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 $10,000
- Nissan Xterra (2005-2015)
- Toyota Tacoma (1995-2004)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (2005-2010)
- Toyota Tundra (1999-2006)
- Toyota 4Runner (1984-2009)
- Ford F150 (2004-2008)
- Isuzu Trooper (1997-2002)
- Lexus GX470 (2003-2008)
- Toyota Land Cruiser 80s (1990-1997)
- Landrover LR3 (2005-2008)
These cars are roughly all between US$ 5,000 and US$ 10,000 on the secondhand market, however 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. If you are looking for options under US$5,000 then check out this article.
Same car, different price
Many of the cars on the list below can also be found on the list of cars under 5k, I’ve tried to make this list as varied as possible but some of the classics had to come back. The biggest difference will be the year from which you can get the car and subsequently the amount of miles already on the clock. With that said, let’s dive straight into the list.
1. Nissan Xterra
2005-2015
This reasonably sized, low range four wheel drive are great for overlanding and it was marketed as “Everything you need and nothing you don’t”. Sold from from 2002 until 2015 it was popular in the extreme sports community.
With a budget between 5 and 10k you should be able to find a specimen in good condition. Make sure to get a V6 and look for one with the Pro4X package, which has all the toys to make it offroad ready out of the box.
2. Toyota Tacoma
1995-2004
The Toyota Tacoma might be the most popular pickup truck to use as an overland build. The reason being that these trucks are practically impossible to destroy, they just keep running. Besides that, they are very capable of handling difficult terrain.
Whey you look for a model made between 1995 and 2004 you might be able to find a good deal between US$7,000 and US$10,000 depending on the state of the car. The stock suspension isn’t good enough according to most serious off-roaders so keep that in mind if that is your goal. If you are planning to put a lot of weight in the form of a camper on the back that the suspension upgrade is something you will need to consider in your budget.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2005 - 2010
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 and because over 2 million of these trucks were sold in the USA you will always find one that matches your budget.
4. Toyota Tundra 1st Generation
1999-2006
The Toyota Tundra is basically the big brother of the the Tacoma. Where the Tacoma is considered a mid-sized pickup truck (able to carry a maximum load of 1500 lbs/650 kg in the bed) the Tundra is a full-sized pickup truck which can carry over 2000 pounds (1000 kg) .
Built to the same quality standards these trucks are indestructible. With a strong V8 engine this truck will take you anywhere you can imagine to go.
Over half a million of these trucks were sold between 1999 and 2006 so finding one in a good condition should be possible. Expect to pay anything in between US4,000 - US10,000 and above. A low milage can spike the price.
Also called the Toyota Hilux Surf in Japan / Australia
5. Toyota 4Runner
1984-2009
You might be wondering, not another Toyota on the list. Yes, another one of these made it to my list. I’m not a car designer so I don’t make the cars and this one just happens to be another classic and for good reason. In Japan this model was called Toyota (Hilux) Surf under which name it can also be found on the Australian/New Zealand markets.
I’ll just reiterate that the Toyotas on this list are popular due to their reliability and repairability. So that also applies to the 4runner. Instead of a pickup, this is a compact SUV kind of car and the 1st generation (1984-1988) models and 2nd generation (1989-1994) models are becoming collectibles and therefor increasingly hard to find for a decent price. The first generation didn’t sell that well in the USA so for this car a newer model might be more affordable then an older one.
Just before the turn of the century the car got more popular and therefor you should be able to find a 1997-2009 model for anything between US$5,000 and US$10,000.
Also called the Ford Lobo in Mexico
6. Ford F150
2004-2008
The Ford F series has been in production since 1948! That is the longest of all the cars on this list. The build that we recommend for the budget is the 11th generation. This Ford is so popular around the US that you will always find one in a decent condition in your area and repairs will be affordable too.
It is not going to be as reliable as the Toyota’s on this list and with higher milages you should expect more maintenance and repair work, but the Ford is cheaper at the start so it depends how much money you’ve got in your pocket right now.
Outside of the USA this model is also called the Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.
7. Isuzu Trooper
1997-2002
You said budget, the Isuzu Trooper says pick me! With its boxy looks the interior space is roomy to say the least. You can easily sleep inside of this car which is great for a low budget overland build. The looks might not appeal to you but in return you get a stock car with good ground clearance and a decent price. High milages models will go for much less than 5k but a decent condition of these cars should be between the 5 and 10k mark.
