Best used 4WDS you can buy

Land Rover Discovery 1 & 2

Land Rovers generally do not have the best reputation in terms of reliability, but the Discovery 1 & 2 models can be turned into comfortable tourers or capable off-roaders on a budget, provided you know what to look out for.

These 4WDs are great daily drivers in terms of comfort as they are coil-sprung in both the front and rear. This also makes them pretty great on the tracks, especially with a few extra mods. You can easily find one for under $10,000 — which is a bargain for a coil-sprung 4WD wagon that has plenty of aftermarket support.

Discovery 1 TDI

The TDI has a reliable and decently bush-proof 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine and is great on fuel in the manual models. On the downside, the engine is a little small, lacks power, and is known to have weak head gaskets. It can also potentially face timing belt failure in the earlier year models.

Discovery 2 TD5

The Disco 2 is a different story, as the engine is more powerful and more comfortable, but it faces different reliability issues, particularly with the introduction of ABS and traction control. The previous timing belt issues were fixed with the use of a timing chain.

The more powerful engine comes with its flaws, as it is a more complex engine to work on, and dash warning lights are more common to see. However, these issues are easily fixed and diagnosed with a scan gauge.

Land Rover Discovery: The Verdict

Despite their known reliability issues, we see these as a bargain buy for any budget 4WDer. Even in stock form, they run some of the best 4WD suspension setups with coil springs and solid axles with plenty of down travel. There are also plenty of modifications available. Fit this rig out with some bar work and a winch, and you’ll be able to wheel anything you line the tyres up against.

90 Series Toyota Landcruiser Prado

This model Prado is a serious underdog when it comes to a reliable yet capable 4WD. They don’t quite have the following of the big LandCruisers or the popularity of the Hilux, despite sharing similar drivetrain and engine combinations. These days, you can find one pretty cheap, making it perfect for a budget family touring wagon.

The 90 Series Prado made our list because it is cheap, reliable, has plenty of storage and space for your family or camping gear, and has a coil-sprung 5-link rear end. They are much roomier and nicer inside than the same-year Hilux too.

Petrol V6

Our pick of the 90 Series is the extremely reliable 3.4L V6 Petrol. Its bulletproof engine packs strength and confidence for almost half the price of the diesel model with similar kms. They are easy to service and maintain, and parts are readily available as it shares the same engine as the same-era Hilux.

Diesel 90 Series

The diesel model is still great with the 1KZ engine, and it comes in an automatic version, which is a great option. Just be aware of the major jump in pricing and its main common issue of overheating caused by a cracked alloy head. If you are looking into a diesel 90 Series, make sure it has never overheated and that the injectors have been replaced or maintained regularly.

90 Series Prado: The Verdict

Either option is a cracking budget 4WD that can easily be built and modded into a capable yet comfortable tourer, which can even tackle the hard tracks too. Kit the Prado out with some suspension, bigger tyres, and camping comforts like storage drawers, and you’ll be ready for anything.

RC Holden Colorado

You won’t find a better bang-for-buck dual cab ute than the Holden Colorado RC. This ute is on our list because it has one of the most reliable engines — the Isuzu-built 4JJ1 Turbo Diesel. This engine is powerful, reliable, easy to maintain, and has great access to parts.

Make sure you are looking at the 4JJ1 engine model, which was available in the years 2008-2012. The later models returned to a GM motor and are not nearly as reliable.

Downsides

The downside of the Holden Colorado RC is the torsion bar front-end suspension. This rides harsh because it is restrictive, and when you wind them up, you’ll lose front droop. However, if you add a quality 2-inch lift, a set of heavy-duty torsion bars, and a set of 32” tyres, you will go anywhere.

Pricing

You can find one of these 4JJ1 Colorados for $25,000 or less with around 150,000 km and clean versions with even more kms can be found at bargain pricing in the high teens. Compare this to similar-year and kilometre Hiluxes, Rangers, and D-Maxes, and it’s a steal.

RC Colorado: The Verdict

While the Colorado did come in a petrol model, we believe the diesel engine is well worth the extra cost. The power, reliability, and ability to modify these 4WDs make them an incredible choice if you are in the market for a 4WD dual cab.

