I have a 99 Ford Expedition that I use for off-roading and camping. I was able to put 33 inch tires on with no modification. Put it in low gear and it crawls up and down hills. Paid $3000 for it a couple years ago.
It’s wild how expensive used vehicles are right now. The majority of these vehicles on this list should be on the under $10k list. You could find used great condition with under 150k miles Jeep Wrangler JKUs, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2s, and 4th Gen 4Runners for under $20k all day long a year or two ago.
My used 97 Isuzu trooper V6 base model 5 spd manual was a beast offroad, low gears, low range 4x4, limited slip diff. Put BFG all terrain tires on it. Pulled a lightweight 21' camper. Had it for a few years and sold it in 2010. Loved it!
Buddy of mine recently bought an Xterra, fully titan swaped axles with decent miles on it for only $6k canadian. Kicks the asses of most of my other friends Gen3 tacomas and keeps up with my upgraded tacoma offroad.
Surprised you guys didn’t mention Diesel Toyz in Texas. Andrey did a video on them swapping in a D2D Toyota engine into either an SR or SR5 DCSB 3rd Gen Tacoma
Love your videos... 1. Regarding the Suzuki Samurai, I owned 3 Suzuki's ( Swift 94, 2008 motorcycle and boat engine). I love Suzukis because Suzuki engines don't know how to die. The Swift was my college car. Other than the lack of A/C and cheap stereo, I loved that 3 cylinder. Absolute reliability. I believe the cargo capacity was like 600 lbs. I was over 250lbs and many times I squeeze 6 people indie the car. Had like 8 accidents (young and stupid) and never had mechanical problems. The only problem was that the frame wasn't fixed properly and never could align the tires properly. Therefore, I had to change the tires every year. But back then, the tires cost was $25 each. Even when I was poor like a mother, I could afford $100-$150 a year in tires. The rest was only regular preventive maintenance. Regarding the boat and motorcycle, I not only abused them but never winterized them and both of them were parked in the open for years.. Never had a single problem. 2. Regarding the pickup trucks and offroading, what about a Dodge Dakota? I had this as a company car like 12 years ago and I loved it. I know Dodge no longer make them but the V8 in that little thing was ...lost of words. 3. Have you ever considered doing videos about a "normal" vehicle and compare it with the luxury counter part? It worthy paying a $20K-$30K extra for Toyora SUV vs a Lexus SUV? Other than luxury and finer finishes, is there an upgrade in the specs like engine and transmission that will provide better towing or offroad capabilities? Please think about it. 4. The Isuzu Trooper was not Tippy. I know you will avoid controversy to protect the company but it was demonstrated that the Consumer Reports magazine editor was biased and tailored the tests against the Trooper to make it look bad. If I remember correctly, CR repeated the test many, many times modifying until they achieved their objective.
I loved my Isuzus. Had 89, 93 troopers and a 00 Vehicross. Super reliable. Parts are impossible to get now though. The 3.2 is rock solid. The holy grail is the 2 door trooper with manual transmission. The 3.5L in later troopers had oil starvation issues... easy to deal with but HAVE to maintain them.
I had a 1997 Tahoe Sport without the Z71. I loved it, I could fit my full sized futon mattress with the rear seat folded. I Overlanded in it before that was a thing.
I've got a 2011 Lexus GX460 and it does well offroad. Mine is stock except for a set of 285/70R17's. The biggest issue with it is the low hanging body parts, otherwise its just a 4Runner with more power and a better 4x4 system. The chassis also sits kinda low stock, I don't think it quite sits as high as a 4Runner TRD. My skid plates have taken a few hits. BTW, I bought mine in early 2020 with 72k miles for $20500. The prices have absolutely skyrocketed. The reason I bought the GX is because 1. Its body on frame with solid axle. 2. V8. 3. Can tow 6500 lbs(I tow a 5500 lb travel trailer with it sometimes). 4. 7 seats. 5. It's mid-sized. There are not many other(maybe none) that can check all of those boxes. I did consider the LR3/4 but after perusing several forums it seemed very hit or miss. It was either people had good luck, or REALLY bad luck. I've already been there with my Jeep Liberty CRD and don't want another vehicle that needs my constant attention or makes me feel uneasy when I am in Southern Utah in the middle of the desert with no cell coverage.
