Watching this again two years later and marveling at how fast time passes. Nitpick but just wanted to say that Hiluxes did share engines with the early Tacomas, the venerable 3rz-fe.
Yeah, but nobody elsewhere in the world bought a Hilux with that engine. In Africa, Australia, NZ and most of Europe 99.9999999% of all Hiluxes are diesel.
Hilux gasoline/ petrol was never sold in Europe or Africa. They only have the diesel. Why even does America have such a weak diesel culture? It seems to me with the distances and the big trucks that diesel vehicles are much more desirable @@TheRoadChoseMe
Toyota Hilux or Fortuner are also two very popular choices for Africa. Personally we have driven 230,000km already in our Fortuner all the way from Cape Town and all over Namibia 🇳🇦, Botswana 🇧🇼, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼, Zambia 🇿🇲, Mozambique 🇲🇿, and Malawi 🇲🇼!
@@jdexplores01 Nope my Fortuner was diesel. Most of the people here have diesel Hilux. It is the most popular truck here. Mate just returned from big southern africa trip and he said that diesel 50ppm was basically everywhere. I now have a Landcruiser 78 Troopy @troopyinafrica
We have gone for a 2002 Troopy with the 1HZ engine. Fitted an Alucab Hercules roof conversion and set off around northern Australia in 8 weeks...Dan, you have some great advice and your videos are always full of information.
I have a Toyota 4runner in America but with the 33in tires I get 15mpg. I moved to Italy and gas is $6-7 a gallon! I'm happy I left the 4r and bought a used euro jeep cherokee diesel. 20-30 mpg!! Just as capable
Dan I love the backstory behind your thought process on your vehicle selection. So much to work through, especially on an expedition thr scale you undertook. Thanks for sharing! 🤙-Josh
I got a 1982 BJ60 (diesel) here in British Columbia. I think it's a great option that ticks all the boxes except it needs a full refresh to bring it back up to being nice and dependable. And the 3B engine is pretty wimpy but power isn't super important for what I want to do. The benefit is the lack of electronics to break.
I am always in AWE of what you achieved Dan.... the proof is in the pudding...the Jeep Rubicon worked and worked well in the harshest of Africa roads..you Rock. Blessings.
Sound, practical, useful and common sense advice built upon experience over time. This is the go-to channel for a reality check. I have a friend who just crossed Russia in a 1986 Toyota Corolla sedan. You don't need diesel and you don't need a 70 series.
Great video. I presume you can add the Y61 Nissan Patrol to the list of vehicles that North Americans wish they could get their hands on? The petrol version is still ubiquitous in the Gulf (pick up, SWB and LWB, manual and auto options) and you can also get the diesel version if you really want it. I think my petrol Y61 Patrol would be the perfect overland vehicle - providing I had a friend with a fuel tanker following me! I’ve got the V8 diesel Troopy too, but from everything I read, diesel quality in Africa would be an issue. I may chuckle at my slow friends with the 1HZ engine, but you can’t argue with the reputation you mention. I recently sold my 2001 TJ Wrangler and have loved hearing how you drove one around South America. Now I’m revealing myself to be a spoiled Dubai resident with all the gear but no idea :) I’m hoping one day to take the Troopy on a long trip, across Africa would be my dream. For now it’s camping in the UAE and waiting for the Oman and Saudi borders to open up to do some longer trips. Speaking of which, add Oman, the UAE and Saudi to your own bucket list, there are lots of us here that would love to meet you.
I guess Defender 110 CSW or 110 HCPU with Tdi 300 or Td5 would be the best overlanding choice when living in Europe. Parts are inexpensive and easy accessable and you will get a LHD vehicle. I have had 5 different Defenders (both station wagons and pickups) , Jeep Wrangler JK 2.8 CRD and Jeep Cherokee 4.0 L. I find the Land Rovers more reliable and less expensive to repare in Norway. Toyota Hilux and Nissan King Cabs are also popular for overlanding, but need a lot of rebuilding to convert them to overlanders
If you live in a place where you can buy a 1HZ Troopie easily, then there is no question that's a fantastic option. But when you can't do that, you have to think sideways.
Great video! I have a Toyota 105 in South Africa. Love it to bits - it takes me everywhere and is super reliable, but it does consume a literal boatload of fuel
Great discussion, Dan. I really liked your discussion about why you selected the Jeep. Over the past months I've often thought "Ya, it was a great choice for him for Africa only because nothing broke and he didn't need support". It turns out, you had more support options than I thought you did - very reassuring. You're very intentional and I should have known better than to doubt you. ;) My only other major concern about the Jeep is the abysmal payload. Ya, I know... pack less... :). Easier said than done. The only two other vehicles I'm considering are the Lexus GX470 / 460 (aka Prado around the world) because they are available internationally and the 4Runner because they share many components with the Lexus. If only we could come to terms with the payload issue of the Wrangler it would be an easy choice.
I agree the payload is a big problem on the Wrangler. With the 470/460 I think you'll find that engine/trans wasn't used around the world. Also what's the gas consumption like? I think they're thirsty aren't they?
We have two Toyota’s that we hope to use as our overland vehicle. One is an FJ Cruiser and the second is a Land Cruiser 200. Our first adventure will be the Pan American highway and then we hope to tackle Europe. We like the reliability of the vehicles but I liked your reasons for picking the Jeep for your Africa adventure.
Agreed. And I can buy one here in South Africa, just not in left hand drive. 🤣🤣. Contact a Cape Town company called Pon Steyn. Although they mainly export land rovers to the US, they may be able to help with a Troopie.
We have those in the middle east , reliable and looks cool but thats it , too expensive for this , underpowered , shit fuel economy , no matter what you do it will never be comfortable but for overlanding / off road , its a very good choice , but i’d rather just get a full size american pickup with a big V8 , maybe a sierra AT4 , so much better as a daily driver
I don't have plans to travel through Africa but I do have a rather unorthodox offroad vehicle. My 2007 F350 DRW 4x4 Supercab truck suits my needs here in North America. It would probably be the last choice for most overlanders but it is the vehicle I have and I have made extrensive modifications to it to make it more "overlandy". Since cargo capacity it off the charts for me, I don't have to worry about how much I can carry. I have a canopy on the 8 foot truck bed and I have built out the bed to be very comfortable. I have a sleeping platform, insulation, lights, charging ports for phones and even a TV. I even have 200W of solar on the roof of the canopy. Behind the seat in the extra cab portion, I have installed a 40 gallon water tank with a 12V RV water pump, a 20A solar controller, a 40A DC-DC charger, a 1000W inverter, a 12V 26 qt. compressor fridge, a 100AH Battleborn LiFePO4 battery and a 5A Battery Tender battery charger along with a NOCO Boost X GBX55 1750A 12V Jump Start kit. I have an onboard compressor with inflation tools and air bags. The rear is a D80 with LSD and the front is Dana S60 that is open with 4.30 gears. This truck goes anywhere I point it and anywhere it will fit. It is not built for Jeep trails but it handles everything I need it to at the moment. It does like gas (6.8L V10) but it has a 38 gallon fuel tank and averages about 10 mpg in the city and 11/12 mpg unloaded on the highway. Most countries would not even allow it to be imported because they consider it a commercial vehicle but it would never be able to be shipped because it will not fit into a shipping container. It's big, it's inefficient but it is quite capable and it's paid for so that means a lot. I am just working with what I have, for now.
I'm probably never leaving North America, so am extremely happy with a base model Tacoma. It will only get mild softroading upgrades, like all terrains, a super light aluminum shell, and a Warn winch. Even stock with Pmetric HT tires, it is surprisingly capable in the Mojave Desert.
Great explanation of your choice. I live in NB on the east coast and I've been looking at something to buy to do the pan-am and I've sadly noticed that all of the best overlanding vehicles aren't sold here, which is really surprising to me.
Based in South Africa I would go for the Troopy (70 series). I do however fully agree with you thought process and the vehicle you chose. Enjoy your adventures.
I would really enjoy hearing more about vehicle selection, option packages, and pros and cons of various choices in future videos. Great stuff in this video! Thanks! Off to buy up a bunch of 70 series for import. Haha.
I'm starting to believe that the next step to this advice is go out and do it. Too much time has been spent finding out everything about everything before you really do it.
Every time I watch ur videos I ask my self why did u choose jeep only now I understand why and it make sense Although my favourite is troopy I still like the jeep
I imported a 1995 LHD Defender 110 into the USA in great condition to my house for less than the price of a spec'd out Honda Accord. Parts are not difficult to get, just potentially a longer wait time. Sure it's more difficult to obtain but I think the idea of importing scares people. I love the Defender community too
we have a 1993 defender 110 with a 200tdi, and have zig zagged all over from northern alaska to southern mexico and it was incredibly reliable, and planning to continue onto other continents. CHEERS
You and me both! - I looked into getting my Jeep there from Southern Africa, but unfortunately there is no easy/cheap option. Maybe I'll buy a crappy little motorbike there and zip around for a month!
