Intro: Overland Afrique (4 Viewers)

[OverlandAfrique]

Hey y'all,

First time poster, first time overland vic, and going to Africa in Fall 2025. It looks like you all have a lot of experience and some fantastic machines. I know I can learn a lot here.

In short, I am on the hunt for a Sequoia and will make some basic mods to it from suspension lift, skid plates, and roof rack.

Ideal models (must be 4WD and minimal/no rust):

• 2005 - 2007 w/ luxury trim
• 2013 - 2020 Platinum
• 2020 TRD Pro

Budget: $25,000 before mods

The vic must seat a family of six, some are in car seats, therefore the captains chairs layout is a must. I will remove console in middle if installed at purchase (or have seller take it out).

Any recommendations on models to stay away from on the years listed above is helpful. I hear the rear axel on the 2nd Gens is a weak point, but not a deal breaker. The place we are going has a good Toyota market and I hear that axels (and other parts) can be replaced/repaired relatively simply there.


Thanks!
-OA

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Not sure if I understand post above. If you are planning to drive a Sequoia in Africa overlanding, I would not recommend it. Lived in Africa for 20 years. Landcruisers are it. Get a troopy and kit it out or rent one that is kitted out. Sequoias are not built for the harshness you will encounter.

 

[OverlandAfrique]

Not sure if I understand post above. If you are planning to drive a Sequoia in Africa overlanding, I would not recommend it. Lived in Africa for 20 years. Landcruisers are it. Get a troopy and kit it out or rent one that is kitted out. Sequoias are not built for the harshness you will encounter.

This is good to know, Ceylon. Thanks! Of the four kids, one will be an infant, so I’m not sure the Troopy bench setup in the back will work.

Thoughts on a Lexus GX?

I was hoping to have more room that the Sequoia provides, but can understand that a larger vic like the Sequoia may be not be the route.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Go on line and look at reconfigured troopys where its not a bench seat. There are options. Get the best platform for reliability then work on passenger set up. Trust me there are places in Aftica that you dont want to be stranded due to a poor platform, especially with young kids. You will likely need a trailer set up if your family occupies most of the room.

 

[kbahus]

The 2nd gen Sequoia is a beast, but I can’t imagine any parts are readily available anywhere in Africa nor would be the repair facilities. Get what the locals use (Land Cruiser). I would not go Lexus either.

 

[Kano383]

Hey y'all,

First time poster, first time overland vic, and going to Africa in Fall 2025. It looks like you all have a lot of experience and some fantastic machines. I know I can learn a lot here.

In short, I am on the hunt for a Sequoia and will make some basic mods to it from suspension lift, skid plates, and roof rack.

Ideal models (must be 4WD and minimal/no rust):

• 2005 - 2007 w/ luxury trim
• 2013 - 2020 Platinum
• 2020 TRD Pro

Budget: $25,000 before mods

The vic must seat a family of six, some are in car seats, therefore the captains chairs layout is a must. I will remove console in middle if installed at purchase (or have seller take it out).

Any recommendations on models to stay away from on the years listed above is helpful. I hear the rear axel on the 2nd Gens is a weak point, but not a deal breaker. The place we are going has a good Toyota market and I hear that axels (and other parts) can be replaced/repaired relatively simply there.


Thanks!
-OA

Overland, if you want to drive across Africa in a Toyota, the Sequoia is not the right pony. Except for West Africa, where they get some from Canada, on most of the continent you won't find them, which means no parts, and no "mechanics" familiar with it.

Go for a Series 100 Land Cruiser. If you want the ultimate in unbreakability, go for a series 70, but there you sacrifice comfort.

I've lived 30+ years on the continent, in more than a dozen countries, and have run hunting safaris in the most remote places for 15 years... I've seen what works and what doesn't. Spoiler alert: in the roughest places, nothing comes even close to a Land Cruiser if you want a ride that can take it all for years. It's not that other cars are not at the same level, they're not even on the same ladder...