At the end of February of 2021, I got a 4th Gen., 2008, 4Runner, "Urban Runner" 4X4 with 150K miles, for $12,500. After a full year of ownership, so far I've got to say that I have loved every moment of it! Like everyone else, I did not get it for the gas mileage. Even before I swapped out the 13 year old, XREAS suspension, it had proven to be a more capable vehicle than I have ever expected. After just replacing the stock suspension for aftermarket, which raised and leveled it. The vehicle now completely amazes me.
Chevy Express 2500 can tow up to about 10,000 lb and I would take a 4x4 Express or Astro and go up against just about anyone with the right modifications
Tommy, you did a great job describing the 80 series. Additionally one might add that they (both engines) are very thirsty, adding insult to the lack of power. Incredible off-road though and a solid truck.
3rd gen HD Ram shared the same wheelbase as the 1500, which is pretty short by today's standard. Approach angle and sightline are also far superior than the new truck. As far as the interior goes my 08 Laramie has padded door sills and the leather seats are so comfortable.
Tommy, that first GMC was my first car. It was the ‘93 Chevy Blazer. It was gorgeous and awesome. It came out with that design on the Blazer in 1992, which was purchased in ‘92 as a ‘93 model. I regret getting rid of it. Often we don’t know what we have. Mine had the rear lifting window instead of the barn doors. I believe GM abandoned the two-door version and went to the 4-door only model in 1996. Family was looking at a 1999 LR Discovery and the salesman who we had known for years told us not to because it leaked and whatnot. I’m always curious about the LR product line but have never dared go there yet.
The Mercedes ML320, 350 from 2000 to 2004 are the best for on/off road, really more reliable than any of the vehicles mention, I own one. I have driven the ML for thousands of miles cross country and done unbelievable off road ing never fails me, price under 8k
@@btl4220 So far so good on my experience, it's still running strong after all the abuse my ML has taken, overlanding for thousands of miles in mountains, Hurricane Creek in NC, off road parks: Hard Rock of road park twice, Patriots of road park in NC. No damage and driving strog. I had Toyotas and Lexus before and the rugged construction of the W163 ML's is hard to beat
Sorry, you lost it when you said a VehiCROSS can keep up with "pretty much any Wrangler out there" off road. With IFS and no lockers, how can you justify that statement? Also, starting in '03 Quigley 4x4 Express conversions used IFS from GM HD pickups. The '08 you mentioned as "having as solid front axle" is almost certainly IFS.
I agree with Tommy 100% about the LR3. I have an 06 with 167k. The 4.4 v8 sings and hasn't needed $6k worth of repairs like the "reliable" land cruiser you spoke of. I paid $6k for the whole vehicle with center and rear lockers. I love it!
How about the Suzuki Sidekick and its chevvy Geo twin? I have seen a few of them around here and there owners love them. I have a Toyota technician friend with one of them that he changed the engine for a Toyota 2.4 pickup 4 cylinder and it goes really well.
I had a Geo Tracker, I had read it had a over built drive train. Never had a problem. Fun to drive. Thoughts? May be under powered. What about the Suzuki Vitara, a friend tried to get me to buy one.
You mention a 1st and 2nd Gen Montero. So, because you bought a lemon (happens with most manufacturers or crap care from a prior owner) you black ball it all Monteros? My 1995 SR is like a Billy goat and goes over most anything. Also. My 3rd Gen is as solid as it gets. My buddies and I (all gen 3s) just got back from doing the Georgia Adventure Trail, part of the Georgia Traverse, and a section of the North Carolina adventure trail (850 miles of trails and 1596 total miles there and back with ZERO issues and in comfort.
