Hi Jake,

TBH I've never really tracked mpg on my trips but as a guess I'd say lows 20's off road and high 20's on tarmac. My first trip to the Western Sahara was with a group including a defender 90, 110 and disco 300tdi. The Disco was several down on power over my truck and the roof rack/roof tents really effected mpg on the disco and the defenders. They also suffered with strong sidewinds.

Parts are very reasonable but I've not had to replace much in 3 trips and 15000 miles. Rear dampers are £40 a piece so very reasonable. When looking at parts you need to consider availability where your going to travel and reliability. I know theres a lot of rivalry between the LC and LR camps which I try not to get involved with but it does seem that Toyotas are more reliable. So whilst LR parts may be cheaper you may need more replacements. LR's do have a lot more aftermarket kit available

Pros -uk LC Colorado - rear locking diff as standard and twin batteries already fitted (check the diff lock works before buying as many don't work and these are expensive to replace (£400).

From you kit list you woukdn't need twin batteries, tyres definately. Shocks yes for the distance and punishment they take but you don't necessarily need raised suspension (I only have a 2" lift on the rear but it copes very well without this). Underbody protection is very expensive and heavy and not required if you drive carefully. I've banged the standard sump guuard a few times but not heavy impacts.

Light and reliable is the way to go other having all the toys. Fully loaded with kit, spare fuel and water my truck is probably very close to standard weight.

My truck also look very standard which seems to help getting through checkpoint, in the WS I regularly got waved through while the kitted out vehicles got stopped