The Budapest-Bamako is actually Budapest to Freetown, Sierra Leone since a few years ago due to the security situation in Mali and because Freetown is a great place to end the rally (nice beaches, port for shipping cars home, very friendly government). The rally organizers point out that the Dakar rally hasn't gone to Dakar for a long time, so they feel okay keeping the name. I think the government of Sierra Leone is encouraging them to change it though. Anyway, it's a fun 9000 km.

"Super chill" is definitely how I would describe the owner of that car. Choosing an old Romanian car for the rally is already doing it in hardcore mode (I think they actually got the "unsuitable car choice" award this year), but, despite the rally being a bit difficult this year, the Oltcit team seemed always laid back and with a good attitude.

Regarding the car, I don't remember hearing about any major problems with it. I know there was some minor stuff, like the turn indicators (not needed south of Morocco anyway) stopping working, but the simple and sturdy chassis and air-cooled flat four kept the car moving fine on roads that regularly break Toyota HiLuxes and Landcruisers.