I remember those. We called them "Landcrushers". They were the tits!
They're still ubiquitous in Aus but Toyota is actually refusing pre-orders, even at $110k+. A year and a half wait for a new pickup isn't unusual. Used 4x4s have been selling for more than brand new and the market is only softening due to interest rate hikes making everyone housepoor. Supply continues to be an issue.
I'm intrigued by the Ineos Grenadier but they don't offer a manual transmission. They claim to be open-source and fine about you doing your own wrenching so I'm going to talk to the local tech rep on Monday and see just how much they mean it. I have no interest in a chip that enables diesel exhaust gas recirculation to save the planet by turning my million mile engine into a 150k engine. Everyone I know with a 2005+ diesel Euro 5 emissions standard has had trouble. My stinky 2000 isuzu, no turbo, no tech, keeps on chugging.
They still sell Suzuki Samurais ("Jimny") here too, and you can even get a stick shift. If they weren't so trendy with city slickers and retarded expensive I'd be tempted to Frankenstein the computerization out of one. In a year or two, when housewives realize they don't like a beam axle vehicle jiggling their delicate tits around, I'll try to find one that's never seen mud for pennies on the dollar.
