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Everyone please note and click on "Totally Agree" here if you have read and agree for the new timing from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM for this Friday Fewbie drive. @Rinelle Sanaani @Colin Jordan @Denizzalbayrak @sertac @Chaitanya D @Mels Wolf @Desert Dweller @Martin. @Pancho @Xaf

More than anything else, driving offroad in the desert like we do, requires a few things: 1) A good power / weight ratio: (Hp per Ton). @Gauravhas written extensively about this in the past. 2) A car that's reliable and can take on the extreme heat. Japanese 4x4's are the winners here. 3) A car that's affordable to fix and maintain, because you will be demanding extreme things from it. 4) A car that is not full of electronics or tries to take over the wheel and decide where or how you should drive. 5) FUN factor. There is no denying that a TJ will be more fun than an Armada. Taking above things into account, this means you would be looking at an "older" generation vehicle that's not too heavy, has a capable engine/power, is not choked with electronics, and is reliable and fun to drive. That's where Xterra, Wrangler, Pathfinder, XJ, Pajero SWB, and some others comes into play. The Patrol Safaris are of course legendary, but try to find one that is not completely bashed or broken by locals, or not with 500,000 miles on the clock, or is affordable... Good luck. In stock version they are even not that special in my opinion. Xterras can be found with relative low mileage and used as mall crawlers / family haulers. That makes them perfect to buy as they still have a whole life ahead of them. If we talk about buying a 10k offroader, do not be mistaken that this vehicle will be immediately ready for dunebashing. You will need to get it properly serviced, and make sure the stock suspension is still in decent condition. Bushings etc... also to consider and check. So take into account another 3-4kAED to get it ready for an exciting season with Carnity PS Above reasoning does not apply for "overlanding", where many would choose a big 4x4 so they can take their dogs, camping stuff, etc... It's not based on speed or sidesloping, but more on navigation and comfortably crossing long distances in the desert.

Leave that beautiful 2019 Patrol at home, at get yourself a designated offroader if you plan to take this further. It would make you more comfortable knowing that you are driving a 4x4 that can take a beating and a cracked bumper. Don't get me wrong, the Patrol is a fantastic vehicle, but i think it's a shame taking it to the desert and being upset when damages occur. Unless you go for full modifications to make if offroad-ready, but in my opinion it will drop the resale value as no-one will buy a Patrol with offroad bumpers (or you need to put back the stock ones when selling).

As a TJ owner I can tell you it's not comfortable like a patrol or xterra but it is capable in the sand and I NEVER worry about it getting a bit beaten about. Prerfable that it is not, but not the end of the world if something breaks. As you move from newbie to Fewbie you cannot be worried about what ,might happen to your precious metal. If you climb the ladder further, it's not going to be easier on your car. You need to be focused on the driving and not if the back bumper is still in place. Your daily drive will lose value by you using it in the desert. Your weekend warrior probably gains value, because anyone buying it from you wants to know it is sand trained. I look at it this way. I do not think you would encourage your wife to wear her Jimmy Choos in the desert. But taking your massively expensive car ...

Ok I'm unsubscribing from this thread now because there are too many logical arguments being made which is influencing my stubborn views of driving my Y62 in the desert.

Another option would be a product called Quik Latch mini. You can clip the bumpers on and off in a a few seconds as required. other options are available such as JDM style quick release clips but they don’t look as nice

What I have realised within spending a tad less than 2000, you will have to put in more money and then the patrol y62 will be off road ready or rather desert ready..patrols used in Australia which really look rugged are mostly driven offroad in mud or mountains. All those mods need atleast 15k + or more, this after I checked with an advisor from on track 4×4 based out of Australia. He was ready to ship all at a cost which was very dear. Weather all these will make it desert - not sure. Exclusive desert drives need a lighter and a peppier car. ( in terms of weight and power). We all at our family absolutely love the comfort of patrol. But the same did not hold true on sand unfortunately, especially after doing a few "fewbie" drives. May be if still pushed it will pull through, but at a very high probability of risking so many things which will be very expensive to repair. Even with modified bumpers I dont feel I will scrape it, but I am pushing probably a 150k+ worth car to its limit effectively reducing longevity and resale value. That's when I decided (after long chats with experienced seniors here - thanks for their advise ) i will spend less and keep a desert drive car for less than 15 k. You will have to really keep a watch , move around maintaining the covid precautions and check each cheap 4×4 meticulously. Hopefully sooner or later you will find one which will suit all needs including the budget. You have to keep in mind the insurance, registration, service charges to get it off road ready( about 2 to 3 k atleast). I have my original bumpers which I will put back on my y62 (top spec) and use it as a family car . While I will just play safely with the desert car without worries and hopefully get better at it. All opinions are with inputs from experienced people here , internet and other off road drivers . I hope to find a good one soon .

