Announcements

**danielsprague** · #1 23 Mar 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar1814

One more question : was your Hilux a diesel engine ?

Yes, a pre-common rail diesel with a rotary pump and mechanical injectors, relatively easy to fix and will burn any rubbish sold as diesel!

**moggy 1968** · #2 23 Mar 2014

Pick up is fine for this type of trip, although they have a higher payload many think they are not as tough as a 'proper' landcruiser. I would advise trying not to load to more than 1/3rd of max payload on a double cab, my mark 6 hilux loaded with a ton of aggregate feels over heavy, compared to my HJ60 landcruiser, theoretically with a rating of half the payload of the lux, massively overloaded across West Africa which felt fine. The payload rating on double cabs is a tax dodge and is, in my opinion, too high, certainly for overlanding.

navara, no, bottom ends fail due to overheating, and that's in Europe, in Africa they have no chance (African spec ones have a different engine). Amarok, no, too many problems to mention. Loads and loads of reliability issues, an over tuned overcomplex engine and no reputation of building vehicles for this type of application, and reputation is worth a lot when your life depends on it. If it drives like a car, it's because it's built like a car!!

Hilux, absolutely, but mark 5 or earlier because euro 5, and maybe even euro 4 presents issues.. My ideal choice (if I didn't have my landcruiser!) would be a mark 4 Hilux, but what about an 80 series landcruiser? they're a fine truck.

**moggy 1968** · #3 23 Mar 2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielsprague

Yes, a pre-common rail diesel with a rotary pump and mechanical injectors, relatively easy to fix and will burn any rubbish sold as diesel!

and very rebuildable

**zandesiro** · #4 24 Mar 2014

How about this one...?

Land rover defender 130 expedition.

**ar1814** · #5 25 Mar 2014

Very useful inputs !

I'll be looking for an old generation Hilux (1998-early 2005 if I'm not mistaken, before the Euro 3).

Anyway. To answer the question about the Landrovers or Landcruisers, I'd really prefer a pickup to stay as low profile as possible as danielsprague said. But I'll have a look at them too.

1) what is the maximum mileage you would consider buying ?
2) do I need to focus on diesel engines or are petrol ones fine too ?

Keep the ideas coming !

**moggy 1968** · #6 25 Mar 2014

diesel is better as generally cheaper, more inert, therefore safer as can fuel and more economical.

Age is, to a certain extent, not important, condition is everything

**danielsprague** · #7 25 Mar 2014

The main problem with buying a pickup is that they are almost always work vehicles, often worked hard and poorly maintained, especially the bodywork.... keep looking for a good one and get some expert advice when looking at potential cars!

**anonymous1** · #8 26 Mar 2014

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

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

Build time was about 3 months, cost was around 10K AU at the time and wouldn't be all that much more now if you had the time to swap out or source parts. Bullet proof engines, kicking myself for selling it

Failing that just buy a 61 Series Sahara Wagon with the 12HT motor in it. Or, I now own a Toyota Hilux Extra Cab Ute, a great combination because you can carry 4 passenger's if need be and there's enough room to lock up personal belongings and still have a usable sized ute, reasonably cheap and a very reliable, economical and capable 4X4.

Cheers Dave