If I was going from where I am in Northern Europe for a Cape to Cape run, my immediate answer is "Defender", for all the reasons you mention. I would probably go a size up, however, and find a single cab 130 and go for a camper solution on the back. I'd love to go all the way big and get a 4x4 Mercedes truck or Unimog with a camper unit, but I can't afford it, and even if I could, I can get the same level of comfort in like a 4WD Iveco Daily on a much smaller footprint. I think the ultimate marriage of capability and 3-season livability is a Defender 130 or 4WD Daily. And out of those, the Defender is the more international platform.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah no, for a bunch of reasons. That being said, speaking of RHD 130's, Graeme Bell & co seem to do pretty well in their RHD, I finished their latest book a while ago and I don't think he mentioned any problems in West Africa. Well, not any problems related to the steering wheel location. There are a fair few LHD former utility 130's floating around, even if they aren't common by any means.
West Africa is no problem for RHD. Central America is a no go. The middle east is a no go, and it's limiting their options to get off Africa right now (we've been exchanging emails about it)
A very good and thorough analysis about overland vehicles for African expeditions. I'm Belgian and went for a LandCruiser 79. Bought and built in South Africa. The right-hand side steering wheel is an issue in U.E.A. and Saudi Arabia. I think there is no perfect choice. I honestly did not understand your vehicle choice but after watching this video it made more sense. Regarding the Def 110, reliability is an issue. All the people I know using them commercially (mainly safari and self-drive safari companies) have stopped using them and replaced them with LC79. There is one car you did not mention and it’s the Hilux. I see more and more this car in Africa. It is reliable and cost-effective. Spare parts are easily available. Consumption and performances are the ones of a modern vehicle in comparison to the LC 70 series. Probably a little less reliable than a LandCruiser but not that much at all. Maybe the Hilux is a bit less sexy. The LC probably separates the men from the boys. I don't think this can be back down by any evidence or data. More a “bush legend”.
@@Hatunrumioc I had to set up a company to register the vehicle. This is not very expensive but you have monthly expenses. The consumption of my first trip was 17L/100. Now that diesel is a bit expensive, I think I am down to 13-14L/100 km but it’s a bit too early to say. It’s only my 4th day of my new trip.
Question: how often did you use the front, rear, both sets of lockers? Hoping to get a jet in the next 4 months, assuming a good interest rate is available, and I was discounting the Rubicon as I do not plan on Rick crawling. Thoughts?
To become overlander u need: . 20 litres plastic shower, can be used as a can. 70 l Plastic tray - store staff + can be used as bath. 10 l plastic bucket..... Very useful 🤘 . Gasoline stove. . Any car where u can spread 5€ inflatable mattress on ski on on snowboard. . Mastercard/visa to buy fodd/gas/spares . Finito 🤘
Planning on taking my Troopy v8 across to Africa and then onto Europe just checking shipping costs etc but a bit worried about roads not to take etc. Cheers.
Seek out other people that have done it, listen to their advice about countries and regions, etc. Make sure that troopy doesn't have a DPF... the diesel in Africa will kill it very quickly (I met a couple from Queensland who were stranded in their Troopy the day they left South Africa)
Great video Dan. I would also add that there are infinite youtube videos and forum pages on how to fix literally everything on a jeep. With a good amount of pre planning research or a little wifi, its easy to find some guy out there who ran into a similar problem with a step by step process on how to fix the issue. I'm currently building out a Jeep Gladiator for what I hope to be an expedition around the Mediterranean. Thanks again!
Thanks Dan -- super interesting. No1 I find both toyota and Land Rowers super boring cars to have. (driven both a lot) I really enjoy when work gave me No2. VW Amarok and the V6 engine is interesting. Of course I live in Europe and have access to buying parts here and have them sent to me. Also it is made in Argentina - so S-America is super ground for that car. In 2022 there will be new Amarok that is related to Ford Ranger and if I understand correctly has hybrid engine and 50KM range on electric. That I find super interesting, because with solar panels - one could limp out of situation where there is no fuel available. Also I am going diesel because of products of Webasto who makes heaters, AC, Cookers and other products for RVs that run on diesel. Google it! And with small petrol engine generator I can keep going where there is only petrol available, Where sun is only available. So perfect overlanding combo.
@@nikola2georgiev That is true. Although I had manual Amarok, they say that the 1st gear in the automatic box is very low. But I am hoping for that V6, with the size of the Amarok and transfer box from the ranger.
Cheers Dan 🍻,, Common sense decision on your vehicle choice👍. I'm budget building a 02 Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Sport (US spec). I finally have the mechanical gremlins resolved. I average 14+mpg on the highway 🤷♂️. Not spectacular. The offroad mpg would be considerably less which would be my primary concern. Auxiliary fuel. Eventually I plan on a LSD (rear) and a winch. Aftermarket support for this vehicle (US market) is dismissal🤦♂️. Thanks for your great content. Cheers 🍻, G.
From Cape Town,Sunny South Africa......what about the Nissan Patrol Y61. Although not sold anymore in Africa,except the UAE. Are parts still available in mid/N.Africa. Of cos you will add that you need a tanker to follow it lol. But capable .....equal to any LC it is ,or driven properly it is even better. Thx D.....Great videos.
We choose a 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser J120 with a 1kzte diesel engine made in Japan. It's an old engine but I can use any kind of diesel. It's a very reliable and comfortable vehicle.
Original parts, even for Toyota, have very long delivery times, unless there are something minor like some brake pads, or some other wear and tear parts. If you need some odd part, you have a better chance of getting it aftermarket. I need it an EGR valve for may landcruiser in Albania, literally 1 jump from Italy, and the delivery time was 12 days. I limped to Croatia, and there would take 1 week minimum, but likely more, a country inside EU, for a car sold in significant numbers in Europe (Landcruiser Prado 120 3.0 D4D). With this BS of right in time delivery and centralized depots for cutting costs, you only chance are aftermaket parts if the car you drive is present in significant numbers locally, for Africa that would be a 70 series or a Hilux. Otherwise no matter what you drive, if you need some part that is replaced rarely (like an ABS pump for example, or maybe and oil seal in trans, things like that ) you are screwed. Toyota has basically 1 or 2 hubs for parts on each continent from where they ship. The dealerships all carry maybe some brake pads, windshield wipers and other nonsense like this. What ever you drive, my advice is speak with your dealership home to be ready to help you in case of need, so they can ship you parts quickly if need it.
Good video and great choices! One thing I'm curious about... Your top 3 choices (70 series, Defender 110, J80/100) were all diesels, yet in your gas/petrol vs diesel video, you recommended gas over diesel (availability, cost to maintain, price, etc). Has your view shifted? Or was it more to justify your choice of a petrol Jeep? 😜 [Friendly banter] As to your ranking in this video... I totally agree (you definitely went straight for the best of the best) 👌 I'd go for a 70 series myself, but here in Europe, due to emissions laws, it's become impossible to register an older diesel (HZJ 79, for instance), and importing a new 2.8L J79 diesel is both ridiculously expensive (€90k+, and I'm not joking) and makes no sense, as they're Euro6d compliant, with DPF and the whole package (so extra $$$ to remove that, and it's illegal to do so anyway...) So my new overland vehicle is going to be a trusty ol' HDJ 80, which I'm very excited to start building up. 😁 Cheers and keep the great content coming!
For the undeveloped world diesel is the best IF AND ONLY IF it is a diesel engine from before 2007, and maybe even before 2000. No emissions of any kind, and maybe even no computer of any kind. A modern diesel is not a good choice.
Jeep often does poorly on reliability rankings according to consumer reports. What is your opinion on that Dan? Is it just certain models that do poorly?
Hey Dan, I have elected a Toyota Tundra, primarily with the hopes that it should be reliable when we do venture out of the North America. I like the idea of multiport fuel injection, a tested 6 speed transmission and some (albeit very limited) interchangeable parts with a 200 series. I thought I recalled that in a past video you mentioning that Rock Auto could reliably ship around the world? Would your concern simply be that it would take too long? -Thanks
What are your thoughts on the Armada as a world vehicle, it shares a common platform (nissan patrol) and has some compatibility with an extremely reliable engine.
Dan did a diesel swap on his previous Jeep - it didn't go so well. I think if you keep the engine stock, it has the same fuel consumption challenge as the Land Cruiser. If you change it to a diesel, you have a custom setup that is more difficult to find parts for.
