Johan Bredell’s 2003 Toyota Prado Diesel

On the odometer?
257 000 km, and a lot of that was in the bundu.

How many owners?
I bought it new.

What did it cost?
R419 000 (the price remained the same for four years afterwards)

Why a Toyota?
I have been driving Toyotas since 1968, all with more than 150 000 km. Mechanically, I spent very little on them in the 43 years. I lost my marbles a little for six years in the nineties when I drove three Discoveries, all with lots of problems and expenses. This Prado has thus far only cost me services (every 10 000 km) and a new battery.

Where have you been in it?
My wife and I have crisscrossed Namibia (three times), Botswana (three times), Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia (three times too) with it.

Dream destination?
Zambia, again and again …

Modifications?
Only an extra battery, a drawer system I have installed myself, a Hannibal roof rack and OME suspension.

Repairs thus far?
Nothing – I only drive with Michelin A/T tyres and have never got less than 80 000 km on a set. The Prado still has its original exhaust.

What do you like?
Its driving comfort, space inside and frugal diesel consumption

And what not?
I yet have to find something!

Best memory?
We drove through Zambia, the most beautiful country in Southern Africa, and visited Africa House next to the highway north. We also drove along the highway east to Malawi and Mozambique. The most wonderful road was north along the Zambezi, across the Liuwa Plains to the origin of this beautiful river on the border with the Congo. Sometimes we drove on footpaths, as well as 240 km through teak forests.

With R10 000…
I would install a solar charging system and use the rest of the money for diesel to tour north again.