I have two Scout II, a 1977 and a 1972. Between both of them i think the 77' is better for one reason, it has a front Dana 44 axle with disk brakes while the 72' has a Dana 30 with drums. Both are great for off roading (havent gotten stuck yet) and the V8 engines can last 300,000 miles or more with good care. They are very reliable too. I have never had any problems with mine.

 

You might want to go to the early Bronco forums to talk with current owners. I've owned two early Broncos..a 66 and 73. Both were manual tranny. As for off road capability, I'm quite sure you would be impressed with any year early model you can get you hands on. Just make sure to get power steering...something I never had in either of mine and that was the only drawback to them, besides not being the warmest vehicle to drive in the winter. With the short wheelbase, the hi-lo transfer case, a good set of tires and a good running engine, I considered mine nearly bulletproof for my needs. It went any place I pointed it. I do admit that I never looked for the deepest mud holes, but I took it places that had my nerves on end, wondering if I was going to get back out of where I'd just went. They never failed me. As for hauling a ton of stuff, they aren't the roomiest as compared to some of the other rigs you are asking about, nor is the suspension made to accomodate huge loads. Any 4x4, no matter the make, is only as good as it's driver is capable. You can get stuck in just about anything. And you can add to or build any truck into what you seek, with a little patience. Good luck in your endeavors.

 

my first choice would be a land cruiser
second would be bronco.

I hear the International 4x4s are hard to find parts for

 

My vote is for a good ol' jeep wrangler. you can pick one up relatively cheap and there is no end to the aftermarket equip for them. They can be pretty near indestructable and unstoppable. Not to mention tons o' fun. If you need something that is both dependable as a daily driver as well as awesome offroad, check out the jeep rubicon.

 

Thanks for your input guys.
I was unable to find a International Scout available for sale, so I don't think they were imported to oz, which is a bit dissapointing, as it looks an impressive vehicle. But if you guys have trouble getting parts for them in the states, I will have no hope here (took me 6 weeks to get a replacement clutch master cylinder for my current model F-350...).
The bronco is looking like it could be an option, mainly because it is a Ford, as it will never go where a Pinz or a Unimog will go, and most likely wont be reliable, but it should be able to do more than 50mph on the highway though...
The vehicle won't be used to carry large amounts of stuff, maybe just some fencing gear around the farm, and a fishing rod or two, so I don't really need the size of a Unimog, I just want their off-road ability and reliability.
Is it too much to ask for everything???

 

Land cruisers are great, however parts of quality are an issue. Most everyone dumps the 6 for a 302, 350 etc. I have had 3 in past years. The axles are the eq of Dana 60s they are near 4k lbs with the hard top. Heavy duty stuff. 74 up had the 2f motor with 4 speeds.Disc brakes etc. In these parts there at a premium$$. personally I kinda liked my 71. Really depends what your gonna do with it. Unimogs are very nice. Parts again are $$. there are several different versions avaliable. Dont plan on going anywhere fast in one.

 

I'd go with a CJ5. You're not taking anything with you, but you'll get there and back.

 

http://4wheeloffroad.com/roadtests/

it'll show the newer models, I have a:

1987 ford 6.9
1979 toyota landcrusier
1982 ford f250
(All 4x4 models)
I would say for what your doing the Landcrusier or a Jeep like it would be great