photo by AleksandarNakic via iStock
If you want to go overlanding or off-roading but are on a tight budget do not worry, you still have plenty of choices when it comes to the best overlanding trucks for under 15k. The used car market is exploding right now but we can still find some good vehicles for sale around the $15,000 mark. These are the ones that make the most sense as few are the people who will buy a new truck just to bash up off-road.
Best Overlanding Trucks For Under 15k: Toyota 4Runner 3rd or 4th Gen
Toyota
The first choice will be a 3rd Gen or 4th Gen 4Runner. The 3rd Gen can be found for under $10,000 which is a great price for a reliable, spacious, and comfortable SUV to tour in. Be aware of lower ball joint issues though as a failure can be catastrophic. The 4th Gen is newer and significantly more powerful due to its V8 engine. You will pay a higher amount to get one but you and your family will be more comfortable and safer on those long trips. Avoid the Prerunner models as those are only 2WD
Toyota Tacoma 1st Gen
Toyota
The Tacoma is similar to the 4Runner but with the added convenience of a pickup bed to help with packing your overlanding gear or even mounting a rooftop tent in a lower area to avoid raising your center of gravity. These trucks hold on to their value really well so a 20-year-old Tacoma will cost you around $10,000-$15,000 but will most probably last another 20 years. Additionally, with tons of aftermarket support, personalizing it to fit your needs will be no issue.
Learn More:
- 3 Common Overlanding Vehicle Upgrades That You DON’T Need
- Overlanding in a Stock Vehicle: Is It Possible?
Best Overlanding Trucks For Under 15k: Lexus GX 470
Lexus
The GX470 is the best luxury off-roader you can get on a budget. With very similar underpinnings to the Landcruiser Prado 120 and a V8 engine that will last forever, you and your family will be able to enjoy nature in comfort without having to worry that the truck will leave you stranded. The GX470 can be found for under $15,000 and as is the case with every Toyota, a slightly higher mileage one should be nothing to worry about.
Ford F-150 10th – 12th Gen
Ford
The F-150s have been proven reliable for years and the 10th-12th gens are no exception. Prefer a 10th or 11th gen with lower mileage over a 12th gen with higher miles. Furthermore, make sure that the truck you are buying has 4WD as a surprising amount of these come as 2WDs only.
Best Overlanding Trucks For Under 15k: Toyota Tundra 1st Gen
Toyota
There are plenty of Toyotas on the list and that’s because old Toyota Trucks still have plenty of life left in them. With a budget of $15,000, you will be able to get your hands on a 1st Gen Tundra. These are great trucks with ample amounts of space to build your overlanding setup out of. As with all the Toyotas mentioned above, a higher mileage example should not scare you.
TJ Jeep Wrangler
photo by garett_mosher via iStock
Old Wranglers hold on to their value like crazy; however, you can still find a TJ Wrangler for under $15,000. I wouldn’t recommend the TJ as an overlanding rig due to its size and comfort but for a single person, the space might be enough if you are clever with packing. As an off-road toy though, few vehicles come close to the capabilities of a Wrangler.
Best Overlanding Trucks For Under 15k: Nissan Xterra
photo by DarthArt via iStock
The Xterra is a vehicle that provides similar reliability and capability to a 5th Gen 4Runner but for a much lower budget. They are reliable and capable and with shops that only focus on Nissan 4WDs, you will find what you need in terms of aftermarket support. These were some of the vehicles you could get into for a lower price and begin heading out off-roading or overlanding with. What do you think? Would you choose anything different if you were on a budget?