In high school when I was shopping for a truck. Both the mitsu and toyota were on the list amongst other domestics like bronco2.

I wanted an fj60... but anything decent cost like 6k. Rusty high mileage autos were going for about 2500-3k. I got my Mitsu with fresh 33's, lifted, and modded for a fraction. The owner almost begged me to take it while some FJ sellers were being very difficult with me.

Plus I'm in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The hipster capitol of the east coast. There are literally over 10 fj60's within a few blocks from me and 6+ fj40's within an oh so short walk. Only one gen1 mitsu, and over 2 miles away...

Reputation, image and price aside... in stock form equal. Budget build Mitsu, countless junkyard mods and motor swaps. With cash, you can do so much more with an fj, after market anything exists.

88 Montero, StarQuest turbo, Kormex 5speed +tuff-pan w/phoenix f. stage2 clutch, 4in lift+33' tires, 4.875 lsd, short-throw shifter, Aisin hubs, SR big brakes, gen2 uca's, elantra alt, and so much more... 16g turbo w/hardpipes + 4.90 locking disk-brake axle soon (maybe lsd or aussie front??)