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PNG is hard on any vehicle even if they are properly maintained. Even the sealed roads in towns are so pot holed they are quite a challenge. I have had rental cars with very low kms that are rubbish. I think the more isolated you are in PNG the safer it is.
Lived up there for 10 years in the 90's. Went back in 2010 for a couple of trips and I'd go up there again if the opportunity presented itself...only worry would be my wife's safety. Been in a few sticky 'situations' including having a knife at my throat and a spear at my chest...thank God I got out of that one alive!
It's a lot safer if you've got local knowledge (either yourself or someone you trust) and have your wits about you. As others have said it's also a lot safer out of Moresby, but anywhere you are it's still the land of the unexpected...but that's what makes it so attractive and in a weird way refreshing from life in Australia.
Bad roads and minimal vehicle maintenance at best...if you want to test reliability PNG is a great country for it!
Guys
Interesting reading this thread.
Having done product support in the ME and Africa with Leyland trucks and Buses can this be anything like it?
Hazardous trucking in DR Congo - Risking it all - Al Jazeera English
In any case enjoy the clip as "Le Phacochere" a Fiat, does a 600km trip in two weeks!
God, watching this I still miss being in Africa!:)
Cheers Dennis
Found this for comparison, Bob
4WD- Papua New Guinea Style - YouTube