Sorry, can't resist - G wagens have a chain:thumbup1:

"Andrew,
the question was about newer landcruisers and TD5 landrovers - post 2000. "

That is correct - but in the interests of hopefully offering good advice I have tried to highlight the advantages of older, simpler, cheaper vehicles.

I'm with you there Andrew, we all plough our different furrows in the world - otherwise we wouldn't have found this place. Diversity is what makes this forum interesting. I wasn't trying to be contentious suggesting a G wagen - in good order it will do the same as a landcruiser or landrover.

"but in the interests of hopefully offering good advice I have tried to highlight the advantages of older, simpler, cheaper vehicles."

As you may have guessed I have a G wagen - made in 1986 with 180,000miles on it. Yes it is well maintained, I have replaced the springs and shocks and numerous other small things over the past 5 years - preventative medicine. It will carry a 1 ton payload ( within factory spec), 200kg approved roof load, offers the same comfort levels as a basic landcruiser, none of the noise of a landrover, doesn't break half shafts, cruises at 70 mph on the motorway and has dealt with the worst sand dunes the sahara has to offer.
Cost - £2000
Mods - £1500
Kit - too much
Yes I would set off on the trip around africa and south america in it with complete confidence.
Yes I agree that older, well maintained, simpler vehicles have advantages but given £15,000 I would buy a low milage mercedes 290gdt, give it a good service and set off around the world.:taz:
Rant over
Chris

ref chocolate fingers - doesn't the chocolate melt and become sticky as you suck the tea up?
I do like a Ginger Nut myself..


What about a late Discovery 300 Tdi (1999), superior driving position, much quieter and comfier than a Defender, higher transfer box ratio (nicer cruising), much cheaper than a Defender, maybe not as 'romantic' though.

Just about to make myself a hot chocolate as it -1 deg C here today.

Cheers,
Matt

Now the thing about chocolate is it's designed to be eaten at an optimum temperature.............and -1 is a bit too cold, but the sun is up and that helps.
Now when I've finished my homemade fruit cake i'm off to fill a couple of small rust holes in the body of my otherwise perfect G wagen:thumbup1:

you're right about the choc temp.

I'm off to mess about with my 80 series Landcruiser and it's packed up heater! See, I told you they do go wrong!!

The heater matrix is leaking badly, so I've removed it, and I'm waiting for a new one. But whilst I wait...
http://www.mattsavage.com/matt/toyota_heater

Warm enough? I should coco!

What do you mean uk?
 

No dirt, no rust, no peeling paint........ this photo has to be a Toyota advert. shame on you uk. Tell it like it really is, Toyotas do get dirty, do rust and do break down, oh well this is reality after all, what a pity......

here's another picture for you. Same vehicle about 3 years ago...

http://www.mattsavage.com/matt/toyota_aa