Didn't know about the belt, Rob's right; sometimes you save time and stress (not to mention money) by doing a bit more before you go; even though most of the preparation is overkill (I make the distinction between overlanding and playing around on a fast week's break in the desert/tundra/mud etc.)

I had my engine rebuilt before setting off even though the specialist said it wasn't necessary, and had a mechanically cool trip.

Mgagro, whatever engine you end up with, make sure its timing is mechanism is turned by a chain; it's noisier but copes much better with dust and crap, because it's inside the engine!

to Luke...
i was already thinking about buying old 4x4 in Germany (maybe RR Classic with 3.5L petrol engine and put 200 or 300 TDI motor inside). I saw RR Classic on www.mobile.de for 1500-2500 Eur) BUT what with papers.. i can't bring RR in Croatia and drive it weith Cro regs because is older than 7 years and second problem is if i drive it with Germans regs (with international driving licence) that can bring me big problems on boardes and police patrols..like stolen car and sth like that)

Do anyone know how registrate car for 3-4 years in Germany?

"Right, last chance.
£4000.
Buy now or it goes in auto trader next week.
I'll even throw in a free packet of Maryland cookies (unopened!).
Cheers,
Matt"

Mgaro -- why not buy Matt's LC and keep it registered in the UK? Cheaper than buying an old rangie + a TDI lump and (probably) a lot more reliable - if uglier. Plus, think of all that extra time you can spend on the road...

(Keep It Simple)

; )

Seems like a reasonable deal, the cookies are the clincher.

80's are still in the 15000 euro range here in France, just bad timing for me; expanding family means my 2 berth Iveco camper's going to have to go next year and a good chunky 80 would have a been nice replacement.

Mgagro, I have to agree with richard; take a break in the UK, buy Matt's car, he'll help you get it ready (probably) and drive off into the horizon...
As long as the reg papers have the same name as your ID papers the borders are no problem. The auto box (lovely!) means that it's not difficult to learn to drive RHD (I prefer RHD, even in France) and parts for the 80 are pretty globally available.
Good luck

Hey Matt, I deserve one of those cookies for that plug :-)

Just one consideration with RHD.

They are illegal in Nigeria (and I think Gambia too). You can talk youselve out of it most of te time, but maybe not always... .

better to sell in SA though

i think that is inposible...

"..As long as the reg papers have the same name as your ID papers the borders are no problem.."

I can't just go to UK..buy there 4x4 and change papers on my name (it's inposible because i 'm not living in UK)... i was thinking that one my friend in GER buy 4x4 for himself (i give him a money but car is on his name and he give it to me to use it...car is his but i'm driving it with international driving licence)
Btw i don't need cam now...maybe for 2 years...now i makeing calculations and others preparations

As long as you have a friend whose address you can give, it's OK.
I haven't lived in the UK for 5 years, my camper is still registered there, and each time the licensing authority sends something to the registered address my dad scans it and sends me an e-mail so I can deal with it. (Id doesn't have to be family as long as they're reliable). That can easily go for most countries, although in France the licensing authorities ask for a utilities bill, d'oh!

RHD in other countries, to clarify Rob's statement; they're not illegal to transit the country as a tourist, just to sell. A carnet is the best way of convincing customs that you don't want to sell in their country...

It's something you're going to have fun mulling over in the next two years, by which time oil prices will be even more stupid and Emperor George will be bombing the Inca ruins because they represent a threat to global security, or because Babs has PMT...

Well Luke,

It appears that for Nigeria, RHD cars are illegal on the road (i.e. including transit).

The carnet is impressive enough to convice road police though, and customs don't really care.

The same is trough for Aux lights and tinted glass...

Yes Luke you was living and they still have you in computers (countries ar not conected) so if car was on your name once you can came every year and pay registration and stuff (or your dad can do that for you)...but they didn't have my name in comp....thats problem...so i have to do that on way i was talking about... "ilegaly" but who will know :-)