Quite possibly sacriledge .....

[bobnlins]

..... but also a huge complement.

Everyone we ask says Renault 4 is the best small car to do a charity rally to Cameroon in Africa, (crossing at least part of the Sahara on the way) where the car will be auctioned to a local.

What do you guys think? Are they right? What would be the main issues?

It has to be left hand drive - which may cause us a problem for sourcing in the UK.

Bodywork doesn't need to be pretty, in fact we will probably paint it, but it should be sound, enough, and of course mechanically it should be OK - although we are capable of doing some work ourselves.

Hope you're not offended at the suggestion.

thanks

Lins and Bob

 

[jjad]

Hello Lins and Bob,

I don't think anyone here would be upset that you have chosen the best possible mode of transport

You are right, the 4 is very popular for these sorts of rally. Here are some links to other posts about such rallys on this forum:

http://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=264
http://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2162

The biggest killer of the R4 seems to be rusting of the rear inner suspension mounts. See http://www.renault4.co.uk/buyers-guide.htm for details.

Good luck, and do let us know how you get on!

--
EDIT: see also 'World Cup Rally' on the site http://www.simswilliams.com/

 

[malcolm]

Ruffiandick's progress on the Mongol rally was great fun - first bit of it is here: http://www.renault4.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2101

LHD R4s are available from time to time in the UK - eBay is the place, though they are available much more in France and tend to be in better condition, and involve a nice holiday. Expect to sort out MOT bits like balljoints and anything else dangerous before a long drive. Also check the cooling is working OK or else you'll be changing head gaskets along the way.

R4 is a good choice of vehicle for the trip - better off-road than most, and completely reliable so long as you start with one that works.

 

[Beige Belgian]

Good luck, it sounds a real good adventure and I would love to do one of these events some day, just need to reserve the time, but for the ultimate R4 one the R4 Trophy is it. I think I am too old though, as its for young French students. See here:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9sH232619o

Amazing amount of R4's. How long can this go on for?

Does it have to be LHD as part of the regs? If so, I drive a LHD one, I'm not looking too sell it but if you found a good RHD I may swap (especially if it has a sunroof)! I think you'll be able to find a left hooker anyway, you may find yourself waiting for ages but then 3 turn up. They are not buses though, more like a small cab!

 

[angel]

Good luck with the search and eventually the journey! If you look in France, you will find relatively easily ex-4L Trophy cars that have been mildly (or wildly, it depends!) prepared for such adventurous trips. I think it's the best way to go especially if you are new to R4s and don't know well their little secrets.