Toyota overlanding in East Africa

Apparently the most popular vehicles for overlanding from Cape to Cairo and vice versa are Toyota Highlux and Land Cruiser 4x4's (not readily available in North America). It would be interesting to hear of experiences of 4Runners travelling the east coast of Africa, and availability for spare parts and service.

 

I thought that 4runners were largely for the US market. But apparently it doesn't seem to be the case? I’ve seen some posts here and there from owners in South America, Europe, and the philipines IRC. I even saw some pics of a third gen 4runner in afghanistan. I’m just not clear Toyota imports them to european or asian markets officially, or if they are imported personally.

If they are on the African continent, would love to read about any adventures with a 4runner!

 

I was in Costa Rica in January and Toyota Land Cruiser Prados and Hi Lux were prominent everywhere. The Hi Lux’s most were Diesel.

 

As someone from Asia which we have very similar vehicles as Africa and Australia I would say there is possibility you can find parts for the 4Runner powertrain as the 4L V6 DVVTi is available in many countries with many Toyotas (FJ, Fortuner, LC Prado, LC200, LC300, Lexus GX.). Vehicles like Hilux, LC70 is using the old 4L V6 VVTi. I bet its same story for other critical parts like axles, tie rods, etc as well.

However the smaller fuel tank on US models might be a problem for traveling outside of city imo.

But as said above diesels are the more common choice even in Asia because diesel are much cheaper and we believe diesel are more efficient. In Asia there are places that convert petrol vehicles to diesel. Here in USA I only know such conversion in Texas.

Its funny how my dad feel my 4runner is fast. His work place only had diesel Toyotas, Mitsubishi & Isuzus. Some are speciality vehicles like bullet proof body and heavy as F.

 

I think the 5th gen 4runner is built on the J150 Prado platform, (the same as the FJ cruiser), but what I have read is that it is built as a left-hand-drive only model for US/Canadian/Western markets. Whereas the J150 platform for other countries offer a right-hand-drive/diesel setup and are sold as the Prado or GX.

 

It seems that the 4Runner would be ideal a 12,000km Cape to Cairo trip. However, they say that it is not advisable to use a North American Toyota Tacoma in Africa due to lack of spare parts, and it seems that the Tacoma and 4Runne share a number of components. Fortunately, 4Runners don't break down!

 

used within it’s design parameters, i think it would do just fine. Just pull a small M416-sized trailer with spare fuel cans, some spare maintenance parts, and a few extra wheels/tires and you’d be all set.

 

Great suggestion, an M416 trailer behind the 4Runner would be a mighty good fit.

 

yeah, something like this, to keep the COG (center of gravity) low and provide storage for spare fuel/parts/food and maybe a tent as pictured (just an example i found online)


Welcome to the board, btw!