This is such a hang up in the overlanding world. There will come a time when all the older cars just no longer exist and you will have to go with a more modern, hence more electronic deviced vehicle.

If you are really going into the wilds, then having a simple to repair car is a sensible option, however I live and work in disadvantaged environments all the time and just do not want to rely on an older vehicle when it comes to taking my wife and children across the middle east and africa.

So now in Ethiopia I have the latest generation LR Defender 110 which has never let me down. I import my own spares and servicing items (there is no LR approved dealer in Addis), and use the best local garage I can find.

Both at work and privately I have used a wide range of vehicles in some very tough environments including Toyota LC100 and latest generation 200, LR Disco 2, 3 and 4 as well as Defender and a Range Rover. Mistsubishi Pajero etc Nissan pickups and Toyota hi lux etc (never used a Pathfinder).

issues have included suspension problems (Range Rover air bags going bang!) punctures (Many), accidents etc but having ensured they were all well serviced as a result have had very little in the way of breakdown.

The problem will always be servicing and repairs, so IF you can get the vehicle repaired adequately and you have a decent budget, the world is your oyster.

(Just look across the middle east at the cars the arabs use, some amazing stuff. But if staying off road for long periods of time, say in Wadi Rum, the venerable Toyota 70 series is still king, whereas in Kenya it is Series and Defender LR's).

As has been said above. look seriously at the intended use and make your choice from there.

and although said jokingly, across a large part of the world Toyota is king and has an excellent world wide infrastructure (again Ethiopia does not have an authorised Toyota dealer, but lots of independants).

good hunting, the choice is half the fun.

regards.