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Trip report - started with a little delay after a long time. After the briefing we were off to the deflation point. Quick deflation and convoy numbering we were off. It was a good lead in an awesome area with a couple of refusals and stucks, just to keep us busy. Right on Pink Rocks we had gear issues with one of the vehicle so we decided to exit. From a pretty cloudy and cool day as soon as the clouds disappeared it started getting hot. We had a quick bite and discussion. At this point we inflated and headed back home. Once again great drive with great people.

Thanks for tagging us on this thread @Gauravbhai. Being a person who used to drive a pajero for about 14 years and then switching to the Xterra, i think i can throw some light into this discussion. When i got rid of my pajero(i had a SWB 3.0 and a LWB 3.8), i was in fact, about to purchase a FJC but then the xterra presented itself as a much more viable option in terms of passenger comfort, adequate amount of power for advanced offloading purposes and all in all a more family friendly SUV compared to the FJC. The Xterra, In comparison to the pajero, even though is more powerful (4.0 vs 3.8), surprisingly consumes lesser gas. Yea surprise surprise! Its probably to do with the weight aspect since the xterra is lighter than the 5 door pajero. Bottom line, the pajero, as @Gauravbhai mentioned, is great for beach cruises and in general a more comfy on-road ride(if passenger hauling and light offroading are the primary objectives). But if you want the best of both worlds whereby you are able to SLIGHTLY compromise on passenger comfort (its almost negligible by the way) and yet require the brute engine strength to go crazy on offroad terrains, then look no more as the xterra clearly has all those boxes beautifully checked off. Only downside being is that you will have to settle for a pre-owned option as production of this vehicle has stopped since 2015.

In that case stay FAR FAR AWAY from Pajero, sorry to burst this bubble. New Pajero is reasonably good offroader for beach / newbie level offroad drives. For doing serious intermediate offroad drive you need to do lot of modification to be safe and powerful. Pajero approach and departure angles are not great, engine performance is borderline acceptable. Instead you can / should look into two different categories within your budget by slightly lowering year model: Option 1: Nissan Xterra / Toyota FJ Cruiser - (ready for any level of offroad) - My highest recommendation. Option 2: Nissan Patrol Y61 (old shape) / Toyota Land Cruiser - (If you like big and bulky 7 seater, lot of storage) Rem big and bulky will again struggle on extreme drives due to lesser power/weight ratio. That's why I feel Xterra / FJC will cover the whole spectrum of offroading very well. Btw, @Emmanuel, @Shamil are using Xterra for daily drive and plus weekend offroading without any issues.

I'll let the Pajero People chime in as personally not a fan of the jero

Any discontinued car usually serve spare parts from at least 10 to max 25 years. @Shamil and @Emmanuel can confirm what's Nissan SLA with Xterra if they have researched.

You do realize this is a 2 1/2 year old post.

If you are interested one of my friend selling his fully loaded FJ Cruiser. 2016 model and low km.

This one word is enough Mr. Tunnel. Read again. FYI. Intermediate level starts from Bidayer (Big Red) to Sweihan to Qua and ends at Liwa.

Well you have to understand everybody's idea of going to the desert is not just climbing to the top of faya and big red. When you hear the word off road you tunnel vision yourself into thinking bashing dunes and climbing tel morab is the only type of off roading or even desert driving there is. The person clearly mentions some normal desert driving with an emphasis on exploration and overlanding. And nothing better ticks all those boxes than a full size SUV like a 100 series.

Well if you want to overland it. Your best bet would be to get your self a 100 series Land Cruiser. The Xterra and FJC were never launched in Africa, Asia or Europe. If you ever have a breakdown or need some bits out there, good luck finding and parts out in these places for an Xterra or FJC. It would actually be preferable to get a diesel engine LC 100 but those aren't available here. And for that budget you can get a pretty decent 100 series plus have money left over to mod jt.

