His 1992 Nissan Sani 3-litre V6 4x4 may be a gas guzzler, admits Richard Poulter from Cape Town, but it gets him to the back of beyond − and he likes the space.

When Richard bought his Sani second-hand in 1999, it only had 80 000 km on the clock. In the almost a decade since then it has become his trusty steed and he has added another 110 000 km (of which about 10 000 km have been over rugged terrain).

How much did you pay for it?
I am the second owner, having bought it in 1999 for R60 000. I virtually swapped it pricewise for a 1993 4x2 Sani with 250 000 km on the clock I had owned since new.

Why a Sani?
It is a good towing vehicle. Moreover, nothing compares space wise to a Sani − two big adults can easily sleep in the back. The back seats fold flat, creating a huge dustproof storage space. It isn’t too complicated to work on, and it’s tough.

Does it have a nickname?
Sakkie, as in Sakkie de Fuel − its fuel consumption is a rather thirsty 15 litre/100 km (and that’s driving slowly at around 110 km/h on the open road). So at R6.50/litre a round trip from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park costs over R5 000 in petrol alone.
The consumption in 4x4 mode in rough terrain or sand is about 25 litre/100 km. Ouch! That’s why the mileage is low for Sakkie’s age; it spends most of its life stationary in the garage. However, my friends’ petrol Cruisers and Landies are about a third thirstier.
As a retiree it does work out expensive to go on a long trip.
Nevertheless, I’m going to Botswana with the 4x4 Adventure Club in August.

What modifications have you made?
I have installed a dual-battery system and it has had a full Ironman suspension upgrade − the best money I have ever spent. The difference to the road holding, comfort and clearance is unbelievable. It has transformed the vehicle into a very capable and comfortable off-roader.

Any breakdowns or repairs?
No breakdowns yet. Although I have snapped both torsion bars, on both occasions I’ve managed to drive to the nearest dealership. I’ve had to have a new starter motor fitted and the front suspension components have had to be replaced twice. The rear brake drums always fill with sand when dune driving.

What do you like about it?
Apart from the space, it is the sort of vehicle that you don’t mind driving through the bush. It all adds to the many battle scars, which all tell a story. I sort of manage to keep up with the big-brother Cruisers and Defenders and somehow get to all the extreme places they can reach.

And what not?
It is very thirsty and a bit underpowered. At 120 km/h you can actually see the fuel needle dropping. The brakes aren’t that fantastic either.

If you could change something?
I’d fit a more powerful engine and a diff lock, as opposed to the limited-slip diff. A second fuel tank would be useful, as the off-road range is only about 300 km.

Where have you been in it?
My latest long trip was the Namaqua Eco Trail. Before that, we travelled in Namibia, the extreme Richtersveld, Kgalagadi, Lesotho, Transkei and did many Western Cape off-road trails.

Your dream destination?
My dream trip is to circumnavigate Southern Africa from Cape Town to Northern Namibia, across to Northern Mozambique and back, keeping to the coastline as far as possible. I use my 4x4 to explore out-of-the-way places and to get away from the crowds.

Your best memory of the vehicle?
My mountain bike rack snapped off in the Baviaanskloof with three bikes on it. We simply tied the whole lot onto the roof rack and continued to the Rooihoek campsite − one of the most stunning destinations imaginable.

Would you drive through Africa in it?
Tomorrow, if someone would sponsor the fuel.

Do you pack anything special for a long trip?
Apart from a case or two of good Cape wine, not really.

If we gave you R10 000 to spend on it ...
I would buy a compressor fridge and wire up the back for it. I would also fit a spare-wheel holder onto the back bumper as I usually tie my second spare onto the roof rack.