Plan: travel with 4WD from USA through Central America (hot and wet*) and over the Andes (high and cold). Lot of road, and also a lot of bad roads (if any...)

I understand a Landcruiser is the better build Toyota, but 4Runner doesn't seem that bad either. And there are much more 4Runner's in pre-owned market then LC's. (hence also cheaper!)

Question 1: do I really NEED a LC for this trip - or will a 4Runner do just fine? (i.e. survive and without $$$'s on maintenance)

Question 2: is the 4 Runner sold well in Central & South America (for parts and maintenance)? Is the LandCruiser sold well there?

All info on the subject is GREATLY appreciated!!!

* nice with a lady, but not in the jungle (from: "good morning vietnam" ;-)

I believe that both have been very good sellers down there. The Land Cruiser might have a leg up though. They are quite common down there! Either way, have you REALLY looked into this trip? Speaking as someone who has been to a few of the countries down there, I can't say that I would recommend it!

There are very few people who have done this - mostly because of the dangers in some of the countries that you have to pass through.

CAZ

You will find more available parts for LCs than 4Runners, but have you ever been to Central and South America?

Thieves don't mind killing you to get your rig and other belongings.

I'm quite aware of the dangers - I'm working with experienced travel guides in C/S America on the feasibility of this venture. If it's too crazy we will not do it (or at least not all the way). I'm hopefull to be able to pass through Nicaragua - Colombia may be the show stopper indeed.

I have done exploration treks in Africa and Asia to find new routes for travel agencies. Especially Africa required all time guarding of the vehicle. The abductions and killings in C/S America are being taken very seriously.

In this forum I was just trying to address the 4x4 aspect - I seem to find confirmation the LC is the best choice. Any reasons why not?

However - I'm more then interested to hear experiences from people who traveled the area. This venture stretches to explore commercial opportunities also and we are looking into sponsoring also. I like to invite anyone interested to sent me an email. Thanks!

Just go here instead!

Venezuelan tepuis... I miss them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the great feedback.

Colombia does litteraly seem to be the showstopper: there is 150 km road missing from Panama to Colombia... (according to the Colombia Lonely Planet). I'll focus on Central America first then next time I'll buy a diesel LandCruiser in/for South America.

Besides that - Colombia really isn't very safe. I would do it as backpacker and travel by bus - but with your own vehicle you attract a bit more attention.

Dario, you have been there? Pretty cool place! I loved it!

It was quite the grueling hike up the side of Roraima, but well worth it. I would go again in a heartbeat!

CAZ

Here's a great site about travel in South America, and Land cruisers. http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/main_4x4.htm