@@questioner1596 That's very true, I would never diesel swap a north American vehicle as our diesel engines are subpar compared to our European counterparts. The gas mileage on both the armada and landcruiser are absolutely abysmal eh
The current shape armada would be a poor choice because it's based on the Y62 patrol. Yes it's cheaper than a 200 series LandCruiser, but there's a VERY good reason for that - they are junk. The old shape Armada is a decent vehicle, and pretty reliable. I'd be concerned about parts and fuel consumption though.
Would your considerations change at all for a Pan American trip? What are your thoughts on the Jeep Gladiator? I like the additional storage space and payload with the bed.
Big question will be insurance. Can you afford the loss of a 40k vehicle. And you will still need to secure the bed. Rooftop tents are messy because of the bed flexing.
was that a Subaru Loyale? I loved that car when I had one. gutless but reliable. I'm going the VW vanagon route with updated engine for our Pan American trip. good info as always.
Rusty was a 1992 Loyale indeed! Selectable 4x4, well over 35mpg on the highway. Roof rack, etc. I had a whole bison in the back once (~1500lbs), and with studded winter tires he was great in the Arctic in winter. I miss that little car. $450 !
70 series cons are a bit off in my experience. They only become expensive once they land on US soil. I've brought 2 into the US, one for 10k and one for 15k which is equal to or less than a comparable 80 series. Also parts are easy to acquire. It's just a 3 day shipping wait vs a walk in and buy in most senarios. Toyota dealers in the us do actually carry the air filters, oil filter and other parts just not all parts so that info is not entirely correct. The 70 series don't really break often so it's not an issue for me personally plus it's easy enough to travel with all the service spares you'd need on a trip. I'd say anyone who wants one can get one for a great price if they can do some hunting and are willing to import it themselves.
Any Toyota offroad vehicles are the best depending You want an Suv Double cab Single cab They are expensive to buy but money will be saved by the cheap maintenance,easy to find. I just got a Toyota hilux 2.4 4x4 2024 face-lift. Mine is a cheapest Toyota hilux 4x4 It around $50 000,00 You can get a Dmax at $44 400,00 4×4. Nissan navara $39 500,00 In my country Botswana You don't have to have to worry about anything atleast for 100 000km.
If I was travelling all over the world, I would definitely take the Troopy. Yes, if you are in N. America parts are hard to get, however, no matter where you are, when your vehicle breaks down, it will be a hassle, and the Troopy is uber reliable, and the best platform all around for overlanding. I would be more worried about breaking down in countries other than the US and Canada - so then the Troopy once again beats them all out. I get the choice of the Jeep though, good support all over the world and it seems no vehicle can beat that. What about other Toyota Landcruisers?
Are there any full size American Pickup Trucks running around Africa? What about vans for a more comfortable living arrangement, or are they just not capable enough for the more out of the way places?
Some have been imported into South Africa with strange steering conversions (same for Australia), but essentially they don't exist. There are vans, and even big ones like Ivecos. But again, it's a legal nightmare to register a use a vehicle in a country you are only a tourist in.
Great Video Dan, thank you! My girlfriend and I want to do a PanAm trip in 2023 with our dog. A friend told me the Jeep Rubicon isn't the spaciest ride out there. Which vehicles pop up in your mind when thinking of a spacious overland vehicle for the PanAm highway?
It depends entirely on your goals - do you want to live inside, do you enjoy 4x4ing or offroading, do you want the trip to take years and years of enjoyment, or rush through, will you be in a ground tent, etc. etc. There are dozens and dozens of choices that can work, it depends entirely on you.
All you say makes sence. You forgot to mention 60 Toyota is steel beeing sold in africa and australia. Defender ended production in 2016 but a lot of goverments do still use them. U and I do owne a Defender 110 but litl newer than 300 tdi its TD5 but planing on building treweling rig with 300tdi 3 door series 3 body. Cheers 🍻
I've bought a 2004 diesel Patrol to set-up and explore Mongolia, Central-Asia and Iran next year. Since most of the ex Soviet states (and Mongolia) mostly uses UAZ's and old Russian stuff the Land Cruiser and the Patrol are both less common and do have some support. What would you reckon you would drive over there?
I've heard they're not too common but did you see any Mk 2 Pajero's in Africa? I just got a 1995 (Montero) model here in the States and I have no plans for international over-landing but besides the Isuzu trooper it's the only vehicle in this class we could afford since we are very poor (got a great deal, only $550, though it needs quite a bit of work, but I will work it up slowly since I am a mechanic and it's not my daily driver). Need something bigger than a Jeep, plus couldn't afford the newer four door one's anyway, and land cruisers are way outta budget. I've been quite impressed with the interior quality and cabin noise of the Montero so far, as well as the shape it is in for a 1995 model with 254,000 miles. Partly I'm just curious and partly I'm wondering about how many you saw over there just to kind of see how reliable they may be for an older rig. Anyway, thanks, and thanks for the great videos!
That vehicle looks awesome. The only thing I wonder about is the BMW engine, but it is currently being used by Toyota in the Supra so maybe it’s a good one, just not sure about “around the world good”. Because Toyota uses it I wonder if it will be serviceable at Toyota dealerships?
@@J.Young808 right, but not every country has a BMW dealer, Toyota dealers are everywhere and since Toyota uses the engine it might be easy to get parts and service
Superb reasoning, all on point - to add to your comments on 100 and 105 Land Cruisers, the US spec is also totally different to Africa/Ausie/Middle East spec with exception of body panels, etc. - different engines, etc, so your reasoning re. other US Toyota vehicles also apply for Land Cruisers, including 200 series. For us in Africa, who would like to do the trans America trip one day, please also comment on availability of 70 series etc. in South America, I was led to believe South America also use the 70 series we have. Now the other reverse question, would you totally discourage us Land Cruiser Africa spec owners to bring vehicle to North America for a 1 year trip in North America before going South ( in addition to steering wheel position)?
There is a fairly strong 70 series gray market in the US. If you are going to buy a rig in the US and want to go Toyota, the 4 runner is your best bet if you don't like jeep. Depending on how epic you want your trip to be. I would start in Florida in the winter and buy a nice clean Gen4 4 runner. Go up the east coast in spring. Across Canada into Alaska in the summer. Work down the west coast into South America in the fall and winter.
Love your videos, I'm looking for a new car to feel confident on local mountain/ forest roads here in Oregon but also to be my daily driver since I can't afford two cars
I was hoping you may address more roomy vehicles, specifically cargo vans like the RAM ProMaster, for transit, Chevy Express, and Mercedes sprinter. I'm planning an RTW trip with the girlfriend and she needs a little more space. Seems like the ProMaster is out because it's only sold in North America (Fiat Ducato has slightly different dimensions and different engines). The Mercedes would be an option but damn are they expensive to purchase and maintain. It looks like the Ford Transit has the most dealers around the world and it's the same frame worldwide, but I'm having trouble tracking down drivetrain options around the world. Thoughts?
There are several dimensions for the Fiat Ducato but with the engines you could be right. The Sprinter belongs to Daimler Trucks and they are the biggest Truck Company in the world.
@@just-jeff-watching I had scooted them as they are no longer made here in the United States, we've moved over to the Ford Transit. But if it was a truly global model, I would consider buying a late model one and putting a high top conversion on it perhaps.
@@krichd1 I agree it would be a decent idea as it is sold worldwide, but that's a full-on commercial vehicle where a camper would have to be fully built and added to the back, likely stripping my budget, as well as the ability to fit in a container for shipping from continent to continent, as well as fitting down narrow European streets. :)
That Merc engine has been used in *a lot* of vehicles around the world, so I'm sure it has good support. Emissions will be a pain, hopefully you can delete it. I'm not sure how it will run on the extremely dirty diesel in West Africa.
The engine is designed for ultra low sulphur diesel (around 5-10 or maybe 20 parts per million). In West Africa, the diesel is 2000 parts per million, and it destroys newer diesel engines in very short order (The hi-pressure diesel pumps are not designed for it, and then eventually the injectors clog and instead of atomizing the diesel, they spray a jet at 12,000psi... which goes right through the piston.
You can order any toyota part to any toyota dealership itll just take a long time. Ive heard of people with 70 series in the states order parts to their toyota dealerships here. But there is still the wait time
I've met more than a few people that have tried to do that and completely failed. Friends had the transmission go in their 70 series when they arrived in Halifax, Canada and had a nightmare getting parts. Other friends had a window broken in Chile in their 70 and couldn't get glass. Toyota dealers CAN NOT get parts for vehicles that are not in their systems, that is a myth. Go into one in the US and order the injectors for a 1HZ and see how you go.
