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Hello humans, During my KSA trip in November '23, I stumbled upon LC70's being used as police vehicles. I really liked the retro look and hey the pricing is more on the 'affordable' end. As I dug deeper in my research it became more and more confusing, while some parts of the world have a 2.7L Turbo, some have a 4L V6. A few praise diesel over petrol options and some have better specifications as standard (winch incl). Coming from a Suzuki Jimny, almost anything is an upgrade. While sitting at AED170-180K and 6 month waiting period, I wanted to summon our current LC70 users of Carnity (please tag them here) and veterans of the off roading world to guide me through this topic. 3 reasons why you would not recommend the car (excluding pricing) 3 things you wish you knew before (or almost) purchasing the car 3 things you immediately changed to improve the performance of the car (Fred mentioned spacers or offset rims) 3 things have have broken down in your tenure Are you happy with the engine? Is it dated? Someone said, this engine is virgin. Would love to know more. ..and lastly, how does it drive on road and off road - what's the fuel economy you're getting? (8km/l as per website) Feel free to throw any links or forums you would like me to further research on. Thanks for reading

I’ve seen many guys with deep pockets going for 50kAED mods, only to realize 6 months down the line they like tennis more 😜

While you are out there scouting for your new rig to upgrade from your Jimny, you could also add the Nissan Patrol Safari (2DR or also referred to as the 3 door) manual or automatic option to your list. It costs around the same as the LC70. Nissan is wider and seems more stable, though you can check the technical details with the experts and take their advice.

Buying a Patrol second hand is risky, and especially if it's tuned or modified. On the other hand, the mods on this car are not cheap mods, the previous owner seems to have chosen top range brands, so it might be worth checking this one out (make sure to do a full inspection). They indeed depreciate very little, and being an owner i do understand why: + Hugely popular in the UAE as a "THE ICONIC" 4x4 to have. + Very little electronics that could leave you stranded. All tried and proven technology. + Powerful 4.8 inline six engine that has good torque. Top end power is lesser due to the heavy weight on LWB model so that needs to be taken into account. + Big.. Out of the showroom a capable off-roader that needs little to no mods and makes a fantastic overlander as well. - Thirsty...... - No fancy tech - LWB is a heavy boat and not very fast. I was extremely lucky to squeeze my Patrol out of the hands of my colleague who hardly put miles on it (40k) and never took it once into the sand. I bit the bullet to buy it and have not regretted it. As ex-Pajero owner, i will happily admit the following: + As reliable as a Patrol + 3.8 is a great engine, especially in a SWB 2-Door model. + Parts are readily available. + The LWB makes for a great reliable overlander. - Thirsty So, Bang for the Bucks, a Pajero is a better option to buy as secondhand, especially because many do not have been in the sand yet. But in my case the Nissan Patrol has always been on my bucket list and prefer it in the sand more than the Pajero due to better stock clearance and handling (debatable).

Hello @Sandeep Nayar..its called GAIA, available both on iOS, Android and PC as well Our @Frederic has written a post on the app, which can be found at there are many you tube video resources as well

All I can say, is it's my heartthrob. This will be the first choice when I have enough money to buy a second off-road toy. I almost bought one in 2009 with ready cash in my pocket (used one) and the guy flipped on the way to the registration center. It took me 6 months to scout a clean one. So buying a new one is better, as most used ones are not in good shape. In those days, the dated interior was a bit turn-off, but now Toyota has caught up on that front very well. But, still don't expect to compare to FJC and Prado's interior and comfort. Second, is leaf spring rear design is a bit squeaky and bouncy in off-road, no cure, you will just get used to it over time. The best is 1GR-FE engine is bulletproof on reliability and longevity, and 230 hp can be scaled to 300+ with factory turbo, supplied and installed by Toyota. Look for Dynatrade (parallel import from Oman) pricing, as in those days Al Futtaim was 150 and Dynatrade offered me 130. Good luck with all the research.

Hi @Gaurav, do we have a chart of the nationalities vs upkeep ? Curious to see how they’re classified ? Luckily, I can pin myself on almost any continent

++ more creature comforts if you get the super safari - electric leather seats - auto AC - Coil springs It's not the fastest vehicle out there - but in SWB it should be perfect. LWB is really slow :(.