Have a look at this thread for some bumper ideas. The Y62 400 has incredible naturally aspirated power and torque wrapped in luxury which makes the offroad drives very enjoyable. But the approach and take off angles in stock form are not ideal for offroading. Many of the Australian offroaders put on metal bumpers, which may or may not be legal here in the UAE (it's up for debate) . I changed my front bumper to a fiberglass shortie with a bash plate which (I hope) has fixed the approach angle. But I keep damaging the rear diffuser, and so I'm still searching for a rear bumper which looks good and performs well (both are important!).

Truly depends on what you want in a long run. Option 1: If this damage is just one-off mistake and damaged just bracket clips, then get it fixed and continue using your Y62. Option 2: Switch to proper offroader, be it Wrangler, FJC, Xterra, Patrol Y61 etc. if you plan to scale up this off-road hobby above fewbie level in the future.

Welcome to the COVID 19 "new normal" lifestyle with restrictions and precautions for everyone safety. Moving forward and respecting authorities guidance all desert drives will be done under strict control. No Gathering | No Briefing | No BBQ | No Eating Together | No Touching | No Hugging MUST READ: Not following these rules and precautions = Not allowed to drive. We are only allowed to drive through the desert, as we are driving on the road now. So we will only do the desert driving just by sitting inside our cars at all the times and leave the drive without socializing or coming close to each other. Just like before we like to continue our desert drives through out the year, but this time we need your immense support to understand the strict control and to help everyone follow them all the time. For members who are fasting, they can break their fast discreetly and convoy will be stopped during that time and until they offer their prayer. How to maintain "STRICT" Social Distancing Meeting point will be set slightly (100m - 200m) inside the desert track. So, that you individually deflate your tires on the tarmac before reaching the meeting point. While deflating tires, stop cars 10 meters away from any other car. Drive signup on calendar will be closed on Thursday morning by 9 AM. Convoy numbering and briefing will be posted here on this drive post before 6 PM on Thursday. All participants need to read & acknowledge the briefing by clicking "Totally Agree" reaction Switch on your radio when you reach the meeting point on the set frequency advised by the trip lead in the critical briefing here. Once everyone reach to the meeting point, everyone stay inside the car at all the times. Trip lead will do the roll call, convoy numbering recap, critical briefing over the radio. Any suggestions or issues will be discussed over the radio too. You can also speak to other members through the radio only. So please make sure that your radio battery is fully charged. Once all set, trip lead will start the drive as before. Refusal and Recoveries with Social Distancing Every drive will have 1 lead Marshal and 1 or 2 supporting senior members/crew. Whenever there is a stuck or refusal, only Marshal / Senior Member / Crew is allowed to handle the situation. Everyone else including the stuck car driver, stay inside the car - AT ALL TIMES. Marshal / Senior Member / Crew is only allowed to step out to access the situation and do the recoveries: They will wear mask and gloves at all times when they are outside their car. They will try to help self recover through the radio guidance. If not they will use required recovery gear and do the needful (shovel, tug or winch, as required). If at any time Marshal require help, then only you are allowed to step out by wearing face mask and gloves at all times. Drive completion and inflation Now, there will not be any gathering or sitting down together for food-break like before. Once drive is finished, after reaching the tarmac, everyone is requested to move away 50-100 meters before starting their inflation. For drivers having no compressor, can head to the near by fuel station. If drive is ending at a place where there is no fuel station near by, then trip lead will inform in advance so that drivers having their own compressor can join only. Now Strictly no more sharing of compressors, radio, shovel or any recovery gear, at any times. Mandatory things you require to attend the drive Face mask - at least TWO face mask is needed in case one get damage or fly away. Disposable rubber gloves - at least two sets are needed. Wear face mask and gloves at all the times, when you are out of your car. Carry plenty of hand sanitizer and object sanitizer (spray). Use your sanitizers generously, whenever you step out to help or recover. Sanitize your hands before getting back into your car. Sanitize your recovery gears, if you have used them. Fully charged radio - without any excuse - No radio = No drive. Shovel - Must for every car, to do little self recovery Safety flag - Must for every car, like before Compressor - If joining the drives that is ending far from the fuel station. Mandatory precaution that you need to take at all times Do not step out of your car UNLESS/OTHERWISE advice by Marshal / Senior Member / Crew. No shaking hands, hugs or touching each other. No sharing of food, drinks or recovery tools. If you are not feeling well, please stay at home and take a lot of rest. If you have travel in last 14 days, then please do not attend this drive. If you feel unwell during the drive, please let trip lead know so he can plan an early exit. Not more than 3 pax in a car and if all 3 aren't living together, then they should wear the mask inside the car too. Drive Details Level: Newbie and all above - NO ABSOLUTE NEWBIE ALLOWED. When: 22 May 2020, Friday. Meeting time: 7:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: Tawi Nazwa Shops - https://goo.gl/maps/iKgMEbX8XA5e7DPp9 Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM End Point: 2nd Dec Cafeteria - https://goo.gl/maps/AC4qGB6gxkZcutXj6 P.S. PLEASE JOIN, ONLY IF YOU HAVE COMPRESSOR TO INFLATE LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 12 cars only. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM. 1 Lead Marshal + 2 or 1 Senior Members + 9 or 10 Members. Latecomers will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members without RSVP will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others. Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. PLEASE RSVP ON THE CALENDAR

