Hi John,
Whereabouts in the Sierra Nevada do you live? We are in Ugijar. I cannot comment on the newer models but can perhaps offer some information about modifying vehicles in Spain.
Spain is not like the States in that every modification will require an engineer's report and all the parts used will need to have EU certification (or be OEM for that model) and a plate with that number shown. It can be a very long and expensive process.
An example would be that if you wanted to put bigger wheels and tyres on then you would need approval, an engineer's report and the vehicle's fishe technica amended, probably in the order of another 300-400 euros. Winch, forget it unless you live on a cortijo. Snorkel? Another 3-400 euros for the paperwork....
But there are 4x4 dealers who can undertake the modifications plus paperwork... one in Albunol and another in Aguilas and undoubtedly there are more around.
But there are ways... a modified vehicle from another European country that has approval paperwork can be registered, it still costs but is possible and is certainly a cheaper way to go.
Obviously this all sounds a bit negative but there are ways round every problem. I am going to Aguilas this weekend so will try to have a conversation with the 4x4 shop there.
With reference to the new Defender - your wife sounds like a very sensible lady!!!! Apparently it has 85 ECUs fitted and if one goes down and you are stuck on some track half way up a mountain, the recovery truck is not going to come for you.
Get a couple of the Spanish 4x4 magazines and they may contain suitable vehicles in the classifieds - I think there is one dedicated to Toyota although I haven't seen it for a while...
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Rodger