Overlanding is expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. I traveled the world on my motorcycle but now that we are a family we are transitioning to a 4 wheeled vehicle. I’ve scoured the internet to find you and me the best deal. Here are the results.
The 10 Best Overland Vehicles for Less Than $5000
- Subaru Forester/Outback (2000 - and up)
- Isuzu Trooper (1995 - 1997)
- Nissan R50 pathfinder (1996 - 2004)
- Nissan Xterra (2000 & 2001)
- Ford Ranger XLT (1998-2011)
- Mitsubishi Montero (1991 - 2006)
- Suzuki Samurai (1990 - 1995)
- Toyota Pickup (1984-1994)
- Jeep Cherokee XJ (1983-2001)
- Jeep Cherokee ZJ (1993 - 1998)
Offcourse, the price heavily depends on your area, the condition the car is in and what the market is doing. Currently overlanding is becoming more popular driving the prices of once affordable cars up, sometimes through the roof.
No Jeeps, cruisers and rovers on this list
Out with the obvious, I’m sure you’ve already checked craigslist or auto trader for second hand overland classics like a Landrover or a Toyota Landcruiser and found that they are out of your budget. That is not because they are the only capable overland vehicles out there, but they are popular because they were some of the best published adventure cars exploring rural Africa in the previous century. That is why I’ve made a list of ten land cruiser alternatives for your overlanding dreams.
1. Subaru Forester/Outback
2000- and up (the newest one you can afford)
If you are on a budget, you can probably only afford 1 car, so it has to be one that is both capable of offroading but also one that you can take on a daily commute. That is what makes the Subaru Outback such a great option.
With its stock ground clearance higher then average and a symmetrical all wheel drive, you just need a good set of All Terrain tires and you are ready to explore. Once you’ve taken the car on a few trips you will have a good feeling of which upgrades work for you and you’ll find a big market of upgrades.
2. Isuzu Trooper 1st and 2nd generation
1995 - 1997
You almost can’t go wrong with a Japanese designed vehicle, because generally they are the most reliable cars out there. Some would call the Isuzu boring, but I’m here to tell you that they are functional and that is all you need when you are on a budget.
You might not even heard about the brand, because most of them are sold in Asia, but they are in for sale in America. And they are cheap. These 1st and 2nd generation models usually go for between $1000 - $7000.
Lastly, the Isuzu Trooper might not look like it, but its interior space is incredible. You’ll easily be able to take all the camping gear you need.
3. Nissan R50 pathfinder
1996 - 2004
This vehicle model hasn’t been discovered by the overlanding community yet and we don’t know why but it is a very capable offroad car out of the box. A big brother to the Nissan Xterra which has been heavily promoted as an adventure machine, the R50 Pathfinder hasn’t so that is probably is.
This model has a unibody design which makes them lighter and gives it a lower centre of gravity which are great for overlanding. Compared with the Xterra the R50 pathfinder has much better suspension which you will notice both on and offroad.
4. Nissan Xterra
2000 & 2001
Yes, another Japanese make on the list and it won’t be the last. This reasonably sized, low range four wheel drive are good for overlanding and the first generation are generally priced under 5k.
Just get the V6 version, because the V4 is just not powerful enough for offroading.
Double or even triple check the state of the car before buying, because the car was marketed towards the extreme sports community many of them have been mistreated and will have the scars to show for it. If you can find one that has been driven by a nice old lady, then go for it!
5. Ford Ranger XLT
1998 - 2011
For some a truck is not an ideal overlanding platform, for others it is. If it is, the Ford XLT might be your jam. It was widely distributed throughout North and South America so there are a lot of these trucks available on the second hand market as well as parts are easy to find at home and traveling.
It won’t be the most fuel efficient car out there, but most overlanders aren’t. The newer models might not be under 5k, so find one that fits within your budget.
6. 2nd and 3rd generation Mitsubishi Montero / Pajero / Shogun
1991 - 2006
*11 times dakar winner These cars are race quality offroad machines. In the 90s and early 2000s the Mitsubishi Montero won the Dakar Rally 12 times. They are a bit harder to find, especially with a lower milage.
The Montero is also known as the Pajero or Shogun in other markets and parts are reasonably well available worldwide. These cars do need their regular TLC from yourself or a local mechanic to stay in running shape.
Suzuki Samurai, also called the Jimny in the rest of the world
7. Suzuki Samurai
1990 - 1995
It might not look anything like the truck parked on your neighbours driveway. As long as you don’t care what the neighbours might think this might be a great option for a budget overlanding vehicle.
