My Landrover is a V8 4.0. Big powerfull engine and never let me down (since June 2004). I have done 80.000 km without any problem....
Therefore, when looking for a 4x4 for the desert take the following into consideration:
get a JEEP : Just Empty Every Pocket!!!! (great cars but need lots of money spent on modifications to make them into off roaders) after a few thousand Euros spent they can almost go off road without a Land Rover nearby to pull them out.
get a Toyota: (commonly know as Toymotor) ultra reliable good resale value need to be accompanied by a big land rover to pull it out when it gets stuck.
get a H3: loads of chrome accessories available so you look good when stuck and waiting for a land Rover to come and pull you out
get a Land Rover: needs no modification as it was built as an off road vehicle from the start (parts expensive) but everything good in life costs a little extra (can recover anything even itself sometimes)
so there is you choice...
Jo