Prices in Africa usually reflect high duties and transport costs, not excessive profit from sellers. Here in Uganda, for example, once everything is said and done you pay about 70% in duties. Not on the invoice price, mind you, but on the value assigned by Customs from their own tariff, which means that if you buy a car for $3000 and their book says it's worth $7000, you pay taxes on $7,000.
Before to import anything into any African country, check with people who have done that on their own (not Embassy workers...). The hassles involved are much more than what you'd think by just reading regulations, and a newcomer has very slim chances to go through all the reefs unscathed.
A 80, 77, 105 or such in roadworthy conditions goes for $ 6000-7000 minimum before import, anything cheaper is usually dodgy.
To give you an idea, a good 80 or 105 on the road costs $20,000 and up in East Africa - then you have to kit it to your tastes... You can get cheaper, of course, but it involves waiting for the right occasion to pass by, and a thorough knowledge of the cars. Repairs add up pretty quick, if you miss the telltale signs.
The 78 series with 1KZ engine (Prado, MarkII) are significantly cheaper. They do a good job if you reside in town and do the occasional trip upcountry, i.e. typical "resident" use, and for your budget I think that you should seriously look at them (one of your Dubai links is for that type of car, although I think it has the 2L engine). Don't buy any of them past 96, these are town cars and can't hack upcountry trips (in Africa, that is).
Another vehicle that is totally underrated is the Isuzu Trooper or Bighorn. Costs less than half the price of a Cruiser, and build quality is of the same standards. They don't have that "Big Beast" look, but space inside is about the same at shoulder height, and legroom is actually better in the rear. For these, the most reliable engine is the 3.1 Diesel 4JG2, stay clear away from the 3.0 4JX1 (an excellent boat anchor...).