Overview of Expedition Vehicles

Choosing the right vehicle for expeditions is crucial. No one wants to spend time in repair shops instead of exploring nature due to a poorly chosen car.
Below is an overview of vehicles we have tested during various expeditions.
Some of them proved almost ideal, others less suitable, yet even among those, we found models with surprising positives.

ŠKODA 105 (1980, passenger car 4x2)

Expedition: Morocco 1995 (Czech Republic - Morocco)
Mileage: ~15,000 km

Advantages:

Easy to repair anywhere, by anyone
Low fuel consumption, resilient to poor-quality fuel
Storage space behind the rear seats is discreet during police checks
Low weight and heated rear window – practical when pushing the car
Engine located at the rear axle and storage space in the front – convenient during police checks

Disadvantages:

Frequent breakdowns (electrics, fuses, tires, overheating, brakes)
Low gearbox reliability
High risk of returning on a tow truck due to a cracked engine

Mandatory equipment: two warning triangles, the book "When the Car Sulks", a lot of money with you!

Everything that can break on your car will probably break, and of course, repeatedly. Despite the service before the expedition, the lighting of most lights failed, fuses blow regularly and continuously, punctured tires need to be repaired daily, the engine overheats, and all fluids must be constantly refilled. The car does not brake and never will; the only hope is if the handbrake remains functional. The gearbox is unlikely to last, but fortunately, it is not complicated and is easily accessible. Most likely, part of the return journey will be made on a tow truck due to a cracked engine.

If you take the expedition as a challenge without a time limit, you will discover places you would otherwise overlook.

NISSAN PATROL GR 2.8Td 4WD (1999, offroad)

Expedition: Europe
Mileage: ~150,000 km

Advantages:

High-quality expedition vehicle for demanding conditions

Disadvantages:

Higher fuel consumption

NISSAN PATROL GR 3.0Td 4WD (1999, offroad)

Expedition: Africa (Specific to the northeastern parts of Africa)
Mileage: ~50,000 km

Advantages:

High-quality expedition vehicle for demanding conditions

Disadvantages:

Higher fuel consumption
In older models, there are issues with shifting into 4WD

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 80-100 4WD (~2010, offroad)

Expedition: Arabian Peninsula & Asia
Mileage: ~230,000 km

Advantages:

High-quality expedition vehicle for demanding conditions

Disadvantages:

Higher fuel consumption
Older models may have lower driving comfort and some controls may not function

NISSAN NAVARA DOUBLE CAB 2.5D 4WD (~2011, offroad Hardtop & rooftop tents)

Expedition: Africa
Mileage: ~15,000 km

Advantages:

Quality expedition vehicle for demanding conditions
With roof tents you can stand on any terrain and bad weather

Disadvantages:

Low driving comfort with more passengers
Older types of tents are difficult to fold and need to be dried quickly in case of rain
Some bodywork does not seal well, dust and sand gets into the luggage compartment

TOYOTA HILUX DOUBLE CAB 2.5D 4WD (~2007, offroad Pickup)

Expedition: Africa
Mileage: ~10,000 km

Advantages:

Quality expedition vehicle for demanding conditions
In Africa, it is a very easily repairable and low-maintenance vehicle

Disadvantages:

Low driving comfort with more passengers
Caution: In the case of a pickup with an open bed (without canopy), it is impossible to protect luggage from rain or theft