Niki

Almost as shameful as @Hisham Masaad stealing all the credit for @M.Seidam lead!!

@Mohamad Anwer you just gave me the finest Diwali present by upgrading me to a Raptor!!! …. I drive the humble black FJ hiding at the back

Was a privilege to be on @M.Seidam official first lead! You did superb, from the route to communication - inspired confidence in all of us and we would never have thought this is a first for you! @Chaitanya D watchful and calming, @Hisham Masaad @Russ quiet and supportive - what a wonderful weekday escape! special call out to @JAISROCK who only a few hours early moved to fewbie and as a first drive under this level of challenge plus night drive was brilliant! @Gregory as the second-second lead throughout - kudos for a flawless drive. Was a pleasure to be in a convoy with @Alain Canivet-Abikhalil @munkybizness@Bernard Kalaani@Rawad@Mohamad Anwer (the prettiest car in Carnity) and a special thanks to @Ashok chaturvedi for the Diwali treats! Enjoy your weekend drives and see you soon

@Looper and @Sunil Mathew have done significant research and advised many of us on options. Budget plays a part and there are ranges that span all. I have chosen the Garmin cameras however I don’t use them for recording drives, more as a traditional dashcam. Am very happy with them and highly recommend https://www.garmin.ae/product-category/automotive/cameras-automotive/

@Shaaz Sha I am moving to support Richard in the morning AD drive - sorry for missing out on your lead but will definitely be singing up for your drives in the future! have a great drive all

The FJ Cruiser is superb offroad however the 'basic'/'retro' interior and limited comforts (no climate control, limited to zero sound proofing, etc) make it a choice for those that enjoy the simple things in life (and have another car to retreat to when needed, such as your Lexus). As an owner, my hesitation recommending it is 100% as Chaitanya mentioned - finding a clean one on the used market is incredibly hard and the prices are inflated. If you do find one, I am 100% a fan and would say the offraod experience makes up for the on road comfort issues many time over! Also ATrac can be added (after market) to any FJ for minimal cost so if that's missing its not a big deal. Ideally do go for the car with rear Diff lock and 100% avoid any 2 wheel drive versions floating around. The Prado is likely even more expensive however the chances of finding a clean one (not been offroad) are very high and they typically also come better equipped for daily driving with regards comforts.

https://carswitch.com/newsroom/top-5-cars-that-have-the-best-resale-in-uae/ The cars that maintained best value are the following five: Nissan Patrol Honda Accord Ford Edge Toyota Camry Toyota Land Cruiser the Patrol Official Owners group not only flash their way past us on the highway - they now passing us by on resale value.

many congrats @Abdul Rafay-S - what a rapid, deserved and unsurprising climb up the ranks!! looking forward to joining you in a convoy real soon

I wish I had kept quiet earlier 🤦🏽‍♂️ …. My big mouth often makes my life harder!

@Gaurav yes I can be there earlier @3pm. Lol about the DIY challenge. Just for clarity @MUHAMMAD Kashif RAZZAQ - it’s unfair to bring your son this time! … we all have seen how you have him operate as your shovel-walla on drives in the past!

many congrats @munkybizness!!! 🍻

many congrats @Russ !!🍻

Many thanks @Gaurav @Frederic picked up the Kangda radio and for others to find the store: Store name: Sheng Da Trading Dragon Mart 1, section BA, Shop number: BAi 05/13 There is only a single model with the screen and they also sell car cig charger adapter and a spare battery.

Many Many congrats @GauravSoni 🍻

My weekly allowance:

@varunmehndiratta I will kick start this discussion again after the Liwa camping/trip being planned! That way we can revisit this topic with everyone having tried a night in the desert plus driving - see if it’s still a combination people enjoyed! thankyou for getting this topic started up again! @Carnity take this as a gentle reminder we are eagerly awaiting the Liwa proposal.

So it is officially the FJ Bowl!! 🎉🎉🍻