When I started, I thought it would take a couple of years,well its getting that way! I started to prepare a 3.5 Rangie to go to Timbuktou in the beginning of 2005, was planning Jan o6, but Co-Driver could not make it, so Ok.... delay for a year, bought another Rangie, 3.9 done loads of preparation, Big springs, gas shocks, shields, roof rack (full length) tent on roof, jerry can fitted, water and fuel, Solar panels, three Optima batteries, one for starting, one for winch and auxilaries, one spare in rear charged by solar panels, two spare tyres on rims, sat/nav and sat phone fitted, Auxilary tank fitted, plus usual lights, also now a 3 seater, took out two seats in back, plus a few other bits,and still going, I think new year will be ready to deal with mechanical things,belts, bearings, hoses, seals etc. I know im taking a long time over this, chris says preparation is paramount! but want to do the trip across sahara since I was 25, now 58. so a bit longer wont hurt. and raising money for charity, going from surrey uk, France,Spain,Morocco, Atlas mts, Western Sahara, Mauritania,Mali, target is Timbutou, AND back, cant do Jan 07, then too Hot? to I guess its Jan 2008, maybe too early to ask But anybody want to make up a convoy to do same route,(mixed crew) and any comments please........................Dave