Ladies and Gents,
Land Rover Joe here; Apologies for my absenteeism--out and about with other things. If I may offer my two cents regarding this thread. I do like this topic.
1. Apples and oranges. I know africa, and Djibouti, fairly well (I liked the picture of the Kemp!). It is difficult if not impossible to compare the LC's you saw (new Africa export HZJ78/79's) with the models available in the US. In fact, I don't even think the HZJ78/79's are street legal here (should sound familiar to the Defender fans.) In addition, as you note, the conditions in Djibouti are extreme, and "less is more" in that sense (less technology equals less problems). Of course, I drove my 2010 LR4 up and down the place with no significant issues, with much more style and comfort than the Toyota's (it was the only LR4 in the country; I don't even think there was an operational LR3 in Djibouti). Just impossible to compare, and I have driven Toyota's a LOT in Africa. HJZ78/79 is a really great truck off-road. Perhaps the very best, especially in harsh conditions like Djibouti. Also, there are some political reasons why there are a lot of Land Cruisers and few Land Rovers on the streets in DJ.
2. The Land Rover Label. Land Rover is "selling out" as a brand. It is looking at higher retail markets and forsaking its "off-road," all-terrain, devil-may-care, muddy-boots past. There is just no other way of saying it. There are, of course, many reasons for this, but as you noted--a big truck like the LR4 with a V6 is silly--I totally agree and would not have bought one if it did not have the more powerful engine. If you don't like it, then you should look at other options and that is the future for Land Rover--more money to be made with the soccer moms and Ranger Rover buying exec / urban warrior types. Just look at the "new defender." Horrific. I would rather drive a Lada or a Saab.
3. There are always options. Toyota maybe the most reliable vehicle in the world, and one of the fairest priced. However, depending upon what you want may influence your decision. The LR4 series is probably one of the most off-the-shelf, off-road capable vehicles in the universe (would certainly beat the mars rover!) But the mercedes benz g series, while very pricey, is a really great truck and has a powerful V8. Looks sharp too.
4. The future of energy. Gasoline is getting more complicated and the future uncertain. I have had a lot of problems in Africa with low octane gas, bad air quality, and high temps/low RPM's. But the fuel was always clean and perfect. In the states, I am finding blends with way more than 10% ethanol and gas stations cheating on their %'s. That means death to a high-performance engine like the Jaguar V8 which was engineered to ONLY use 100% high octane gasoline. If we can't run these trucks the way they were meant to be run, then we need to get electric cars or something because we are going to completely ruin them.
Thus, my two cents: if you want tough and burly with a powerful V8 and fully ready off-road truck (and don't mind the $$$), check out the "G-wagon."
Best,
Land Rover Joe
