Along with the popularity of off-roading, overlanding and camping, the prices of fun, off-road SUVs, both new and old, continue to climb. But a cool and capable SUV with real four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case and other off-road ready hardware doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
These five rugged SUVs offer boundless possibilities for a DIYer looking for a 4x4 project that won’t break the bank. They’re all available for less than 10 grand, they’re all easy to upgrade thanks to strong aftermarket support and all five have active online communities to help with common issues and solutions.
5) 2000-2015 Nissan Xterra
Big mileage Xterras are around for less than $5,000 and they offer solid fundamentals. They share much of their hardware with Nissan’s Frontier pickup, including tough body-on-frame construction, double wishbone front suspension and leaf-sprung rear axle.
Early Xterras were available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission or the more desirable 3.3-liter V6 engine, both with a manual or automatic. A limited-slip rear differential was optional. Several skid plates were standard. By the end of the second generation, which was launched in 2005, every Xterra had Nissan’s big 4.0-liter V6 with 261 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque backed by a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Second-gen Pro 4X trims came with Bilstein dampers, an electronic locking rear differential and a tougher M226 Dana 44 rear axle, which was also standard on all manual transmission equipped models.
4) 1994-2004 Land Rover Discovery
If you have any doubt about the Land Rover Discovery’s off-road chops Google “Camel Trophy 1993-2000”. When it comes to off-road hardware, the Disco’s merits are many – two solid axles located by radius arms, a two-speed transfer case and, depending on the year, a locking center differential and brake-based traction control. They also accept suspension lifts and bigger tires safely.
The elephant in the room is of course this SUV’s reputation of unreliability. It’s well earned. But parts are reasonably priced and at this point all of the Disco’s warts are known along with solutions for the DIYer.
Head gasket failures are common, especially in 1999 and later models with the 4.6-liter V8. A new set of head gaskets is less than $200. Other expected issues include a variety of problems that will illuminate ABS, traction control and hill descent control lights, lovingly known as the Three Amigos in the Rover community. Fluid leaks from the axles, steering gearbox,
transmission and transfer case are part of its British charm.
3) 1987-2001 Jeep Cherokee
As Jeeps go, the XJ Cherokee is as budget friendly as they come. Available with either two- and four-doors, this American utility box was built by the millions, and they’re enjoying a resurgence of popularity so prices are climbing.
First introduced in 1984, the XJ came with different engines over the years. Don't bother with any of them except the torquey 4.0-liter inline six, which hit in 1987. Check for a cracked exhaust manifold, otherwise they're iconic for their durability. The six is paired with a four-speed auto or five-speed manual transmission. Two solid axles underpin all 4x4 Cherokees, the front sprung with coil springs and the rear with leafs. Axle swaps are a common upgrade, but some XJs from 1987-1991 have a stout Dana 44 rear with 30-spline axles, which is a meaningful upgrade.
And beware of rust. These unibody off-roaders are particularly susceptible.
2) 1996-2009 Toyota 4Runner
When it comes to Toyota 4Runners, the third and fourth-generation are the sweet spot for cost and capability. Both came with a coil-sprung rear axles and a double wishbone front suspension hung from a tough ladder-style frame. Both also offered locking or limited-slip center differentials and a locking rear diff.
Four, six and eight-cylinder engines were available depending on the year and trim. Third-gens offered a 2.7-liter four cylinder and 3.4-liter V6. A 4.7-liter V8 arrived in fourth-generation 4Runners in 2003 while a 4.0-liter V6 became the base engine. Third-generation 4Runners offered a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with either engine while fourth gens were all autos. The V6s are widely considered the most desirable engines in both generations for their balance of durability and ubiquity.
Only death, taxes and the rotation of the earth are said to be more reliable than an old 4Runner. With basic maintenance, 300,000 miles is common. So are frame rust and sagging rear springs, so keep an out for those issues.
1) 1986-2017 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is the king of off roaders so it's unsurprising to see it at the top of our list. It has always been a body-on-frame SUV with front and rear live-axles and removable roof and doors, giving it timeless desirability. Finding a good Wrangler on this budget isn’t easy, but it's possible with some patience.
There are three generations of Wranglers that are likely to fall into this price range and any of them will be wildly capable. The square-headlight YJ started in 1986, the JL, which introduced coil spring suspension in 1997 and the first Rubicon trim, which hit in 2003 with locking differentials front and rear, and a lower final drive. The JK sold from 2007-2018 was available in the traditional two-door configuration or a new four-door version, called the Unlimited, which quickly became extremely popular. The desirable 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 was introduced in 2012.
Still have questions? Speak to one of our Tinker Experts today!
