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Which Landcruiser ? Which Landcruiser ?
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Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
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  #1  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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Which Landcruiser ?
Hi,

I have been looking for a vehicle to build up over a period of time for an overland trip through africa. I have been mainly looking at Hiluxs but it seems that a Landcruiser may be a better option. But Which Model / Year should i be looking for ?

Thanks

Steve
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  #2  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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Hi Steve,

Probably get a shorter list if you ask which Land Cruiser not to get.
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  #3  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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I have been looking into this , the one to get seems to be , 80 seires 1992-1996 , 4.2 derv , auto , UK spec has both lockers .
Twodogs
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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Yeah i heard a few people mention the 80, is it easy to distinguish ? just by the year ? or is there a model code ?
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  #5  
Old 10 Jun 2008
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Steve , In the UK its the VX or GX but I have seen a GS .
Twodogs
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  #6  
Old 10 Jun 2008
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Something like Expedition 4x4 Overland Toyota Landcruiser on eBay, also, Toyota, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 17-Jun-08 16:08:23 BST) would be nice, though a tad too expensive for my tastes.
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  #7  
Old 10 Jun 2008
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Too right
Have to agree it's overpriced, that's why it's been advertised for months. Try twotravellers version in the 4x4 For Sale section, or our very similar vehicle will be on sale in January (maybe...if I have to)

Also have to agree that (if your budget stretches) the 4.2 Turbo Diesel VX is hard to beat for the compromise between very high comfort and pretty bloody good performance and economy. We have absolutely no regrets and will find it very hard to let go. We are already having conversations along the lines of "cann't imagine a better vehicle for our next trip, so lets keep it parked for 5 years".

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  #8  
Old 10 Jun 2008
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Steve,

You don't mention where you are , so I assume you are in the UK.

An ideal vehicle for Africa is the 79 series, petrol or diesel, but you can't buy them locally and in Europe they are in demand, hence tend to be expensive. Some people bring them over here directly from Oz.

80 series are available locally and are much cheaper than in the rest of Europe.

As for the 4.2 turbo diesel 80 series Land Cruiser, its designation is HDJ80. GX or VX refers mainly to the trim level which is not essential for the job.

The LC on ebay is a lifestyle item, possibly sold by someone between two lifestyles, and the price reflects the degree of his confusion.
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Old 10 Jun 2008
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I've just finished a nice cup of tea, which I almost choked on when I saw the ebay price... For that money you can buy a brand new Euro4 compliant HZJ78 with all taxes in Germany...

Roman has said it all, the 80 series in UK is a bit of a bargain - I suspect because they are not all being snapped up by overlanders, where the Euro market is much more active in this area. You can get a nice 80 series with no off road abuse and kit it out pretty cheap, and have a superb comfortable overland vehicle - spend some time on autotrader and you will see how overpriced that one is. Jamie, as you mention economy I would be really interested to know what people are getting from their HDJ80s? I recently tested consumption on my HZJ78 now with a turbo and got a slight shock!
Gil
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Old 10 Jun 2008
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I hear the 70 series were damn near indestructible but you do give up a bit of comfort, compared to the 80 series.

Also, they changed the front axle from leaf springs to coil springs within the last 10 years...not sure if that will impact your choice.
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  #11  
Old 10 Jun 2008
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Landcruiser
I suspect the ebay L/C is so expensive because it belongs to Frogs Island 4x4 (They claim they are not the sellers but its definately one of theirs as we looked round it)

As has already been said 80 series is a great vehicle. You will be looking at around £5000 for a decent UK GX/VX from 1994 - 1996. Then spend on it what you want to kit it out.

I can vouch for them as overland vehicles and their off road performance is great.

Becky
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  #12  
Old 10 Jun 2008
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Thanks for all the info, they def sound the way ahead !
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Old 11 Jun 2008
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I did wonder who owned it. Maybe Frogs are chancing their arm a bit and hoping there is a sucker born every minute.
I know I'd never be able to justify spending that amount.
There are definitely better deals around.
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  #14  
Old 11 Jun 2008
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Greetings,

I live in South Africa and have a lot of Overland experience. I currently have a Toyota Hilux Double cab, but when researching every aspect of a trans Africa trip, I have to say that the best option for me is the LC 80 GX. It has a fairly simple engine, can take a massive long range tank and has a solid front axle with Diff Locks all around. So it's pretty much indestructible and unstoppable.

My Plan is to buy one in the UK (96 models I found went for between 4k and 5k), ship it to South Africa (900 pounds) and have it kitted out here before driving it back.

Most things that are imported to South Africa is expensive, but labour and locally made items are very cheap. It would be worth comparing prices between your local outfitter and something like .:: LA Sport - 4WD Megastores ::.
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Old 11 Jun 2008
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Hi Freeflyd

I suspect you will struggle to find a "simple" 80 GX in the UK. The SA spec ones (manual, non-turbo) would have been my 1st choice, but I am glad I did my trip with a UK 80 VX. The extra power from the turbo and decent auto box make a great vehicle.

For reasons I cant explain fitting a kenlow ATF cooler seems to make the gear boxes overheat more than doing nothing... just my experience.

Please dont taunt us with the LA Sports price list... They fitted my longrange tank - it paid for itself by bringing me diesel back to the UK!!!!

Good luck with your preparation.

Graham
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