Driving My Xantia To Tajikistan

[Guest ExtremeXantia]

Hi everyone,

 

I will participate this summer to the roof of the world rally which will take me and my '93 Xantia all the way to Tajikistan to raise money for charity. Although 15 years old, the car has only 25,000 km. I would like to prepare the car before leaving, but I wouldn't like to pay a lot of money for it. What kind of work do you think it is absolutely necessary to do on the car?

 

A crazy mechanic ask me £1,500 to do all the job, but, hey, that's insane I think!! For example, he told me to change all suspensions (£350), but the car has only few kms!! Why should I ever do that??

 

If you have some time go and visit my website - www.anatomika.com/rally (It's in Italian I know, but at the bottom of the page there are links to the rally and charity websites which are in English!!)

 

Donations are also wellcome at www.justgiving.com/verona.

 

Finally, if anyone is interested in having 1+ stickers on the car, we still have some room and welcome any kind of sponsorship!

 

Thanks!

ExtremeXantia

[Guest andyp]

The first thing i would do is change the oil and filter, LHM fluid and the coolant, air filter (and pollen/cabin filter, if one is fitted !), fit a new set of spark plugs ond an alternator belt.

 

Good luck anyway!

[coastline taxis]

Whats the history on your timming belt as your thinking that because the vehicle has only done 25000 miles. it shouldnt need some things. If you bring the age factor into it then you realy need to do some serious checks on the vehicle before setting off. Think the dealer would be your best option as they know these cars inside and out and tell them what your doing (they might even give you discount for a advert on your car). A breakdown in a foreign country will cost you a lot more in money and time Anyway best of luck in what your doing.

[Guest ExtremeXantia]

Hey thank you for your tips!

 

What about the suspensions? The dealer told me that I need to change the spheres etc, but I am not sure having only 25k km. What do you say?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Guest andyp]

If the ride is ok, i.e not hard or bouncy and you dont have any leaks, then i would leave it alone, just give it a fluid change.

[coastline taxis]

I would think that if the dealers says it needs speres then it needs them. Dealers get a slagging off for there charges but just look at what your getting for your money (job done right,genuine parts, warrenty and peace of mind). Now im not saying dealers for everything but there comes a point where you have let the dealers do it. rather you than me half way up a mountain and the car breaks down. Try to forget the millage issue and use the time factor if you look at your service book it say 24000 miles or every 2 years etc etc its there for a reason

good luck