got a freind planning on traveling to africa for 3 motnhs, plans starting in europe and through the north all the way to south africa- driving holiday.

He is planning on buying a 90 series land rover diesel but i said might not be a good idea in africa.
i know there are a few down that way but thought i would ask some people closer to the area.

What is a relable car tha is easy and has a plentiful abundance of parts (cheap to fix) in that region.

I know theere are a few land rovers etc in the populated areas and tours but are patrols (i said dont go turbo deisel one due to head gasket problems)land cruisers plentiful and cheap to fix down there, or other 4wd recomendations.

He is planning on buying in england(has family there) or europe and driving down.

Most cars in africa gets imported from japan so toyotas are very very popular then nissan and mitsubishi and it depends on country if petrol or diesel is more popular. But I will say toyota double cab 4x4 is a safe bet. Tel him good luck from my side and he can pop in when he reaches cape town and I can show him around a bit. Cheers

any particular model double cab? hi lux? pathfinder? mitsubishi would be triton and nissan would be patrol correct?

Yes a hi lux or a older land cruizer basically you want something with as little electronics as posible. The up side with the diesel is that it handels water better. The up side with petrol is they do better in loose sand because they can rev. Nissan patrol mitsu colt as we called them. And kit whatever he is going to use out with enough basic spares and those alu trax for if he gets stuck. It will also help if he contacts each of the countries embassy and ask them for as much info as they have on condition and general info about each country.

I would personally also go the Hilux or landcruizer route.

Remember the shovel and extra containers for fresh water.

Why doesn't your friend start his route in Aus, he could chuck in like 10 or so H165 diffs for us. He'll be a instant hero.

Also the Nissan Hardbody 2.7 diesel these things are built for Africa.I prefer the older models the more square looking ones.Oh and I also advice that you carry enough fresh water and also extra fuel.If your mate comes through Zimbabwe I will be more than happy to show him around.I hope he knows what he is getting himself into????

Hehe, and then do not forget enough bribe money in the local currency or US dollars.

I just spoke to a customer I have who is into this kinda thing he say a diesel land cruiser and that there is no way of doing it in 3 months he say 4.5 to 5 months maybe.

thanks fellas, good info there, will let him know, wont be til about feb/march next year.

Bribe money is need even in South Africa