Vehicle suggestions for an expat?

Moved to Quito recently. I'm not in any rush to purchase a vehicle, but would like to at some point. The thing is the vehicles are much different than what they were back in the states so I don't really know what brands/models are good and what to stay away from.

I'm looking for something that's relatively inexpensive and something I can take off road to go up to the mountains when I would like to. I don't need something as a daily driver.

I see some Chinese models and also eyed the Lada Niva as it seems like a cool little off road vehicle. I know it's not the most reliable but for the price of one it doesn't seem that bad and I am by no means a mechanic but have some moderate experience working on cars myself.

What options should I take a look at over the course of the next year to get an idea of what would be a good pick that also doesn't cost an arm or a leg?