Resourceful Traveler: Best Vehicles When Overlanding on a Budget

It’s no secret that the most important part of an overlanding setup is the vehicle. In fact, in the majority of builds, the amount spent on the vehicle itself will far exceed the parts. We’re all in favor of investing the majority of your funds in that direction, but it certainly doesn’t mean you need to go out and get yourself a G-Wagen or Defender.

America is several decades deep into its SUV and truck obsession. And while other countries continue to disapprovingly side-eye us because of it, we have a deep back-catalog of great overlanding canvases available.

Older trucks and SUVs are in vogue – especially in the overlanding space. There’s just something about putting pricey modern accessories on a several-decade-old vehicle that seems wrong… but still feels oh so right. But as much as we like to see new life breathed into these older vehicles, at the end of the day, they are used vehicles. That means a few things need to be considered when stacking them up against a new ride.

PROS OF BUYING USED

• Initial cost is generally lower.
• Unless it’s something rare or exotic, used vehicles often have more robust repair and parts availability. This includes a wider breadth of mechanics and shops who can diagnose and fix problems – usually for a better price.
• New vehicles often have complex electrical and computer-controlled systems that can be more difficult to repair. Older vehicles rely on more simple mechanical manufacturing. This means, up to a certain point, repairs are much easier to complete yourself.
• There’s no need to worry about voiding any warranties with heavy modification/off-road use.
• Used vehicles generally have a larger community of owners who have probably encountered any problems and answered any question you’re likely to have simply because of the longer time period it’s been available.
• Salvage yard parts are now an option.

CONS OF BUYING USED

• While it’s year/model-dependent, on paper, a new vehicle will at least start its life as more reliable.
• In addition, an older vehicle will need more initial maintenance and upgrades to make it not only dependable but also capable for overlanding and off-road use.
• While maintenance parts may be plentiful, aftermarket support and mounting solutions will be harder to come by when compared to a popular new vehicle.
• An older vehicle will not have the standard safety, technology, and ride comfort niceties that a brand-new car will offer.
• A comparable new vehicle – especially with upgraded trims – will often come with features making it much more capable.
• Warranties are limited, if existing at all.
• It’s a tired phrase, but you’re buying someone else’s problems.

That being said, here are a few often overlooked budget-friendly vehicles we think are great choices for an overlanding rig.

Subaru Outback

Subarus are often thought of as the quintessential outdoor vehicle. However, most people look elsewhere when aggressive overlanding and off-roading are on the menu. We’re here to tell you the Outback can do much more than just park on the grass when the parking lot at your kid’s soccer game is full. While modern Outbacks certainly don’t qualify as budget, the first-third generations (1994-2009) are plentiful, reliable, and affordable.

Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive is known for its handling and off-pavement capability. Plus, it is higher off the ground than a typical wagon and, while nothing like a Wrangler’s, its aftermarket support is ever-increasing. Tire sizing also gives the Outback plenty of options when looking for an All-Terrain in the modern marketplace. Late third-gen examples with modest mileage go for well under $10K, and earlier models can ring in for even less.

Mitsubishi Montero

Looking for something a bit quirkier and out-of-the-box, but still sporting proven off-road DNA? The Mitsubishi Montero deserves a look. Its dominance in Dakar in the ‘90s and 2000s is well-documented. Think of it like a Japanese Land Rover of the time – just as capable, but with better reliability.

Unfortunately for Montero lovers, Mitsu stopped availability in America back in 2006. However, it did continue churning these SUVs out to most of the rest of the world until just last year. Like with any niche vehicle, replacement and aftermarket parts are a bit scarce here in the U.S., but if you’re willing to do some importing, you can find just about anything you need overseas.

While getting rarer here in the states, late U.S. models can be found under $8K all day. If you don’t mind higher mileage, early/mid-2000s examples are available for under $4K.

Nissan Xterra

When compared to its contemporaries at the time – the Wrangler and FJ Cruiser – the Xterra is an often forgotten and maligned gem. It didn’t help that perhaps its most famous pop-culture reference was the one that Andy Bernard owned…then sold to Dwight.

But the Xterra is a body-on-frame platform that had a solid 15-year run ending in 2015. And while that means its availability will only go down, Nissan sold a ton of these during the early 2000s, so decent examples are still out in the wild.

We recommend looking for a 4WD model. It’s also worth noting that the vehicle was available with a standard transmission — which should please those wanting a third pedal. Sure, gas mileage isn’t great, and aftermarket support is limited. But the Xterra is a great vehicle to start an overlanding build with.

A few years ago, we might have recommended the capable Pro4X model, but the wonky car market of the 2020s has them often going for $20K+. However, lower-trim, second-gen Xterra S are available for under $10K with a little shopping – leaving you plenty of cash for a dive into the aftermarket.

Toyota… Anything

As a Toyota fan, I do also have to give some love to a few popular legends in the category. The 4Runner may just be the most popular platform in the entire class – especially the third through the current fifth generations. The Toyota Tacoma is equally popular, and the legendary Land Cruiser is a behemoth of an SUV that has a substantial cult following.

While their reliability and bulletproof nature need little introduction, their popularity and dependability have made prices skyrocket in recent years to the point where it’s hard to recommend these models to aspiring overlanders looking for a high value proposition. They’re great, and if you can find one in good condition at a fair price, go for it. But there are other vehicles out there with lower average prices that deserve some respect.

You Do You

As we said before, we could write article after article on great budget overlanding models to consider. (And we’ve written a few…) But just know that while your Instagram Explore feed may be beaten to death with the same few vehicles, there is so much more than Wranglers and Tacomas to consider.

Even beyond the typical SUV/truck/wagon, you can open yourself to other avenues – even vans. But keep in mind that your number-one priority should be to keep your vehicle safe, operational, and capable. While rigs like the increasingly popular school bus build may seem quirky and alluring, it’s probably not going to be all roses trying to keep it on the road. What good will all your aftermarket overlanding accessories be if they’re on/in a vehicle that’s constantly in the shop?

By thinking practically and doing your homework, you’ll be able to buy and build an overlanding rig to fit your budget. Besides, whether your vehicle costs $10K or $100K, it’s the adventure and excitement along the way that holds the real value.

Meet Westin

Once you choose a vehicle, and it’s time to make it your own, no brand comes close to providing the best balance of variety, durability, and affordability than Westin. The company’s legendarily-constructed bull bars, grille guards, and bumpers stylishly protect the front end of your vehicle with easy installation, perfect fit, and seamless integration with all your other aftermarket accessories. Westin bars, steps, and boards add increased access to your vehicle while looking the part and protecting crucial body panels. Plus, with a complete line of lighting, cargo management, liners, and SuperWinch recovery products, Westin has everything you need to keep your vehicle functional on and off the road.

Whether you’re driving the newest Bronco or Wrangler or a vintage piece of off-road history, like the aforementioned Xterra or Montero, Westin has applications to keep it performing its best. No matter the make, model, or purpose, Westin products fit the needs of an active outdoor lifestyle.