Researching an expedition to Australia

[chris0375]

Originally Posted by scruffa

I would recommend you look into a Toyota Landcruiser (GASP!! go all the Jeepers [emoji14]). I know I know, but there is a reason for this and that is, if you have any mechanical issues you have a much greater chance of getting parts and repairs done rather than getting stranded waiting for Jeep parts or finding a repairer. Toyota's are everywhere over here and even in the remote communities of the NT you can usually get the parts.

Very very true. Just about every single remote workshop will have parts for and experience with land cruisers. Will probably have bearings, fan belts, hoses etc hanging on the wall ready to go. Something like a na straight 6 troopy would be perfect. Good fuel range, no need to worry about a canopy etc. Acceptable economy on the highway.

Unfortunately good luck getting any Jeep parts outside major towns.

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[Tyvokka]

Where's the fun and adventure though?

I'll be doing my trips in the Jeep.

[Tyvokka]

Humdingerslammer,

Let me chime in here... I have an 07 JKU Rubicon 3.8 from new with 178000 km on the clock. I have been all over Australia in it... Cape York, The gulf, Darwin and surrounds Gibb R Road, all over the Kimberley; the Gascoyne and Pilbara WA, Gary Junction Hwy, Rudall River Alice Springs and surrounds, Birdsville, Oodnadatta, Strzelecki Tracks and surrounds, the Nullarbor and SW WA etc etc dirt and bitumen. It has been absolutely reliable without any dramas on any of these trips. I have kept up preventative maintenance on it as for any vehicle, esp shocks, springs, front end. ball joints, track, tie rod, pitman arm etc and use MT tyres... no problems. I am not intending to sell it.

If u go into any garage outback, they r filled with broken down Toyotas, Nissans etc etc so the idea that these reliables don't break down is crap. To keep costs down I buy all my parts from USA, have them shipped to my front door usually within 10 days and the money I save on what I didn't pay here I use to pay the mechanic to fit the parts... and I still usually have some left over.

As a tourer... well it is noisy (it is basically a scaled down truck) but not that noisy, and it is not the smoothest of rides altho this improves a lot with a load in it. Also 100km/hr is fast enough in it. For me it has proved to have enough room. I took out the back seats and formed a shelf across here. I made some drawers and I have a fridge in the back. I also made a inner roof storage box. I use all the nooks and crannies and I have more than enough space for what I carry which includes spares of this and that. Just learn to carry what u need and fill up ay major centres as u go. We all take too much crap when we go camping.

A roof rack will be handy for light bulky things like a tent and a spare wheel. I think carry 2-3 jerry cans; so much cheaper than a long range tank. Unless u go really remote the OE tank and 3 jerries is enough. Fuel use is often better than for the other types of 4wd someone mentioned... I know this because the drivers at the petrol bowsers rant and rave about how much they use compared to the JKU... I kid u not!!!

My JKU is pretty much stock standard: 2 inch lift, HD springs and airbags on the rear.... works well. I do not have bull bars or a snorkel.

Recently I used 4x4 Solutions in Settlement Road Thomastown (Melb) and was impressed with them.

You can get info about my trips etc by searching for my posts etc in the menu bar above.


Hope this helps.

Hope this "proves" the ability of having Jeeps in the outback as many have done, not take to easiest way out and keep the Jeepin' spirit alive. The OP is a true Jeeper with world travel experience, surely if he'd wanted a Toyota, he'd get one already.

[scruffa]

I did not say anywhere in my post about the Toyota's, Nissan's etc don't break down. I merely stated that parts are easier to come by in the remote areas should you experience mechanical issues (see below).

"I would recommend you look into a Toyota Landcruiser (GASP!! go all the Jeepers :P). I know I know, but there is a reason for this and that is, if you have any mechanical issues you have a much greater chance of getting parts and repairs done rather than getting stranded waiting for Jeep parts or finding a repairer."

I am sure that Humdingerslammer had experienced no real problems with his vehicle because he/she maintains it so well and has had it from new. In saying this though would you be that confident if you just bought a 2nd hand vehicle that you could do the same trip with no issues?