Great video, once again! Did you ever consider a G-Wagen? If so, what were the cons that made you not chose it? My husband and I are getting ours ready for longer trips. I love the space in them and how they can run on almost anything.
Not really. They're very expensive, parts are insanely expensive, and in the US you can't get diesel ones... so for someone living in North America it doesn't make much sense, I think.
Hey Dan, Excellent content. My ears perked up when you mentioned the difficulty of importing and Carnet de P. I purchased a 2003 G 270 from Poland with camper and although I went through a lawyer the registration remains in the previous owners name. Will this be an issue?? I have all the sales invoices and sales receipt from the lawyer but am a bit concerned some countries where I may have issues. I've been driving around the EU/Montenegro/Albania without any issue and heading to Morocco soon. I will eventually bring back to Canada. Do you foresee any issues with bringing back to Canada or entering some countries?
I hate to breal it to you but you were wrong abput the tacoma there. Tacoma use the 1gr fe which is also used in hilux and prados. Its a very common petrol engine worldwide. Also alot of the suspension componemts are verys similar.
In the 1960s, in Ethiopia, Ted Shatto Safaris used Series II Land Rovers, a surplus M38A1 military Jeep, and on one safari a Land Cruiser. In those days Land Rovers outnumbered cars and there may have been a dozen Land Cruisers in the entire country. When I visited a few years ago I saw that Toyota dominates the car and truck market, and I saw only a couple Land Rovers. The parts and service have also reversed and now even the most backwater village has someone who can fix a Toyota and anybody who can repair a Jeep or Land Rover is 60 years old and forgot how to do it. On and off road, our diesel 88 short wheelbase Land Rover used half the fuel of the gas 88 Land Rovers. And oddly enough, the Land Cruiser got the same gas mileage as the Land Rover on the gravel highways and roads but used twice the gas off road. Going on a trek? Follow the lead of NASA and plan for where you are going, not where you are.
Dan, after having completed your trip, do you still consider it a "must" to have a global vehicle? It seems like a few times you have mentioned that just ordering parts and having them shipped, while it takes days/weeks, isn't really that big of an impact if you have the time flexibility to stay in one place. It just seems to me that if you are doing your own work and can do your own computer code scanning yourself, it just comes down to timeline for getting parts if you really do need a crank position sensor to be sent via DHL to Kenya. Maybe the "average" traveler isn't willing to do that level of work on their vehicle, but anyone who is willing to learn can potentially be a bit less limited to that requirement than those that rely on dealerships.
That is true to an extent, but if you need something very big/heavy, getting it shipped will cost a small fortune. I personally wouldn't want to drive to the most remote parts of the planet in a vehicle that didn't even exist in a 10,000 mile radius.
Don’t assume the shipping rules that apply in US work as smooth in Africa - living in South Africa, we often have issues with Customs, companies in US not willing to ship due to complexities, local courier - even ordering a pair of pants from Eddie Bauer can cost upwards of two times the price once in your hands, and it also apply to spares, camping equipment, etc, and yes I speak from experience - not to mention getting to little village somewhere close to nowhere.
Great video, I had no idea Jeep was so widely used. I was always under the impression it was an America's specific vehicle, mainly North. Good luck on your next country tour.
@@TheRoadChoseMe oh that's great to hear. Sadly they're not common at all here in Europe therefore ridiculously expensive. My best chance here is probably either a land rover discovery or a land cruiser 90 series
@@TheRoadChoseMe Mid $80k for bare bones and a 6-9 month wait. Second hand already kitted out they're a lot more expensive, some up near $200k. LC200's have gone through the roof as well. You could buy either, drive around Aus for a few years and then sell them at a profit. Rumour has it Toyota is dropping the V8 diesel soon so there's a move to snap up any before it happens. I'm not a fan of either, I'd take a Prado though. Handy car, capable, huge fuel tank standard, fuel efficient, reliable, plenty of mods and nice to drive. It's the pick of the Toyotas in my opinion.
@@truthseeker3536 I do a lot of outback touring in a Pajero, just got back from Googs Track yesterday. Shortcomings for me are the fuel tank isn't big enough, and the damn cabin noise is horrendous on corrugations. They rattle your balls off, several times the windscreen wipers turned themselves on because the dash and steering wheel were shaking so much. Otherwise a solid reliable car.
Thank you again! Alwais interesting to see your channel. By the way i drive mercedes gwagen from 1993, w461 with OM 662 ). Did you see any mercedes gclass in Africa?
I have no interest doing any kind of trip that requires somebody's permission. I would much rather go it alone and have the adventure - that way what other people think has no bearing
Love to hear the South African Jeep community was willing to help out so willingly 👏🏽👏🏽
Watching this again two years later and marveling at how fast time passes. Nitpick but just wanted to say that Hiluxes did share engines with the early Tacomas, the venerable 3rz-fe.
Yeah, but nobody elsewhere in the world bought a Hilux with that engine.
In Africa, Australia, NZ and most of Europe 99.9999999% of all Hiluxes are diesel.
Hilux gasoline/ petrol was never sold in Europe or Africa. They only have the diesel. Why even does America have such a weak diesel culture? It seems to me with the distances and the big trucks that diesel vehicles are much more desirable @@TheRoadChoseMe
@@robertvoss9111Government restrictions on what engines can be sold there.....
Toyota Hilux or Fortuner are also two very popular choices for Africa. Personally we have driven 230,000km already in our Fortuner all the way from Cape Town and all over Namibia 🇳🇦, Botswana 🇧🇼, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼, Zambia 🇿🇲, Mozambique 🇲🇿, and Malawi 🇲🇼!
and also for South America, the most common here
Toyota Hilux is my dream camping/overlanding vehicle, from Kenya.
In Europe we only have the diesel Hilux which won't work for Afrca. Do you have the petrol?
@@jdexplores01 Nope my Fortuner was diesel. Most of the people here have diesel Hilux. It is the most popular truck here. Mate just returned from big southern africa trip and he said that diesel 50ppm was basically everywhere. I now have a Landcruiser 78 Troopy @troopyinafrica
4runner?
I'm not a Jeep guy. But you make absolute sense in what you say. I enjoyed this video.
Right. I do not like the look of Jeeps. Toyota any day.
The moment you finished putting the LC 70 series followed by the LR 110, is when I realised you know what you're talking about 🙌
We have gone for a 2002 Troopy with the 1HZ engine. Fitted an Alucab Hercules roof conversion and set off around northern Australia in 8 weeks...Dan, you have some great advice and your videos are always full of information.
What about your Bat wing, I couldn't live without one .
Wealth of honest information which is rare, thank you.
Haha..5:40 Multimeter with Lucas electrics..LR saga. Good video as ever Dan :). MPG is such a huge factor in choosing the right vehicle.
I have a Toyota 4runner in America but with the 33in tires I get 15mpg. I moved to Italy and gas is $6-7 a gallon! I'm happy I left the 4r and bought a used euro jeep cherokee diesel. 20-30 mpg!! Just as capable
Dan I love the backstory behind your thought process on your vehicle selection. So much to work through, especially on an expedition thr scale you undertook. Thanks for sharing! 🤙-Josh
I got a 1982 BJ60 (diesel) here in British Columbia. I think it's a great option that ticks all the boxes except it needs a full refresh to bring it back up to being nice and dependable. And the 3B engine is pretty wimpy but power isn't super important for what I want to do. The benefit is the lack of electronics to break.
I am always in AWE of what you achieved Dan.... the proof is in the pudding...the Jeep Rubicon worked and worked well in the harshest of Africa roads..you Rock. Blessings.
The exception to the right hand steering wheel in the United States is the mail department and you can buy their decommission Vehicles, by the way.
Tacoma, f150, tundra, etc exist here in Ghana where I live
Sound, practical, useful and common sense advice built upon experience over time. This is the go-to channel for a reality check.
I have a friend who just crossed Russia in a 1986 Toyota Corolla sedan. You don't need diesel and you don't need a 70 series.
He is talking about over landing the kalahari desert
Great video, you gave us a lot to think about. Would have never considered a Jeep, now it's at the top of my list.
