Buy a Defender/Discovery. Thousands to choose from on the UK market, a choice of part suppliers, multitudes of specialist mechanics and durable resale values when you want to move on.
For carrying canoes get a low profile roofrack, it is a bit of a reach up there! I am a defender man, but a pre '99 Discovery might be the thinking mans option. Same resources as above, cheap as chips, and low running costs.
Best of luck with your search. There is a lot of rubbish out there, whatever the make. be sure and have a good long look around before you buy. Best of luck.