A lot of the attraction is not having to do an engine swap and get it engineered.

If I were to put the time and effort in to an engine swap, then I would want to swap the gearbox, and the axles, and so on, until I end up with a custom vehicle. Being realistic, I don't want to put that sort of time and money in to building something when I can get 'close enough' to what I want with the Isuzu LR.

I am not saying I would keep it stock standard, just that I'd prefer to limit myself to more bolt on or part exchange projects. Rear disc brakes, dis connectable sway bar, air helper over light duty springs, half shafts, etc. Maybe even rebuild a turbo engine to swap in once everything else is up to it.

Also, I used to work for a guy who imported old 4wds and trucks in to Kenya, so I've driven a fair few Landies, Rangies and Cruisers on crap roads. I actually prefer the seating position in the Land Rover when the going gets rough. And anything is civilised after driving a DAF on corrugations.

Each to their own though, I'm not knocking the idea of an Isuzu Rangie, it's just not the vehicle for me.

Dan