Great video. I presume you can add the Y61 Nissan Patrol to the list of vehicles that North Americans wish they could get their hands on? The petrol version is still ubiquitous in the Gulf (pick up, SWB and LWB, manual and auto options) and you can also get the diesel version if you really want it. I think my petrol Y61 Patrol would be the perfect overland vehicle - providing I had a friend with a fuel tanker following me! I’ve got the V8 diesel Troopy too, but from everything I read, diesel quality in Africa would be an issue. I may chuckle at my slow friends with the 1HZ engine, but you can’t argue with the reputation you mention. I recently sold my 2001 TJ Wrangler and have loved hearing how you drove one around South America. Now I’m revealing myself to be a spoiled Dubai resident with all the gear but no idea :) I’m hoping one day to take the Troopy on a long trip, across Africa would be my dream. For now it’s camping in the UAE and waiting for the Oman and Saudi borders to open up to do some longer trips. Speaking of which, add Oman, the UAE and Saudi to your own bucket list, there are lots of us here that would love to meet you.
I guess Defender 110 CSW or 110 HCPU with Tdi 300 or Td5 would be the best overlanding choice when living in Europe. Parts are inexpensive and easy accessable and you will get a LHD vehicle. I have had 5 different Defenders (both station wagons and pickups) , Jeep Wrangler JK 2.8 CRD and Jeep Cherokee 4.0 L. I find the Land Rovers more reliable and less expensive to repare in Norway. Toyota Hilux and Nissan King Cabs are also popular for overlanding, but need a lot of rebuilding to convert them to overlanders
Absolutely, the Defenders are an excellent choice, and if going to undeveloped parts of the world, the 300tdi is an excellent engine!
Brings a new meaning to me about, “JEEP: There’s Only One”
Well that was a bit left field! Assumed it would be a Toyota. I now have to rethink what my daughter needs for her grand tour. Good summary. 👍
If you live in a place where you can buy a 1HZ Troopie easily, then there is no question that's a fantastic option. But when you can't do that, you have to think sideways.
Great video! I have a Toyota 105 in South Africa. Love it to bits - it takes me everywhere and is super reliable, but it does consume a literal boatload of fuel
I'm in the UK and chose the Mk6 Hilux . Purely on reliability and after market support . So far it's not had a single fault.
In Europe the Hilux is probably the best vehicle for the money. I'm personally not a huge fan of a pick up, lots of wasted space
Great discussion, Dan. I really liked your discussion about why you selected the Jeep. Over the past months I've often thought "Ya, it was a great choice for him for Africa only because nothing broke and he didn't need support". It turns out, you had more support options than I thought you did - very reassuring. You're very intentional and I should have known better than to doubt you. ;)
My only other major concern about the Jeep is the abysmal payload. Ya, I know... pack less... :). Easier said than done.
The only two other vehicles I'm considering are the Lexus GX470 / 460 (aka Prado around the world) because they are available internationally and the 4Runner because they share many components with the Lexus. If only we could come to terms with the payload issue of the Wrangler it would be an easy choice.
I agree the payload is a big problem on the Wrangler.
With the 470/460 I think you'll find that engine/trans wasn't used around the world.
Also what's the gas consumption like? I think they're thirsty aren't they?
We have two Toyota’s that we hope to use as our overland vehicle. One is an FJ Cruiser and the second is a Land Cruiser 200. Our first adventure will be the Pan American highway and then we hope to tackle Europe. We like the reliability of the vehicles but I liked your reasons for picking the Jeep for your Africa adventure.
I wish they could bring the troop carriers to the U.S. so badly. Dream vehicle for sure.
Agreed. And I can buy one here in South Africa, just not in left hand drive. 🤣🤣. Contact a Cape Town company called Pon Steyn. Although they mainly export land rovers to the US, they may be able to help with a Troopie.
Its a waste of money for Toyota. Americans are gonna nag about the lack of comfort stuff and how much underpowered it is
We have those in the middle east , reliable and looks cool but thats it , too expensive for this , underpowered , shit fuel economy , no matter what you do it will never be comfortable but for overlanding / off road , its a very good choice , but i’d rather just get a full size american pickup with a big V8 , maybe a sierra AT4 , so much better as a daily driver
I don't have plans to travel through Africa but I do have a rather unorthodox offroad vehicle. My 2007 F350 DRW 4x4 Supercab truck suits my needs here in North America. It would probably be the last choice for most overlanders but it is the vehicle I have and I have made extrensive modifications to it to make it more "overlandy". Since cargo capacity it off the charts for me, I don't have to worry about how much I can carry. I have a canopy on the 8 foot truck bed and I have built out the bed to be very comfortable. I have a sleeping platform, insulation, lights, charging ports for phones and even a TV. I even have 200W of solar on the roof of the canopy. Behind the seat in the extra cab portion, I have installed a 40 gallon water tank with a 12V RV water pump, a 20A solar controller, a 40A DC-DC charger, a 1000W inverter, a 12V 26 qt. compressor fridge, a 100AH Battleborn LiFePO4 battery and a 5A Battery Tender battery charger along with a NOCO Boost X GBX55 1750A 12V Jump Start kit. I have an onboard compressor with inflation tools and air bags. The rear is a D80 with LSD and the front is Dana S60 that is open with 4.30 gears. This truck goes anywhere I point it and anywhere it will fit. It is not built for Jeep trails but it handles everything I need it to at the moment. It does like gas (6.8L V10) but it has a 38 gallon fuel tank and averages about 10 mpg in the city and 11/12 mpg unloaded on the highway. Most countries would not even allow it to be imported because they consider it a commercial vehicle but it would never be able to be shipped because it will not fit into a shipping container. It's big, it's inefficient but it is quite capable and it's paid for so that means a lot. I am just working with what I have, for now.
That is one well equipped beast!
Fully agree, a great choice and very capable vehicle as you proofed..
I'm probably never leaving North America, so am extremely happy with a base model Tacoma. It will only get mild softroading upgrades, like all terrains, a super light aluminum shell, and a Warn winch. Even stock with Pmetric HT tires, it is surprisingly capable in the Mojave Desert.
Great explanation of your choice. I live in NB on the east coast and I've been looking at something to buy to do the pan-am and I've sadly noticed that all of the best overlanding vehicles aren't sold here, which is really surprising to me.
Based in South Africa I would go for the Troopy (70 series). I do however fully agree with you thought process and the vehicle you chose. Enjoy your adventures.
I would really enjoy hearing more about vehicle selection, option packages, and pros and cons of various choices in future videos. Great stuff in this video! Thanks! Off to buy up a bunch of 70 series for import. Haha.
I'm starting to believe that the next step to this advice is go out and do it. Too much time has been spent finding out everything about everything before you really do it.
Good luck finding a 25 year old troopy that is worth importing...
Every time I watch ur videos I ask my self why did u choose jeep only now I understand why and it make sense
Although my favourite is troopy I still like the jeep
Great info Dan!!!.......Cheers......Steve
You are not crazy! Very helpful! As always. I am happy I went with my Jeep--even though my travels are, so far, only in the US.
I imported a 1995 LHD Defender 110 into the USA in great condition to my house for less than the price of a spec'd out Honda Accord. Parts are not difficult to get, just potentially a longer wait time. Sure it's more difficult to obtain but I think the idea of importing scares people. I love the Defender community too
we have a 1993 defender 110 with a 200tdi, and have zig zagged all over from northern alaska to southern mexico and it was incredibly reliable, and planning to continue onto other continents. CHEERS
One day would love to overland Madagascar. I'm surprised how dominent Toyota trucks are there!✌🏽
You and me both! - I looked into getting my Jeep there from Southern Africa, but unfortunately there is no easy/cheap option.
Maybe I'll buy a crappy little motorbike there and zip around for a month!
If I was going from where I am in Northern Europe for a Cape to Cape run, my immediate answer is "Defender", for all the reasons you mention. I would probably go a size up, however, and find a single cab 130 and go for a camper solution on the back. I'd love to go all the way big and get a 4x4 Mercedes truck or Unimog with a camper unit, but I can't afford it, and even if I could, I can get the same level of comfort in like a 4WD Iveco Daily on a much smaller footprint. I think the ultimate marriage of capability and 3-season livability is a Defender 130 or 4WD Daily. And out of those, the Defender is the more international platform.
Make sure it isn't RHD - that will limit your options.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah no, for a bunch of reasons. That being said, speaking of RHD 130's, Graeme Bell & co seem to do pretty well in their RHD, I finished their latest book a while ago and I don't think he mentioned any problems in West Africa. Well, not any problems related to the steering wheel location. There are a fair few LHD former utility 130's floating around, even if they aren't common by any means.
West Africa is no problem for RHD.
Central America is a no go.
