just a thought....

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 15 Jul 2008, 17:49

All, I was hoping to go see my older brother in Wellington, NZ at end of year..

Flights will be pricey...

so...

should I take Xantia?

95 mpg is what I am getting right now (WVO at 60ppl), could carry enough fuel for a long way.. suspension for those roads in the back end of India/Kent

Shelter, slight security..

And have a spare engines worth of parts here..

just thinking out loud really

John

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 15 Jul 2008, 18:37

In a word yes, do it then report your findings back to me so that I can decide whether its worth the effort as I'm off to North Island early next year.

If I really like it over there (as I fear I will) and decide to emigrate then on a more serious note I may take my VSX with me

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 15 Jul 2008, 19:13

deal

should have done a convoy...

Unread post by **myglaren** » 15 Jul 2008, 20:01

Crossing the wet bits might be interesting.
I presume there is a plan in place - water wings or somesuch

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 15 Jul 2008, 20:06

Even on high setting my car wont do those

will look into ferries.. could be costly...

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 15 Jul 2008, 20:25

It would be an adventure and a half John

And I have no doubt a well prepped Xantia would make the journey no worries at all

At least if you have any problems in NZ, you have Mandrake right there to help you!

DickieG wrote: If I really like it over there (as I fear I will) and decide to emigrate then on a more serious note I may take my VSX with me

Speaking as an ex-honourory Aussie in Darwin, NT where our daughter Robyn was born, you will Richard, no question about it. Our Antipodian cousins are some of the greatest people on this planet. If I had the chance to go back to Aus, I'd leap at it, on condition the family came along and of course it goes without saying, a Xantia would have to go with me too. My first choice would be Tasmania.

Alas, it is highly unlikely to happen due in part to my absolute refusal to fly. I'd have to drive/sail and as the furthest I've ever sailed is on a Dover to Calais ferry, that could be fraught with problems too

I am the worlds worst traveller unless I'm at the controls and I don't think they'll let me fly a 747 right across the world

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 16 Jul 2008, 11:56

definately do-able..

Container from Timor to Darwin seems the way to go

£300 for the car, plus a seperate flight, plus an expensive steam clean!

Just wondering what the most Europe borders would say about a trailer full of WVO?

Car is due a service in next few weeks.... would take leather out and alloys off.. and probably get a set of chunky tires as spares.. ooh, and a winch on the towbar

hmm

exciting stuff...

Clogzz · Unread post by **Clogzz** » 16 Jul 2008, 14:42

95 mpg is what I am getting right now

What with ?

Travelling overland is going to be expensive, with all those bribes to pay along the way.
Who was the Englishman who said that Africa started in Calais ?

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 16 Jul 2008, 15:13

sorry, equivalent of 95 mpg.. based on the cost of WVO against Derv...

45 in reality

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 16 Jul 2008, 16:22

Is a Xantia really going to be capable.....

wondering about tyres.. taking 4 off-road and 4 road, all on wheels, or some kind of compromise....

Would need protection undercar for hydraulic pipes, correctors...

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 16 Jul 2008, 16:36

It depends on how "off road" you're thinking of going!

Plan your route, then investigate what the roads are likely to be like.
Think about alternate transport such as a fold away bike, just incase the worst happens and you need to keep moving.
Have a credit card with plenty of credit too.
Don't forget your camera, or your toothbrush, and try to learn a few words of the different nations you'll pass through.

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 16 Jul 2008, 17:06

thanks Xac...

yep was thinking of fall back options....
and spent most of day on google earth...

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 17 Jul 2008, 10:10

Well, getting ready for the important service...

Brought a Valeo clutchkit on ebay for 50p

postage £49.50

still a good deal I think