Wheels I would want

Buying a car in Philippines just doesn't interest me. A car just isn't practical enough for the less than ideal roads generally found in Philippines.  Also, a car is better for moving people - not stuff.  A small Kia/Hyundai SUV (the NEW Sportage is here) might be nice. But for just running around town I'd like to have both of these... BOTH for less than half the cost of a new Kia Sportage.

This is a 4x4 Suzuki Multi-Cab. These things are near

bullet proof and easy to maintain. They are like a Mini-Mog, light weight, simple-but-modern mechanicals (synchronized transmissions, low range gearing, 12-valve, fuel-injected, 3-cylinder engine - some turbo charged). A British military mechanic told me they

are awesome and the best vehicle value in Philippines with easy parts availability.

This is not the nicest one I've seen. Some are equiped with slight lifts and covered beds (removable).

They cruise along nicely at typical road speeds rural Philippines.  I think they'll do 50 mph easily. They shine off-road where they are easy to extract from mud with a hand-winch...or 3 friends could lift it out.

I spotted this one parked across from Urious University, in Butuan. After this picture was taken a college professor got in and drove off. It is also a Suzuki Mult-Cab

in the small VAN style. Don't ask about airbags, crash tests, etc. However, these do often have AC. Around town it's awesome. This one is rear-2-wheel-drive, but these also come in slightly lifted 4x4 versions.