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LR 110 300tdi vs. TLC HZJ78L
We r planning an overland trip to depart in Jan 06. Have narrowed down the truck search but are still unsure which is the better choice for novice mechanics, while still keeping the price reasonable... Neither one of us has ANY mechanical experience. Its our 1st overland trip (typically its only a backpack that we take!) We know that both r excellent choices - but w no experience we want something reliable and easy to repair if in a situation where there is no mechanic available - can anyone help us make the choice? We prefer these 2 b/c of the size, as we r traveling for 15-18mths and expect some visitors along the way. HZJ78s also tend to be pretty expensive - any suggestions on where to buy reliable useds 78s - we r prepping in the UK. Any help is greatly appreciated! THANKS:-)
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Hi,
You will struggle to find a 70 series in the UK because Toyota only really started to bring LCs in in any number with the 80 series. (having said that there has been a kitted out 70 series for sale in the UK, but am not sure if it still available - if you hit me off list I can email you the contact number). Being biased (see sig) I would recommend an LC for reliability - a well serviced LC is pretty bullet proof. Whilst there is a heavy LR bias in the UK, the LC have outsold them 20 times world wide for good reason. ------------------ Cheers, Julian Euro Landcruiser Owners Club http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/ |
Hi Julian - Thanks for the reply. We would love to get that contact info from you. Will send an email off line. Its at least a step in the right direction.
We r also willing to consider importing into the UK - of course if its a reasonable distance and not going to cost as much as the truck itself to ship! Any suggestions on contacts or sites for new or used 78s in Europe? R u aware of any restrictions w shipment to the UK? Thanks much! S. |
Hi,
You will find a greater choice of 70series in France, although they will be a little more expensive and left hand drive. Failing that consider importing from Japan. Why not go for an 80 series? There are plenty around if you look on Autotrader (http://www.autotrader.co.uk) for sensible prices particularly if you are looking for a base vehicle for overlanding as opposed to a smart mall cruiser. ------------------ Cheers, Julian Euro Landcruiser Owners Club http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/ |
Why not search the net and see what sort of LC you can unearth in OZ, you should be able to find a nicely kitted out one over there.
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Although Ive been told OZ is a great place to get a 78 (have even looked at a govt auction website), the prices Ive seen for a Used truck r no less then for a New truck and shipping from OZ I would expect to be an expensive undertaking. Can u shed any light on the shipping or reco other sites to look at trucks?
France is definitely a more reasonable option to ship from - can u recommend any english websites or truck dealers?? As for the 80 series - although it might be something we have consider - its the size of the 78 or 110 that we prefer... Your feedback terrific - thanks so much! |
UN 78's etc are available in Europe - if you've got any Dutch, french or German speaking friends get them to search for you.
Otherwise there is a dealer in Gibraltar who deals in UN LC's maybe he'll have some info for you. Try the following site for great LC and Overland info: http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/ |
Will definitely start to put all of my European friends to work for us.
I think Ive already been in touch w the dealer in Gibraltar that was mentioned - and unfortunatly they dont sell to pvt. individs. He did recommend someone else and am awaiting a response so just have to sit tight. Will check out the OZ site too. Other question - mechanic simplicity of TLC vs. LR... reason we started pounding the pavement for an LR was b/c we've been told they r much easier to handle mechanically for those who have no experience. Would u agree or disagree?? We know we r going to have problems w either one - its inevitable. TLCs r much more expensive then LRs - seems u think its well worth spending the extra $$ on a new or used TLC vs. a LR for the added security - what about when something does go wrong and we r the only ones around to attempt a quick fix?? ...TLC still the winner & worth it in your opinons? Any other truck sites to reco - keep'em coming! Thanks much! S |
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How about a 60 series? they come up on ebay reasonably often and a good one should cost no more than 2000-2500 gb pounds. They are, I am told, much cheaper here than abroad and certainly cheaper than the 70's. I have owned four landrovers and now own a landcruiser. I have often heard it said that if you are good with spanners a landrover is a good choice, being simpler to fix. Otherwise, and if your life depends on your vehicle starting in the morning, get a landcruiser. the 60 series are as hard as nails, and you won't get the equivalent landrover for twice the money, just watch out for rust, you have to watch for this on landrovers as well (contrary to popular belief) and it seems as though the newer a landy the worse the rustproofing.
Andy Land rover 101 Ambie/camper Toyota landcruiser 60 series ford escort and 1968 morris minor traveller! [This message has been edited by moggy 1968 (edited 26 June 2005).] |
Tom shepherd gives some good advice on shipping vehicles in his book on vehicle based exploration. I don't have it handy but if anyone needs some a dvice email me and I'll see what I can do.
Andy Land rover 101 Ambie/camper Toyota landcruiser 60 series ford escort and 1968 morris minor traveller! Quote:
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Carpoint & Explore OZ r definitely helpful - thanks for sending the links.
Andy - why did u switch to TLCs after owning 4 LRs?? and excuse the mechanical ignorance - but what is a spanner? thanks slobo |
Originally posted by slobo:
...and excuse the mechanical ignorance - but what is a spanner? slobo, Going on a vehicle based trans-Africa trip requires a degree of mechanical skills and knowledge among the team. At best to avoid gross inconvenience, but above all to be able to assess if a problem with the car is minor or serious. Should I continue to the nearest workshop or should I stop and seek help? You can't just rely on the check engine light to tell you something is wrong. ------------------ Roman (UK) www.overlandcruiser.info [This message has been edited by Roman (edited 27 June 2005).] [This message has been edited by Roman (edited 27 June 2005).] |
Definitely aware relying on the "Check Engine" light isnt an option for a trip of this magnitude - we plan on becoming intimately familiar w our truck both inside and out before we set off...
Now that I know what u call a Spanner in the UK, is what we call a Wrench in America - rest assured I do know how to use one! Thanks Slobo |
Slobo,
I am not aware of geographical variations (although it's still something to keep in mind while travelling), but the difference between a spanner ( http://tinyurl.com/c4exm ) and a wrench ( http://tinyurl.com/88ace ) is sometimes hard to appreciate. What realy matters is having a proper selection of tools enabling you to get nuts and bolts undone and then having none left when the job has been finished :-) ------------------ Roman (UK) www.overlandcruiser.info |
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