|
11 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 9
|
|
A suzuki grand vitara for a trip around south america
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I are considering a 1 year break from our lives in Paris. The general idea is to purchase a car, most likely in Chile based on other travelers' advice, and around South America (or part of it).
From what I have read, 4x4 seems to be a good idea. We don't inted to offroad for the sake of it, but we like the idea of being able to reach potentially remote areas where no paved road goes. Unlike most overlanders, we expect to be staying in budget hostels / hotels most of the time, so fitting the vehicle is not an issue for us.
Ideally, we would go for a Toyota Land Cruiser. Now, price is a big issue, particularly in Chile where second hand prices are quite high... So we are looking for cheaper options. One of them would be a Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Is it a good car for such a trip (based on my budget, I would get a 2000-2002 model)? I understand that outside Chile, suzuki cars are not that common so I am a little concerned with spare parts availability in case we run into trouble... What do you think? Also, how does embarking on such a trip without any knowledge of car repair sound to you?
Thanks for your advice and comments.
Cheers
|
12 Sep 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
|
|
I do not know about other countrys ,but suzuki vitaras.(grand)
here in Ecuador are very very common.
Have a great trip!
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
|
13 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 9
|
|
Thanks for your feedback. It's encouraging !
|
19 Sep 2012
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: In Ireland, Working to save for the next trip
Posts: 291
|
|
I've not been watching for them specifically, but I am pretty sure I've seen a few here in Argentina.
If your travelling so light, would a motorcycle be an option?
Merv.
|
19 Sep 2012
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
|
|
I once went across australia and back with a Vitara towing a trailer tent , they are as well built as any other , and better than some . The only restriction is they are quite small, but if you load accordingly , they work well off road and on . With any vehicle if the bit that breaks isnt really common then you just get it sent , almost anywhere in the world doesnt take that long with the modern courier companies , and someone reliable to dispatch it . If you are lacking on mech knowledge then get a good workshop manual for your vehicle , and try and get abit of mech basics , eg by helping someone who is prepping your vehicle etc . HTSH
|
10 Oct 2012
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: kent
Posts: 11
|
|
Hi there
I have a Suzuki gv 2.0 petrol 2001, excellent car i have got some bigger than standard BFG A/T tyres on it and it goes anywhere i point it cant really fault it its a bit small but thats about it will go everywhere the bigger boys go and more
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|