Realistically though, when it comes down to it, there’s one single reason why furgons are still so in demand. And that’s because repairs can be done easily — and anywhere. With just a basic set of tools and a rudimentary knowledge of mechanics, you can repair just about anything on a furgon with whatever you have at hand. In a country where only a fifth of the roads are paved, wouldn’t you want something that’s easy to repair too?
It’s an impressive thing to watch. Axles, differentials, tires, gearboxes, you name it and it’s been repaired in even the unlikeliest of circumstances and with the dodgiest of materials in a way we like to refer to as “Mongolisation.” Not to mention, in a country where gas stations and fuel quality can be — I’ll say, suspect — the furgon is capable of running on just about anything. In the past, two separate fuel tanks could run on gasoline of as low as 72 octane, but at least 76 was preferred. These days UAZ recommends the gas to be at least 92 octane.
While I only use furgons to get guests from site to site, adventure companies in other countries have caught on to the concept of outfitting furgons for overlanding purposes with rooftop tents, camp kitchens, power setups, and more, sending travelers out on self-driving expeditions in places like Georgia (the country). This concept is a bit too risky to take on in Mongolia, if you ask me, until road and cellular infrastructure improve. Thankfully, the price to hire a furgon, with a driver, and insurance, runs about 150,000 Mongolian Tugrik or $45 USD a day.
The price of a brand new furgon starts at $9,100, another reason this bread loaf on wheels — and the legends around it — aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, especially in Mongolia and on my tours.