Which older car brands/models are the most ubiquitous in Africa?

[TravelKai]

Hi All,

Quick version:
Which older (ca. 1995-2010) car brands/models are the most ubiquitous in the various countries of Africa? And are they mostly petrol or diesel?


Long version:
New to this forum. I have toured the Sahara by bicycle ages ago, but haven’t done any similar trips outside of Europe since then. It’s about time to plan something new, and the missus supports this idea and likes to join.
We are thinking of traveling around Africa, not being limited to the coastal countries however. Not sure whether we would return home by car or we would sell it in Africa.

If I would do it on my own, I would probably go by motorcycle (as I have become something of a lazy bugger now). In this case however, it will be by car for the added comfort and safety. Sleeping primarily in a roof tent with the occasional night in a hotel or guesthouse.

As for car, I would prefer a standard station wagon/estate with 2WD. Petrol or diesel is something I still have to decide.

Why a 2WD standard car and not a 4WD?
- Low profile (as in gathering attraction)
- Far bigger market in Europe (easier to find a good example)
- Lower prices (better car for the same money)
- Lower running costs
- A tad easier to service/repair (both for myself and others)
- Far more of them in Africa than 4WD’s, making it more likely to find parts.

I know there are downsides (as always) to this choice: One may not get to spots where the 4WD’s can go; the classic off-road 4WD’s can often better cope with rotten roads as well as the weight of all the gear and they will more likely survive accidents more or less intact. But, when making a choice, one has to accept the consequences.

I would prepare the vehicle for the not-so-great roads, like lifting the suspension, mounting bigger, AT profile tyres and fitting bash plates.

Now to the essence of the question: Previously I mentioned “Far more of them in Africa than 4WD’s, making it more likely to find parts”. Well, that only counts if your car model is actually found in acceptable numbers in the country you choose for breaking down. I’ve done quite some searching, but I'm afraid the only figures I find are those of cars sold new, whereas I look for older (ca. 1995-2010) cars.
I am aware of the fact that the same model is often equipped with other underpinnings in different parts of the globe, but I need a point to start from.
Also, the situation will vary a lot among the different countries, but please just fire away, I will try to absorb all facts provided.

Looking forward for your observations.

Cheers, Kai

[mark manley]

I can remember seeing a lot of Toyota in southern and east Africa, I cannot remember which models but think Corola were quite popular and I believe pretty reliable.

[TravelKai]

Cheers, Corolla happens to be on my radar as well. Do you know if they were mainly diesel or petrol?

[mark manley]

I am not sure, I think a lot of them would have been second hand imports from Japan so probably petrol but it was not something I paid much attention to.

[JMo (& piglet)]

A Mercedes 190E... although you may well be continuously mistaken for a taxi driver.

Jx

[ArnoldSteven]

In 80-s, the influx of cars to South Africa was very extensive and some rare cars of those years were preserved there. It seems to me that there you can find almost any car model that was produced in the 80s. Also recently I saw a 1985 Pontiac and a 1990 Ford GT, these cars were in excellent condition and I decided to write to nationalcarparts.co.nz to find out if they are being sold now or if they keep them as unique exhibits of mechanical engineering. Unfortunately, they didn't sell these cars and I'm not suprised, because they are very expensive and rare.

[Surfy]

Originally Posted by TravelKai

I am aware of the fact that the same model is often equipped with other underpinnings in different parts of the globe, but I need a point to start from.
Also, the situation will vary a lot among the different countries, but please just fire away, I will try to absorb all facts provided.

Looking forward for your observations.

Hi Kai

Africa is huge. I`m not shure if someone who did a transafrica or an african roundtrip (east & west route) can answer your request seriously.

Because even with that travel history, you did just see a tiny bit of a huge continent.

And such know-how will be outdated inside of some years. My experience is 10 Years old - I`m pretty shure, that the sitation I did see at 2012 - did change a bit.

But - we are at 2022 - you can use the internet to get a pretty good picture about anything. Too about which brand and model is mostly used locally.

You can connect and ask officials, car clubs, local insta stars, local mechanics, there are endless ways to get a pretty exact picture Probably even official admission statistics is available from some country`s in africa.

Way more accurate than asking in the internet, and getting answers from people who probably just have a far idea about 5-10% of the continent.

Your conclusion about 2wd or 4wd: it reads like you plan to emigrate or travel in africa for many years, and are planning too to maintaining and servicing your vehicle over the years.
For a trip of one year and 50`000km - you probably dont have to invest a lot, on a well maintained car. Probably it is worth to consider too the timeframe and planned mileage.

But yes: 4wd is optional.

A low profile you cant have, as a probably white dude(?), who is able to drive around by his own car, without carrying goods. In areas where people have to work (by hand) to just survive. It is the circumstance that you are there by car, that you currently dont work, who creates profile. Sorry - I`m not native english speaker, I hope you are able to read it.

Surfy

[eurasiaoverland]

I have a different approach to repairs, spares and availability (though I am someone who extensively rebuilds an overland vehicle and does all his own mechanical work).

Firstly, I disagree that 2WD cars are easier to work on than 4WDs. I can lie under any of my cars and access all the undercarriage. I can remove the shock absorbers or rear axles, differential from my Landcruiser without even using a jack. Accessibility is far easier.

But getting on to the philosophy of repairs. In my opinion you should set off in a vehicle which is in excellent condition, something that makes no funny noises, has no leaks, no grinds between gear changes etc. All these things should be fixed before you leave.

I am not familiar with Africa but in general in developing countries, facing repairs is not like Europe. Mechanics are untrained labourers who fix problems. They don't call up a supplier and get you a new original part in a day or two. They will use their skills to keep an old part in service. So in general, part availability is not so relevant. More important is that you drive something which is well made. The idea is to avoid needing to visit these kinds of mechanics.

If you are able to do you own work, take service items such as filters and belts, and a decent tool set. If you have a major breakdown, you can make the choice between fixing an old part locally, or buying (most likely importing) the part you need.

In my opinion In general would avoid European cars - they are made for smooth roads and moderate temperature ranges. Cheaper makes (French cars, Fiats etc) are these days pretty flimsy; German cars are technically overcomplicated. I would go for a Toyota or a pre-2000 Nissan (before they became Renaults). An exception to this might be Dacias, they look like they are up to a bit of a beating. Or, go for a pre-1995ish car when things were generally better built and mechanically rather than electronically controlled.

Just my opinion. But I doubt you would regret buying a late 1990s diesel Toyota Corolla.

EO