In their first year at Loughborough University, George Sturdee and Thomas Wildman took on the ‘Dash to Dubrovnik’ – a 2,000-mile road trip through 11 countries that must be undertaken in a car costing no more than £500 – in aid of charity. They chose to drive a Toyota Yaris to raise money for Hope for Children.
The Yaris treated them well and successfully made the full distance with no car-related issues along the way, proving to be a strong choice.
Here is what they had to say about their journey:
What made you want to do the Dash to Dubrovnik?
GS: I have always wanted to explore the Eastern side of Europe, and this was a great opportunity to achieve that. Even better was the fact I could do that whilst also raising money for a charitable cause. Also, the route took us away from typical tourist destinations and allowed us to experience the real culture of those countries we visited. Dash to Dubrovnik was a mix of both challenge and adventure and ticked the boxes for a great summer experience.
What did the Dash to Dubrovnik involve?
GS: Dash to Dubrovnik was a road trip of more than 2,000 miles, through 11 countries from the UK to Dubrovnik in a car worth no more than £500, within a week. We raised £1,250 for the charity. It took lots of preparation and research, as well as sourcing a suitable car in the first place.
TW: Dash to Dubrovnik involved seven days of driving. We began in Kent and finished in Dubrovnik, with overnight stops in Brussels, Stuttgart, the Stelvio Pass, Lake Garda, Portoroz, Zadar and Dubrovnik.
What made you choose a Yaris for the Dash to Dubrovnik?
GS: My family has always expressed that Toyotas were extremely reliable cars, and would run forever, from their own experience and from Toyota’s reputation.
How did you get the Yaris? Dealership? Private seller?
GS: I found the Yaris, which was built in 2000 I think (a W registration) while looking on Gumtree for possible cars for the trip. We bought it from a Hungarian man who had previously used it for two years. His wife also drove a Yaris.
Was the Yaris in good condition when you purchased it?
GS: The Yaris was in great condition! The transmission was very smooth and the engine looked in great shape for a 998cc….
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