New to this forum.

[Barry Ham]

Hi to all ,the name,s Barry from Cork, looking forward to reading up loads on this forum site. The plan is to purchase a Land cruiser next Sept and am torn between an 80 1994 or later or, a 100 series 02 or 03... The budget will be in and around 14 k. Have a plan for an expedition in three years time so will be seeking loads of advice!!!

[ADAM J]

Welcome to the forum. Plenty of expedition 80s here!

Were are you planning to go or have you decided?

[yogi]

http://www.donedeal.co.uk/campers-for-sale/4-x-4-with-tent-hot-shower/6148707

may be of interest to you?

[Barry Ham]

Cheers Adam, ... all up in the air right now but looking at overland to China...Thats the plan for now ,God knows how things may change........

[Barry Ham]

Mouth watering yogi .......

[soconnell27]

Cheers Adam, ... all up in the air right now but looking at overland to China...Thats the plan for now ,God knows how things may change........

Barry - Welcome !

I live in China and have completed over 30,000Km's on a number of expeditions here over the years. Have covered a lot of ground. It's certainly an amazing country to overland in and due to it's size the difference in landscape/terrain from place to place is enormous. The infrastructure here is better than anywhere else in the world I've seen (inc. US, EU etc.) so getting around is easier than you may think. Driving from IRL to CHN is possible - plenty of people have done it from EU/UK - but it's a very complicated process to arrange all the necessary paperwork, particularly if you plan to come in through the Central Asia Stan's - lots of your visa's will need to be arranged through embassy's in London. Kazakstan would be easier, but less of an experience for sure. The most difficult part of your journey is going to be the getting into China part but there is lots of info out there - plan for 3 months just figuring out how to do it. Right now foreigners cannot drive in China without a Chinese drivers license (IDL not recognized), you'll need to get a temporary China plate and technically you need to have a guide if you're bringing in your own car. Plenty of companies is west China/Central Asia arrange packages for that region (most based out of Kashgar or Urumqi) but expect that portion to be very expensive. At this stage there are probably companies in the UK who can arrange paperwork for the complete trip too. Needless to say I can give you plenty of advice on the China part (best routes, what to expect Re: car prep etc.) but I have lots of detail on the central asia part too if you plan coming in that way - I've been planning the trip in reverse for years but still haven't gotten around to it...

On selecting your Rig - I'ld go 80 every day. It's the default vehicle of choice for serious overlanders here and there's plenty of supply of parts/help in the event you have a problem. Even in the middle of the Taklamakan.. I've been rescued by a passing 80 owner on more than one occasion even though I don't have a LC here - the rule of thumb here is if you have a problem on an expedition, flag down a 80.. Plenty of 100's here too so wouldn't worry if that's the way you go.

[Barry Ham]

Soconnell thanks a mill for your input!! Leaning towards the 80 more so than the 100 ,I had a 1994 model for a few years and got to know the model really well. Before that it was Land Rover all the way ,great machines also but just got fed up of them being so unreliable despite the fun... Ive been through most of Europe and my wife and I have been to Morocco and the Sarah. Ive played with the idea of travelling to Cape town but think China would be a much greater challenge. The plan is to do it for my fiftieth so a couple of years to prepare.. Mind me asking? whats a paddy doing in China .?. Good to hear from you, will let you know when I make a purchase!!