Hey all, long-time lurker, first-time caller.
TL;DR: What RHD turbo diesel SUV with a 5-speed would you import to use as a weekend fun vehicle in the Colorado mountains?
Long attention span version: I've been searching for the right vehicle to import to the USA for about a year now... the number of options are staggering, and I've kinda lost track of what the best options would be for me. Right now, I've got a '02 Pathfinder with a mild lift that I use for weekend ski trips up I-70 and camping trips on Forest Service roads. It's a bit gutless, especially at altitude, but just in general, and is burning oil. I want something slightly weird, which is why I want something RHD in a body style that wasn't sold in the USDM. There seem to be tons of LJ78s available through importers, but I've read lots of hate for the 2L-TE lumps. I have some ability and skills to make minor mods, but nothing like an engine/trans swap. So I want something that will more or less work out of the box, and a less than 10% chance of leaving me stranded halfway up a 14er with annoyed buddies in the back seat.
I know this is a Toyota forum, but I figured y'all have seen way more of the imported truck world than I have. Prado with a different motor? Hilux Surf? Patrol? Mitsu Pajero? If you could do it again, and had $15k to throw around, what would you do?
Thanks y'all!
TL;DR: What RHD turbo diesel SUV with a 5-speed would you import to use as a weekend fun vehicle in the Colorado mountains?
Long attention span version: I've been searching for the right vehicle to import to the USA for about a year now... the number of options are staggering, and I've kinda lost track of what the best options would be for me. Right now, I've got a '02 Pathfinder with a mild lift that I use for weekend ski trips up I-70 and camping trips on Forest Service roads. It's a bit gutless, especially at altitude, but just in general, and is burning oil. I want something slightly weird, which is why I want something RHD in a body style that wasn't sold in the USDM. There seem to be tons of LJ78s available through importers, but I've read lots of hate for the 2L-TE lumps. I have some ability and skills to make minor mods, but nothing like an engine/trans swap. So I want something that will more or less work out of the box, and a less than 10% chance of leaving me stranded halfway up a 14er with annoyed buddies in the back seat.
I know this is a Toyota forum, but I figured y'all have seen way more of the imported truck world than I have. Prado with a different motor? Hilux Surf? Patrol? Mitsu Pajero? If you could do it again, and had $15k to throw around, what would you do?
Thanks y'all!