The middle east is a no go, and it's limiting their options to get off Africa right now (we've been exchanging emails about it)
A very good and thorough analysis about overland vehicles for African expeditions. I'm Belgian and went for a LandCruiser 79. Bought and built in South Africa. The right-hand side steering wheel is an issue in U.E.A. and Saudi Arabia. I think there is no perfect choice. I honestly did not understand your vehicle choice but after watching this video it made more sense. Regarding the Def 110, reliability is an issue. All the people I know using them commercially (mainly safari and self-drive safari companies) have stopped using them and replaced them with LC79. There is one car you did not mention and it’s the Hilux. I see more and more this car in Africa. It is reliable and cost-effective. Spare parts are easily available. Consumption and performances are the ones of a modern vehicle in comparison to the LC 70 series. Probably a little less reliable than a LandCruiser but not that much at all. Maybe the Hilux is a bit less sexy. The LC probably separates the men from the boys. I don't think this can be back down by any evidence or data. More a “bush legend”.
Did you have any problems registering it in South Africa and keeping up to date on formalities? Also, how was the fuel consumption?
@@Hatunrumioc I had to set up a company to register the vehicle. This is not very expensive but you have monthly expenses. The consumption of my first trip was 17L/100. Now that diesel is a bit expensive, I think I am down to 13-14L/100 km but it’s a bit too early to say. It’s only my 4th day of my new trip.
Question: how often did you use the front, rear, both sets of lockers? Hoping to get a jet in the next 4 months, assuming a good interest rate is available, and I was discounting the Rubicon as I do not plan on Rick crawling. Thoughts?
On the west coast of Africa I used them a lot in the mud - many times a week.
East Africa a few times a month.
I don't rock crawl, ever.
What about the 4x4 Ford Van in your thumbnail?
I got suckered in by it and yet no word about it.
Likely the same fate as the other Ford vehicles he listed. I don’t think the econoline is sold worldwide. They have the transit for that
@@Triple259772
Thx.
If you want a proper truck for more space and a camper, which is sold worldwide, check out the Mitsubishi Fuso 4x4.
Your reasoning is perfect and brutally honest
To become overlander u need:
.
20 litres plastic shower, can be used as a can.
70 l Plastic tray - store staff + can be used as bath.
10 l plastic bucket..... Very useful 🤘
.
Gasoline stove.
.
Any car where u can spread 5€ inflatable mattress on ski on on snowboard.
.
Mastercard/visa to buy fodd/gas/spares
.
Finito 🤘
Planning on taking my Troopy v8 across to Africa and then onto Europe just checking shipping costs etc but a bit worried about roads not to take etc. Cheers.
Seek out other people that have done it, listen to their advice about countries and regions, etc.
Make sure that troopy doesn't have a DPF... the diesel in Africa will kill it very quickly (I met a couple from Queensland who were stranded in their Troopy the day they left South Africa)
Our JK made a greater tourer as well as a weekend mountain goat… we are now building out JL in the same manner
I think Nissan GU Patrol Y61 (also called Safari) should be a good option... Any reason not to be considered? What do you think?
Great video Dan. I would also add that there are infinite youtube videos and forum pages on how to fix literally everything on a jeep. With a good amount of pre planning research or a little wifi, its easy to find some guy out there who ran into a similar problem with a step by step process on how to fix the issue. I'm currently building out a Jeep Gladiator for what I hope to be an expedition around the Mediterranean. Thanks again!
Thanks Dan -- super interesting. No1 I find both toyota and Land Rowers super boring cars to have. (driven both a lot) I really enjoy when work gave me No2. VW Amarok and the V6 engine is interesting. Of course I live in Europe and have access to buying parts here and have them sent to me. Also it is made in Argentina - so S-America is super ground for that car. In 2022 there will be new Amarok that is related to Ford Ranger and if I understand correctly has hybrid engine and 50KM range on electric. That I find super interesting, because with solar panels - one could limp out of situation where there is no fuel available. Also I am going diesel because of products of Webasto who makes heaters, AC, Cookers and other products for RVs that run on diesel. Google it! And with small petrol engine generator I can keep going where there is only petrol available, Where sun is only available. So perfect overlanding combo.
Only negative point with Amarok is the absence of low range gearbox. Maybe that will change with the new generation ....
@@nikola2georgiev That is true. Although I had manual Amarok, they say that the 1st gear in the automatic box is very low. But I am hoping for that V6, with the size of the Amarok and transfer box from the ranger.
Cheers Dan 🍻,,
Common sense decision on your vehicle choice👍. I'm budget building a 02 Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Sport (US spec). I finally have the mechanical gremlins resolved.
I average 14+mpg on the highway 🤷♂️. Not spectacular. The offroad mpg would be considerably less which would be my primary concern. Auxiliary fuel.
Eventually I plan on a LSD (rear) and a winch.
Aftermarket support for this vehicle (US market) is dismissal🤦♂️.
Thanks for your great content. Cheers 🍻, G.
That's why I own two jeep wrangler jk's, a 4 doors sahara and a willys wheeler 2 doors! Both i bought new in 2015.👌😎👍
Would you say the Nissan Patrol is a good vehicle for Africa? It's probably the most common / affordable vehicle here in Europe
From Cape Town,Sunny South Africa......what about the Nissan Patrol Y61. Although not sold anymore in Africa,except the UAE.
Are parts still available in mid/N.Africa.
Of cos you will add that you need a tanker to follow it lol.
But capable .....equal to any LC it is ,or driven properly it is even better. Thx D.....Great videos.
We choose a 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser J120 with a 1kzte diesel engine made in Japan. It's an old engine but I can use any kind of diesel. It's a very reliable and comfortable vehicle.
That is a Lexus GX 470 in the US and not the big solid front axel Land Cruisers most people think of
Original parts, even for Toyota, have very long delivery times, unless there are something minor like some brake pads, or some other wear and tear parts. If you need some odd part, you have a better chance of getting it aftermarket. I need it an EGR valve for may landcruiser in Albania, literally 1 jump from Italy, and the delivery time was 12 days. I limped to Croatia, and there would take 1 week minimum, but likely more, a country inside EU, for a car sold in significant numbers in Europe (Landcruiser Prado 120 3.0 D4D). With this BS of right in time delivery and centralized depots for cutting costs, you only chance are aftermaket parts if the car you drive is present in significant numbers locally, for Africa that would be a 70 series or a Hilux.
Otherwise no matter what you drive, if you need some part that is replaced rarely (like an ABS pump for example, or maybe and oil seal in trans, things like that ) you are screwed. Toyota has basically 1 or 2 hubs for parts on each continent from where they ship. The dealerships all carry maybe some brake pads, windshield wipers and other nonsense like this. What ever you drive, my advice is speak with your dealership home to be ready to help you in case of need, so they can ship you parts quickly if need it.
I'm a Toyota guy. Your decision was 100% sound.
Good video and great choices!
One thing I'm curious about... Your top 3 choices (70 series, Defender 110, J80/100) were all diesels, yet in your gas/petrol vs diesel video, you recommended gas over diesel (availability, cost to maintain, price, etc). Has your view shifted? Or was it more to justify your choice of a petrol Jeep? 😜 [Friendly banter]
As to your ranking in this video... I totally agree (you definitely went straight for the best of the best) 👌
I'd go for a 70 series myself, but here in Europe, due to emissions laws, it's become impossible to register an older diesel (HZJ 79, for instance), and importing a new 2.8L J79 diesel is both ridiculously expensive (€90k+, and I'm not joking) and makes no sense, as they're Euro6d compliant, with DPF and the whole package (so extra $$$ to remove that, and it's illegal to do so anyway...)
So my new overland vehicle is going to be a trusty ol' HDJ 80, which I'm very excited to start building up. 😁
Cheers and keep the great content coming!
For the undeveloped world diesel is the best IF AND ONLY IF it is a diesel engine from before 2007, and maybe even before 2000. No emissions of any kind, and maybe even no computer of any kind.
A modern diesel is not a good choice.
Nissan patrol old pajero and 1gen crv great buget 4x4 and land cruiser lc120 4d4
Jeep often does poorly on reliability rankings according to consumer reports. What is your opinion on that Dan? Is it just certain models that do poorly?
I think it depends on how you drive them, maintain them and modify them.
The jeep front grill has 7 slots for the 7 continents that it has been to and the support .
Good reasoning and sensible conclusion.
thnaks for the translation to Liters and km
Hey Dan, I have elected a Toyota Tundra, primarily with the hopes that it should be reliable when we do venture out of the North America. I like the idea of multiport fuel injection, a tested 6 speed transmission and some (albeit very limited) interchangeable parts with a 200 series. I thought I recalled that in a past video you mentioning that Rock Auto could reliably ship around the world? Would your concern simply be that it would take too long? -Thanks
You can get parts shipped, but obviously if they're insanely big or heavy that will be a large problem.
do you think that the toyota land cruiser 60 series would fit in the honorable mentions
Absolutely! A friend drove one on the identical lap I did in Africa, other friends drove one Alaska to Argentina.
