Been using HZJ75/78s in the Libyan Desert for 10+ years, some of them had 400k+ kms in them, never had a single mechanical problem save for a broken rear spring that was fixed to our entire satisfaction for the remainder of the 2000km trip with a block of firewood...
To me the ultimate test of suitability of any desert vehicle is to be able to take the battery out after engine start, and the thing will keep going. Both the -75 and the -78 meets this, not mich else made these days.
I'm sure there are plenty of more recent makes that are much more comfortable, possibly have marginally better handling characteristics on some terrain, but for sheer reliability nothing comes close. When you're 700kms away from the closest garage (and anything else), this pretty much overrides any other consideration...
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