Of course. I always record it, so I’ll add it on my drive report

Thanks my friend @Tareq Al Turq , much appreciated @JeromeFJ Thank you very much and thanks for you valuable advises , tips and tricks you have given me 😁 Thanks @PAJERO petelczyc luke

@Imteeaz thanks buddy @Benjamin appreciated my friend , its always a pleasure driving with you . see you soon @Looper thank you my friend, i have learned a lot from driving with you . and thanks for your support

Thanks @Ranjan Das🙏 thanks @Shaun J sure its always a pleasure driving with you buddy, see you soon Thanks @Salim Akhtar Pajero buddy looking forward to see you soon

Simon, your observation is spot on, and it's gratifying to witness this realization so swiftly. The immense satisfaction and joy you experience will propel your growth in off-roading endlessly.

Totally agree, but the image showing mods seems weathered, so must be used for at least 2-3 seasons, if not more.

Passengers ? Of course. But not people who are not registered as members in the club.

Hadn't noticed these posts here. Thank you all for the drive - It was indeed a wonderful drive and a BIG learning experience all in one. @Davie Chase, @Sunil Mathew Which is the app you use to bring out all the data you have posted here?

@Rafey Hashmi It was an experience pulling out a rig from the desert. Always happy to be of assistance, and thanks to the lead, @Davie Chase for his easy route of exit and guidance. Glad you checked out the LC70, also check out the Nissan Patrol Safari (2DR/3DR) & auto/manual version, it seems to be at the same price as the LC70

Have a look here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtYOGGWpWSj/?igsh=Yjh6YWQ4bDNmemtr One issue many owners complain about is that the rear axle is narrower than the front, which makes the two door model more unstable. for desert driving on higher level it can be addressed by changing the rims to higher offset and/or adding spacers so you have a wider stance.

when they announced these new petrol models coming to the UAE next i would have ordered one instantly were it not for all the changes I just completed to the pajero in nov last year.. sunk too much money into it to change now. if looking at the new ones, check with insurance and the agency about vehicle usage. Al futtiam would not let me arrange testdrive of the short wheelbase LC70 2 door without first providing my trade-license, as they were offering it as commercial vehicle only... this was at end of nov(29th) last year after first announced but not sure what the situation is now that it is showing in diff section of website. They were ok with the long wheelbase model as private sales at the time.. if not based on looks the 2024 fortuner GXR comes with same engine and diff lock and slightly less price.

@Frans M@Fabien Monleau

Well done @Shaun J. Enjoy the new level!

As the weather is Nice we should have a party outdoor this time 😂🤣🤪

Any chance to share the gpx track after the drive?? 😇

Since I don't live "on" the palm, but in some poor-peoples-away-from-the-sea areas, I'll skip on this service and continue to believe it's not something that 99,9% of cars in Dubai really need...

Congrats Abdullah, coming up the ranks together

Good news All ! @Vanessa8580 has volunteered to take a second convoy, so we will be able to take 2 full convoys on this drive. Due to the large size we will put two different meeting points, but the route itself will be 99% the same. The convoys list will be shared on Saturday. PS this is not a dunebashing drive, as we will be mostly using farm-tracks to drive in the area due to lots of vegetation. The aim is to enjoy the scenery, make unforgettable photos, and do some gentle wadi driving

Congrats @Simon D, looking forward to joining you this Saturday.

Congrats @Abdullah N

Congratulation @Simon D👍👍👍

Congratulations @Simon D! Your journey has been a perfect example of hard-work, determination and an ever learning positive mindset that you now will be imparting to the future leads! Well done and looking forward for your drives!

Heartiest congratulations @Simon D; very well deserved.

Congrats Simon, enjoyed the drive with you at the weekend there. Here's to many more 👏

Congratulations brother @Simon D. Well deserved. See you soon in some drive

@Simon D congrats mate - looking forward to our next drive under your lead. keep it up mate

Congrats @Simon D! Very well deserved I hope to see you soon my friend

Congratulations on your promotion @Simon D. I will undoubtedly be great to see you lead exciting new drives every week.

Congratulations, my friend @Simon D You truly earned this recognition. I look forward to joining you for an unconventional off-road adventure on the sandy terrain soon. Let's bring some creativity to our off-road experience.

CONGRATULATIONS @Simon D The lead ! - Great to have you in this journey ! See you soon my friend ! Where's the party ?

Congrats @Simon D

Wonderful news @Simon D...!!!Congratulations and see you soon in the sands!!

Congrats @Simon D

Sincere congratulations @Simon D, yes it is an all new start, and I'm sure you will do great and enjoy !