Thank you @Srikumar for leading this drive and thank you @Emmanuel for pulling my Patrol when it got stuck at the tip of triangle dune 😁 . I think this drive is above Newbie, since some people also got stuck at the tip like I did and there was a lot of slide sloping more than Sweihan last time. Also my rear bumper is coming off, so my CFO (a.k.a wife) demanded i fix this first before the next drive. Now i'm torn either to remove it completely so i don't have to deal with bumpers everytime (since the drives get more advanced & challenging) or start looking for second-hand Jeeps 😂 thanks everyone who joined the drive, felt the camaraderie after a bit of hiatus 😊

As an old Jeep driver i`ll tell you why i am driving one. In my off road experience i witnessed some wild situations. I know our marshals will say i am making people afraid but thats my experience. There is good chance while dune bashing you may flip your car, you may hit another car, you may fly over the dune with your car. I even saw while trying to tow other car you may brake your car`s chassis. All of these things are what i experienced over last few years. I personally flied over a dune and smashed the front of my Jeep. In such case my car is worth nothing to me, when you compare the car value over my income it is nothing. Today if i total my Jeep tomorrow i will go buy another one, simple. Think like this how would you feel if someone T boned your Patrol while off roading or how would you feel if you fly over a dune a smash the from end. There you will find your answer. People might say old cars need lots of maintenance, indeed they need lots of maintenance. Also when you calculate the depreciation of new car will cost more than a maintaining an old car. Basically my Jeep wont lose more value than it already lost.

Thank you @Emmanuel ! Always nice to read such comments from an experienced driver ! I love off-roading and I enjoy every drive. I was happy to finally be able to do a drive in the same convoy as you ! I am looking forward to join a drive with you as a lead 😁

So far as I read and understood, the cars had to shut off the engine at the MOE drive in, advertised as, it’s on the roof of the parking, with the windows open you can catch the summerbreeze.... No thanks, I’ll wait till they open the cinemas again.

Old school proper drive in theaters offered designated parking spots as well as a big flexible hole like ducting pipe that you could stick in your window and it would vent cool air through it. This version of drive in is totally useless. The screen sucks and 180dhs plus your fuel for two hours of idling andd letting carbon build up in your engine is totally worthless to me. I rather watch a Blu Ray at home

If the standard indoor cinema experience in Dubai is anything to go by, I can’t see this concept working. You’re going to get a lot of idiots in straight piped patrols and land cruisers revving their engines every time they get excited and a lot of idiots in Sunnys and lancers blowing their horn every 2 minutes.

Drove to a salt lake recently, and found this crime scene: 😂 Mistakes were made. Regrets were had. 😅 But thankfully I had the state of mind to get out and inspect it in advance, and so I spared myself a few hours of misery.

Then either you still don't know the Marshals fully or the Carnity. Rahimdad (founder) was the one to make what went wrong thread 2 years back to educate offroaders and not to scare them. You have comprehensive insurance with off-road cover for such accidents. That's how you learn, isn't. And now you've sober down with Grand Cherokee + Mercedes.

Hi @Gaurav, Yes have done couple of introductory basic drives 4-5 years back. Have got a radio but will get a flag fixed as well on my Pathfinder 2008 model (Stock). Regards,

Thank you @Chaitanya D Once the COVID-19 situation is under control, I'll probably ask our friend in Sharjah to make me a bumper like this one:

@Salarios May be you can try this for the rear, it worked for me .No scraping at all , but I haven't pushed it really hard. I did once and the rear bumper came off,( not broken can be refixed) which I will never do. But again at own risk as the shape is a bit of take it or leave it!

