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

Hi Steve,

Probably get a shorter list if you ask which Land Cruiser not to get.

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

Yeah i heard a few people mention the 80, is it easy to distinguish ? just by the year ? or is there a model code ?

Steve , In the UK its the VX or GX but I have seen a GS .
Twodogs

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.

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".

JT

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.
:D

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

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.

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

Thanks for all the info, they def sound the way ahead ! :thumbup1:

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.

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 ::.

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
Smith Family Odyssey

60 series all the way, especially in Africa. The 80 is an SUV, the 60/61/62 is a 4WD tank with even more space inside. Oh, and non-turbo unless you're in a hurry? Plus if blending in means anything to you, a 60 stands out less than a newer 80 series and they are very common in much of Africa. Fuel economy with the 3B/ 2H / 12H-T diesels is reasonable, plus those lovely old engines run on just about anything.

In comparison, are Pajeros any good ?

Ebay Landcruiser
 

This Landcruiser looks ready to go

1991 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER AMAZON EXPEDITION VEHICLE on eBay, also, Toyota, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 19-Jun-08 10:47:36 BST)

Perhaps someone here knows about the vehicles history.

Paul Driver
Ilkley, West Yorkshire, UK

I've got a Pajero, a turbo diesel one.
I wouldn't really put it in the same class as a Landcruiser. I've driven mine many times in sand and it does perform very well. However, it hasn't got the axle articulation to do well on rocks and ditches.
Most of my time is spent on road and it, again, performs very well, plenty of power, nippy enough and goes round bends ok.
Mine also has a limited slip diff and a rear diff lock plus heavy duty suspension, steel wheels instead of the alloy ones, dual batteries and the jerry can stuck on the back.

It's fine enough, the price was right when I bought it (duty free) but it doesn't feel as "robust" as a Landcruiser and is somewhat smaller inside.
It's good enough for what I want it for at the moment but it's more aimed as a "softroader" than a true expedition vehicle.
You don't see that many of them around in Africa and those you do are often the Hyundai version of the old model, the Galloper. Thus spares aren't so available, I've had problems getting something as simple as a fuel filter.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...arolina331.jpg

Heh Mark
 

Heh Mak,
Not sure if we've seen you out there or not, but here's another Egypt picture to let the others no how lucky we are.

Also an advert for the car, it will be for sale in the UK in Jauary.
First time trying to post pictures, so not sure if it will work.

JT

sorry
 

Not meaning to hijack, just experimenting.
JT

Yep, we are lucky to have such a playground so close by. I've spent many a happy few days scaring the crap out of the wife and kids by going off into the desert and pretending not to know where I am, just so I can drive around for longer.

Are you finishing the teaching thing and heading back then? I've moved out to El Rehab so don't catch a glimpse of your car whizzing along the ring road in a morning any more.

To post a picture I put it on Photobucket, copy the image link given when it's on there, then just paste the link here in the text, and the picture appears. The second one of yours is a lot bigger.

Hi James

Good to see you here too.
We were the family at Karens Camp....
Ironically, Mark and I worked for the same company years ago. 'Tis a small world.

Graham
Smith Family Odyssey

:offtopic: Sorry.... LC 80's Rock, but are too wide for the holes in W Africa....:innocent: ,James...

Hi Graham,

I'm no sure if this link will work, but with a short search I found Auto Trader UK - TOYOTA Landcruiser Amazon 4.2 TD GX=

It's a 96 80 Series GX for 3 200 Pounds. That is the sort of vehicle I'm after. I've been searching for the same thing in South Africa and the price here seems to be around 3 times that for the same thing. Fuel economy is something I am pretty set on, so a VX would also do. I know how expensive fuel in in the UK, but in sunny South Africa it has doubled in the last 4 years, and will probably continue to increase.

I am also re-locating to the UK, so I would like to keep the vehicle after the trip.

What size tank did LA sport fit for you? I heard that the big tanks (170l) often break their mounts and get leaks.

Hi Freeflyd

That is a pretty cool car... Manual with Turbo!!!
When I was looking 2 years ago, they were like hens teeth!!!!

LA fitted a 170L - the chaps in Nelspruit had it on both their cruisers and no problems with lots of off roading too. I have not had problems, so I guess it depends on the actual fitting centre.

Good luck

Graham

not sure I get this...
 

The 60 series is getting a bit long in the tooth now and from what I can gather they're quite hard to get hold of in the Uk right now.

My 80 series is no SUV, it's genuinely bigger inside (and out) than a 60 series, its a turbo and its automatic. And IMHO it's great. So can't endorse what was said previously but each to their own.

Lcruiser 79series
 

Steve,

We have built up an overland travel machine based on 79 series 2002 model Land Cruiser. See the photo on the "adventurers" page of destinationsunset.com

Any questions I will be pleased to help.


Cheers

This is a very popular discussion among overlanders. I think it's sometimes irrelevant which one is best, because whatever kind of Landcruiser you will choose, it will probably go strong for at least your trip. Probably lots of other brands will suffice too.

Other interesting questions are also:

* What kind of travel is it
(for Asia you probably don't need such a heavy vehicle as when one plans to travel through Central Africa in or right after the rainy season)

* how exactly are you planning to travel
(Because if you tend to take regular dirt roads and only sometimes go off-road, you probably like some more luxury then a real hardcore 79 troop carrier which does not drive as comfortable as an 80 series.)