@@NathanDAdlen ok. Just wanted to make sure. The montero community was very excited that you got one and was waiting to see you do some off-roading in it. Unfortunately the prior owner sold you a lemon. If you reach out to the Montero clubs/pages I'd bet you would find plenty of members willing to help get this thing sorted. They are not that overly complicated. We also know when to get parts needed ect. Feel free to message me.
Manual xterras are NOT solid! On the forums theyre known as the 6k mile clutch. Fine if you replace with an aftermarket, but the stock clutch is trash! Speaking from experience. They put a 350z clutch assembly inside on the second generation because its the only clutch assembly they had that fit. And obviously a sports cars clutch doesn't do well on a giant suv.
I am sad that Nathan's Montero was a dud. I've owned the exact same model for four years and have loved it. My kids won't even let me talk about selling it. The traction control system wipes the floor with Toyota A-trac.
Not one wrangler on here lmao 🤣 now I'm not sure I can ever trust this channel for any information. And I am not even a wrangler fan personally but it belongs in this list. Also the grand Cherokee definitely deserves a spot being the best selling SUV and has multiple options for off-road.
I have a 99 Ford Expedition that I use for off-roading and camping. I was able to put 33 inch tires on with no modification. Put it in low gear and it crawls up and down hills. Paid $3000 for it a couple years ago.
I 100% agree with Nathan about the Lexus GX460 👍
how can Tommy love the 4Runner and disrespect the GX460 ???
yep, it’s like a 4Runner but not underpowered and nicer inside
It’s wild how expensive used vehicles are right now. The majority of these vehicles on this list should be on the under $10k list. You could find used great condition with under 150k miles Jeep Wrangler JKUs, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2s, and 4th Gen 4Runners for under $20k all day long a year or two ago.
I've had a 2010 Xterra for 187k miles...did the radiator bypass years ago and this thing just works. And looks great!!
My used 97 Isuzu trooper V6 base model 5 spd manual was a beast offroad, low gears, low range 4x4, limited slip diff. Put BFG all terrain tires on it. Pulled a lightweight 21' camper. Had it for a few years and sold it in 2010. Loved it!
Buddy of mine recently bought an Xterra, fully titan swaped axles with decent miles on it for only $6k canadian. Kicks the asses of most of my other friends Gen3 tacomas and keeps up with my upgraded tacoma offroad.
Surprised you guys didn’t mention Diesel Toyz in Texas. Andrey did a video on them swapping in a D2D Toyota engine into either an SR or SR5 DCSB 3rd Gen Tacoma
Love your videos...
1. Regarding the Suzuki Samurai, I owned 3 Suzuki's ( Swift 94, 2008 motorcycle and boat engine). I love Suzukis because Suzuki engines don't know how to die.
The Swift was my college car. Other than the lack of A/C and cheap stereo, I loved that 3 cylinder. Absolute reliability. I believe the cargo capacity was like 600 lbs. I was over 250lbs and many times I squeeze 6 people indie the car. Had like 8 accidents (young and stupid) and never had mechanical problems. The only problem was that the frame wasn't fixed properly and never could align the tires properly. Therefore, I had to change the tires every year. But back then, the tires cost was $25 each. Even when I was poor like a mother, I could afford $100-$150 a year in tires. The rest was only regular preventive maintenance.
Regarding the boat and motorcycle, I not only abused them but never winterized them and both of them were parked in the open for years.. Never had a single problem.
2. Regarding the pickup trucks and offroading, what about a Dodge Dakota? I had this as a company car like 12 years ago and I loved it. I know Dodge no longer make them but the V8 in that little thing was ...lost of words.
3. Have you ever considered doing videos about a "normal" vehicle and compare it with the luxury counter part? It worthy paying a $20K-$30K extra for Toyora SUV vs a Lexus SUV?