Thanks @Gaurav and @Frederic , Fred's remark on resale value hits the spot right there on the heart... so now i'm leaning on getting a 2nd car for off-road purpose. Question for @Gaurav : why is XTerra better than Patrol for offroad? I mean both are Nissan... example if I look at this ad https://tnydu.biz/DOy9Ol for a 47K XTerra, will I have bumper issues like Y62 too? Or at least that can be used as baseline for further modifications...

Congratulations @J J 👍

Congrats @J J

Congrats @J J. Well deserved.

@Gaurav and @Xaf: The authorities are imposing further restrictions and the curfew is now effective from 8 pm starting this Wednesday (tomorrow). Will this affect the timings of the drive?

Congratulations!

Congratulations JJ

Finding manual parts isn’t really an issue. It’s the same car apart from gearbox, clutch and flywheel. New clutches are available and manual gearboxes rarely break. Even if you did break a gearbox, there are plenty of specialists who can have it rebuilt in a few days.

Hi Nacho, sure. Since you have mentioned first, you will be given the first preference followed by Pickey Singh.

Hi Xaf, I am doing alright. Thank for the update. I was do excited seeing the post, I didn't realise it's for fewbie. Hope there is another newbie drive this Feiday, pm.

@Vanessa8580 It was so nice to see you driving, after all this time... and to see how much you became confident as an off-roader ! Even with the big Pajero. I saw you doing very nice sideys as I was just in front of you in the convoy. Impressive ! Forget about the stuck, we all have been there — and we will always enjoy a good sand shower from time to time !

What a pleasure to be able to read your trip report again @Wrangeld. Really took me to the soft stuff and now I am craving it even more.

Welcome to the COVID 19 "new normal" lifestyle with restrictions and precautions for everyone safety. Moving forward and respecting authorities guidance all desert drives will be done under strict control. No Gathering | No Briefing | No BBQ | No Eating Together | No Touching | No Hugging MUST READ: Not following these rules and precautions = Not allowed to drive. We are only allowed to drive through the desert, as we are driving on the road now. So we will only do the desert driving just by sitting inside our cars at all the times and leave the drive without socializing or coming close to each other. Just like before we like to continue our desert drives through out the year, but this time we need your immense support to understand the strict control and to help everyone follow them all the time. For members who are fasting, they can break their fast discreetly and convoy will be stopped during that time and until they offer their prayer. How to maintain "STRICT" Social Distancing Meeting point will be set slightly (100m - 200m) inside the desert track. So, that you individually deflate your tires on the tarmac before reaching the meeting point. While deflating tires, stop cars 10 meters away from any other car. Drive signup on calendar will be closed on Thursday morning by 9 AM. Convoy numbering and briefing will be posted here on this drive post before 6 PM on Thursday. All participants need to read & acknowledge the briefing by clicking "Totally Agree" reaction Switch on your radio when you reach the meeting point on the set frequency advised by the trip lead in the critical briefing here. Once everyone reach to the meeting point, everyone stay inside the car at all the times. Trip lead will do the roll call, convoy numbering recap, critical briefing over the radio. Any suggestions or issues will be discussed over the radio too. You can also speak to other members through the radio only. So please make sure that your radio battery is fully charged. Once all set, trip lead will start the drive as before. Refusal and Recoveries with Social Distancing Every drive will have 1 lead Marshal and 1 or 2 supporting senior members/crew. Whenever there is a stuck or refusal, only Marshal / Senior Member / Crew is allowed to handle the situation. Everyone else including the stuck car driver, stay inside the car - AT ALL TIMES. Marshal / Senior Member / Crew is only allowed to step out to access the situation and do the recoveries: They will wear mask and gloves at all times when they are outside their car. They will try to help self recover through the radio guidance. If not they will use required recovery gear and do the needful (shovel, tug or winch, as required). If at any time Marshal require help, then only you are allowed to step out by wearing face mask and gloves at all times. Drive completion and inflation Now, there will not be any gathering or sitting down together for food-break like before. Once drive is finished, after reaching the tarmac, everyone is requested to move away 50-100 meters before starting their inflation. For drivers having no compressor, can head to the near by fuel station. If drive is ending at a place where there is no fuel station near by, then trip lead will inform in advance so that drivers having their own compressor can join only. Now Strictly no more sharing of compressors, radio, shovel or any recovery gear, at any times. Mandatory things you require to attend the drive Face mask - at least TWO face mask is needed in case one get damage or fly away. Disposable rubber gloves - at least two sets are needed. Wear face mask and gloves at all the times, when you are out of your car. Carry plenty of hand sanitizer and object sanitizer (spray). Use your sanitizers generously, whenever you step out to help or recover. Sanitize your hands before getting back into your car. Sanitize your recovery gears, if you have used them. Fully charged radio - without any excuse - No radio = No drive. Shovel - Must for every car, to do little self recovery Safety flag - Must for every car, like before Compressor - If joining the drives that is ending far from the fuel station. Mandatory precaution that you need to take at all times Do not step out of your car UNLESS/OTHERWISE advice by Marshal / Senior Member / Crew. No shaking hands, hugs or touching each other. No sharing of food, drinks or recovery tools. If you are not feeling well, please stay at home and take a lot of rest. If you have travel in last 14 days, then please do not attend this drive. If you feel unwell during the drive, please let trip lead know so he can plan an early exit. Not more than 3 pax in a car and if all 3 aren't living together, then they should wear the mask inside the car too. Drive Details Level: Newbie and all above - NO ABSOLUTE NEWBIE ALLOWED. When: 22 May 2020, Friday. Meeting time: 7:00 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions) Meeting Point: Qudra Area - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rnv8kvp2WhQGU46D6 Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance. What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Approximate finish time: 10:30 AM- 11:00 AM End Point: Qudra Last Exit https://goo.gl/maps/uAS3yNeypFW1V1xy6 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Limited to 12 cars only. RSVP will close on Thursday - 9 AM. 1 Lead Marshal + 2 or 1 Senior Members + 9 or 10 Members. Latecomers will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Members without RSVP will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS. Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others. Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month. PLEASE RSVP ON THE CALENDAR

