Looking for a reliable overlander that won’t break the bank? These 4×4s are great value for money if you care about capability and practicality.
With the price of vehicles these days, it’s easy to think that purchasing an overlander is prohibitively expensive. However, while new luxury overlanders are generally very expensive, you can buy certain used 4×4s at surprisingly affordable prices. Here are six well-priced SUVs that can get you into the bundu… and back. These vehicles are affordable, capable and reliable.
2009 Nissan Patrol 4.8 GRX
The Nissan Patrol is arguably one of the most underrated 4×4s in South Africa. It is a phenomenal SUV yet it has never sold locally in significant numbers. That said, the Patrol has a small but ardent local following. Patrol owners love their 4×4s, and for good reason: The Patrol is immensely capable and tough. It can go just about anywhere. It’s also spacious, allowing you to take four people and their luggage on holiday. On the downside, you’re going to be paying a lot for fuel. This particular Patrol is powered by a 4.8-litre petrol mill that is extremely thirsty. You can purchase one with an oilburner, but you’ll be paying significantly more. This 2009 4.8 GRX can be yours for just R249 900, which is a great price for a great SUV. This one has a lot of kilometres on the clock (217 088km) but that petrol mill is usually very reliable. As long as the vehicle was taken care of, it can provide many more years of reliable service.
The good Tough and capable.
The bad Petrol engine is thirsty.
Price R249 900
Year 2009
Service History Partial
Mileage 217 088km
Engine 4.8-Litre Six-Cylinder Petrol
Transmission Automatic
Power 190kw
Torque 425nm
2013 Ford Everest 3.0 TDCI XLT
There is absolutely no doubt that the latest Ford Everest is a whole lot better than its predecessor. When compared to other vehicles in its class, the previous Everest was a bit less refined and capable (it had a limited-slip diff instead of a proper diff lock at the rear), and just felt more old-school than the competition. However, looking at it objectively, the previous-generation Everest is a perfectly decent SUV. It is spacious and comfortable, and it has a fantastic three-litre diesel engine that is robust and reliable. The Everest is not a particularly good choice as a trail vehicle – it doesn’t have the off-road bells and whistles or fundamental design needed for it – but it has more than enough capability for your average overland journey. There are very few places in Botswana, Lesotho or Namibia it couldn’t go. This particular Everest is a 2013 model with less than 100 000km on the clock and a full franchise service history. As an overlander, it provides excellent value for money.
The good Lots of SUV for the money.
The bad Not built for tricky 4×4 trails.
Price: R249 900
Year: 2009
Service History: Partial
Mileage: 217 088km
Engine: 4.8-Litre Six-Cylinder Petrol
Transmission: Automatic
Power: 190kw
Torque: 425nm
2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 Summit
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is not an obvious choice for an overlander. At first glance, it looks like your typical compact SUV, a vehicle better suited to Sandton pavements than off-road trails. But the Grand Vitara’s looks are deceiving. It is actually a competent 4×4. Not only does it have a four-wheel-drive system, it also has a low-range transfer case. Yes, this Suzuki is a proper 4×4. Sure, you don’t want to tackle grade-five off-road trails in it, but there’s no reason to fear the average obstacles you face on an overland journey. The Grand Vitara is getting a bit long in the tooth, but its design has held up well. It is still a comfortable and modern SUV. Moreover, it is well priced. For R259 900, you can buy one with as little as 32 000km on the clock. The 2.4-litre petrol engine is a bit thirsty, but as an overall package, the Grand Vitara is very tempting.
The good Compact, comfortable and capable.
The bad Thirsty engine. Limited space for an overlander.
Price R249 900
Year 2015
Service History Full
Mileage 32 000km
Engine 2.4-Litre Petrol
Transmission Manual
Power 122kw
Torque 225nm
2015 Subaru Outback 2.5I-S Premium
What exactly is an overlander? Regardless of how you choose to define the term, chances are you don’t consider the Subaru Outback to fall within the appropriate parameters. But why not? It doesn’t have low-range gearing, sure, but in every other respect it’s the perfect tool for long-distance travel. It’s large, reliable and has bakkie-like ground clearance. This used example is a 2015 model with only 61 000km. It also has a full service history. When new, it goes for north of R500 000, yet this two-year-old vehicle can be yours for R279 900. That is astonishing value for money. The 2.5-litre engine is thirsty, but you get decent power and torque (129kW and 235Nm). Since it’s the premium version, you get steering-wheel controls, Bluetooth, climate control and a massive sunroof. To be sure, this is not a vehicle that you’ll be tackling the Namib with, but for many people, this is all the overlander that they’ll ever need.
The good Spacious. Great value for money.
The bad No low-range gearing. CVT gearbox.
Price R279 900
Year 2015
Service History Full
Mileage 61 000km
Engine 2.5-Litre Petrol
Transmission CVT
Power 129kw
Torque 235nm
2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.5DI-D
There is no denying that the standard Mitsubishi Pajero is an excellent buy when it comes to second-hand overlanders. However, the Pajero often finds its way into this guide. In fact, it was on the list just last month when we examined bargain luxury SUVs, so we decided to rather nominate the underrated Pajero Sport for this list. Like the Ford Everest, the Pajero Sport is a solid SUV that unfortunately finds itself in a very tough segment. Whenever you try to take on the ubiquitous Toyota Fortuner, sales are going to be meagre. But that shouldn’t lead you to believe that the Mitsubishi is a bad buy. It is a practical and capable 4×4 with low-range gearing and seven seats. As an overlander, it’s a good buy, especially if you can pick up a low-mileage example with less than 100 000km on the clock.
The good Excellent all-round package.
The bad Engine/gearbox combo not the most responsive.
Price R299 900
Year 2014
Service History Full
Mileage 77 200km
Engine 2.5-Litre Turbodiesel
Transmission Automatic
Power 131kw
Torque 350nm
2010 Land Rover Defender 110
Publishing a list on second-hand overlanders without mentioning the Land Rover Defender would seem negligent. For many people, it is the quintessential overlander. Of course, it is basic, unrefined and pretty slow, but for Land Rover fans, this just adds to the vehicle’s appeal. Every trip is an adventure when you’re travelling in a Defender. Also, with production of the Defender officially at an end, many versions are increasing in value. Take good care of it, and your Defender could end up paying for itself. On the downside, it’s getting harder and harder to get a good deal on a used Landy. But decent deals can still be found. This is a 2010 model with 172 000km on the clock and a full service history. It retails for R299 890. You couldn’t exactly call that a bargain, but it’s not unreasonable either. This 110 has a 2.4-litre Puma engine, air conditioning and electric windows, so it’s far easier to live with than older versions. If you absolutely must have a Defender, this is a good buy.
The good It’s a Defender.
The bad Basic and unrefined. Pricey for what you get.
Price R299 890
Year 2010
Service History Full
Mileage 172 000km
Engine 2.4-Litre Turbodiesel
Transmission Manual
Power 90kw
Torque 360nm