Need Advice: TLC 76 vs Toyota Hilux vs TLC 80

[Da_Ghost]

Hi there,
Please advice what better to take for expedition car:
1. TLC 76 - it is not imported to Ukraine officially and can be ordered unofficially and it will cost 62 000 $ which is huge amount Best is considered to be the best expedition vehicle on the market now
2. Toyota Hilux - new costs here starting from 32 000 $ , but some people told from suspension as independent is not as reliable as dependent. Another big minus is separate boot, which is not good in winter/cold expeditions as for food storage etc and you can't make sleeping place inside this car
3. TLC 80 - almost impossible to find good one here, all are far behind 150-200 000 kms on them. As i am not in mechanics, don't want to spent much time changing half car or spent half vacation time under it.
Had somebody experince of overland expeditions on Hilux? Is it relliable enough for them?
Regards,
Alex

 

[fullybalanced]

80 series even with 200k would be fine, if it has been maintained properly. You shouldn't need a mechanic (or be one).... the 76 would be a great option, but at least for me, the price would exclude it. Depending what you're doing and where you're going, the Hilux may be "acceptable", but honestly, not in the same league. If you are looking for an 80, check out Ih8mud.com and go to the classified (or just read up on the forum). You may be able to get one and ship it for less than buying a questionable one there.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi there,
Please advice what better to take for expedition car:
1. TLC 76 - it is not imported to Ukraine officially and can be ordered unofficially and it will cost 62 000 $ which is huge amount Best is considered to be the best expedition vehicle on the market now
2. Toyota Hilux - new costs here starting from 32 000 $ , but some people told from suspension as independent is not as reliable as dependent. Another big minus is separate boot, which is not good in winter/cold expeditions as for food storage etc and you can't make sleeping place inside this car
3. TLC 80 - almost impossible to find good one here, all are far behind 150-200 000 kms on them. As i am not in mechanics, don't want to spent much time changing half car or spent half vacation time under it.
Had somebody experince of overland expeditions on Hilux? Is it relliable enough for them?
Regards,
Alex

The Hilux is used extensively in Australia on bad roads and out back trips.Its well proven.If you want to make it better,change the springs and shock absorbers,the factory suspension will not last long.

 

[Da_Ghost]

The Hilux is used extensively in Australia on bad roads and out back trips.Its well proven.If you want to make it better,change the springs and shock absorbers,the factory suspension will not last long.

Thanks for your answers.
At the moment i want to go Ukraine - South Africa, but as option is Ukraine - China which is easier as to visa questions, as we have only 2 African embassies from my West route here and Ukraine and all other I need to go to Moscow, Russia to open visas there, which is much expensive + time. Is it possible to open visas on my way in Africa in neighbouring countries ? Read that many used that option but few notices met that you need open them beforehead locally in your country.
I will check that Ih8mud.com site, but import taxes are huge here, so not sure about that option.
New Hilux seems to be more realistic option for me as TLC 76 cost double that price, was worrying only of its suspension system (front) and also separate boot is also great disadvantage.
Is there any source to buy second hand roof tents, hijacks etc with shipping worldwide (to get it shipped to me to Ukraine)?

Also big plus for second hand cars for me is that Carnet CPD deposit directly tied to car price, which is important in order not to freeze to much money on deposit.

 

[mtnbike28]

I would say the 80 series (diesel I assume?) would be my choice, even with that mileage, buy the best one you can, have a great mechanic baseline it with all the preventative maintenance and go. For your trip, I don't think you need to drop that much money on the purchase and Carnet. Keep us posted on what you do!