As a pajero mini owner, I wouldn’t call it a budget jeep. Cost of ownership will be significantly higher than the jeep. For example, I paid $750 for a windshield. New axles would cost you $7-800 each from japan. You have to import a lot of parts from oversea. Long term cost will be significantly higher than the jeep. They are fun to drive and conversation starter however but jeep will definitely be more superior.
As a pajero mini owner, I wouldn’t call it a budget jeep. Cost of ownership will be significantly higher than the jeep. For example, I paid $750 for a windshield. New axles would cost you $7-800 each from japan. You have to import a lot of parts from oversea. Long term cost will be significantly higher than the jeep. They are fun to drive and conversation starter however but jeep will definitely be more superior.