Congratss, enjoy yor leads, looking forward to it 👍

Dear Desert Wanderers @Aser @Prithvi Raj @Hani Howeedy @Shaun J @Abdul Hannan @Rob S @Sandeep Nayar @Abdullah N @Harshal @Simon D Thank you all for allowing me to take the second convoy I thoroughly enjoyed our drive together on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. we had a bit of everything, start off we had a technical patch to contend with then the dreaded bushes, reared their heads and then some mid range dunes as we entered lisalli, which allowed us to practice sidies. you all drove amazingly well with only a few stucks and refusals great second lead by @Aser you kept a good distance to allow me time to call out left or right by X car widths or the don't follow command, you executed this with perfection which made the drive a lot smoother so well done and thankyou Thanks you @Rob S for coming in @center forward always a pleasure to have you support my drives as it relieves a lot of the pressure having someone as calm and knowledgeable in the middle of the convoy, thanks and appreciated. Our sweep for the day was @Simon D, hope your father enjoyed his day out with us he seemed to have a big smile on his face at the end. Great sweep my friend taking care of the rear of the convoy allowing me to focus on the lead. Appreciated and thank you. Have a great rest of your weekend one and all.

Dear desert wanders @Patrick van der Loo, @Issam Atra, @Emmanuel, @george charbel, @Bjoern, @Gurcharan Mehta, @W a q a r, @Rafey Hashmi, and @Alphin Aloor first of thank you all for a fantastic drive this morning. everyone drove exceptionally well. A big thank you to: My Second Lead @Emmanuel you did a fantastic job if keeping enough distance to adhere to my call of slightly left or right or stop don't follow. so well-done mate was a pleasure to have you behind me. Our fantastic Sweep @Patrick van der Loo excellent job assisting with a few refusals at the back and helping me where I needed help, thank you and very much appreciated. Our Center Forward played a blinder as always taking control of the center of the convoy and managing the few stucks we had, as always @Imran Asghar a please to have you along and makes my life easier having you there. We had one incident that required so work to recover the vehicle, so a special shout out to @Gurcharan Mehta for putting the power of the 392 to good use in towing our stricken FJ out to the subcar and onward to the recovery point, we could nor have done the recovery so quickly without you. So an extra big thank you from me to you my friend and hope to see you with us in the sand very soon. @Issam Atra I hope you are feeling ok, and please remember that all that matters in these situations is that you are safe and sound and arrived home with your family. I hope you get everything sorted my friend and if i can help at all please do not hesitate to contact me. Hope that you all can enjoy what is left of the weekend. See you all again in the sand very soon.

Video 1: You will see us starting from Badayer towards Iftar Bowl. It is a bumpy ride, marred with cross tracks. ------ Video 2: In this fast paced drive video, you will see us drive from Iftar Bowl to Super Bowl in about 13 mins. - - - - - Video 3: We start from Super Bowl towards Shuwaib Dunes. This video is released last. ------ Video 4: This is the last video and shows our retreat from Shuwaib dunes towards Badayer.

I was able to capture @DP1011's maiden fewbie drive as lead at Lisaili, hope you will enjoy it. Do leave your comments on the YouTube website.

New update: After a long gap of 3 months of not off-roading with Carnity or a change of vehicle, you should join at least one lower-level drive, before resuming at your existing level.

Hello all. I am in a bit of pickle right now. I bought a Pajero LWD 3.5 2011 model. by checking and was using last 4 months there was no problem at all. i was going to everywhere with the car & it felt amazing. i was using same spec 2010 in Oman 1.5 year sold it when came to UAE. I never had hard time with that car. on last Saturday was having some troubles like no water in radiator (which i filled day before), oil and battery sign on together and while driving D is on but N is blinking in dashboard and car stopping and not having any control in accelerator and steering. so i was talking the car to my cousins garage the car stopped in the middle of highway (there was some cranking sound). nothing is working not starting. i took by recovery drop the car there. today i got to know the engine is not working anymore some parts are broken inside the engine and water went inside the engine and flooded the engine ( now i know where the water gone from radiator) and the engine already repair by the previous owner the only option they given is replace the engine. the garage is my cousins and the staffs are very experience people. Is there any suggestions i can get or anyone had this same problem and how you fixed it. and what's the cost of 2nd hand engine or new engine? I don't want to waste this car. It was my first car in Dubai which I saved the money last 2 year I hate i didn't find any problem in the before and the previous owner didn't mentioned anything because he want to sell the car ASAP