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Is that a "no" to the idea of the Abarth?
Spinal's Mongol Rally Thread
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Is that a "no" to the idea of the Abarth?
D
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My wife is Mongolian and seems to be related to about half the country! She has 5 brothers there who are all petrol heads - I'll get her to ask them for advice. On the many occasions I've visited, by far the most popular cars are Japanese and Korean so I'm guessing the parts for them are easiest to come by.
I don't know about the " 'stans", but the roads in Mongolia are really rough - far more so than you could possibly imagine. That doesn't stop the locals driving anything and everything across them though. They're mostly unmetalled (the roads, not the locals!) with deep ruts and, depending on the time of year, you may have to cross rivers without bridges. Lots of waterproofing will be essential.
As for the driving standards, think of the worst you've ever seen anywhere in Europe (including the UK) and you won't be close to how bad it can be, especially in the capital Ulaanbaatar where you'll be finishing.
I don't know about the " 'stans", but the roads in Mongolia are really rough - far more so than you could possibly imagine. That doesn't stop the locals driving anything and everything across them though. They're mostly unmetalled (the roads, not the locals!) with deep ruts and, depending on the time of year, you may have to cross rivers without bridges. Lots of waterproofing will be essential.
As for the driving standards, think of the worst you've ever seen anywhere in Europe (including the UK) and you won't be close to how bad it can be, especially in the capital Ulaanbaatar where you'll be finishing.
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Nova?
The OHC engine is bullet proof
The OHC engine is bullet proof
lordlee
Active Member
Toyota reliability and a bigger body then the Yaris...
Toyota Yaris Verso | eBay
Toyota Yaris Verso | eBay
Sp!ke
Administrator
That looks like a reasonable choice but OMG that is one ugly car.
camerafodder
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I think this would be too specialised if something went wrong you'd be stuffed,
I'm with spike on the Niva.
OP
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Spinal
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The niva is an interesting choice... do many of them still exist?
Charles Morgan
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Lots. I saw a specialist dealer in Germany with about 25 on his forecourt. However, a good one is hard to find at your price. A Lada Riva would also be a runner. I have found an amusing one here.
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£1600.... :fail I remember seeing one for £75.00 a good 5 years ago
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Spinal
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Had a look on ebay - not a single niva in the UK. I reckon I would struggle to find parts to get it sorted before leaving! (not to mention engine capacity issues).
Starting to think the K11 micra is the way forward. Statistically, it's never failed to finish the rally, and is one of the more popular cars on the event. Ironically, I asked on the swift owners club what they would suggest, and most pointed at the micra...
Now to source one in good condition... (part of me wanted the challenge of doing it in a smart... but swmbo banned that idea)
M.
Starting to think the K11 micra is the way forward. Statistically, it's never failed to finish the rally, and is one of the more popular cars on the event. Ironically, I asked on the swift owners club what they would suggest, and most pointed at the micra...
Now to source one in good condition... (part of me wanted the challenge of doing it in a smart... but swmbo banned that idea)
M.
Sp!ke
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In Poland theres loads. http://allegro.pl/lada-niva-18222
Here in the UK they were mostly bought up and shipped back to Russia.
Sp!ke
Administrator
The great thing about a Niva is that you only need to carry two tools.
1. A big hammer
2. A cold chisel
1. A big hammer
2. A cold chisel
OP
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Spinal
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There are quite a few - but considering I'm thinking about half of the car budget is to be spent in preparation... not many in my price range.
Then there's making the car look stupid enough enough to pass then capacity limit... and hope that the "dressup" doesn't impair driveability...
Part of me is thinking of playing it safe... also because I just found out I'll be spending ~£1600 on visas... which I hadn't accounted for (well, not that much at least), and another £500 to cross the Caspian so as to avoid Iran...
Bellow
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
How creative are you prepared to be with the rules? Removing one piston (plug/blank of the oil hole on its crank journal and remove the valve rockers) from a 1600 and the swept volume is now below 1200cc... Opens up the possibilty of a more rugged 1600 vehicle - eg small pick-up, 4WD (Jimini?), etc.
Quite right! Not many STAR machines where you're heading!
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Spinal
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Love it... though I'm not sure I would be able to do that, and still put the engine back together...
and if there's anything I learnt from the Timbuktu, it was to keep a car as stock as possible. Not even bringing a roof rack this time (only a roof bar with 4x HID floodlights fitted... and maybe 2x nightbreakers on the bonnet/bumper...). Regardless of car.
Spares I'm thinking shocks/springs, and a lot of gasket sealant...
2 changes of clothes + what I'm wearing (and some travel clothes wash)
a tent, a sleeping bag and toiletries. Oh yes, and a mobile phone (lumia, so it doubles as a camera) and spot tracker!
Food/water will be bought en-route (though I may bring 2x MREs just in case).
It'll be travelling light, light light... (and I may manage to convince her to leave the hair straightener at home!)
M.
jotter22
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Spinal
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That would be ideal, if it were not for the words "non runner"
This one seems interesting:
SUZUKI SJ410 1987 Samurai 4x4 off road 4wd | eBay
especially if I can haggle on the price a bit...
It's not exactly near... but will drop the seller a line and see if I can go see it this weekend...
M.