LN & RN Series Toyota Hilux

These model Hilux’s were made between 1998 to the early 2000’s and is the same as Jocko’s SASed 1KZ Hilux with a few different engine and trim options. The 3L 1KZ diesel is still priced fairly high considering it being a 20-year-old 4WD, but the petrol and non-turbo diesel are a much lower price.

These are simple yet tough and reliable rigs ready for work or play, with second hand parts and aftermarket modifications being super accessible. Accessories like bar work and canopies are easy to find on marketplace, and maintenance parts are readily available anywhere.

Engine Models

The Hilux’s with the 3RZ Petrol engine are the cheapest and most common of this era and come at a better price than the V6 petrol. This would be our pick of the bunch, with regular pricing at $8,000-$10,000, and some well looked after ones only costing a couple grand more.

The V6 Petrol has more power but is known to have water pump issues. This is easily fixed with regular maintenance and inspections. This model is still a good option but will fetch for closer to the $15,000 mark.

The 3L Diesel is sluggish yet tough and responds well to a bolt on turbo kit.

LN & RN Hilux: The Verdict

Any of this era Hilux would make anyone happy, with their reliability and cost effectiveness. They make a great work vehicle, a good weekend tourer and an impressively strong 4WDing rig – just look at all of Jocko’s Hilux’s! Again, our pick is the 3RZ Petrol for the perfect combination of a cheap yet reliable 4WD.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Pajero’s are the underdog of touring rigs, they are super comfortable and capable but didn’t get the fan following like the other bigger wagons in the market. We think the NL, NP and NM Pajero’s are all great choices for a budget 4WD.

Regular servicing is key to a quality Pajero, and petrol models are a little bit harder to service as changing the spark plugs does require extra labour.

The 4M Diesel engines are very liable with great power and torque but do get quite clogged up from soot by the EGR like most common rail engines do. This is our pick of the engines that come in the Pajero, as they are super reliable and should only need an intake clean and/or catch can to fix the intake clogging issue.

Pajero Models

The NL Pajero is a great rig but beware when buying this model has an airbag recall from 1997-2000. So, make sure its airbags were replaced before buying. The NL with the 4M motor is one of the best budget-4WDs for a family or first car, you can find a good one for $5,000-$8,000 and is our favourite budget choice of the Pajero models.

NP Pajero’s are again a great buy but have known issues with the fuel pump so try find one with this recently replaced, otherwise you may be up for $4,000+ to replace it in the future. You can find a good quality NP Pajero without to many kilometres in the low teens.

Pajero: The Verdict

Any of the Pajero’s with the 4M Diesel motor is a great budget choice, just find the right one that suits you and your budget, and you will happily tour and 4WD in confidence and comfort. The NL is our best budget choice, but the NP is also great but more expensive, and make sure to be aware of the fuel pump issue.

Petrol V6 N70 Toyota Hilux

It seems crazy to put an N70 Hilux on a budget list, but the petrol variant has great power, and the same strong drivetrain as the diesels while still being reliable and having plenty of aftermarket support.

The 1GR-FE is a pretty under stressed engine, but once you add bigger tyres you will notice the fuel economy won’t be as good. In saying that, you are paying 10-15 grand less than the diesel version.

Petrol N70 Hilux: The Verdict

This is probably the most expensive 4WD on this budget rig list, but it comes with reliability and power while on a budget when compared to any modern diesel dual cab. Hilux’s have countless accessories and mods available, and parts and servicing are very accessible.

Which One Is Best for You?

In conclusion, finding a capable 4WD on a budget may seem challenging, but with options like the Land Rover Discovery, 90 Series Toyota LandCruiser Prado, and RC Holden Colorado, there are still plenty of affordable and reliable choices out there. Each of these vehicles has its own strengths and quirks, but with the right research, maintenance, and a few smart modifications, they can be transformed into impressive off-roaders or touring rigs without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after a coil-sprung wagon, a spacious family tourer, or a rugged dual-cab ute, these models prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get out on the tracks and enjoy the great outdoors.