Other than luxury and finer finishes, is there an upgrade in the specs like engine and transmission that will provide better towing or offroad capabilities?
Please think about it.
4. The Isuzu Trooper was not Tippy. I know you will avoid controversy to protect the company but it was demonstrated that the Consumer Reports magazine editor was biased and tailored the tests against the Trooper to make it look bad. If I remember correctly, CR repeated the test many, many times modifying until they achieved their objective.
I loved my Isuzus. Had 89, 93 troopers and a 00 Vehicross. Super reliable. Parts are impossible to get now though. The 3.2 is rock solid. The holy grail is the 2 door trooper with manual transmission. The 3.5L in later troopers had oil starvation issues... easy to deal with but HAVE to maintain them.
I had a 1997 Tahoe Sport without the Z71. I loved it, I could fit my full sized futon mattress with the rear seat folded. I Overlanded in it before that was a thing.
I have the same 97 Tahoe also and working on it to be a overlander also love w/197,468 miles go Chevy !!!!!!!!!!
Agree. Give me a 1st gen 2-door Tahoe all day long! Most comfortable absolute tank for off-road!
I've got a 2011 Lexus GX460 and it does well offroad. Mine is stock except for a set of 285/70R17's. The biggest issue with it is the low hanging body parts, otherwise its just a 4Runner with more power and a better 4x4 system. The chassis also sits kinda low stock, I don't think it quite sits as high as a 4Runner TRD. My skid plates have taken a few hits.
BTW, I bought mine in early 2020 with 72k miles for $20500. The prices have absolutely skyrocketed.
The reason I bought the GX is because 1. Its body on frame with solid axle. 2. V8. 3. Can tow 6500 lbs(I tow a 5500 lb travel trailer with it sometimes). 4. 7 seats. 5. It's mid-sized.
There are not many other(maybe none) that can check all of those boxes. I did consider the LR3/4 but after perusing several forums it seemed very hit or miss. It was either people had good luck, or REALLY bad luck. I've already been there with my Jeep Liberty CRD and don't want another vehicle that needs my constant attention or makes me feel uneasy when I am in Southern Utah in the middle of the desert with no cell coverage.
At the end of February of 2021, I got a 4th Gen., 2008, 4Runner, "Urban Runner" 4X4 with 150K miles, for $12,500. After a full year of ownership, so far I've got to say that I have loved every moment of it! Like everyone else, I did not get it for the gas mileage. Even before I swapped out the 13 year old, XREAS suspension, it had proven to be a more capable vehicle than I have ever expected. After just replacing the stock suspension for aftermarket, which raised and leveled it. The vehicle now completely amazes me.
Great list, guys . . . even the GX.
THIS is my new 'to watch' TLF channel. Keep up the good work, guys!
LR4’s are great. Excellent motor, excellent looks and excellent capability.
Chevy Express 2500 can tow up to about 10,000 lb and I would take a 4x4 Express or Astro and go up against just about anyone with the right modifications
Alternate title, “Nathan: Some cars I have owned.”
Surprised about the 80 Series. From memory the 6 cylinder we had down under was stout enough.
Tommy, you did a great job describing the 80 series. Additionally one might add that they (both engines) are very thirsty, adding insult to the lack of power. Incredible off-road though and a solid truck.
I had a Bronco II in HS. It was a death trap. Two doors, windows didn't roll down in back, and it was super tippy.
Totally agree with Nathan on the Exterra, GX460. British suv will get you there if you have money. Toyota will get you home .
Daily driver to off-road and road trip occasionally…GX or 4Runner everyday. For additional car for off-roading Xterra for me
3rd gen HD Ram shared the same wheelbase as the 1500, which is pretty short by today's standard. Approach angle and sightline are also far superior than the new truck. As far as the interior goes my 08 Laramie has padded door sills and the leather seats are so comfortable.
Do an under $10k list!!
Affordable off-roaders are definitely something I wanted to hear about I hope you do more of these!
