I spotted Iveco Daily 4x4s available at http://www.witham-sv.com/infopage.php?ID=189&Overide=1
at first glance they look about the right shape and size for my needs.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of vehicle - I see Luke in France has one, but he has no contact email on his profile.

If anyone has any links to web-sites with further info. or comments good/bad about reliability, performance on Saharan pistes and comfort on road I would appreciate it.

NB I am looking for just a little more space than a 110 and will carry a motorcycle on the back, so the large side door is a big plus for getting access to the rear storage without dismounting the bike.

Suggestions for other vehicles to consider would also be appreciated.

Hi Ian,
Just looked at your link; why the hell didn't I find that when I was on the market for one!
I'm very happy with mine, they're bloody good work horses. Don't expect dune buggy performance, but the 2.5TD block is very sturdy; the turbo's a standard Garrett or KKK model (both fit withoout mods). The injection's bog standard Bosch stuff driven by a chain in a completely waterproof cast alloy housing. The gearbox is industrial, and the rear axle is the same as on all the Dailys up to 6 tonnes. The sump and transfercase guards are monstrous,and even though the front suspension is independant, you've got the same clearance as a live axle on 7.5x 16
There are 2 main sites that I've found, in german unfortunately in german, but Babel fish and a bit of patience helps a lot.
http://home.datacomm.ch/iveco.web/
http://www.viermalvier.com/ - forum - Iveco.
The main complaint is that they're slow; I think 100kph is quite respectable. Mine loses it on hills, but then it has a few mods and weighs a little more. But even so, I've averaged 23.5mpg over the last three years incl. weekend playing in bogs and sandpits
It's possible to put twins on the back axle, and add a standard NATO upgrade to the leaf pack. Mine has 3 tonnes on the back axle and doesn't sag, but at that weight you want a good compressor and plates before risking the soft stuff.
Mine had already done the transAfrica and the tour of Austraila before I found it, I'm setting off to CT next month.
Better stop now, I'm rattling on like one of those LR enthusiasts.
Go for it, you'll love the extra space, and all the accomodation possibilities.
Happy research,
Luke
Dunno why the email's not in the profile:
wlukeh at orange dot fr

Many thanks Luke :-)

From what you said it sounds strong and reliable, if I can find one with the right condition and price I think I will but it.

The place I found listing them as in stock doesn't have any, I will keep looking and hope to have it on the pistes late 2004.

Salut!

Ian

Try this link for an ex ambulance Iveco

http://www.nkrecovery.co.uk/New%20Folder/iveco%201.jpg

http://www.nkrecovery.co.uk/vehicles.html

Not cheap but he's had it for a long while now so may be open to offers

Also some nice 101's on the site :-)



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Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

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Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

Many thanks Rich,

I shall keep an eye on this supplier - I've decided to try & get a vehicle with a side door (for easy access to 2nd row of seats with 4 of us - and easy luggage access with motorbike on the back), so the paramedic/ambulance variant without side door that they have available is not ideal for me.

Regards,

Ian

Ian

I know someone who purchased one of these iveco ambulances - they are awesome. - Won the military tials hands down, but as the Mod were ordering LR's the ambulances had to be the same mechanically.
They have been used by the Italian military for a number of years and the few that are in the Uk are a number of steps on from there - ie. they have 5 forward and only 1 reverse gear - only joking!!
They are well put together have a very reliable engine and numerous oother mods and bits
Good luck in you search

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ChrisC

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ChrisC

Hi Ian

I have seen 4x4 Ivecos in Africa and they use them commercially for desert trips, also the Aussis use them a lot. They are built on a strong chassis and the engine is reliable (the old 2.5 is superceded by the 2.8)

I havn't been able to find one so bought a 4x4 County Ford Transit as used by various utility companies. It is a twin wheel 3.5 tonne gross with side loading door on long wheel base (I think the Ivecoes are all short) Bits are cheap and the old 2.5 engine is indistructable. County convertions are still around and spares available, they are very helpfull. They come up in the local paper occasionally, you are welcome to have a look at mine if your interested.

Happy Travels

Bruce

I think you've hit the nail on the head Bruce - the problem is finding one. I'll keep looking for 6 months, hopefully a decent one will turn up (inshallah)otherwise I'll change my vehicle/payload/route plans.

Thanks for the offer to see your county, if I were a little closer I would take you up on it, but will say no for now.

Ian

Saw this on 4x4web.co.uk and thought of you .......
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Ford Iveco Turbo Daily 40-10 4x4 South Wales
Unfinished camper project. J Reg,3 Ltr Turbo Diesel, selectable 4wd, free-wheeling hubs, front & rear diff locks, cobra front seats on swivel bases, rear seat/ bedframe, panelled, 2 roof vents, rear double glazed windows, full set of workshop manuals, 6 CD multichanger, Mileage 64,150, 5 Months Tax, 11 Months MOT, £3000. Anthony Gray 01446 402844 (evening) Email
9 Feb P
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Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

Did you ever find your Iveco?

Sam.