Toyota Hilux (surf) and Mitsubishi L200 (warrior, mighty max, Triton)

[800days]

Hi

I'm new to the whole overlanding expedition side of things and this forum. I have been on some serious road trips through the U.A.E and Oman with some interesting off roading in Wadi's.....So I'm not a complete stranger.

I'm currently researching vehicles that would make a good base for an expedition vehicle. I've had a good mooch around the forum and not really found the answers I've been looking for, apologies if I've missed the thread.

We plan to live in the vehicle for as long as possible as we travel the world. We have a tight budget and so need something that comes in under $25,000.

Through all my researching I am aware that the Landcruiser 80 or 90 series is pretty much the car we need due to the availability of spares worldwide and the reliability of them.

Unfortunately I live in Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK and the 80 and 90 series are pretty hard to come by. I could import one from the mainland UK but this is just an added expense.

I have been looking at what is available locally. Living on a tiny island means that many vehicles here don't rack up a huge number on the clocks and the speed limit is 35mph so you know they haven't been ragged hard.

We have an abundance of mid 90's Toyota Hilux Twin Cabs and Surfs, Mitsubishi L200 (Triton) pickups and Landrover Defenders.

I'm pretty much on top of the Landrover Defenders as there is a wealth of information about them out there on the net.

I am however having trouble finding out about the suitability of the Hilux (range) and the L200 for such a trip.

If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated.

What is the availability of spares for these vehicles around the world?
Has anyone been overlanding in these vehicles before?
What problems am I likely to encounter using these vehicles?

Seriously any help is welcome.

Thanks

Andy

 

[chet]

for the hiluxs and surfs. Stay away from any that have the 2LTE turbo diesel. It is notorious for blown head gaskets and cracked heads. Some of the 4 door hiluxs have the 3L non turbo which is way better.

After around '94 (at least in Japan) they went to a 1kz turbo diesel motor. Apparently a good motor.

check out www.toyotadiesel.com for toyota diesel trucks. I think the L200 runs the same running gear as the same year Delica vans which are all over up here in canada and seem to have a good reputation. www.delica.ca should give you some answers on drivetrain.

 

[800days]

Thanks Chet, I shall check out those links. Any other advice out there?

 

[ColinTheCop]

I have an L200. It's on 2005 and is on 110k miles. Apart from routine servicing it's been pretty good.

Been to the Alps 4 times in it and spent 3 weeks doing the off roading bit in Iceland with the roof tent. I've owned a variety of Land Rovers and it has to be said I've not looked back since buying the L200. The only ones to avoid are the 2003, there is an issue with build quality about that time. Before and after that year seems to be okay.

As soon as I can get the time Morroco is next on the list.

 

[800days]

I've managed to narrow down the model of Hilux Surf that would be most suitable for the type of trip we are planning. A 1994 - 1996 Hilux Surf KZN130 with a 3L 1KZT diesel motor seems to be the only model that has a reliable reputation, all the others, especially the 2.4's have problems with over-heating and cracked cylinder head/blown head gaskets.

From what I've read on many forums it seems other than the 2.4 engine issues the Hilux Surf is a tank. The Generation 3 (95 – 02) models also share a chassis with the Landcruiser Prado, only reinforcing the tank reputation. On the whole a great condition Surf tends to be a lot cheaper than the Landcruiser, which is great news for our bank managers and pockets. My only concern is the availability of spares worldwide. A lot of Surf's have been exported to South Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia; so hopefully the spares are out there. We will obviously carry a selection of essentials with us; tie rod ends, all belts, axle shafts, axle & driveshaft U-joints, spare wheels (x2), wheel bearings, spare hub, brake pads/shoes (full set), fuses, radiator hose, all other hoses, hose clamps, air filters (x3), fuel filters (x5) and oil filters (x3) seem like a good starting list, if anyone has anymore suggestions please comment. A great source for spares in the UK is Milner 4x4.

What is also handy is that if we can't find a suitable vehicle locally, a local dealer who specializes in importing cars could source us one from the UK or Japan to our direct spec and have it fully checked before we buy it and get it shipped over for us.

Now all we need to do is decide on the Hilux Surf or Landcruiser. Maybe I'll flip a coin.