Forget the Insta Famous build – here’s the 5 best budget 4X4s

We’ve dug through the classifieds and found you 5 of the best budget 4X4s you can buy today for less than $10k. Looking for an affordable way to get out and explore? This is the sign you’ve been looking for

Fear not future four wheelers. We’re not here to tell you that miracles exist. Or if you look hard enough you’ll find an LC200 for less than the cost of a case of beer. We won’t even suggest you head out and buy the only GQ that hasn’t been put on its lid by an overzealous Tik-Tokker.

Free from the dreaded ‘Covid-Tax’. And the long queues of interested parties. If you want to tackle the tough stuff with ease, and want enough change in your pocket for mods. These budget 4X4s are just what you need in your life.

For the Hardcore: 1984 – 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ

What you should expect to pay: $4100 – $7920

With a solid axle, a whole host of aftermarket gear, no shortage of spare parts and capability that’s largely unrivaled at this price point, the XJ creates the perfect platform for a budget build that’s capable of conquering the toughest tracks.

There’s probably only one thing that’s not cool about these. The origins of their name. It’s said that it stands for “eXciting Jeep” yeah, we know…

PRO TIP: Try to nab one built from ‘91 onward. Later models feature a better cooling system and more powerful engine!

Clout-worthy Classic: 1974 – 1984 Toyota Blizzard/Daihatsu Scat

What you should expect to pay: $2400 – $6070

Renowned by the few that have actually owned one as a worthy off-road adversary, these come in a short wheelbase hardtop or convertible and long wheelbase single cab ute. We reckon you can’t look past the rugged good-looks and simplicity of these things. They’re the affordable once or twice removed cousin of the 40 series… Kinda.

Ah, the ‘70’s – when you could get away with naming a vehicle “Scat” and there was arguably more smoke emitting from the offices of car designers everywhere than there is smoke pouring out of a Hilux’s exhaust today. Actually, there’s another reason you should get one, they don’t have a DPF!

PRO-TIP: Keep an eye out for rust under the windscreens and try to get your hands on the F65 model fitted with the 2.8L diesel.

“Here’s five of the best budget 4X4s that are guaranteed to tackle the tough stuff with ease and leave you with enough change for mods!”

Wild Workhorse: 1996 – 2006 Mitsubishi Triton MK

What you should expect to pay: $2200 – $7855

Don’t get us wrong, the mechanically injected 2.8L diesel engine in an MK won’t see you taking out pole-position in a drag race any time soon, they will however reliably and economically get you out bush. Unlike some of their successor models, the MK didn’t suffer from chassis bending and cracking issues and the dual cab options give un-compromised versatility.

PRO TIP: Aim for post 2003 models which feature upgrades to the interior and exterior as well as a pokier 2.8L turbo diesel engine!

Camping Companion: 1994 – 2006 Mitsubishi Delica L400

What you should expect to pay: $4400 – $10,000

Sure, they’re not winning any beauty competitions. But they’re definitely one of the best budget 4X4s you can buy today. There’s a solid case to be argued that the older models look way tougher, but we reckon there’s just no denying that the redesign the L400 Delica underwent in 1994 added vast improvements. They moved the engine forward which created more space in the cab, making it a perfect model for a camper conversion. Up front the independent suspension unfortunately remained, but the live axle in the rear was reinvigorated with the addition of coil springs instead of leafs. Not only are the Delica’s legendarily tough, capable and reliable, they’re also slowly going up in price. Plus, they have captain chairs upfront. Captain chairs, guys.

PRO TIP: Look past the 3.0L V6 petrol engine and opt for the 2.8L turbo diesel!

Tough Tourer: 2000 – 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero NM – NP

What you should expect to pay: $3700 – $9900

No, Mitsubishi haven’t got us on payroll. The fact is, a bunch of the Pajero’s out there have only ever been used to complete school pick-ups and soccer runs. It makes them a wise choice when you consider their competitors in the touring category.

Revolutionary for their time, Pajero’s provide great comfort and reliability for families looking to hit the road and enjoy life outdoors. They offer ample interior space as well as being packed full of family-friendly features that make things just that bit easier when you’re on extended trips, like the ability to select 4WD from inside the cab and five or seven seat variants, which reminds us; the seats are electronically adjustable too. Sure, they’re not a live axle like some others in this category may be. But you’ve read this far because you want a tourer, don’t you? And for that, the independent front in these will suit you just fine.

PRO TIP: Try to land yourself one that has recently had the injector pump replaced. These are one of the most common and costly things to go on Paj’s as their kilometres climb.

Honourable MENTION: 1989 – 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series

What you should expect to pay: $7500 – $10,000 +

A solid all ‘round option. The 80 Series will take a beating on the tracks. See you around Australia in comfort, and allow you to fit in plenty of gear for work and play. 80’s will hold most of their retaining value and have plenty of aftermarket accessories available. So you can kit it out to suit your chosen application perfectly without spending a fortune. Sure, some are priced well over $40K, but there’s both petrol and diesel options out there available for less than $10K. They might be iconic. But it doesn’t stop them being one of the best budget 4X4s of all time.