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Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



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  #1  
Old 7 Mar 2015
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This is a really relevant dilemma for us...

We ideally want a Land Cruiser 100 series for the big trip to Aus, but can't help but notice a Hilux or Mitsubishi 4 door pickup can be had with a lot less miles for half the price.

Or for that matter, a low miles 4wd car we'd be happy to use as a daily driver into the city for many years after we get there, Volvo XC70, Audi A6 Allroad, BMW X5, etc , also low miles and less money by far.

Now we get all the arguments about a LC being the beast of choice for off road, but we really don't want to do that very much unless we have to. I can see it being immensely helpful in places like Mongolia, the Pamir highway, or Laos. But not really elsewhere?

So is it worth it to buy the offroad ability when most of an overland trip is planned to be onroad, or on rough tracks at worst?
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Old 7 Mar 2015
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A LC isnt mandatory , a "lesser" 4wd would suffice , but some 4wd are not that ideal for the trip. eg the X5 , mainly from a tyre /wheel point of view.
Going further along the cost/capability line, then a van with reasonable ground clearance would do just as well. The 4wd thing can be a must depending on what you intend and roads/tracks you wish to traverse at what times of year . You also need to consider the tech level /fragility of the vehicle . HTSH
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  #3  
Old 7 Mar 2015
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you'll only take an x5 off road once!!! honestly, most 2wd cars are more capable!!
Parts availability and having a vehicle familiar to local spanner twirlers is also important, and on that score it's hard to argue against a hilux. they are known all over the world, more so than landcruisers and landrovers
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Old 8 Mar 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Av8r View Post
This is a really relevant dilemma for us...

We ideally want a Land Cruiser 100 series for the big trip to Aus, but can't help but notice a Hilux or Mitsubishi 4 door pickup can be had with a lot less miles for half the price.

Or for that matter, a low miles 4wd car we'd be happy to use as a daily driver into the city for many years after we get there, Volvo XC70, Audi A6 Allroad, BMW X5, etc , also low miles and less money by far.

Now we get all the arguments about a LC being the beast of choice for off road, but we really don't want to do that very much unless we have to. I can see it being immensely helpful in places like Mongolia, the Pamir highway, or Laos. But not really elsewhere?

So is it worth it to buy the offroad ability when most of an overland trip is planned to be onroad, or on rough tracks at worst?
Just keep in mind getting parts for some of those other choices might be difficult in some remote areas, where as LC parts you can generally get anywhere.

I couldn't possibly recommend you take an A6 Allroad, unless it's very new, and I work for Audi! Suspension problems galore on older models. X5 won't be any good.

Volvo XC70/90 surprisingly not bad, quite reliable too just poor fuel economy and again the issue with parts if you do break something you will be there for days just waiting for parts.

LC is a great overlander, it's actually a great vehicle in general for anything, just pricey. As you mentioned you can get a Hilux for a lot cheaper, but I would say don't shy away from mileage/KM too much on an LC as long as it's been maintained properly and you check it out thoroughly and drive it a bit before you begin any big adventure it shouldn't give you much trouble.
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