* Which cars are easy to find around the place you live
(spending twice the money on a car which is may be a small factor better is probably not worth it)

* how many persons you're travelling with?
(because if more then 2, a HJ60/HJ61 might be a better option than a 70-series Troop carrier)

* how long will the trip be?
(because if it's very long, you maybe want something bigger)

* Is another fun factor important eg. by limiting the off-road capabilities of the vehicle?
(If so, you can maybe decide to buy something not so obvious, just for the fun of it, eg. a 2CV or a 504 Danjel, or a W123 (which is what I use)

I met lots of overlanders on my trips and lots of talks were about the vehicles. Lots of people tend to have found the perfect vehicle for overlanding, but most of the time this is true for THEM.
Sometimes people get arrogant about it, they tend to persuade other people -they- have the right car. But what is 'right'. Based on 'what'?

Some have big trucks, I once met a german guy in an old firetruck, yes they have a shower and lots of space, but -if- you want to take small tracks, this is no option. This might be interesting for one person, but not for the other.

Some drive to Capetown in a 2CV, is this the 'right' car? For them it is, because they probably love to be in trouble with the car and find a solution in the middle of nowhere.

So, in my opinion it depends on the questions above, and probably more?



NB
I am planning a RTW too and I'm thinking about setting up a site to just talk about it and review all kind of options, who's interested in helping?



Jurgen

Mugabe's got my car!
 

IN east Africa there are plenty of 80's: the GX and VX versions. They are very popular withNGO's and diplomatic staff and are often sold after their term has finished - however they hold their price to well.

I also am looking at the different car websites and am counting my pennies. To paraphrase Jurgen: What is right for you is usually what you can afford! I took my 3L 4Runner out to Africa and spent the last 3 years shuttling between SA and Kenya - however it is, alas, now too small for my growing family (growing in width not number!) and it is marooned in harare - so I am also on the look out.

Jurgen, I'll pitch in if you want.

@Bundabasher: Let's talk about it when I'm back from my upcoming trip.

The idea is to create the content with all of us, the obvious strength of the community, eventually moderated. This would be wise anyway, as people who have actually travelled with a certain vehicle, know the ins and outs.

Thanks!
Jurgen

Well.....asking which Landcruiser I ended up buying a 3.0 diesel Surf because one came up at a bargain price ! only looking at shortish trips (n africa) until I leave the military so it should suit for now :thumbup1:

Mongolia and Siberia nice, would love to have a crack at that, will keep an eye on your progress

:funmeteryes:

You won't regret buying a Surf.
Is it the 3 liter one?

They are far better than the 2.4L.

My son has this
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...P/STP81108.jpg
.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...P/STP81071.jpg
.
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u...P/STP81061.jpg
.
They are really very under rated.

Tough as nails !

Very underrated and very reasonably priced. My 3.0TD 4Runner has`been in Africa for 4 years and it's taken a serious hammering, esp. in EA.

HZJ 78 'Troupie'
 

Just to stick my 2 penny worth in

Depending upon where you are the HZJ 78 'Troupie' has got to be a real contender.

Even if you are in the UK you an still import them. If you are interested in importing one this is what I found out:

1. Importing a troupie with a certificate of conformity (new)

If you have a certificate of conformity then with a lhd vehicle all
you need is Customs docs, registration docs and current MOT - you do
not need to go through a SVA. However you are not going to get a cert
of conformity on a second hand Troupie - you will get one with a new
vehicle.

2. Importing a second hand troupie without a certificate of conformity

You will be required to take it through a SVA this means changing
Speedo and lights prior to SVA - you will need the docs mentioned
above also (not the certificate of conformity of course as it won't
exist).

3. Importing a second hand troupie without a certificate of conformity
but already converted as a campervan

If the troupie is already converted to a campervan then, when you apply
to DVLA for registration, they will send someone out to inspect it to
ensure that it is indeed a camper. If it qualifies then no SVA is
required and VOSA will not even get involved. All you need is customs
docs and a current MOT.

You do not need to change the speedo nor do you need to change the
headlights – all you need is to tape up the lights with reflectors
same as you would when taking a right hand drive to Europe for your
hols.

If the German (or other nationality) documents actually state that the
troupie is a campervan (many Germans do this as they get a lower road
tax rate), then DVLA will not even send someone out to inspect it and
all you need is MOT.

On another matter

Gil - what fuel consumption are you getting? Did it go up when you fitting the Turbo?

I think I'm using 13 litres per 100 km when fully loaded at 80kmph on tarmac

Cheers

John

Consumption and SVA.
 

John,
the short answer is yes! It went up from 13L/100km to 17L/100km. However for interest sake I also looked at our naturally aspirated company cruisers today:
105 Series Cruisers (averaged over 5 vehicles, at an average of 30,814km per vehicle) = 13.85L/100km. Twenty Miles Per Gallon. Running on a mixture of gravel and asphalt. The use of these cars is mixed gravel and asphalt - good, bad and down right ugly, and pretty comparable to overland type use.

Our two 79 series pickups averaged a rather shocking 21L/100km. Thirteen and a half miles per gallon! These are in pure off highway use, potholes and only saw asphalt when we bought them - also loaded up like hell!

When you say camper van, would a bed type arrangement in the back be enough do you think? Any idea where you would source speedo conversion kit?
Gil

Camper conversion
 

Hi Gil

The British authorities (VOSA) have got a bit sad at defining what a 'camper' is. They toughened up their definition recently because people were importing pannel vans in this mannrer and just chucking a bed in temporarily to get round the inspection program.

The conversion has got to look like it is permanent, and apparently, should include sleeping arrangements and cooking arrangements.

I don't know where to get the speedo conversion kit, but you could try all the usual 4x4 and expedition outfits. i know Paul at Footloose would have been able to source one for me had I needed to do the conversion.

As a footnote about imports. All my earlier comments were about importing a LHD. I think (but am not absolutely sure) that there is still a real problem about importing a RHD troupie

Cheers

John