air condition
 

I am buying a car for my next trip to Mali and Niger next Sept. and I found two Landcruiser (I am an ex Land Rover man but want to try the Toyota). One Landcruiser (HJ60) is in very good shape (160.000kms) but without Air-Con, the other (also a HJ60) has more K's(300.000) also in good shape but with Air-Con.
Now my question, I've never used air-con in my life but thought it could be handy for keeping the dust out, etc (I am turning 40). Is it a good thing to have when crossing the desert? or does affect badly the engine temperature, fuel consumption, etc?
cheers
/mario
www.southing.com

I drove from the UK to Nigeria back in August and having a 23 year old Range Rover, had no aircon. August in Mauritania is pretty hot and while it might have been nice in the aircon, I adapted to sleeping in the heat better than others who found it too hot outside the aircon.

I'm sure it would be nice when sitting in traffic, but any other time, just opening the windows when moving keeps the heat down. The dust on the other hand will get everywhere whether the windows are closed or not!

Ben

Similar discussion a while ago on the HUBB, here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000285.html

I would get the air condition but IMHO that shouldn't be the deciding factor to choose between two cars when it comes to traveling in rough Africa. Get the car that's best serviced and in better condition and if it happens to be without an air condition then you can always install one.

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A.B.

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