Hi @sertac man why you gotta bring that up?😁 Now i just had a seizure of flashback where my Pajero went flying (this is why my feet usually brake automatically on the tip of dune pyramid, to prevent flying again) and hit the back of Nissan Armada v8. I think that Armada went for total loss and I felt so bad 😢 Flash-forward now, yeah I want to avoid to be in that same situation. Cheaper car, yes definitely to avoid total loss where insurance gives you puny amount of cash, but at the same time Strong Metal to protect your head for when that flying thing lands on your car *knock on wood Speaking of Jeep, should I be worried after looking at this: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/jeep/wrangler-4-door-suv/2020

@J J unfortunately the present circumstances do not allow us to be ourselves, slowly but surely some restrictions are being lifted. After we have fought this battle to come out of Covid19 we will celebrate with Aloo Parathas and chai.

Go look at places where such animals are bought and sold. There was a similar story in the papers recently a kid lost his dog and a few days later saw it being sold in the pet market https://www.google.com/amp/s/gulfnews.com/amp/uae/al-ain-teen-reclaims-stolen-pet-by-reeling-out-its-21-digit-id-number-1.69666305 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/3-stolen-dogs-found-in-sharjah-animal-market-2014-05-19-1.549556%3fot=ot.AMPPageLayout

Congratulations @J J👍🏼

Congrats!

Hi Sri, As per my message above, please also consider me if there is a drop in the list. Thanks!

So you are preferring manual transmission? Well maintained lifted, offroad ready pathfinder 2005 automatic asking price is only 14000. This is over priced. when looking for manual, consider obtaining spare parts is very hard. Rare to find manual parts n scraps.

Many of the car like this which dont have number are with private dealer. They just buy the car and clean it change the tyres so it looks new but I think they are not original ones. They dont check it properly before buying. They just check if it is repainted by magnet kind of device. I would highly prefer to buy the car from direct owner. And can see who were the users and how long they used it. And most probably its real kms. I had very bad experience where car model was around 2012 or something and front bumper was from old model. Also chasis number on door and cockpit were different. I always suggest to go for latest models in line with budget.

Agreed. I'll be taking a mechanic with me. it's worth a shot but I'm not to positive on the high KMs.

This car (pathfinder)doesn't have a number plate and hence is not being used. Get a full thorough check up . Most of these without number plates are repainted/scrap/auctioned cars after an accident... To find a well maintained old car is like getting a good wife !( Just joke, nothing else please)

Hi E.C. Tan, long time no see buddy. Just to let you know, this is a Fewbie+ drive.

both @Vanessa8580 and me were quite impressed when seeing it. Looks well looked after. The 3.0 Engine (same as mine) is maybe little bit underpowered for extreme offroading, but the MK3 SWB model is light, capable, and even a pretty comfortable cruiser.

Clearly you haven’t been to the movies in India

Thank You Khaleej Times, For sharing Carnity's vision with millions of car owners and enthusiasts. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/car-owners-bank-on-portals-to-make-informed-decisions-says-carnity

Still turning heads! lol That's bit of a stretch if you ask me!!!!!!