Forester xt to Africa
Discussion
Hi all,
Me and a friend are going to take part in an event which runs from Budapest to Banjul in Gambia around 9000km in total over 14 days.
We are putting together a short list of cars to look at taking, the budget for now is set at around £5000 as we might leave it there when it's finished.
I've done a fair bit of research and 90% of the run will be on poor roads and desert, not to much off road stuff, but there will be some.
Would a forester be able to cope with the heat and dust etc etc, we would be looking at raising it slightly, fitting some under body protection, possibly a snorkel to help with the dust, roof rack for spare wheels and fuel, off road tyres, some extra roof lights and a winch in a bag.
Is this a stupid idea, should we stick with a discovery?
Also where would be the best place in to the UK to get some of the above parts, seems most of the websites are based in the US.
The main reason more looking at the Forester is the speed without to much modification, this could be an advantage.
Any thoughts/ advice
Me and a friend are going to take part in an event which runs from Budapest to Banjul in Gambia around 9000km in total over 14 days.
We are putting together a short list of cars to look at taking, the budget for now is set at around £5000 as we might leave it there when it's finished.
I've done a fair bit of research and 90% of the run will be on poor roads and desert, not to much off road stuff, but there will be some.
Would a forester be able to cope with the heat and dust etc etc, we would be looking at raising it slightly, fitting some under body protection, possibly a snorkel to help with the dust, roof rack for spare wheels and fuel, off road tyres, some extra roof lights and a winch in a bag.
Is this a stupid idea, should we stick with a discovery?
Also where would be the best place in to the UK to get some of the above parts, seems most of the websites are based in the US.
The main reason more looking at the Forester is the speed without to much modification, this could be an advantage.
Any thoughts/ advice
We were going to take some spare cans of fuel, but is petrol that hard to find?
With regards the pace on the tracks, we weren't going to crazy tbh it was more the pace on the normal roads, we have to drive all the way down through Europe first.
The foresters seem fairly good in sand (YouTube videos) is this not the case.
Point taken with parts.
With regards the pace on the tracks, we weren't going to crazy tbh it was more the pace on the normal roads, we have to drive all the way down through Europe first.
The foresters seem fairly good in sand (YouTube videos) is this not the case.
Point taken with parts.
I think they are a great alternative option. Pretty competent off road too. Go for the non-turbo with the low range box.
Besides, Top Gear (I know, I know) have shown us how far even an Esprit will get off road so I think a well prepared Forester will do you fine!
O/T but my Outback has taken me everywhere my Disco 4 did, and dare I say it but more reliably too.
Besides, Top Gear (I know, I know) have shown us how far even an Esprit will get off road so I think a well prepared Forester will do you fine!
O/T but my Outback has taken me everywhere my Disco 4 did, and dare I say it but more reliably too.
Where as the Subaru isnt a bad car, taking one across Africa would be suicidal, sorry.
Fuel.
Petrol where available will probably be of a lower grade than our base 95 ron (yup....)
Parts.
They have a fantastic dealer network covering all of Africa, well maybe some parts of South Africa, anywhere else and you will be in serious trouble if something goes wrong, remember that Africa is reknown for its love of Subaru's or is that Toyota HiLuxes??
Part waiting times.
IF you get lucky and actually find a dealer within 1000 miles, please note the 8-10 week wait for parts coming from Japan....
Basically with a Forester you are barking up the wrong tree for a trip like that and where will you put all those jerry cans worth of fuel that you need to cross such a vast area?
TBH a Land rover or a Disco, even a Toyota HiLux are far better options and parts will be far easier to source far quicker
Fuel.
Petrol where available will probably be of a lower grade than our base 95 ron (yup....)
Parts.
They have a fantastic dealer network covering all of Africa, well maybe some parts of South Africa, anywhere else and you will be in serious trouble if something goes wrong, remember that Africa is reknown for its love of Subaru's or is that Toyota HiLuxes??
Part waiting times.
IF you get lucky and actually find a dealer within 1000 miles, please note the 8-10 week wait for parts coming from Japan....
Basically with a Forester you are barking up the wrong tree for a trip like that and where will you put all those jerry cans worth of fuel that you need to cross such a vast area?
TBH a Land rover or a Disco, even a Toyota HiLux are far better options and parts will be far easier to source far quicker
I might be late but .........
My experience of travelling the Africa differs from others.
Petrol cars are everywhere and petrol is very much available. Toyota being the preferred choice. Landrovers were very rarely seen. Although Subarus were never to be seen. The quality of petrol didn't drop until Central Africa and then only from small villages.
To be honest, I watched the garages work on everything from Mercs to Motorhomes etc. And rebuild a Renault engine, twice.
The Rally used to go from London; and I met up with a group going to Banjul. They were driving a variety of vehicles and getting them fixed along the way. I will see if I can dig out some photos. Sand, gravel and road there with very few issues.
Any questions, please PM me.
PS a good site for information is http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/
PPS take sand ladders and an electrical air pump / puncture kit
ETA: if you have a roof rack then even better for the fuel and spare tyres etc
My experience of travelling the Africa differs from others.
Petrol cars are everywhere and petrol is very much available. Toyota being the preferred choice. Landrovers were very rarely seen. Although Subarus were never to be seen. The quality of petrol didn't drop until Central Africa and then only from small villages.
To be honest, I watched the garages work on everything from Mercs to Motorhomes etc. And rebuild a Renault engine, twice.
The Rally used to go from London; and I met up with a group going to Banjul. They were driving a variety of vehicles and getting them fixed along the way. I will see if I can dig out some photos. Sand, gravel and road there with very few issues.
Any questions, please PM me.
PS a good site for information is http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/
PPS take sand ladders and an electrical air pump / puncture kit
ETA: if you have a roof rack then even better for the fuel and spare tyres etc
Edited by carinatauk on Tuesday 6th June 18:48
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