New Member

[dukerules]

Wow, it looks wild in those pics (in a good way). You're going to get your money's worth out of your 100. What I wouldn't give to experience that. And I'd much rather be in a reliable Toyota Land Cruiser than a Land Rover product in that sort of environment, where a tow truck and spare parts are more than a cell phone call away.

[Nsingh85]

Hi...nice looking rig...Bumper looks really great.
By the way where did you get that third mirror from..was it OEM?? I am trying to get one from MOT(japan) but those are RHD and will not fit LHD




The 3rd mirror came stock on the rig.
I should tell you that the cars here are RHD and not LHD, would you not be able to get it from a local toyota agent?

[Nsingh85]

I think the rigs in Europe have the 3rd mirror, and those are LHD's, so you should be able to get them. No idea how much it would cost though?
Maybe at the local Toyota agent

[Nsingh85]

With the realiability issue, the toyota's outshine the Land rovers any time.
The only thing is that unless you can handle most of the mechanical issues on the 100's yourself, you would be in problem. Majority of the smaller town mechanics know the Land Rover Defenders.
On the other hand, you probably would brake down in the land rover vs the cruiser, and the defenders r very uncomfortable for log distance trips.
In Kenya, the Land cruiser is considered a status symbol, especially the 100 series, and people dont know what it can really do.
I for one love the out doors and was set on getting a land rover but after i started researching on the cars, there was no doubt in my mind that the cruiser is the way to go.

Now the area that i was in, where these pics are taken, you would be very very luck if you get even 1 bar of reception on ur cell phone. And a tow truck, thats outa the question .

You have to fix ur vehicle in the best way possible and hope that it can get you to the nearest town. One rule, don't go with a single car.

[Nsingh85]

Avaialbility of parts is not such a big problem for toyotas, in the larger cities they are readily available and you would have a Toyota agent.
I for one have not really experianced any mechanical problems besides the shocks. Although when it comes to tyres, be ready for punctures.
2 spare wheels are a must. Better to have steel rims and a sledge hammer. Its not uncommon to bend the rim with the road conditions.
The main thing is to have a solid suspension system. We recently had some friends who did a trip from Cairo, Egypt to Nairobi Kenya and they went through 3 sets of shock absorbers and 1 set of springs, everything else was perfect. And have atleast a set of filters.
After having done the 1000 km trip in june, i replaced the airfilter.

I have been searching for clubs that do overlanding, but have not yet managed to find any. there is the Land Rover Owners Club here, and they do overlanding trips. Nothing for toyota yet.
If i can find more people, i'd love to start a club.

Safty is an issue to consider in Kenya, best to travel with a group and try not to do any traveling past sundown. If you are in the small towns, there is not really any problem and people are generally friendly.
In the bush, there is a very real threat of animals. best to stay where there is a clearing, but beware of ants. Have a fire going and make sure that you do make some noise so that the animals are aware of your presence. Cooking at the same place where you are staying may not be the best idea either.

My rig is noticed alot, which may not be the best of things but what can you do?

[e9999]

thanks for the comments, very interesting.

You should go with the LR club, you may convert a few...!

BTW, if you haven't seen it yet, we have an Expeditions forum as well that you may enjoy having a look at.

[twstrchasr]

Welcome !! Nice rig, pics, and write-ups. Very nice to hear from someone outside of NA...I imagine your 100 is something of a rarity in the "land of Defenders". Look forward to more pics of your beautiful country. Well done !!

[Nsingh85]

Infact I am goin camping today by a lake, will post those pics when i get back on this thread