This car is built to be taken offroad and many of them have done so already. Only 200,000 were sold in the US so they are a bit hard to find. There are some common issues but all of them can be repeated for cheap.
They stopped producing the Samurai for the American market in 1995 but the model continued as the Jimny in the rest of the world. Fun fact, the Jimny has been named one of the most reliable SUVs on the market .
Suzuki remains on of the most reliable brands out there, so even though the car you find will have some miles on the clock, with regular maintenance it will easily support your overlanding dreams.
Toyota HiLux, but they called it Pickup in the USA
8. Toyota Pickup
1984 - 1994
This pickup truck is ideal for overlanding. It is one of the most widely distributed, reliable and offroad able cars out on the market. I’ve seen a million of these cars on our trip through Africa so they can handle all kinds of terrain.
The pickup truck was sold with the name HiLux in most markets, but in North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck. In 1984, the Toyota Trekker, the camper version of the Hilux, was renamed the 4Runner in Venezuela, Australia and North America, and the Hilux Surf in Japan. In 1994 Toyota discontinued the Hilux in the United States, replacing it with the new Tacoma for the 1995 model year.
With a little bit of patience and luck you can find one under the $5000 mark, but it will come with some milage on the clock. The low milage ones are becoming increasingly collectibles so expect them to be out of your budget.
9. Jeep Cherokee XJ
1987 - 2001
Yes, I did just slide a Jeep into this list even though I said I wouldn’t, but more then 2.1 million cars of this make and model were sold in the USA alone therefor being widely available on the second hand market. And that is good for your wallet.
With a low-range 4WD drive capability and a sturdy V6 this Jeep will happily take you over the trails. The newer you go, the more power the engine produced.
When purchasing one of these, check them for rust because once that unibody starts rusting, it is going to be hard to fix.
10. Jeep Cherokee ZJ
1993 - 1998
The older brother of the XJ is the ZJ and it is a more refined SUV which is visible in the interior. But it is not as well known as the XJ so if you are having a hard time finding a XJ within your budget, try and search for the ZJ.
Leave a comment down below, which car did you get for which price?
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best off-road vehicle for the price?
There is no definitive answer to such a relative question. What does the best mean to you? Popular off-road vehicles are the Totyota Landcruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Landrover Discovery and the Toyota 4Runner, but there are many other brands that are capable of offroading.
What car is comparable to Toyota Land Cruiser?
If you want to compare the Land Cruiser with another Toyota then the 4Runner very similar with the same offroad capabilities. Another comparable car is the Mitsubishi Montero, 11 times Dakar Rally winner, it is a race grade off-roader ready to tackle the trails.
What is the best 4x4 of all time?
Mitshubishi has the most wins in the Dakar Rally in its history of which it won 11 competitions with the Montero model. Also known at the Pajero or Shogun. You might call it the best 4x4 of all time.
Why is Land Cruiser so expensive?
Because most models sold in the USA are top of the line, there are more farm oriented models sold elsewhere in the world. The cars are extremely reliable and great offroad. That is why the UN still uses the Land Cruiser as their go to car increasing their image and popularity as the ultimate off-roader.
What competes with Toyota Land Cruiser?
The Toyota Land Cruiser has plenty of competition such as the Landrover Discovery, the Toyota 4Runner or the Mitsubishi Montero.
Why are defenders so expensive?
Because they look cool and people are willing to pay for it. Otherwise the cars are loud, slow and unreliable but they are special and so are the people who drive them. If you are looking for an alternative, take a look at a Jeep Wrangler.
What is the best 4x4 for the money?
The Subaru Forester/Outback is the best 4x4 for the money, because it is both capable on and offroad saving you the hassle of owning two cars. It’s ready a reliable car that won’t let you down while exploring the backcountry trails.
What’s the best 4x4 to buy second hand?
Any 4x4 can be purchased second hand and they will all have their own known issues. Cars in better condition or that are considered more reliable will be more expensive. Reliable models are the Toyota Landcruiser, Toyota 4Runner or a Jeep.
What is a good cheap 4x4?
The Isuzu Trooper is a capable 4x4 which are available for cheap. The Japanese car is reliable and its interior space is large enough for camping gear. Because it is smaller in size, it does very well on the trails and is more fuel efficient than the larger models.
Hearder photo by Aleksey Kuprikov