Disco to Timbuktu!?

Amazing responses guys, thanks.

With regard to all the comments about dying, no prep, etc.. i know, it's dangerous. I'v got 4 months and you can learn alot in 4 months. I took a £200 Citroen 2CV to Mongolia a couple of of years ago - most people said it was impossible.. worth a shot. As others have said above, people die all the time - better to die doing something you love, you only live once?

Thanks ricc for all that advice. Writing this reply I dont know how to scroll back through all the messages but the person who offer me the number of the guys who did the africa trip, that would be much appreciated. My email is jlt 2 4 [at] bath dot ac dot uk, cheers.

So by the sounds of it most people think a Disco is too hard to learn the mechanics of and buy for £1000? Sounds like Im better off going for something smaller, like a Vitara..?

Cheers again

jturner88 said:

Amazing responses guys, thanks.

With regard to all the comments about dying, no prep, etc.. i know, it's dangerous. I'v got 4 months and you can learn alot in 4 months. I took a £200 Citroen 2CV to Mongolia a couple of of years ago - most people said it was impossible.. worth a shot. As others have said above, people die all the time - better to die doing something you love, you only live once?

Thanks ricc for all that advice. Writing this reply I dont know how to scroll back through all the messages but the person who offer me the number of the guys who did the africa trip, that would be much appreciated. My email is jlt 2 4 [at] bath dot ac dot uk, cheers.

So by the sounds of it most people think a Disco is too hard to learn the mechanics of and buy for £1000? Sounds like Im better off going for something smaller, like a Vitara..?

Cheers again

Click to expand...

As they say, knowledge is power. If you believe that you have the knowledge to do this, then why not. Knowing that you can do it will also give you confidence, which is one thing you will need.

You really need to ask yourself whether or not you and/or your team have:

- Mechanical knowledge
- Travel & Navigational knowledge (Ranging from country specific regulations, weather, map reading, wildlife, areas to avoid etc)
- Good organisational skills
- Funds

If you're lacking in any of those areas, then you're going to be taking a risk. Sure, we all take risks but some are bigger than others. In your case, you will need a plan B for all of the likely problems that can arise related to the above. If you don't have contingency plans in place, then you could easily get f**cked. Always think worst case scenario if you want to play it safe.

You should also look online to find information from those who have done this before. You should try to find out how they did it. Also find information regarding any problems they may have encountered, and how they solved the problems. All of this will make yourself more prepared. Think about it, the probability of something going wrong is very high so it's all about being prepared.

As for most of us here, an adventure for us is to go driving down green lanes, while pestering the ramblers and showing our care and concern for the environment. While people here can share their mechanical knowledge, you will need much more than that.

For me personally, I worry about whether or not my Land Rover will make it from southern England to Scotland. I would not even consider doing what you're doing unless I had:

- Someone who is a good mechanic
- Lots of cash

Land Rovers are not the most reliable vehicles in the world. Then again, you're unlikely to find anything special for £1000. Though, if I were you I'd probably be looking at Japanese vehicles instead.

......he took a 2cv to Mongolia......i think their more than capable......

For those who think that it's too dangerous, come and see the kids at the music festivals we operate at in this country.......

take me take me, i'll do all your merchanical work

To be honest - if I had that budget and that task I'd probably go with Jeremy Clarksons recommendation of a 1600cc VW Beetle... (from the Top Gear Namibia special) Its light (remember that sand and those salt pans) reliable - straight forward mechanically - and you'll find parts in remote places... you will remember the programme set out to prove that you dont necessarily need an off- roader to `off road'...

I'd simply look for the simplest vehicle that I could find that was big enough to carry the necessary kit. The fewer electrics and electronics then the less to go wrong.

An old Mercedes perhaps? No problem with parts on mainland Europe and loads of them have found their way into Africa as taxis.

Peugeots? France was a big player in North Africa back in the days of empires and they still seem to be successful selling cars over there.

But the most important advice is YOUR preparation. Buy the vehicle as soon as possible and really get to know it.

Have fun.

Thanks dogsbody, m6sjg and richm