In the US, Toyota has the best reliability and resale value of all. They skimp on "features" because they don't want complex gadgets that will go bad quickly. They aren't the best in fuel economy. Worldwide, however, they oversee their manufacturing quality co trol regardless of the country of manufacture. I bought a Ford Ranger here in Thailand but I've only had it for 2 years so I can't say much about the long-term concerns. From my US experience though, I'd say to go with the Toyota

There are a lot of tutorials on Youtube with professionals explaining the new laws and they will point out where there is still ambiguity. Bottom line is if you exceed 180 days in-country you are a tax resident. Depending on your country of origin, there may or may not be a double tax agreement in place so you would not pay tax twice but may incur tax on any excess rate in Thailand over the rate you paid at home. Some incomes are exempted entirely (e.g. Social Security retirement from USA). Best see some tutorials and then, if necessary see a tax pro in Thailand.

My first trip, I had an IDP from the US along with my US driver's license and passed through MANY checkpoints going on a road trip from Chiang Rai to Umphang and was never asked for anything other than my passport. That was a tourist visa trip. Now on an non-immigrant "O" visa and recently got my Thai license. I don't recall any point where the issuance depended on the type of visa. I don't think they really care. In any event, I did the online video training and got my QR code showing completion and got through the process no problem.

Lots more than that. They won't recognize the marriage if the documents aren't translated and certified, along with a myriad of different requirements. The non-O based on marriage should be requested from the spouses country of origin. The Thai embassy and consulates can provide the list of requirements. It involves a minimum of money in a Thai bank and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Depends on the exchange rate and the value of the currency in the country concerned, so..............., yes there will be a difference.

Next year, I'm going to download the form, print it, fill it out, sign it, scan it, and email it home for family to mail it in. This last one, I got at my Thailand address (no doubt took 3 weeks to get to me) and mailed it to SSA (no doubt took another 3 weeks) and so far my SS deposit to Bangkok Bank hasn't stopped yet. I've hear horror stories though of people who SSA just stops sending payment and they had to contact SSA via Philippines or whatever to get it cleared up. Seems insane to me they can't manage an online process. Maybe the 86,000 new IRS employees to torment taxpayers would have been better used going to SSA.

Many BS answers. Any immigration office can process non-immigrant O visa. You are theoretically supposed to apply for it from outside of Thailand from either your country of residence or one of the adjacent countries to Thailand, but not necessarily, with some incentive provided by you. In any event, either search for the requirements on the web or go to the immigration office or Thai embassy of your choice/convenience and ask them for the checklist of requirements. I am on a non-immigrant O visa (based on marriage to a Thai wife) and did the whole thing at the immigration office in the Central shopping center in Chiang Rai.

I go to our local PEA and pay using QR Quickpay from my Bangkok Bank account

If all else fails, go to the Immigration Office and see if they can recommend something.

I've never heard of a permanent visa. I'm married to a Thai woman and stay here on a non-immigrant 'O' visa which is initially for 90 days but can be extended annually. It has some financial requirements and a lot of paperwork to get it but not insurmountable if you can meet the basic requirements.