This is the sort of post that invites strong opinions....

If you can afford a full-sized Landcruiser (60, 70, 80 series) then there's little else to consider. They are extremely rugged and if you start out with one in good condition, you can probably spend your entire trip doing nothing more than routine maintenance. People talk about being able to find spare parts, but aside from filters/belts, this is something of a myth in my experience, apart from specific places like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia.

Cheaper and less rugged options like the Prado are popular overland vehicles too. Hilux is similar quality but smaller and less powerful.

Pre-2000 Nissans are probably just as good as Toyotas, post Renault takeover I would not have one.

I have no experience of Pajeros but they seem like decent cars and good value and would be an equal second choice with an old Patrol, after a Landcruiser.

My view on Land Rovers is buy one if you want a Land Rover, otherwise avoid, unless your idea of an adventure includes plenty of repair work. Newer Land Rovers are meant to be horrific to work on (taking off the body to remove the turbo kind of job).

Power is usually not a major consideration for overland vehicles (it's more for comfortable motorway driving), but in sand I suppose it does become a bit more important.

If budget is really tight but you want something with a bit more power than an old diesel, I'd look at a 3.4 litre petrol Prado ('Landcruiser' Colorado in the UK), though sadly the UK models are all autos. Maybe a petrol Pajero too.

Unless you have a lot of cash and fancy travelling in a modern 4x4 like a Landcruiser 200 (which would not be my choice), you will end up buying a well used, old vehicle. Chances are it will need a good bit of work to really get it into shape for a long journey through challenging conditions, so this is probably more of a focus than the Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubishi argument.

I have a 1993 diesel Hilux, a 1996 petrol Hilux Surf (same frame as a Prado but smaller and less ugly) and a 1989 diesel Landcruiser 60. All have their advantages and disadvantages, though for Africa, the Landcruiser would be the first choice.

EO

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EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.