BLACK OPS BUSH TRUCK
Getting a new vehicle is, for the most part, a great experience. It is arguably the next most expensive purchase one could make after buying a house. Vehicle choice amongst 4WDrivers is often a highly personal thing, and brand loyalty can sometimes border on the ridiculous, but it is almost always entertaining.
In November 2017, I needed to change my company vehicle. We have a four-year cycle for our company vehicles at Ironman 4x4 Africa, and my trusty FJ Cruiser had run its course. As we are a 4x4 company, by default we are required to have a fully-kitted 4WD vehicle as a company vehicle...but the big question, for me, was ‘Which one?’
My very first 4WD was a solid front axle Hilux. I did an engine swap and replaced the 2.4-litre petrol carb engine with a 2.7 litre fuel-injected petrol from the newer generation Hilux. It was fantastic. I cut my 4WD teeth in this truck. It was lifted beyond what was practical and had huge tyres. I travelled far, but not fast. Since then, I have had various Toyota wagons, including a Fortuner, a Prado and the FJ. My heart wanted a Prado TX -