Landcruiser II
 

Im thinking of buying one of these in the UK (a 2.4 TD manual, SWB from around 1990). I like SWB's and they are cheap. Plus I only need it to overland to India via Russia / C Asia so I figure I dont need as robust a 4X4 as for Africa. Does anyone know if they are any good? Reliable, reasnoble performance off road etc? Or just town runabouts? If anyone has any knowledge of this model Id be happy to hear it.

Hi Tom, I've only driven around in one and with them in the Sahara but they are a genuine 'Land Cruisers' - not to be confused with RAV4 runabouts which would be much less robust, though maybe more civilised to drive.
You dont hear much on LIIs for overland because they are considered too short for payload.

It would be fine for your trip if you really think you need 4wd (I've been studying that area lately and up to Yakutsk or so I don't think you do).

Chris S

(if you're interested IMO on 2 v 4wd, have a look here: http://www.sahara-overland.com/merc. I dont miss bouncing around in my heavy, fuel guzzling 4wd - much...)

They are good, the smaller capacity Diesel engine gives you good economy compared to the larger Toyota's, - similar size inside to a Land Rover 90 - so not much !
If I had to buy a a vehicle solely for that trip it would be a VV Combi Diesel - easy to sleep in with plenty of space, simple to repair and pretty reliable - 4x4 not really required.
Or just Buy a Bike - It's The Way Forward...

Cheers
Grif

------------------
Ex RAF Regt, Ex Dragoman, LRE Instructor,
LR 90 300 Tdi Overlander
Suzuki DR650 Overlander
..and Bloody Nice Bloke!

Cheers for the advice chaps. I picked one up this weekend. Alot of car for 2k. Now that I have the 4 wheel drive capacity, Ill have to build in somewhere on the route to use it!

Thats a good price - nice one, Have a good trip.
Cheers
Grif