The 5 BEST BUDGET OVERLAND VEHICLE Alternatives Under $5000

There might be a certain vehicle you've considered for an overland vehicle, but are having a hard time getting it into your budget. Dream vehicles like Land Rover Defenders and Toyota 80 and 100 Series Land Cruisers have never been cheap, neither have first generation Toyota Tacomas, while budget favorites of yesteryear, like 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Cherokee XJ's have since priced themselves out of contention. So, what are some good alternative's to these items? Watch this video to find out!

0:00 - Intro
2:27 - The Toyota Tacoma Alternative
4:22 - The 80/100 Series Land Cruiser Alternative
6:39 - The 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner Alternative
8:13 - The Jeep Alternative
10:41 - The Land Rover Defender Alternative

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****FILMING AND EDITING GEAR I USE (THE IMPORTANT STUFF) - Listed Below

[MattKester]

Hey everyone, just wanna let you know, we listened to your suggestions and will have a new list of cheap Overlanders premiering tomorrow. Be sure to check it out!

[BigStreams_]

The cinematography you show in this video is way higher than is necessary for a top 5 list. This video was an awesome watch.

[craftygnome]

The xterras ugliness is why I fell in love with it over time, kind of like that pug your daughter brought home and you initially thought it was a mutant.

[tinkertrek]

The Discovery is a great choice as long as you’re not depending on anything electrical or mechanical in it to get you back home.

[NORMandJAMIE]

What no love for the ISUZU TROOPER ...ive out wheeled my share of xj tj wj and 4runners

[oldmillrd]

Well I'm hanging on to my 2003 Tacoma SR5 4X4 extra cab I bought new. Every time I bring it in to the local Toyota dealer for routine maintenance they try to get it from me. I just laugh at them. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it, not even dash lights. Oh, and it has only 90, 000 miles on it and looks brand new. Probably one of the best vehicles ever made.

[helensteve]

Since I started trading I keep loosing I almost decided never to trade anymore what should I do now?

[gregorysimpson]

Dont forget the 90s suburban and tahoes. all day long cheap and there were sooo many made that you can get parts everywhere.

[jeepdirt]

Wow. This video has a gr8 narrative structure, wonderful music, and an interesting story.

[nonope]

Lots of great info, I am a Mitsubishi guy and figured I would add a little info. The SR models.. almost all of them are factory rear air locked and came with a 220 hp 3.5 DOHC V6. The transfer case is always locked in low range. The 2nd gen is split with the 97-99 models (2.5 gen) having coil front suspension and a SOHC V6. They are very sought after and not under $5000. The Montero sport was available with a factory locker, as are some gen 3 Monteros, option and year dependent. The ZJ almost never came with a 231 tcase most 6cyl have the 242 tcase with an AWD setting that is fantastic for overlanding; and all of the V8s came with the 249 witch is stronger but not as rock crawling happy. Also basically every timing belt engine is interference, all Toyotas are, the DOHC Montero engine is a bit more expensive, definitely a bigger job. O yeah, I am professional mechanic, and I own (overland) both the Jeep and the Montero. Both for sale now actually.

[mrblondeheart]

Bought a $3k Jeep WJ and besides the hiccups I’ve had, I love her. I also have a Z71 04 Colorado that became a local legend. I use it as my camper truck with a camper top. Love both and they are decent rigs. They both have needed some work but nothing too crazy

[shauneasterbrook]

I got a Gen 3 montero, love it! Cheap aftermarket parts (limited but cheap) and goes practically anywhere. Got mine with 150k miles for 3.5k, no major issues other than general maintenance and she’s got power when I need it and comfy enough for my 2 boys to fall asleep while driving :)

[chuckiesrus]

My 2008 Ford Ranger Sport has been through some punishment in the Utah/Idaho mountains/desert, and still as reliable as ever. Most underrated vehicle ever

[dkrueger]

ZJ joke for the win! Awesome list and video!

[Ricky]

I've absolutely loved my 2nd gen Xterra! But I totally get the design opinions, I wasn't a huge fan of the look until I bought one. My wife really loved the look ever since she was in high school, and we got it for only half what comparable 3rd Gen 4Runners were going for in the area. We paid $7, 000 for ours, but it had a couple extras and a brand new transmission, you can find them for under $5k easy enough. I haven't regretted it at all! We got the Off Road trim with a manual (huge plus there, I'll take manual over auto any day) and it's a beast, it goes everywhere I need it to, carry's everything I need, comes with a factory rear locker and Bilstein suspension, and has slightly more power and torque than even current generation 4runners. But, like you said, you need to do your research and you need to seriously inspect any that you look at. The 2nd gens have big advantages to the 1st gens and look better, but '05-'10 autos have serious SMOD issues to look out for (one more reason to love a manual) and until 2010 they had issues with timing chain guides wearing out. I'm not hugely fond of the electronic transfer case (our first offroad trip we blew a relay and got stuck in 4low, but it was a bit of a fluke and probably won't ever happen again) but all in all I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one in good condition.

[Westwardeast]

Some of the best commentary I've heard about Overlanding rigs. Also Montero for the win!

[rustishackleford]

Got my 93 80 series for $3500. Daily driven and many camping trips for 3 years and now I'm ready to semi restore it. Dropping it off at Torfab next week.

[Iampooch]

Just gotta say this video immediately hooked me just due to the production quality. I was expecting some run of the mill vlog-type video but it turned out to be much better than that. Loved the video, good job.

[eriksdodges]

Sold my XJ for more money than I would've paid for it and bought a 3rd gen 4runner.... love them both !

[itsjustnate]

I think this is a pretty solid list. One other vehicle I would suggest is the 2003 - 2008 SG Forester. Probably go the non-turbo route if you're going for an overland build. But these can compete with any XJ or 4Runner now problem. Really regretting having sold mine earlier this year.