SM ASIF:
I have owned an Escudo before moving to Pakistan for about 3 years including the type that you are looking at importing.
In terms of off-roading, the Escudo will not get you far because it has slow response shocks and the ground clearance is mediocre at best.
However, if you will be driving it predominantly on the road, I would definately recommend it highly, especially at under 19 lacks its a steal, just close your eyes and send your cheque.
The 2.7 is more than sufficient on our roads and the cabin is well designed and comfortable on long drives. I once drove my Escudo from London to Manchester and back on the same day and it was great.
Theres plenty of space in there too for 5 people to be seated very comfy and plenty of space for a dog in the boot.
In terms of practicality, the tail gate pretty decent, u'll easily get a large arm chair in there, however the seats do not fold completely flat.
I would recommend you change your tyres on delivery to a wider track, makes it safer in emergency maneuvers.
The handling is very car like, shocks and springs and if you dont already drive an SUV, once you get used to the better visibility and height you'll never want to drive a regular car again.
Again if you wont do much offroading, go for the auto, very comfortable, smooth gear changes and a good gear ratio (2.5-3 under normal driving) will give u decent enough economy.
The cabin really has ALOT of cubby holes to loose all your pens and CDs in, and the handling is also pretty good on the road.
Comparing it to local alternatives in that price range:
Adam Zabardast, shit, no resale.
Rav 4, pretty good.
Kia sportage, previous model is shit and really bad resale.
Suzuki Grand Vitara, pretty good but last I checked it was around 24 large, a lot of initial depreciation.
Defender, around 23 for the 90 (aka Landrover Mehran) but not even close to as refined and comfy as the Escudo.
You can get a used surf 2.7 petrol for around 23 but its underpowered and one never knows whoose comode these imports might have lived in unless you really know your cars.
So all in all, for that price, I would not think twice before buying it.