I traded in my 2011 Xterra right before COVID hit. I have regreted that decision everyday since.
Those quigley vans are sweet. I’ve always wanted one.
you guys did good job making this one fun!!
Tommy, that first GMC was my first car. It was the ‘93 Chevy Blazer. It was gorgeous and awesome. It came out with that design on the Blazer in 1992, which was purchased in ‘92 as a ‘93 model. I regret getting rid of it. Often we don’t know what we have. Mine had the rear lifting window instead of the barn doors. I believe GM abandoned the two-door version and went to the 4-door only model in 1996. Family was looking at a 1999 LR Discovery and the salesman who we had known for years told us not to because it leaked and whatnot. I’m always curious about the LR product line but have never dared go there yet.
I’m so glad I got my 80 series over 10 years ago when they were still reasonable.
I love my 2013 GX
Chevy/GMC K5 is the best off roader!
I'm shocked no one has addressed the fact that Nathan is wearing a sick Gamera shirt. I love that flying turtle Nathan.
The Mercedes ML320, 350 from 2000 to 2004 are the best for on/off road, really more reliable than any of the vehicles mention, I own one. I have driven the ML for thousands of miles cross country and done unbelievable off road ing never fails me, price under 8k
more reliable than a Lexus or Toyota ??
😂
@@btl4220 So far so good on my experience, it's still running strong after all the abuse my ML has taken, overlanding for thousands of miles in mountains, Hurricane Creek in NC, off road parks: Hard Rock of road park twice, Patriots of road park in NC. No damage and driving strog. I had Toyotas and Lexus before and the rugged construction of the W163 ML's is hard to beat
My Xterra was perfectly mediocre when it was running. The GX that I replaced it with is miles better in every single way.
4Runner is just a plainer underpowered GX460
Sorry, you lost it when you said a VehiCROSS can keep up with "pretty much any Wrangler out there" off road. With IFS and no lockers, how can you justify that statement? Also, starting in '03 Quigley 4x4 Express conversions used IFS from GM HD pickups. The '08 you mentioned as "having as solid front axle" is almost certainly IFS.
I agree with Tommy 100% about the LR3. I have an 06 with 167k. The 4.4 v8 sings and hasn't needed $6k worth of repairs like the "reliable" land cruiser you spoke of. I paid $6k for the whole vehicle with center and rear lockers. I love it!
$20,000 is the new $10,000.
Welcome to 2022 😡😡😡
@@jcollins1305 Welcome to Brandon's America
Guy’s best car and truck 🛻 video’s ever 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Liked the 2 door Tahoe but why no 2 door half ton? They are plentiful, cheap, reliable, and amazing off road.
I think a regular cab f150 fx4 ecoboost is an offroad hero. Nobody talks about it.
@@geepuller1 I will agree with you on reg cab F-150 but I'll take the 5.0L Coyote V8 with FX4 package.
@@dudeman5788 I'd agree but I don't think you can get it.
How about the Suzuki Sidekick and its chevvy Geo twin? I have seen a few of them around here and there owners love them. I have a Toyota technician friend with one of them that he changed the engine for a Toyota 2.4 pickup 4 cylinder and it goes really well.
I had a Geo Tracker, I had read it had a over built drive train. Never had a problem. Fun to drive. Thoughts? May be under powered. What about the Suzuki Vitara, a friend tried to get me to buy one.
Some 100 series LCs came with solid front axles!!
My 91 GMC 1500 350 got great mpg
Cool story
My favorite duo
A car you should have included is the first gen Acura MDX (2001-2006) because it’s comfortable, reliable, and has a virtual locking rear differential
I think most people would say a true off road vehicle is body on frame. Idk if the mdx ever came that way. I may be wrong tho.
@@ORuelas702 it didn’t
Seeing how I just picked up a ‘13 GX, I couldn’t agree more.
That said, why is Dennis Reynolds recommending anything other than a ‘93 Range Rover?
What about first gen Tundra and Tacoma?