Also called the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
8. Lexus GX470
2003-2008
A Lexus is not my first idea when thinking about overland car brands and I never knew that is the luxury branch of Toyota, but now you and I both do. So you basically get the reliability of a Totyota with a posher finish and all of that for less than US10,000 dollars. What is not to like?
Because I know you will like that V8 engine while driving through the mountains. And it also comes with loads of great options useful for overlanding. You might not like the fuel consumption, but it’s not as bad of some of the others on this list.
Also called the Toyota Land Cruiser Autana in Colombia and Venezuela
9. Toyota Land Cruiser 80s
1990-1997
If you’ve ever read anything about overlanding or expeditions a land cruiser is the ultimate machine and I never thought that this model would make it onto a budget list. But here we are, the J80 or the 80s series did.
Expect to pick a model up with quite some miles on the clock but at the same time you will get a very capable offroad vehicle out of the box. Not to mention the cool looks that come with a nineties land cruiser. Expect to pay between US$7,000 and US$10,000 for a good looking model, and if you are lucky you can even find a J100 or 100 series for under 10k.
Officially called the Discovery 3
10. Land Rover LR3
2005-2008
The Land Rover LR3 is the last car on this list and it has got the looks which is a big part of their popularity. Also called the Land Rover Discovery 3 in the rest of the world and affectionately called a disco in the overland community, this car can be found for under 10k.
What you get is a cool car with a powerful V8 engine and some great options to make it a capable offroad vehicle. What is included in the package are expensive repairs, like all land rovers, even for capable home mechanics. I’ve warned you.
Leave a comment down below, which car did you get for which price?
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable overland vehicle?
The number one most reliable overland vehicle is a Toyota 4Runner however any Toyota model will be as good as the 4Runner. You won’t get into trouble with a Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra or Sequoia and they are all great overlanding cars as long as you do your regular maintenance.
What is the most underrated 4x4?
The first generation (2002-2010) Volkswagen Touareg is the most underrated 4x4 because the newer models strayed away from the offroad capabilities, but the first generation came as a 4wd with a difflock and a low-range setting.
How do I choose an overland car?
Answer these questions for yourself to help you choose an overland car:
- Determine your budget for the base and the build
- How many people do you want to fit in your car?
- What kind of offroad trails do you want to do?
- Where do you want to sleep?
- How important is reliability to you?
- How important is fuel economy for you?
To give a small summary: SUV or pickup is mostly a question of the amount of people you want to carry. Most cars can do easy offroad trails but if you want to go extreme then you’ll need a diesel engine a with diff lock and high ground clearance. You could build a camper unit on the back of the truck and sleep inside. Are you a good mechanic? No? Then Toyota’s are the most reliable overland vehicles and the biggest expense of overlanding is petrol, so think if a big truck fits into your budget long term. I could write a whole blog article about this, let me know in the comments if I should.
What is an overland vehicle?
An overlanding vehicle is set up for self reliant adventure travel to remote destinations. Camping in or on the vehicle is part of the goal and the vehicle can carry all the supplies needed to stay off the gird for a longer period of time.
Check out my blog post about overland vehicles here.
What is best overlanding truck?
The best overlanding truck is the Toyota Pickup know as the Toyota Hilux outside of the USA. It is an amazing offroad platform and Toyota makes the most reliable trucks therefor it wins in the overlanding category.
What is the difference between overland and off-road?
The biggest difference between overlanding and offroading is that the reason for leaving the sealed roads is different. For offroading the main purpose is the technical driving skills required to tackle some of the most challenging terrain. For overlanding the main purpose is to travel to remote locations to enjoy nature.
Can you overland in a Subaru Outback?
Yes, the Subaru outback is a perfect car to use for overlanding. It is is a full size all-wheel-drive SUV with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and very popular in the overland community. As long as you don’t plan to take it to extreme offroad trails the Outback is an excellent overland rig.
Extra budget cars under 10k that didn’t make it onto the list
- Ford Excursion 7.3L Diesel (2000-2003)
- Lexus GX470 (2003-2008)
- Land Rover LR3 (2005-2008)
- Subaru Outback (1994-Present)
- Toyota Sequoia 4WD (2001-2007)
- Land Rover Discovery 1 (1989 - 1998)
- Subaru Outback (1994-Present)
- Chevy Silverado (1999-2006)
- Chevrolet Blazer (1998-2005)
- Jeep Cherokee XJ (1997-2015)
- Range Rover Sport (2006-2009)