while LAndrover and Mitsubishi But as said, that is my experience,maybe coloured as I am a big Toyota fan

Not sure which vehicle the Hi-qce is based on, but the Hilux is more than capable of doing the job. As usual the newer you can afford with the fewest miles the better.

Also consider Toyota Landcruiser Prado, Land Cruiser 80 sreries, 70 series - in uk you will only find a swb, but the 3 litre version might be ok, and 60 series, MItsubishi L200 might be an option, usual Land Rover options but beware reliability problems.

Look for some other advice

Good luck

__________________
ChrisC

,
,
,
Pictish,

take the Surf.
3rd Gen.
3.0 liter
Auto.
I think 3rd Gen. are from 1994.
They have more Land Cruiser than old one's
They have coil springs rather than the older leaf springs.
My son has one.(not little guy in picture !)

Went up hills the Navara could only dream about.
.
here
.
.Check out the water level mark on the headlights on this last picture.
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They are very tough.