Generally speaking, 4×4s are expensive, but did you know that you can get your hands on one for less than R100 000, provided you’re willing to make some compromises? Here are six super-cheap off-road options.
Do a quick search online, and you’ll find a surprising number of used 4×4s for less than R100 000. This is quite astonishing, especially if you consider what these vehicles were going for when they were new. So, there must be a catch, right? Any 4×4 for less than R100 000 is surely falling apart, isn’t it? Well, as the saying goes: you get what you pay for. Things like 4WD systems, transfer cases and differential locks are inherently expensive, so when a vehicle with all these components sells for less than R100 000, it will obviously not be perfect. There will be rattles and leaks and worrying thudding noises. But all issues are not equal.
It’s important to distinguish between those niggling noises that are really just irritating, and those that suggest impending doom. It’s important, in other words, to have any sub-R100 000 4×4 thoroughly checked. There are a lot of lemons out there, but you can also find some vehicles that are mechanically fairly sound. Do your homework, and you can find a little gem. Also, if you’re going to venture down that rocky and unpredictable path of used-4×4 ownership, find a good workshop. You need to find someone who will do solid work without asking a fortune. Chances are, you’ll soon be on a first-name basis.
2007 MITSUBISHI PAJERO 3.2 DI-D LWB
Any search of sub-R100 000 4×4s will deliver a disproportionate number of Mitsubishi Pajeros. Predictably, there will be a lot of models from the ’90s, but you’ll also find models from the late 2000s for around R100 000. Considering the level of luxury and performance on offer, that’s an absolute bargain. You could argue that old Pajeros are a bit undervalued. The catch? The vehicle will be well-used. This particular 3.2 DI-D diesel model has 561 000km on the clock. For a turbodiesel, that’s a lot of kilometres, so it’s virtually guaranteed that something will go wrong at some stage. If things go really wrong, the repair bill can end up being more than the value of the car. An old Pajero can be a great buy, but it needs to be checked. The lower the mileage, the better, obviously. If you can stomach the fuel bill, a petrol model is also cheaper and more reliable.
THE GOOD You get a whole lot of luxury, practicality and off-road ability for your money.
THE BAD At this price, you’re not getting an immaculate example. Repair bill can be significant.
Price R99 900
Year 2007
Engine 3.2-Litre Turbodiesel
Transmission Automatic
Mileage 561 000km
4wd Part-Time, Low-Range
Service History None
1997 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 2.5 TDI
With production of the old Defender having come to an end, the value of second-hand models has been climbing steadily. So, finding a used bargain these days isn’t easy. However, you can still occasionally get your hands on an example for less than R100 000, albeit one that’s 20 years old and has loads of kilometres on the clock. This is a 1997 model that’s done 514 351km. As with the Pajero, it’s a turbodiesel, so you’re taking on a lot of risk by purchasing a vehicle as well used as this. However, while the Defender is notorious for niggles, the old-school Tdi engine can generally be brought back to life. This example has a full-service history (partially by franchise), which adds some peace of mind. If you take good care of it restore it a bit, you could genuinely sell it for more than you paid.
THE GOOD This is a future classic. Take good care of it, and its value could rise.
THE BAD This is an old 4×4 that’s done a lot of kilometres, so issues are inevitable.
Price R99 900
Year 1997
Engine 2.5 Tdi Turbodiesel
Transmission Manual
Mileage 514 351km
4wd Full-Time, Low-Range
Service History Full (Partially By Franchise)
2000 TOYOTA PRADO VX V6 A/T
Here is a great overlander for less than R100 000. This is a 3.4-litre V6 petrol Prado from 2000, with 252 000km on the clock. Sure, that’s quite a lot of mileage, but it’s less than you tend to find on Prados of this age. This example has a full franchise service history, and has only had one owner. Fuel consumption will be high, but apart from that, this Prado could be an excellent overlander. As long as there are no major issues, this could be a great buy. In fact, this vehicle at this price won’t hang around on the market for very long. If you find one, act quickly.
THE GOOD An excellent overlander at an excellent price. This example has a full service history.
THE BAD Fuel consumption will be high.
Price R94 000
Year 2000
Engine 3.4-Litre V6 Petrol
Transmission Automatic
Mileage 252 000km
4wd 4wd With Low-Range Gearing
Service History Full Franchise Service History
1999 TOYOTA HILUX 2700i RAIDER 4X4
Speaking of the popular Toyota Hilux, here is one that’s priced below R100 000. This is a 1999 double cab 4×4 with a 2.7-litre petrol mill under the bonnet. It’s done more than 300 000km, but it is naturally aspirated, which makes it a less risky buy than a diesel vehicle with a turbo that can conk out. Generally speaking, Toyota’s 2.7-litre engine is tough and reliable, so this is a pretty good buy. However, performance isn’t great and fuel consumption is sure to be high. There’s no service history, which is a bit of a worry, but at R99 500, this Hilux offers you a lot of bakkie for the money. If a mechanic gives it a (fairly) clean bill of health, it’s worth a look.
THE GOOD A tried-and-trusted naturally aspirated petrol engine that could offer years of reliable service.
THE BAD Niggles are inevitable. Performance figures are low, while fuel consumption is high.
Price R99 500
Year 1999
Engine 2.7-Litre Petrol
Transmission Manual
Mileage 303 000km
4wd Part-Time, Low-Range
Service History None
2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4.7 LAREDO AUTO
When shopping around for a bargain, you’re sure to come across a large number of Jeep Grand Cherokees. There’s a lot to like about a Grand Cherokee at this price. For less than R100 000, you get a luxury SUV with an impressive engine and some serious off-road ability. But there is reason for concern. Firstly, that 4.7-litre engine will be incredibly thirsty. Secondly, these old Jeeps have a worrying reputation for mechanical issues. If you buy one, you need to be prepared to deal with niggles. It’s not necessarily a bad buy, but have it checked as thoroughly as possible. Also, the lower the mileage and the more complete the service history,
the better.
THE GOOD A fun and capable luxury 4×4.
THE BAD Thirsty engine and the potential for mechanical issues.
Price R89 990
Year 2004
Engine 4.7-Litre Petrol
Transmission Automatic
Mileage 156 257km
4wd Part-Time, Low-Range
Service History Partial
2004 FORD RANGER 2.5TD SUPERCAB 4×4 XLT
Unlike old Hiluxes, which hold their value incredibly well, older Ford Rangers can be picked up for a relative bargain. This is a 2004 diesel SuperCab Ranger with 4×4, and while its mileage is high (167 190km), it is at least not in the 500 000km range. That said, it should still be checked thoroughly, as replacing the turbo will be very expensive. The gearbox should be inspected, as older Rangers have a bit of a reputation for giving clutch and transmission issues. If there are no major issues, though, this can be a good buy, since the Ford is a capable and practical 4×4.
THE GOOD A practical 4×4 that can be used as a workhorse, and even hit an off-road trail. SuperCab is a good compromise between a single cab with a huge load area, and a double cab with four seats. SuperCabs are well priced on the used market.
THE BAD Buying an old turbodiesel is always a bit of a risk. Old Rangers often have gearbox and clutch issues.
Price R99 900
Year 2004
Engine 2.5 Turbodiesel
Transmission Manual
Mileage 167 190km
4wd Part-Time, Low-Range
Service History Partial
Text: GG van Rooyen