So at the moment I am on the lookout for a new rangie. The choice over here is somewhat simplified. You can have either a 4.0L or a 4.6L. No doozals ( not that I would ever stoop that low - sorry Datatek ) and the highest trim I have seen is HSE.
There are some really good examples of both pre and post '99 models.
So to my question. Given that the youngest Thor model is already 10years old is there really any difference between the gems and Thor? Both will likely need airbags not to mention all the other time expired parts. Other than a sat nav there appears to be no difference in trim. Under the hood the Thor has a little more torque but are the Bosch bits any more reliable than the Lucas bits? In the UK I had one of each but never had the feeling one was better than the other. There is $3-5K difference between the models hence the second opinions.
What say ye....

How much are uk parts over there and how easy are they to get?

Is the 5.7 not a chevy with easy and available parts? Although harder to locate in the first place granted

The Bosch system is considered to be more reliable, some parts on the GEMS system (ie MAF) are much more expensive. Of course there are many GEMS car running around faultlessly there's a large element of luck with any purchase. There are plenty of people around who understand Bosch FI systems should you run into problems.

Thor 4.6s have the added advantage of four wheel TC and four pin front diffs, so this is a marginal advantage off-road and in wintry conditions. Of course the later you go in the P38 builds in general the (slightly) better the car is in terms of general reliability. Apart from the early manual pourper-spec diesels which I suspect are the most reliable P38s by nature of having less to go wrong in the first place!