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Which vehicle? Which vehicle?
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Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
Photo by Michael Jordan, enjoying a meal at sunset, Zangskar Valley, India

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Michael Jordan
enjoying a meal at sunset,
Zangskar Valley, India



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  #1  
Old 13 Sep 2015
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Which vehicle?
Hi,
new member, looking for some advice.

I'm looking for a 4x4, for travel across europe.
A mix of on road use, and some light off road, very occasional heavy off road use.
But the main thing has to be comfort, and refinement on the motorway, as I've had enough of driving trucks, and want something more car like.

I also want a bigger 4x4, with enough space to sleep in the back, stripping out all but the two front seats, and fixed cooking and washing up. So a mini camper really, but without a rising roof.

So, what would you suggest has a big enough back to sit down in, lie out full length, but is reasonably refined to drive?

I have thought of a Discovery 2, TD5 auto, which seems to fit the bill, and is also fairly basic enough to be fixable in most places when it breaks down.

Cheers, and looking forward to any help you can give me.
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  #2  
Old 14 Sep 2015
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mitsubishi Delicia/L300?
I think a disco is a bit short for sleeping in.
TD5 disco is one of the worst 4x4s I've ever driven
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  #3  
Old 14 Sep 2015
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RB44 is fantastic. Beats LRs hands down.
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  #4  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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RB 44 has no refinement (or speed) on the highway, I don't like the Td5 engine either, its one of the worst engines LR ever made IMO and as Moggy mentions, even with the rear seats removed out of a D2 the load bed is not that long to sleep in.

Id probably look for a low mileage Toyota Landcruiser VX diesel.
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'11 KTM 450 EXC
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  #5  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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never driven or owned an RB44 but have read little good about them, they don't have a good reputation
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  #6  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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Cheers, thanks for the replies.
I have had a look at the mitsubishi, but it seems more truck like, otherwise it's up there.
I haven't seen an RB44, but from google it again seems less refined than I would like.

The Landcruiser was high up the list, but it's a bit low in the back to sit in, the Discovery has a few more inches on it in high.
It does seem the better truck though, apart from that.
Still quite refined, still able to eat miles on the highway.
Anyone got one that can comment of the space in the back?

I do have my reservations about the Td5, but then I have measured it, with the front passenger slightly forward, it's just long enough to stretch out in the back.
The Discovery 1 has a better old tech engine, but the body is slightly shorter.
It's really that extra bit of comfort I'm after when driving, even if I need to sacrifice a bit of living space, as I like being outside anyway, and sleeping inside won't be the norm hopefully.

Thanks again though, any more suggestions gratefully received!
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  #7  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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The other one on the list was the older Mitsubishi pajero, before the 2000 model that brought the body lower.
I was a bit concerned they're a bit too truck like as well though.
And a good one is getting harder to find.
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  #8  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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It's compromises, right?

Disco is short for sleeping,
LC or or Patrol are longer but lower. You could do a disco with roof tent. It's a compromise, since you're not sleeping in the car, but you have the seating hight in the back and sleeping length on the roof.

Or any 4x4 with a trailer/caravan, so you have the space and comfort most of the time, and leave the bulk somewhere for when you really go off roading.

A synchro VW van would give you comfort and space, but you'll have to give in on hard core off-road ability (which, in Europe is something only relevant when actively searching for it). With the right tyres you might be surprised though.

Dangel is a french company converting Citroen and Peugeot vans to 4x4, they might have something striking the comfort/off road/space balance (DANGEL | Experts en sytèmes 4 roues motrices | DANGEL 4x4)
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  #9  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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I still lean towards the Disco, but I'm going to have another look at a 1997 Landcruiser tomorrow.
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  #10  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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The mechanic who rebuilt my landcruiser runs his own landrover repair place. He has a TD5 body on a 300tdi chassis and running gear. he reckons it's the best discovery the factory never made. The TD5s have a good rust resistant body but crap engine and chassis. The 300tdi has a well protected chassis, great running gear but the body rots something aweful.

I believe it's a relatively straight swap

If you need his details PM me, he's based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border
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  #11  
Old 15 Sep 2015
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A LWB G Wagen?

From your description 461 or 463 series.

A bad one can be a money pit and stupidly over priced in the UK but plenty of choice in Germany at reasonable money.

1990 to 96 IMHO the best years.
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  #12  
Old 16 Sep 2015
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If you really want a Discovery 2, Id go for the V8, not very good fuel economy, but if you are not using it as your daily driver, they make a good 2nd vehicle for overlanding.
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  #13  
Old 16 Sep 2015
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Thanks for all the feedback.

Just been out to have a look at the Land Cruiser, Colorado, the J90.
Measured throughout, and the size is right, so maybe I may be re thinking my plans.


Any downside to a J90?
What are they like on the highway?
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  #14  
Old 16 Sep 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wildcamping View Post
Thanks for all the feedback.

the Land Cruiser, Colorado, the J90.


Any downside to a J90?
Does it have this engine fitted?
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ow-works-72312
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  #15  
Old 16 Sep 2015
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Maybe not then, it is the 3.0 L (2982 cc) 1KZ-TE.
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