Expedition vehicle Quote:
Originally Posted by RAINMAKER The latest thougths going thru my head.
Circa 2005 - When the group had just begun, a beautiful LandRover 110 series (Yellow coloured) stock vehicle was up for sale. As much as I wanted it, I couldnt afford it at that point of time. It finally found a buyer in Coorg I guess. That was the day I decided that sometime in my life before my time comes, I would like to build an expedition vehicle and travel.
I just love travelling. Now with my family (Wife & 2 daughters) I cant afford to have just some vehicle for long distance touring. For my local interstate juants (Bangalore - Ooty) etc..my Palio 1.6 is more than enough. But I plan to do a trip every year from now on to far flung places.
Present Day - My thoughts for an expedition vehicle (long wheelbase). What should be the base vehicle? The regular Scorpio, Bolero, Safari ? Pick up one of these and kit it out... No fun in this I would say.
Or being an off-roader stick to the old world used Land Rovers, Land Cruiser BJ60's, Nissan Patrol, Pajeros. My budget is not huge. Its very limited. The idea is to pick an used vehicle work on it (aah the joys of restoring a vehicle!!!) and then put it to use.
I have begun my search for an used long wheel based expedition vehicle. But cant seem to find any in Bangalore. Even if I find one here its gonna cost a lot.
This is gonna be a thread which will span for sometime to come.
I wish I was as lucky as the other person who got a Land Rover gifted. Man what would I do to be in your shoes!!.. Meanwhile, requesting those who have know anyone offering their LR's , LC's please do let me know. In case they want to gift one, they are more than welcome. Will take care of it like a baby!!!..
Looking forward to your help people. |
Rainmaker,
If i were in your place and if i have to choose an expedition vehicle i would take the following things into criteria-
1. Space - Very important as you are out ona long trip
2. Fuel efficiency- Very imp considering guys like we will always be on budget. Petrol option is out!
3. Repair ability- Local mechanic must have parts and must be able to fix it if any thing goes wrong
4. Mix of balance between on road comfort and off road ability- Considering you will be traveling more on road than off it Used options i see here are-
1. Bolero Camper 4wd
2. Bolero 4wd (space would be -Ve here) with out trailer
3. A used Scorpio Getaway 4wd if you get lucky
4. Non Crdi chain drive Scorpio 4wd (again space would be a sort of a issue)
5. If budget is an severe issue then go for commander/Marshal hard top 4wd and attach a trailer New options include -
1. Bolero camper 4wd [No p/s & A/c :-(]
2. Trax GAMA 4wd/Cruiser Classic 4wd) - Ultimate expedition vehicle in terms of space and comfort. Biggest drawback no P/s & A/c with 4wd
3. Scorpio Getaway 4wd- most sensible and economical of the lot, considering price and features, comfort and rough road ability. But repair ability in hinterland will be an issue if something fails!
4. Bolero 4wd slx- All comfort at the expense of space. You have to add a roof carrier and a trailer
My advise would be go for Bolero camper 4wd if old and customize it. If new best option would be getaway for all round ability and Bolero 4wd for the best of the above four criteria.
Inputs Welcome!
Last edited by vinod_nookala : 22nd March 2010 at 14:17.
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