Thanks Las Vegas,

I sort of figured 4x4s would be at a premium here; for 4 or 5 thousand I think it might be worth shipping my Xterra - but as 10thfloor points out, I guess I'd have to pay it off first in order to get the title - which adds an unexpected complication.

My current expectation is to stay at least 2 years, and although my employer has been generous with my salary the "expat package" is not to be found. In other words - everything is on my own dime.

As with most things it seems there isn't an obvious advantage to either scenario. Thanks to all for their input though!