To make your search and buy more streamline, I highly advise to stick to offroad version and higher engine size of any 4x4 you pick and choose. Offroad version will have better underbody protection, firm suspension to take the abuse and differential lock for extreme offroad conditions and self recovery. Higher engine size will offer you better power/weight ratio which is always desirable for serious offroading. While buying a new ride you can easily choose these option to make a perfect choice rather than modifying later. I am big fan of stock but capable vehicle to keep the headache to the bare minimum as I have driven highly modified 4x4 with no comfort and tons of headache every year for passing. 2015 Xterra offroad 2016/17 FJ Cruiser Xtreme Also try to buy a 4x4 that has been driven more on road than offroad, as regularly pushed offroad 4x4 will offer you lesser usable life.

Venomous snake spotted in Dubailand Please read the article till end for more meaningful information on deadliest snakes in UAE, what to do if you spot one or in case of a snake bite. Hope this reminds all off-roaders here to wear close shoes and full pants at all time.

3.5 GCC, never been offroad, lady driven, always parked under shade, leaving country, urgent sale, negotiable. @Rahimdad and @G.huz can advise further.

Get the big 3.5.

Different strokes for different folks. Very generic question as to which is best. Let us know which is the best when you get your hands on it.

@Jamy B. welcome back. You still have a long way to go to qualify for the intermediate level. Since you've been away for long period you'll have to start all over again. I personally like the 3.8 litre as it offers the rear difflock also. It would be mighty useful if it is a SWB rather than LWB. In a way I agree with @Gaurav bhai to go with the Xterra, of course a used one and spend money on maintaining, repairing or mods to the car. You don't want to bring in a brand new 100k car to the desert. When you do decide to go for expedition do a little research and rent a fully insured vehicle from that place to help you keep your car safe.

Well I'm sorry if you think a Land Cruiser isn't good enough for more than just newbies. I'm sticking to my opinion. I would recommend a Land Cruiser to anyone other than someone who's specific goal was just to do very extreme desert drives.

With mall crawling creatures, list can be quite exhaustive. Research with this for next few days: Best resale + Reliability - Japanese Looks - German, UK Features - German, UK, US

What about the Jeep wrangler for go anywhere needs or pickup trucks?

I agree with you @desertdude on 100 series better for overland trips, BUT I strongly disagree to buy 100 series - FULL SIZE BOAT - GOOD FOR NOTHING IN DESERT DUNES HERE IN UAE OTHER THAN DESERT SAFARI'S TRAIN TRACKS. I learned offroading in 100 series in 2006 and realized its limitations in the first 3-4 months when I knew what I want it after seeing everyone climbing the big red (smallest of 3 peak in shj) and me sitting down as that boat in stock shape going "NOWHERE". @Jamy B. for such extensive overland trips, you should fly to those country and rent the well equipped 4x4 made for those specific terrain, because you can't enjoy overland vehicle here as they gonna cough up on tall dunes becauase of there size and weight. So buy something for here like FJC or Xterra that you can freely enjoy every week without any headache - at least in this region - UAE, Oman and Saudi.

Traditionally. Just before and begining of Summer vacations. As many people sell off their cars they want to get rid of before they go and usually get a new ride before the start of the new school year. And worst time to buy a 4x4 is at the start of the winter season here i.e now. But due to the slowdown for the last couple of years it's been a buyers market and more and more people leaving or sending families home. More cars for sale than buyers these day. But the above mentioned factors still do come in play

Valuable and sincere piece of advice. Thank you! I was tired and done with going back and forth checking options and being indecisive. So suggesting specific models is a great help.

Suspension is not only about shocks but about all other parts as well. Shortly, it depends. Simple suspension could easy to diagnose, more complicated ones are not that simple. I suggest to pay a visit to some independent mechanic just to check the suspension. It should not be expensive and should take around 10-20 minutes of your time.

OMG, Such a horrible sticker work on a legend to make it look like a clown, too bad of taste / brand promo technique. Really dumb and abusive for real car enthusiast. Thank god I have not seen this. @Jas Gajaria and @Frederic my Pajero EVO dream is over since I realized that we can't register RHD here "no matter what". @DiamondDallas driving an EVO shell is something I never wanted it. In 2012 I explored the possibility of importing one Pajero EVO and swapping my engine and other capable bits for 45K budget, but then scrapped the idea because of non availability of EVO spare parts here. Can't wait for months for parts sourcing or producing here locally. Once I retire my Pajero, then I might pursue that all over again just for keepsake.

