Time for an honest appraisal.

I do understand your concerns, but if you want to avoid major issues just keep servicing as you do and fix any minor problems before they develop.
Yes it's true a lower mileage and newer vehicle "should" be more reliable, but the added complexity of modern vehicles has some what undermined that statement in my opinion.
Unfortunately the only way to get yourself in a situation that your vehicle is ready to go 24/7, without any issues, is to factor in redundancy; so you need a standby vehicle.
Anything else is just fingers crossed reliability
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Having taken on board what you are saying and having given consideration to values I could be looking at upwards of 6 grand to switch to a newer vehicle which is money I don't have to pay for but could be used elsewhere in the meantime. And being first owner I do know what I have, it's not a case of other people's problems to rectify to a known baseline. The conversation will, I suspect, continue today. Cheers for the advice.

Also I think that the direction of the conversation could well alter later in the year when I have been under Dreadnaught with the pressure washing machine and determined the actual condition of the underneath as opposed to a presumption that the waxoyl has been doing it's job. Then there is also the implications of the Spare Jimny to factor in, could there be a better solution than running 2 Jimny and a cruiser? Lots of thought required.

I bought an MOT failure (rusty) Jimny and I'm slowly stripping it as and when I need parts for mine. I know not everyone wants a scrap car hanging about, but it's certainly an economical option and allows me a quick turnaround if something does break.

There is also another option worthy of consideration, refurbish Dreadnought..... Get a price from Terry aka "Jimny Dr" for a full body off refurb, refresh/rebuild the suspension and drivetrain as far as you desire..... 3-4k gets you a shell which has seen all the bad bits made bombproof and will last another 10 years + before needing any work, all Raptor coated....... That with fresh suspension and brakes, it would feel like a new car, mine did....

Have a ponder, changing cars is going to have an element of cost or loss to the farm. If the refurb is below the cost overall of new, you would probably end up with a better car doing your own build.

You could also consider some mods at the same time, a pick up may be useful and not much more cost..... But certainly some Gucci suspension.....

The question of reliability, for a few hundred pounds you could have a complete engine, gearbox and transfer box on the shelf, ready to fit....  They would likely sit there a long time, but if you need that security it won't cost the earth..... 

In terms of cost verses benefit, the refurb should be a strong contender..... It would also be an opportunity to get a little of what you want, put in to the vehicle you drive.

sniper
 

Full restoration/modification is certainly on my personal radar but it is also subject to finding out what lies beneath the waxoyl.