2.4, a reliable beast?

[Garville]

Hi all, first post here. This summer I intend to do a charity rally to mongolia and am currently trying to pick a vehicle. My thoughts have turned to a hilux surf 2.4. I'm not familiar at all with these and am just wondering if they are reliable enough to get me 1/3 of the way round the world without any major mechanical hiccups. Obviously there are going to be some but just wondering if they are fairly tough as a good portionm of the journey is off road. As its being left in mongolia, I dont want to spend a fortune (around £1200, cheaper if possible!). Any recommendations or pointers?

Thanks in advance,
Will

[cataclysm]

Tough as old boots as long as the cylinder head doesn't go. I doubt you'd get a tougher fully-covered truck for the price.

Although going to Mongolia, I'd choose a Petrol (still easier to get hold of than Diesel in lots of places).
Long Way Round did the journey in Diesel L200's, which I'd say are less tough than the Surf.

[Sancho]

As cataclysm says, the only problem with the 2.4s is the cylinder head. As long as you find one that's had it replaced properly, it will be pretty much indestructable. A lot of them have minor issues that you look to fix in the long run (aircon not working, electric windows not working etc) but that won't affect their ability to keep going. Surfstar previously drove a 2.4 back from southern Spain after the head had cracked, so they will essentially keep going whatever.

If I were you, I would very seriously consider making an offer for this one which is known to have had the head fixed by the best person possible.

If you want to take up cataclysm's advice to go for a petrol one, let me know. I may be interested in selling mine and it is in very good condition mechanically.

[marky]

Buy this one as all the work was done when i owned it.
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ad.php?t=38078
NEW HEAD, WATERPUMP, SUSPENSION = Procomp ES9000 Shocks all round 25% stronger rear coil springs. Pitman Arm, Steering Idler arm, Steering Box, wheel bearings The LIST IS ENDLESS

[TonyN]

If you're going round the world you don't want to saving money on the actual vehicle itself, I'd have though that would be the bit the most cash and thought goes into!!

A 2.4 is perfectly reliable, as long as the head is OK, but remember its gonna be at least 15 years old. You're completely in the hands of previous owners and past maintenance as far as long term reliability goes.

Personally, I'd be buying as late a 3.0TD 2nd Gen as poss if the going is going to get rough, or if its just a long trip on tracks and roads a 3rd Gen.