Mid-2010s 200 or newer Tacoma Trd pro?

[TheIcemanCometh]

Have you been to Guyana yet? When I lived there for a while I drove a 2004 Hilux and loved it, RHD manual and all. Can you buy something used locally? I don’t think I would take a Tacoma there, I don’t know how much dealer support you would have. I don’t recall seeing many 200 series there either, it was mostly 70 series land cruisers

Don’t forget it’s a RHD country. It was weird enough to learn to drive on the “wrong” side of the road in a car properly set up for it. LHD in a RHD world would add some complexity

Having been an expat, one option is do you really need a vehicle? And when you do what about renting? Does your employer supply you with a vehicle??

Given the RHD bit is reason enough that I would look locally. Even if more expensive, there is much to be said about blending in with locals.

 

[AnyMal]

Dont forget PCV valve.

At 100k i would also do water pump and starter. Along with plugs.

 

[Sandroad]

My first thought was a 200 because of the family size. But curiosity got me and I looked up Guyana info. IMHO, after reading about the country, those recommending a low profile and not appearing to be wealthy (or even having some money) are right on. I’d suggest going with a Tacoma at best, use it for a couple years while you’re there, and then sell it for a 200 when you return.

 

[LC97MD]

My first thought was a 200 because of the family size. But curiosity got me and I looked up Guyana info. IMHO, after reading about the country, those recommending a low profile and not appearing to be wealthy (or even having some money) are right on. I’d suggest going with a Tacoma at best, use it for a couple years while you’re there, and then sell it for a 200 when you return.

Good advice on the low profile for sure

 

[LC97MD]

Having been an expat, one option is do you really need a vehicle? And when you do what about renting? Does your employer supply you with a vehicle??

Given the RHD bit is reason enough that I would look locally. Even if more expensive, there is much to be said about blending in with locals.

Def need a vehicle. But don’t expect too many long drives. Blending in to some extent is important.

 

[grinchy]

I would try to get a model available in the local market. I don’t think Tacoma or Tundra are sold widely outside the US.

From a safety point of view, paying more locally to stay incognito may be incredibly valuable. Also consider the local economy benefits from buying in country, and it could very well be that you make a very good local contact from the individual you purchase from. In some countries that alone could keep the small fish from trying to get a piece.

Saving $10k to put a giant kidnap me target on your truck might be a tenuous value prop.

 

[ikarus]

Having been an expat, one option is do you really need a vehicle? And when you do what about renting? Does your employer supply you with a vehicle??

Given the RHD bit is reason enough that I would look locally. Even if more expensive, there is much to be said about blending in with locals.

When I was there I spent a good amount of time on public transit and had some wild experiences in the mini buses or “maxi taxis” - old Toyota Hiace vans. The worst was one time I remember riding down a two lane road and the van I was in went to pass another van that was passing a bus so we were three wide on a two lane road going into oncoming traffic, complete with busted speakers blasting reggae. I rode everything from donkey carts to motorcycles hahah but I was single and younger and would hesitate to put my family through the same. I often went out with locals who would help me not get ripped off on fares too.

If you’re just driving around Georgetown I bet you’d be fine in a 200, that’s where most foreigners hang out. I remember seeing some nice cars around there, especially a lot of JDM Evos and skylines which I thought were cool. It’s definitely a poor country but it’s safer than say Jamaica or Haiti

You got any colleagues down there you could hit up? I’d be curious to hear their take on the situation.

 

[lx200inAR]

Beating a dead horse here, but just got back from a trip where I rented a 4Runner for a few days. I can fully reiterate that the 200 series is worlds nicer than the Tacoma/4Runner platform. And I’ll say, I used to love the 4Runner. Renting a 4Runner 4-5 years ago was how I decided I wanted a Toyota SUV. Now that I’ve driven a 200 for 2 years, I’d never want to go back to a 4Runner for any serious road time.

 

[coleAK]

Having spent time In that part of world I agree with others on keeping a very low profile. I think with a 200 or TRD Taco you will look like you have a million bucks in the rear and a wrist full of Rolexes. Also anything (let alone a “fancy” LHD) you get could be completely destroyed.

If I had to have a vehicle down there I’d look for a beater RHD, Pajero, patrol, Helux,… and then dump it when you leave.

 

[Supra Turbo]

Been there. Wouldn't bring anything nicer than a pair of underwear.. and even then, don't expect to bring it back. Both of those vehicles would be "too nice".

 

[OSS]

As has been mentioned here a few times previously, without hesitation, I would purchase a used vehicle when I got down there and sell it when I left. Thats what I did in Australia & South Africa.
Driving a USA LHD vehicle in a RHD country is not only very disorienting, its extremely dangerous on 2 lane highways. Passing trucks is a freaking nightmare. Virtually impossible.

 

[AnyMal]

Do you guys know where RHD and driving on the left came from?