Temptations -- greener grass?

While at the NEC Classic Car show last week, I stumbled across a stand with a load of new Land Cruisers on. Not exactly "old" in the sense of classic, but I think very iconic and as classic as a Defender or Wrangler, if somewhat unknown in the UK. Either way, glad they were there, as I got to have a look and sit in one of the models on display.

When I say Land Cruiser, I'm not meaning the Prado as sold by Toyota UK or even the full size luxury models sold elsewhere and often branded as a Lexus these days. I'm talking the model that has been around for decades and Toyota has kept updating gradually to remain relevant for other markets outside of Europe or the USA.

I'm talking the 70 Series. And specifically the swb 71 Series....
 

Now, don't get me wrong, I do love my Jimny. But this 71 Series has some serious appeal. Spec wise seems mostly comparable to the Jimny in terms of features with Apple car play, air con, cruise, LED headlights etc.

But you get a 4.0 litre 230hp V6, a 6 speed auto (which despite being a huge manual gearbox fan, I rather fancy an auto). Lockers front & rear, heavy duty axles. Bigger tyres and better clearance in stock form and a 3500kg tow rating. Plus a slightly more spacious interior and boot. Oh and a fridge in the centre console.

Size wise, the 71 Series has a 90.9" wheelbase vs 88.6" for the Jimny, so only marginally bigger here. But it rides 31" tyres stock and can easily accomodate 33's. So much better clearance and breakover angles. The 71 is a bit longer and wider, more akin to a traditional Defender. But you'd still call it a small vehicle overall, despite being slightly bigger than the JB74w.

Would I be mad to consider swapping the Jimny for one?

 

Obviously there is a bit of a cost to "upgrade". But if I kept the Jimny and wanted to add front/rear lockers, re-gear and a supercharger. I.e. get it to a more similar spec. These could easily blow say £11,000 in parts & labour and you'd still be stuck with the 1300kg tow rating and small fuel tank.

I will always have a jimny in some way or other but hocking the 155 prado in against a 71 has been kicking around in my head for a few years now. What keeps staying my hand is they would be immensely rare in rhd and entirely unsupported by any kind of Toyota warranty but it would be the coolest toy in the box.

So the one I've been looking at is actually LHD. I'm not sure if the 71 is available in RHD these days, it isn't available in Oz as far as I know.

The importer brings them in from the UAE. LHD wouldn't bother me really, I have a LHD Camaro, so used to driving on that side of the car.

As for warranty, I agree. Although no more risky than buying most used cars. My Jimny is not in warranty these days anyway. I think there are 3rd party companies that'll offer a kind of warranty insurance. Although I figured the 70 Series was meant to be pretty robust.

For me the only way to remotely afford this, would be to chop the Jimny in. Unless I come into some money or winnings, there is no scope to have both.