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**Cysne** · #1 23 Sep 2012

Hi All,

I've seen alot about Land Cruisers, also about Hilux's as overlanders, however I don't see much on Rav 4's.

In the UK, you seem to get a lot more for your money out of a Rav 4.

Any comments or information? I've chosen it has to be a toyota, but I need to choose past that. I like the Rav 4, just worried if I'm missing something by lack of popularity?

**JulianVoelcker** · #2 24 Sep 2012

Rav 4s are a little like Freelanders, they are very basic 4x4s.

Whilst they are fine for pottering around on tarmac, very few people use them for much more than that, which is why there is very little after market kit like upgraded suspension available for them. A quick scan of the Old Man Emu catalogue doesn't list either.

Your best bet is to aim for a Hilux of Four Runner.

**Walkabout** · #3 24 Sep 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cysne

Hi All,

I've seen alot about Land Cruisers, also about Hilux's as overlanders, however I don't see much on Rav 4's.

In the UK, you seem to get a lot more for your money out of a Rav 4.

Any comments or information? I've chosen it has to be a toyota, but I need to choose past that. I like the Rav 4, just worried if I'm missing something by lack of popularity?

Well, you've set your mind on Toyota, but you remind me of a thread of mine from earlier this year; http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-x-trail-61322
For interest, if you look particularly at post number 12 in there you can see what can be done with a Nissan X Trail.
I mention this because you don't say what you want to do with your vehicle but that thread does give an idea of what can be done with that type of vehicle = the lifestyle 4x4s (bearing in mind that most of the world is now covered in bitumen).

Julian is right; the RaV means "Recreational Vehicle" and I had one back in the mid-90s when they were first produced. I only ever used it as a road-going largish estate car (I had the long wheel base version) which, I thought, had useful 4x4 capability for when the roads are covered in snow and ice - but they come fitted with road tyres, so that all depends on how you drive anyway.
They are in permanent 4 wheel drive, of course, with no diff lock etc etc.
As Julian says, they are basic therefore.

**AfricaOverlander** · #4 12 Nov 2012

It really depends on where you're going. I've rarely seen RAV 4's in Africa. You'll find them in some cities to be sure, but nothing like the Landcruiser, Hilux, and Hilux Surf/4Runner.

If you're looking for a reliable vehicle with solid parts availability, than you won't go wrong with either the Landcruiser or Hilux Surf/4Runner. Which ever vehicle you do purchase, if you live in the UK, be sure to swing by Julian Voeckler's place and have him take a look at it. He'll save you a world of trouble and make sure your vehicle is prepped to last.

Good luck!

**Cysne** · #5 6 Dec 2012

Going for a toyota, either a hilux surf or landcruiser.

Diesel also, do I want the 2.4 or 3.0?

Is the automatic ok?

Will visit Julian Voecklers place for sure!

Thanks

**ChrisC** · #6 7 Dec 2012

I think the 3.0 litre if you can find one

Without doubt Julian is probably 'the' most knowledgable Land Cruiser mechanic this side of Australia or RSA.

**anonymous1** · #7 8 Dec 2012

I have had quite a few 4WD's and have been going bush since childhood.

Toyota is IMHO the benchmark. Having built a HJ75 series Tray Back Ute (100mm shorter chasis then the HZJ for better entry and exits) Stating with a chasis and a tub, it turned out to be the most reliable, economical and all round beastie I have ever owned. 10 years witout an issue and was capable of 1350 K's without filling up.

Fitted was a 61 Series 12HT Factory Turbo Diesel Engine.
Aux fuel tank. 75Lt. Water tank, with pump.
Thomas PTO winch with 50m of 10m cable.
AC, CD, CB, Worklight and Spotties. Super springs, Quality gas shocks, Non flip Shackles and 33 inch tyres.

Build time was about 3 months, cost was around 10K at the time and wouldnt be all that much more now if you had the time to swap out or source parts.

Failing that just buy a 61 Series Sahara Wagon with the 12HT in it.

Bullet proof donks.

Hope this helps,

Cheers Dave