I'm thinking of selling my Pajero and going through the worst resale heart attack. Want to know from all car gurus here which is the best SUV in UAE for road use (no offroad). Best SUV from resale perspective, reliability, looks and features. 5 or 7 seater doesn't matter as I only need 3-4 pax, 7 is little better for big camping gear or cross country trips.

https://www.dubaiautodrome.com/tracktalk/get-ready-2019-emirates-motorsport-expo-to-kick-off-new-season/ this happened last weekend. 5 minute drive from my place and I didn’t know. I missed it @Carnity you need to organise an upcoming events section and promote it so we can all go and represent

Welcome back @Jamy B. ! It’s been more than 2 years now that I bought my used 2012 Xterra and so far I am very happy. It’s a beast off-road and totally fine on road even if it’s not the most comfortable car you can find. Spare parts are available at Nissan and in many places, so no worries at all about that. For off-road I only added a skid plate and a light bar, which is enough TMO.

I suggest taking some test drives first before a final decision. Of course that would be in the latest models but you should be able to get an idea of the comfort level and engine performance.

This best time and worst time theory works to an extent only. I have always bought and sold cars against the tide and still at my own price. Key is be patient.

Hi! What about Dubai Motor Show on 12th of November?

@adildbx welcome for drive tomorrow, please share your offroad experience and which 4x4 you drive? Please make sure your 4x4 have front and back tow hook, very imp.

Haha there is no visibility problem in wranglers the guy was just not paying attention.

+1000000000000 Trillion

Specially RAV4 drivers 😂

They did not keep a safe distance between two cars. Basically the second car entered the dune before the first one clears. I think the whole incident is tied to it; after the first car got stuck, second car did not have time and distance to slowdown and avoid the accident.

Select "Advanced" and then there will be a small link to proceed. It should then open up.

Yes i was planning to go to the Dubai Autodrome last weekend. This is taken from there ?

still a lot of farmers driving troopers in Ireland. Rust is the big enemy but it’s to be expected on anything 20 years old. I have a friend with. 3.0 TD running propane injection and he has been mudding in it every weekend for the past 6-7 years with no major issues.

Easiest way to test shock absorbers without shaker plates is to look at the top of the shock where the rod comes out. If there is oil on it, you need to change it. Next step is press hard on each corner of the car and bounce it up and down 4/5 times. A bad shock will keep bouncing after you stop pushing it up and down, a good one won’t bounce.

Thanks saleem bhai , I will call u shortly

I do have a scanner and if you have time to come to Ajman then I can hook it up and see if we can pull some codes And regarding the engine mounts even if it's ripped in 2 you can visually check unless you test them...

Mounts are good , grainy vibration while driving

First of all congrats @jibransayed for the longest title yet for a thread. Regarding the suspensions you will feel the lag or bounce when you drive or when you are going over a speed bump. Best is to get OEM, have to check if they are firm. I got lucky with a suspension shop in Sharjah who had some lying around from a Japanese import. They were hardly used and once I changes I immediately felt the difference. If you're looking for long term off roading than some after market ones like king shocks or old man emu will do you good. They are stiffer and offer you better traction off road, however they will kill your back on the road.

if you inclined to take a trip to africa then land cruiser is the way to go prior to 07 models you will get parts easily there and try to get a 6 cylinder manual one will be easier to maintain all the other cars you mentioned don't have much room as compared to lc 100 lc100 can take whatever you throw at it without giving a hoot in 40k you can get a auto and then convert it to manual (as there is very less clean manuals around) and put few more goodies too 8 cylinder and specially the 6 cylinder petrol is only available for MENA market others run the 8 cyl version the australian version has a 6 but its diesel one being out in the open away from humanity and still being able get things moving not only needs mechanical know how but patience and out of the box thinking

@taqir you sure that a Trailblazer 2010 model is for a 100K, it must be much cheaper. Land Cruiser would be my choice if the same price as lower maintenance cost, more reliable and better resale value. I would only choose the Trailblazer if it was AED 60K or less and my choice would be based on saving the initial cost, depreciation and some repair along the way just in case any, but also the comfort and options available on the American and overall safer than the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Toyota Land Cruiser - Awesome reliability, cheap maintenance, better resale Chevrolet Tahoe - New Tech and features, more safer, more powerful Now you pick and choose what you need or value more.