Kinda depends where you are, since in the UK many old 4x4s are going to be rotty heaps.

Stuff I've had experience with:
Hi-Lux Surf 3.0, fantastic, my Dad has now owned his for 15 years. It was beaten up when he got it, and he's put it through hell with only basic maintenance. It'll still cruise at 80mph all day, lol. Not very revvy but pulls well, good for towing.
Granvia 3.0, if I wanted to go overlanding it's what I'd take. HiLux mechanicals with a people carrier top. I love that thing!
Pajero 2.5, the IFS suuucks if you're trying to get over big rocks. Apart from that it's ok. Some things broke that we never had problems with on the HiLux (power steering box for example). It was modified with a bigger turbo so I can't say what the stock performance is like but even with the big turbo spooled up it wasn't sporty, lol.
Cherokee 4.0, nice and zoomy, was good off road, but we had a mountain of electrical issues so I never want another.
Series III LWB, just an exercise in masochism. To quote my Dad "it can't get out of a muddy puddle". I didn't enjoy the driving experience at all.
Various late '80s / early '90s Nissans, the locals here love them, especially the 2-door version. I've only got lifts in them so can't say how they drive.

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