I understand cars & bikes are very much a personal choice. I've seen all manner of vehicles in some very rough and extremely remote country, most all were having a ball.

IMHO the 61 series Landcruiser with the 12HT Turbo Diesel engine has one if not the best 6 cylinder turbo diesel engine ever built. It is not uncommon to hear these motors doing a million kilometers. Google 12HT and see for yourself. Ok it may well not be the easiest beastie to find however well worth the effort.

The 80 series turbo diesel is also a well proven vehicle and well worth the effort of finding a good one. I might add at this point, a popular modification over here is free wheeling hubs, constant 4WD chews tyres and adds to fuel consumption. Again IMHO well worth the effort.

Troopcarriers are for me access resrticted not having rear side doors and top heavy when fitted with with a roof rack and loaded. Again it's a personal choice simple as that. A quick search reveald the 80 Series Landcruiser (link below) which would easily be double the price in Oz. Provided the car is in good nick it's very well priced indeed comparied to the price of the Troopy, it's every bit as capable more powerful and comfortable too boot.

toyota landcruiser amazon 4.2 td 5 speed manual R reg 80 series in Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross | Used Toyota for sale | Gumtree.com

I'm guessing you're begining to think crikey this Ozi is a bit one eyed with the Landcruisers and you may well be right. However what we know is what we know ;-) All said and done longevity and reliabality is paramount, the last thing we need is mechanical issues, the time and expense while on tour, hence my humble opinion.

Hope this helps guys,

Cheers Dave

Hmm,

Toyota Landcruiser 3.0 D-4D LC3 5dr Diesel Sw 2004

Why is this so cheap?

Tinted glass and 22" alloys High mileage for a UK car.

because it's a con, if it was anything else 1000's of dealers would be all over this to make a few £K

Come to Oz, grab this, go bush then take it home with you !

Toyota 4x4 Turbo Diesel Landcruiser Wagon | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Palmerston Area - Woodroffe

I'm not convinced that the Toys cost more in Aus, based on the current exchange rate.
Pound Australian Dollar forecast | Sterling to Australian Dollar GBP AUD Currency Updates | Currency News UK

But it's a long way to go to take delivery of a vehicle

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Dave

True it is a long way although there is the adventure aspect and plenty of landcruisers (beaches, warm weather, cold ) to choose from like the one previously sent. I have noticed the HJ61 Series are hard to find in the UK. Having one imported from Japan would be a good option as there seems to be quite a few dealers doing this, landed MOT'd the lot. A good 80 series turbo here in Oz goes for around 20k most of what I have seen in the UK is around 5k cheaper.

Bought a Hilux Surf On ebay while alittle bit drunk... Lets see how it is when I pick it up.

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Hi Dave,

No point suggesting to the OP that he look for a Troopy, he is in UK.
Are you suggesting an 80 series is more comfortable than a 90/95 or a 120/125 series, dream on
Are you suggesting the 80 is economical, forget it, get real, 80 series diesels, 12 valve or 24 valve will give you mid 20 mpg at best.
The 90/95 diesels are easy into the 30 mpg.

Unless your heading to the swamps of central Africa in the rain season, then an 80 is a total overkill, with heavy fuel consumption to weigh you down.

You are right though, the OP should continue to seek out a land Cruiser.

vette

My opinions are based on personal hands on experience, millions of kilometres in extremely harsh & remote country over decades. The question originally asked was answered with budget and reliability in mind and answered fairly, honestly and it is based on real outback experience! Take it or leave it, simple!