Whilst 80's are ideal in almost every way, the Colorado should be just fine.
I say almost, the only problem with them now is the price.
Shameless plug, but check our site, my wife and I are going from London to SA ... in a Colorado.... through the west coast!
We leave this Tuesday .
We have similar intentions - no heavy bundubashing, or far off-piste travels. But we will want to get to some remote places too. Timbuktu etc. Didnt do too much to the vehicle. Roof tent (after much deliberation), OME suspension, split charge with a fridge in the back. tinted the windows. thats the major things done.
If you go for the Colorado, try go for one with the D4D engine. better economy and the engine isnt prone to its head cracking... like mine did

the KZTE.
No biggie though, if you get one, just change the radiator. about £100. good preventative measure.
In 3 or 4 months we'll report back and say if the idea was a good one or not