2nd and 3rd gen 4Runners should be added to the list.
I think the Montero sport was more dependable than the Montero. The sport wasn't top heavy either.
My wife has a first generation Grand Cherokee i6 manual that runs and needs love.
You mention a 1st and 2nd Gen Montero. So, because you bought a lemon (happens with most manufacturers or crap care from a prior owner) you black ball it all Monteros? My 1995 SR is like a Billy goat and goes over most anything. Also. My 3rd Gen is as solid as it gets. My buddies and I (all gen 3s) just got back from doing the Georgia Adventure Trail, part of the Georgia Traverse, and a section of the North Carolina adventure trail (850 miles of trails and 1596 total miles there and back with ZERO issues and in comfort.
No. I didn't
@@NathanDAdlen ok. Just wanted to make sure. The montero community was very excited that you got one and was waiting to see you do some off-roading in it. Unfortunately the prior owner sold you a lemon. If you reach out to the Montero clubs/pages I'd bet you would find plenty of members willing to help get this thing sorted. They are not that overly complicated. We also know when to get parts needed ect. Feel free to message me.
That express van pictured definitely doesn’t have a solid front axle
Manual xterras are NOT solid! On the forums theyre known as the 6k mile clutch. Fine if you replace with an aftermarket, but the stock clutch is trash! Speaking from experience. They put a 350z clutch assembly inside on the second generation because its the only clutch assembly they had that fit. And obviously a sports cars clutch doesn't do well on a giant suv.
Lexus GX460 is the answer...
You left first gen Sequoia’s off of ANOTHER cheap off roader list?! What did a Sequoia ever do to you? I got mine last year for $5400!
Most under rated, soon the secret will get out.
@@nathankoroush7918 it already is, kinda.
I have seen a few Overland set up Sequoias for over $20,000. Here in Hawai’i any Toyota worth owning is going to be big bucks.
Nothing at our price available locally, which is what we based this video on.
Tommy looks phenomenal
WTF Tommy, GX is way better than the 4Runner. Land Rovers are junk.
YES
and he loves the dang 4Runner yet the GX is basically a plusher 4Runner BUT with a much better engine
I am sad that Nathan's Montero was a dud. I've owned the exact same model for four years and have loved it. My kids won't even let me talk about selling it. The traction control system wipes the floor with Toyota A-trac.
GMT800 Z71 Tahoe
Most GM vans like uhaul gets a 4.8
the Landcruiser doors is like the presidents limo.,
Absolutly run from the LandRover
19.5 for 2010 GX is insane
Why?
Bc none of these used trucks are worth paying for in this market. More power to you if you think it’s a good buy for your money at that price lol.
@@mikeamizzle 😂🤣 ok
GX off road abilities are insane too.. 😊 😃
Sub 20k non daily? Purpose built UTV would probably be less of a pain to keep operational.
I will be disappointed if 80's toyota pickups are not on this list.
Quigley Chevy vans have ifs and torsion bars. Not solid axles 🤦🏻♂️. They basically have a duramax front suspension
Yeah I knew he misspoke. The Econolines do.
$15k for a 99 2door tahoe? 😮
All this GX chatter in last couple years has ruined the used GX market!
The Suzuki is def dangerous in any accident wouldn't let my kid drive on roads, now off roading they are sick!
I had a Chevy tracker in my early 20s. And never found it dangerous to drive. But I also never tried to drive it over it’s limits
Not one wrangler on here lmao 🤣 now I'm not sure I can ever trust this channel for any information. And I am not even a wrangler fan personally but it belongs in this list. Also the grand Cherokee definitely deserves a spot being the best selling SUV and has multiple options for off-road.
They may not have been able to find any Wranglers or Grand Cherokees under$20,000.
Sorry, but the budget was set at $20K. Nothing available locally, which we mentioned at the beginning of the video.
You guys live in nana land where money grows on trees have ever had to work for a living?
Yes. Do you Keith?