As Model 80 Toyota's are now fetching a price premium (at least in the UK), what are peoples thoughts on newer versions for overlanding purposes, as they can be bought at a much more attractive price?

regards,

Bob Neville

Bob,

A major consideration for a newer TLC would be fuel: petrol or diesel.

Diesel in Africa, South America and Asia is High Sulphur whereas TLC100/200 diesel will only run on Low Sulphur diesel so may influence your thinking (a) 80 versus 100/200 and (b) petrol versus diesel.

If I can ever get all my ducks lined up in a row I'm planning on a petrol 200 because of it's massive power, as my plans include towing an off-road caravan for our l-o-n-g RTW trip.

Cheers,
DickyBeach,
Sydney

Hi DickyBeach,

I would be wanting a diesel model as it appears to be more available. I hadn't realized that newer models would not run well on the high sulpher content diesel.
Thanks for the tip.
Bob.
UK

Interesting Document on High Sulphur content fuel

Remove the CAT and the Diesel Particulate filter, reprogram the ECU (UK companies offer this service as part of a remap) and off you go.

I'm not sure when 100 series Landcruiers gained a particulate filter, did they ever in the UK?

Hi twenty4seven

I've read the article and I think your comment sums it up. Maybe easier to buy an LandCruiser Model 80 (after all it is built like a tank (with a few mods)).
Strangely, there may be a long term problem running old vehicles (like the 80) made for High Sulphur Diesel, with the Low Sulphur Diesel we now have in the UK.
An interesting thread here if you haven't already seen it

Freel2.com - View topic - 2-stroke oil and diesel

regards,

Bob

Bob

Coming from the USA where we don't get the diesel version, the 80s in UK don't seem to be that expensive to me. I have seen several on Ebay in the 8K pounds range. Giving that they typically don't require too much work, and they seem to hold their value very well, your total cost of ownership will probably be very low.


Christian
ExPo: Adventure and Overland Travel Enthusiasts
The Maya Rally

Hi Christian,

I suppose you are right. It's just that I find it a bit annoying that for just 2 or 3 thousand pounds more, I can get a vehicle 5 years newer. The potential problems of ECU's, high sulphur deisel and active suspension rear their heads thought. Hence this post, to see if these have caused people problems when overlanding or have the problems been exaggerated ie are the 100 series etc just as viable in practice?

regards,

Bob

The 100 GX has normal suspension and the VX can be fitted with normal suspension. I don't have the answer, but I agree that 100 series (in the UK) seems far better value for money, not only newer, but available with less miles and sometimes still full Toyota service history. I really don't think high(er) sulphur diesel will be an issue on a 100 as they are not that new.

There have been a few people that I know of that have driven down to Capt Town, and as far as I am aware there have been no issues - I would speak to Julian Voelcker at Overland Cruisers | Overland Cruisers, specialists in preparing and servicing Toyota Land Cruisers
He has prepped a few, so would know of any issues or known problems.

I think I would probably go for a 100 diesel, if and when going again. I have done it in a LR130 and an 80 series, the 80 was superb, but many are ageing and very expensive compared to 100.
I'd also consider a 3.0 Colorado/Prado - more that capable.

__________________
ChrisC

Thanks for your advice Chris.
When I'm nearer the time to purchase, I'll definately run it past Julian.
(Another customer coming your way Julian, if you read this.)
Glad you mention the 100 diesel, as that's what I am tentatively leaning towards.
I thought the Colorado may be a bit small but will look at it again, afterall, your knowledge in this area is much much better than mine.
Africa is off my agenda at present (chickened out) so am looking to go to the Far East for starters (I suppose I could go there in anything) but after that the going may get a bit rougher.
Looking to leave early next year (after the house is done up and rented).
NO TIME LIMIT
Early retirement rules.

I`m planning too to take a newer model to africa. With Diesel V8, AHC Setup and so on. Here are some pics:






I will report my experience

Hi Bobn,
if your driving to Cape Town then you really don't need the ruggedness, and the price premium of the 80 series.
Get a good look at the 95 series, Colorado's.
3.0L TD
They offer excellent value for money, and by the time they are kitted out, probably simply by removing the 2nd and 3rd row seats, they are more than enough for 2 travelers.

The fuel consumption is a big factor now, as far as continental travel is concerned.
And this is another reason one should look at the 3.0L TD instead of the 4,2L.
Even the fact the 4,2l is a diesel, they still drink the fuel, far more than the 95 Colorado's do.

Any way, I tend to agree with you, and put Africa off the list for now, and the foreseeable future.
I guess 5 years ago, it was reasonably safe, but now, I am not so sure.

I also would much rather hit the road heading east.
Going as far as Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
Then head south to Hohhot, the border with Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, the Chinese part.
I would park the vehicle in a secure compound in Hohhot, and train it to Beijing for a few weeks.
I would have a holiday in China, Beijing, Great wall, Terracotta army etc
then train back to Hohhot, collect the vehicle, feeling refreshed, and head back to the west.

vette

Like promised i will report here. We reached Capetown, over the west - a amazing trip - with the beauty above, a LandCruiser 200 with a diesel V8, with all the electronic stuff of modern cars: Adjustable height control, 4 Zone aircon, 14 speaker JBL System - and so on.

Our weight was near 4to, we carry a roofbox and stuff above - so we dont had a good aerodynamic i guess. And we often drive smaller tracks, and not look for the good tar roads. The fuel usage is worse, when offroading.

We drove 20`500 km, the Fuel usage was 16.55l for 100 km in the mix. We spent 3703 USD for fuel.

Take the car who fits your needs, and bring a good travel-comfort - and dont look to the fuel usage.

We dont watch the fuel-usage, we watch the people, the environment and the animals.

If interested, you can read our traveldiary @ http://transafrica2012.blogspot.com

I will need some time to complete the writeup with more pictures..

Surfy

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