@@TheRoadChoseMe nice!
I was born in Argentina but i live in Australia
What are your thoughts on the Armada as a world vehicle, it shares a common platform (nissan patrol) and has some compatibility with an extremely reliable engine.
Dan did a diesel swap on his previous Jeep - it didn't go so well. I think if you keep the engine stock, it has the same fuel consumption challenge as the Land Cruiser. If you change it to a diesel, you have a custom setup that is more difficult to find parts for.
@@questioner1596 That's very true, I would never diesel swap a north American vehicle as our diesel engines are subpar compared to our European counterparts. The gas mileage on both the armada and landcruiser are absolutely abysmal eh
The current shape armada would be a poor choice because it's based on the Y62 patrol. Yes it's cheaper than a 200 series LandCruiser, but there's a VERY good reason for that - they are junk. The old shape Armada is a decent vehicle, and pretty reliable. I'd be concerned about parts and fuel consumption though.
Would your considerations change at all for a Pan American trip?
What are your thoughts on the Jeep Gladiator? I like the additional storage space and payload with the bed.
Big question will be insurance. Can you afford the loss of a 40k vehicle. And you will still need to secure the bed. Rooftop tents are messy because of the bed flexing.
He drove a 2 door Wrangler from Alaska to Ushuaia, before the Africa trip
was that a Subaru Loyale? I loved that car when I had one. gutless but reliable. I'm going the VW vanagon route with updated engine for our Pan American trip. good info as always.
Rusty was a 1992 Loyale indeed! Selectable 4x4, well over 35mpg on the highway. Roof rack, etc.
I had a whole bison in the back once (~1500lbs), and with studded winter tires he was great in the Arctic in winter. I miss that little car. $450 !
70 series cons are a bit off in my experience. They only become expensive once they land on US soil. I've brought 2 into the US, one for 10k and one for 15k which is equal to or less than a comparable 80 series. Also parts are easy to acquire. It's just a 3 day shipping wait vs a walk in and buy in most senarios. Toyota dealers in the us do actually carry the air filters, oil filter and other parts just not all parts so that info is not entirely correct. The 70 series don't really break often so it's not an issue for me personally plus it's easy enough to travel with all the service spares you'd need on a trip. I'd say anyone who wants one can get one for a great price if they can do some hunting and are willing to import it themselves.
Where do they import them from? The middle east? Otherwise it will probably be a rhd
Any Toyota offroad vehicles are the best depending
You want an
Suv
Double cab
Single cab
They are expensive to buy but money will be saved by the cheap maintenance,easy to find.
I just got a Toyota hilux 2.4 4x4 2024 face-lift.
Mine is a cheapest Toyota hilux 4x4
It around $50 000,00
You can get a Dmax at $44 400,00 4×4.
Nissan navara $39 500,00
In my country Botswana
You don't have to have to worry about anything atleast for 100 000km.
If I was travelling all over the world, I would definitely take the Troopy. Yes, if you are in N. America parts are hard to get, however, no matter where you are, when your vehicle breaks down, it will be a hassle, and the Troopy is uber reliable, and the best platform all around for overlanding. I would be more worried about breaking down in countries other than the US and Canada - so then the Troopy once again beats them all out. I get the choice of the Jeep though, good support all over the world and it seems no vehicle can beat that. What about other Toyota Landcruisers?
Are there any full size American Pickup Trucks running around Africa? What about vans for a more comfortable living arrangement, or are they just not capable enough for the more out of the way places?
Some have been imported into South Africa with strange steering conversions (same for Australia), but essentially they don't exist.
There are vans, and even big ones like Ivecos. But again, it's a legal nightmare to register a use a vehicle in a country you are only a tourist in.
Its rediculous that some countries ban cars with steering on a certain side. I have both rhd and lhd vehicles.
Great Video Dan, thank you! My girlfriend and I want to do a PanAm trip in 2023 with our dog. A friend told me the Jeep Rubicon isn't the spaciest ride out there. Which vehicles pop up in your mind when thinking of a spacious overland vehicle for the PanAm highway?
It depends entirely on your goals - do you want to live inside, do you enjoy 4x4ing or offroading, do you want the trip to take years and years of enjoyment, or rush through, will you be in a ground tent, etc. etc. There are dozens and dozens of choices that can work, it depends entirely on you.
I would suggest Luxus LX. Travel in luxury and space.
All you say makes sence. You forgot to mention 60 Toyota is steel beeing sold in africa and australia. Defender ended production in 2016 but a lot of goverments do still use them. U and I do owne a Defender 110 but litl newer than 300 tdi its TD5 but planing on building treweling rig with 300tdi 3 door series 3 body. Cheers 🍻
I've bought a 2004 diesel Patrol to set-up and explore Mongolia, Central-Asia and Iran next year. Since most of the ex Soviet states (and Mongolia) mostly uses UAZ's and old Russian stuff the Land Cruiser and the Patrol are both less common and do have some support. What would you reckon you would drive over there?
You can buy a new UAZ Buhanka in Europe, just pity it is not very reliable and only good for cold countries.
Toyota reigns supreme in Asia, any form of land cruiser is great
I've heard they're not too common but did you see any Mk 2 Pajero's in Africa? I just got a 1995 (Montero) model here in the States and I have no plans for international over-landing but besides the Isuzu trooper it's the only vehicle in this class we could afford since we are very poor (got a great deal, only $550, though it needs quite a bit of work, but I will work it up slowly since I am a mechanic and it's not my daily driver). Need something bigger than a Jeep, plus couldn't afford the newer four door one's anyway, and land cruisers are way outta budget. I've been quite impressed with the interior quality and cabin noise of the Montero so far, as well as the shape it is in for a 1995 model with 254,000 miles. Partly I'm just curious and partly I'm wondering about how many you saw over there just to kind of see how reliable they may be for an older rig. Anyway, thanks, and thanks for the great videos!
very good video! congrats!
We will take our 1986 Mercedes Van with us... Let's see how this goes .... Adventure;)
What about the upcoming ineos grenadier? What do you think of that vehicle I personally love it.
Should be interesting for sure, but I'm worried I'll have to sell both kidneys to afford it!
That vehicle looks awesome. The only thing I wonder about is the BMW engine, but it is currently being used by Toyota in the Supra so maybe it’s a good one, just not sure about “around the world good”. Because Toyota uses it I wonder if it will be serviceable at Toyota dealerships?
Very sexy vehicle but it will probably take 10-15 years before you will be able to find parts in Mongolia or Congo.
@@woolengrappler if it has a BMW engine a BMW dealer should be able to service it as long as Ineos uses similar ECM as BMW
@@J.Young808 right, but not every country has a BMW dealer, Toyota dealers are everywhere and since Toyota uses the engine it might be easy to get parts and service
Superb reasoning, all on point - to add to your comments on 100 and 105 Land Cruisers, the US spec is also totally different to Africa/Ausie/Middle East spec with exception of body panels, etc. - different engines, etc, so your reasoning re. other US Toyota vehicles also apply for Land Cruisers, including 200 series. For us in Africa, who would like to do the trans America trip one day, please also comment on availability of 70 series etc. in South America, I was led to believe South America also use the 70 series we have. Now the other reverse question, would you totally discourage us Land Cruiser Africa spec owners to bring vehicle to North America for a 1 year trip in North America before going South ( in addition to steering wheel position)?
There is a fairly strong 70 series gray market in the US. If you are going to buy a rig in the US and want to go Toyota, the 4 runner is your best bet if you don't like jeep. Depending on how epic you want your trip to be. I would start in Florida in the winter and buy a nice clean Gen4 4 runner. Go up the east coast in spring. Across Canada into Alaska in the summer. Work down the west coast into South America in the fall and winter.
Love your videos, I'm looking for a new car to feel confident on local mountain/ forest roads here in Oregon but also to be my daily driver since I can't afford two cars
It would be hard to go past a ~10 or 15 year old Subaru.... it will get you many, many wild places and is also pretty good on gas during the week.
I was hoping you may address more roomy vehicles, specifically cargo vans like the RAM ProMaster, for transit, Chevy Express, and Mercedes sprinter. I'm planning an RTW trip with the girlfriend and she needs a little more space. Seems like the ProMaster is out because it's only sold in North America (Fiat Ducato has slightly different dimensions and different engines). The Mercedes would be an option but damn are they expensive to purchase and maintain. It looks like the Ford Transit has the most dealers around the world and it's the same frame worldwide, but I'm having trouble tracking down drivetrain options around the world. Thoughts?
There are several dimensions for the Fiat Ducato but with the engines you could be right.
The Sprinter belongs to Daimler Trucks and they are the biggest Truck Company in the world.
How about econoline E series vans? Are they global? I see them in the Middle East for sure
@@just-jeff-watching I had scooted them as they are no longer made here in the United States, we've moved over to the Ford Transit. But if it was a truly global model, I would consider buying a late model one and putting a high top conversion on it perhaps.
I think the Mitsubishi Fuso 4x4 with a camper would be a better choice, because it is a proper truck and it is sold worldwide.
@@krichd1 I agree it would be a decent idea as it is sold worldwide, but that's a full-on commercial vehicle where a camper would have to be fully built and added to the back, likely stripping my budget, as well as the ability to fit in a container for shipping from continent to continent, as well as fitting down narrow European streets. :)
great video thanks! You mentioned the Hilux - why didn't you consider it for your trip?
Can't get it in North America!
... and I wanted more of a SUV-style 4x4 so I could have interior living space.
I wonder about a 4x4 Sprinter - is the 3.0 V6 TD available worldwide? I imagine North American emissions equipment may differ slightly.
That Merc engine has been used in *a lot* of vehicles around the world, so I'm sure it has good support. Emissions will be a pain, hopefully you can delete it.
I'm not sure how it will run on the extremely dirty diesel in West Africa.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Diesel engines are not that sensitive but you would have to change your fuel filter a couple of times ...
The engine is designed for ultra low sulphur diesel (around 5-10 or maybe 20 parts per million).
In West Africa, the diesel is 2000 parts per million, and it destroys newer diesel engines in very short order (The hi-pressure diesel pumps are not designed for it, and then eventually the injectors clog and instead of atomizing the diesel, they spray a jet at 12,000psi... which goes right through the piston.
You can order any toyota part to any toyota dealership itll just take a long time. Ive heard of people with 70 series in the states order parts to their toyota dealerships here. But there is still the wait time
I've met more than a few people that have tried to do that and completely failed.
Friends had the transmission go in their 70 series when they arrived in Halifax, Canada and had a nightmare getting parts.
Other friends had a window broken in Chile in their 70 and couldn't get glass.
Toyota dealers CAN NOT get parts for vehicles that are not in their systems, that is a myth.
Go into one in the US and order the injectors for a 1HZ and see how you go.
Did you keep track of your fuel economy on your trip? What'd you get?
My Jeep gets around 12-13L/100km on paved roads, around 16 or 17 off road and and high as 18K/100km in sand.
@@TheRoadChoseMe That's exceptional for all the weight and mods! I suppose you seldom exceeded 100 kph though, yeah?
Right. It's best around 80km/h. Which, when you're on expedition in Latin America or Africa is faster than you want to be going 99 days out of 100.
New Tundra will use the same platform and engine as the globally available LC 300.
Great video, once again!
Did you ever consider a G-Wagen?
If so, what were the cons that made you not chose it?
My husband and I are getting ours ready for longer trips. I love the space in them and how they can run on almost anything.
Not really. They're very expensive, parts are insanely expensive, and in the US you can't get diesel ones... so for someone living in North America it doesn't make much sense, I think.
Also I have my G 500 (2003) and putting my overland setup on it... but yea MPG is no joke. Love the vehicle, space and off road capabilities.
Hey Dan, Excellent content. My ears perked up when you mentioned the difficulty of importing and Carnet de P. I purchased a 2003 G 270 from Poland with camper and although I went through a lawyer the registration remains in the previous owners name. Will this be an issue?? I have all the sales invoices and sales receipt from the lawyer but am a bit concerned some countries where I may have issues. I've been driving around the EU/Montenegro/Albania without any issue and heading to Morocco soon. I will eventually bring back to Canada. Do you foresee any issues with bringing back to Canada or entering some countries?
I hate to breal it to you but you were wrong abput the tacoma there. Tacoma use the 1gr fe which is also used in hilux and prados. Its a very common petrol engine worldwide. Also alot of the suspension componemts are verys similar.
how do you guys deal with smog check inspection when renewing the yearly plates?
You did not mention the specifications of your vehicle. Diesel or petrol, c.c. rating.
In the 1960s, in Ethiopia, Ted Shatto Safaris used Series II Land Rovers, a surplus M38A1 military Jeep, and on one safari a Land Cruiser. In those days Land Rovers outnumbered cars and there may have been a dozen Land Cruisers in the entire country. When I visited a few years ago I saw that Toyota dominates the car and truck market, and I saw only a couple Land Rovers. The parts and service have also reversed and now even the most backwater village has someone who can fix a Toyota and anybody who can repair a Jeep or Land Rover is 60 years old and forgot how to do it. On and off road, our diesel 88 short wheelbase Land Rover used half the fuel of the gas 88 Land Rovers. And oddly enough, the Land Cruiser got the same gas mileage as the Land Rover on the gravel highways and roads but used twice the gas off road. Going on a trek? Follow the lead of NASA and plan for where you are going, not where you are.
Dan, after having completed your trip, do you still consider it a "must" to have a global vehicle?
It seems like a few times you have mentioned that just ordering parts and having them shipped, while it takes days/weeks, isn't really that big of an impact if you have the time flexibility to stay in one place.
It just seems to me that if you are doing your own work and can do your own computer code scanning yourself, it just comes down to timeline for getting parts if you really do need a crank position sensor to be sent via DHL to Kenya.
Maybe the "average" traveler isn't willing to do that level of work on their vehicle, but anyone who is willing to learn can potentially be a bit less limited to that requirement than those that rely on dealerships.
That is true to an extent, but if you need something very big/heavy, getting it shipped will cost a small fortune.
I personally wouldn't want to drive to the most remote parts of the planet in a vehicle that didn't even exist in a 10,000 mile radius.
Don’t assume the shipping rules that apply in US work as smooth in Africa - living in South Africa, we often have issues with Customs, companies in US not willing to ship due to complexities, local courier - even ordering a pair of pants from Eddie Bauer can cost upwards of two times the price once in your hands, and it also apply to spares, camping equipment, etc, and yes I speak from experience - not to mention getting to little village somewhere close to nowhere.
You failed to tell us which model Rubicon did you get, gas or diesel? and which engine did it have?
The Wrangler I drove around Africa is a 2011 Rubicon with the 3.8 gas engine and 6 speed manual gearbox.
Great video, I had no idea Jeep was so widely used. I was always under the impression it was an America's specific vehicle, mainly North. Good luck on your next country tour.
No, it's popular among 4x4 people here in Europe.
You failed to tell us WHICH Jeep Rubicon Did you get??? Gas or diesel? If Gas which engine?
Did you actually run into any other Jeep Wranglers on the continent?
Absolutely, they have official dealers in about a dozen countries, and unofficial in that many more. They're moderately popular in Southern Africa.
@@TheRoadChoseMe oh that's great to hear. Sadly they're not common at all here in Europe therefore ridiculously expensive. My best chance here is probably either a land rover discovery or a land cruiser 90 series
Both excellent choices!
A new Ruby in Australia is around $75k...
How much is a new LC 79?
@@TheRoadChoseMe Mid $80k for bare bones and a 6-9 month wait. Second hand already kitted out they're a lot more expensive, some up near $200k. LC200's have gone through the roof as well. You could buy either, drive around Aus for a few years and then sell them at a profit. Rumour has it Toyota is dropping the V8 diesel soon so there's a move to snap up any before it happens. I'm not a fan of either, I'd take a Prado though. Handy car, capable, huge fuel tank standard, fuel efficient, reliable, plenty of mods and nice to drive. It's the pick of the Toyotas in my opinion.
@@truthseeker3536 I do a lot of outback touring in a Pajero, just got back from Googs Track yesterday. Shortcomings for me are the fuel tank isn't big enough, and the damn cabin noise is horrendous on corrugations. They rattle your balls off, several times the windscreen wipers turned themselves on because the dash and steering wheel were shaking so much. Otherwise a solid reliable car.
Thank you again! Alwais interesting to see your channel. By the way i drive mercedes gwagen from 1993, w461 with OM 662 ). Did you see any mercedes gclass in Africa?
Yes, from time to time, mostly driven by foreigners.
Jeep isn't allowed on some 4x4 safari tours, as unreliability can lead to fatalities.
I have no interest doing any kind of trip that requires somebody's permission. I would much rather go it alone and have the adventure - that way what other people think has no bearing
The Land Cruiser is known as the “Master of Africa” for very good reason! 💪
That was good. Good job!
How about LC200/LC100? I think it's sold in NA and it (at least LC100) seems to be fairly popular in Africa too.
They fall under option #3 - US spec LCs (80/100/200) - the US spec versions just guzzle too much gas to make them workable.