What vehicle is a good starter
- Thread starter Trout
- Start date
What ever vehicle you have right now is the best vehicle. That's not poking fun at you, that is one of the best questions you can ask when just starting out. The reason the one you have is the best is because its the cheapest. There are tons of ways to Overland. Some travel the globe on extended expeditions and require storage for food, water, and gear. Some want to get to the most remote places or travel some historic trail and require a high center of gravity 4x4 with tons of gear, food, water, fuel, etc. Needless to say, the best way to start out is to find out what you like, don't like, and what the wife is willing to put up with. Nothing in the Overland rule book says you have to travel only on dirt or gravel. If your wife isn't up for crapping in the woods, no one is going to burn you at the stake for getting a hotel room. Do some traveling, explore some, experience is the only way to find your direction. After a few trips you will get a good idea what will fit you best.
Disclamer: Overlanding can be as inexpensive as you want but if you aim to impress others, it will get expensive very quickly (i.e. 50k plus).
Disclamer: Overlanding can be as inexpensive as you want but if you aim to impress others, it will get expensive very quickly (i.e. 50k plus).
Traveler III
Here are a couple of existing threads on the topic that might help you out:
What Overland Vehicle?
What's the best overlanding vehicle?
Starter Overland Rig Pros/Cons
Best Bang for Buck Overland Rig
It helps if people know where you expect to use the vehicle, how you want to use it, and what your budget is.
What Overland Vehicle?
What's the best overlanding vehicle?
Starter Overland Rig Pros/Cons
Best Bang for Buck Overland Rig
It helps if people know where you expect to use the vehicle, how you want to use it, and what your budget is.
Benefactor
What is your current vehicle? As much as I love my Land Rover, very rarely do I suggest someone buy one that's out of factory warranty. If you're just starting out, you may want to try and find a vehicle with some light mods (lift, tires, maybe bumpers or armor). That can be a mixed bag because you don't have the choice in the manufacturer of those parts. Buying new offroad parts is many times more expensive than when they're already installed on a vehicle.
If you want to build up your rig you'll have to account for the cost of those parts, and the install if you're not able to do it yourself. The labor charges can equal the cost of the parts sometimes. If you're moving to AK or CO and buy a used off road vehicle, really take the time to inspect it. In places like that, the locals can wheel their trucks pretty hard. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are, but don't be afraid to crawl on the ground to look at the under carriage, and poke around the engine bay.
Start simple, find friends to hit the trails with and learn what's important to you. Come here with questions. We're always happy to spend someone else's money:)
If you want to build up your rig you'll have to account for the cost of those parts, and the install if you're not able to do it yourself. The labor charges can equal the cost of the parts sometimes. If you're moving to AK or CO and buy a used off road vehicle, really take the time to inspect it. In places like that, the locals can wheel their trucks pretty hard. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are, but don't be afraid to crawl on the ground to look at the under carriage, and poke around the engine bay.
Start simple, find friends to hit the trails with and learn what's important to you. Come here with questions. We're always happy to spend someone else's money:)
Off-Road Ranger I
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I am right there with you - moving to Colorado soon and I can't wait to enjoy camping on the weekends. Inexpensive but reliable is the way to go, especially for a beginner.
Benefactor
Well if you've owned a Defender before then pay no attention to that statement. A lot of people aren't ready for, or neglect the maintenance of their Rovers. Then they break and the repair bill is crazy so they sell it. The new buyer then inherits all the BS from the previous owner and the "Rover's are crap" cycle starts again. I think with a Land Rover, at least anything before the LR3 (leafers or coilers) you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty, or have the pocket book to take care of it. If you just want to drive a truck and replace the oil every 3k, buy a Toyota!
I drive a 2001 Discovery 2. If it's not leaking, it must be empty!
As Jeremy Clarkson once said. "The most unreliable car in the world is the most reliable car in the world!"
One comment that may (or may not) be helpful. I've found that 1996-2003 vehicles (give or take a few years depending on the make) are a bit of a sweet spot for overland builds.
Vehicles made before that range usually are very capable but do not feature many of the comforts that are appreciated during extended travel.
Vehicles made after that range have many comforts but often sacrifice off-road capability.
Of course modifications can make just about anything great but then you're into more $$$.
If you want to take a multi-week trip then probably one of your biggest considerations will be space. How much stuff do you want to take? This will be different for every person and there is no one correct answer. Some fish, some bike, some want lots of meat and beer and some want to "live off the land" with one pair of jeans and an .308 Winchester.
Put everything you'd want to take together (in your car or in the middle of the living room) and get an idea for how much space it really takes. Take some weekend and week long trips and find out what you use everyday and what you never touch, and then find a vehicle that can fit what will make you want to take a trip.
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Vehicles made before that range usually are very capable but do not feature many of the comforts that are appreciated during extended travel.
Vehicles made after that range have many comforts but often sacrifice off-road capability.
Of course modifications can make just about anything great but then you're into more $$$.
If you want to take a multi-week trip then probably one of your biggest considerations will be space. How much stuff do you want to take? This will be different for every person and there is no one correct answer. Some fish, some bike, some want lots of meat and beer and some want to "live off the land" with one pair of jeans and an .308 Winchester.
Put everything you'd want to take together (in your car or in the middle of the living room) and get an idea for how much space it really takes. Take some weekend and week long trips and find out what you use everyday and what you never touch, and then find a vehicle that can fit what will make you want to take a trip.
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
Land Rovers are too expensive to fix for most people, because they're not willing to repair it themselves. They also don't keep up general maintenance. It's hard to find the model I want though lol.
Benefactor
Off-Road Ranger I
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- First Name
- Todd
- Last Name
- Hoffmaster
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4284
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
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- Air Force
Trout, Have you chosen your vehicle yet? Arizona is a great place to look for vehicles with the only problem being the burnt clear coat and paint. I found some real nice Jeeps and Toyotas when I was looking back in Feb. I was able to pick up a 4Runner for $4k. I had my heart set on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I could not find what I was looking for in my price range so the 4Runner won out.
You said that you are looking into moving to CO or AK - were those government jobs? Looks like I am going to be accepted for the CO position myself. I got a couple more job offers in OK and MS this week, but it looks like I will most likely take the 1st one to actually hire me. Which right now for me is Denver, Colorado.
You said that you are looking into moving to CO or AK - were those government jobs? Looks like I am going to be accepted for the CO position myself. I got a couple more job offers in OK and MS this week, but it looks like I will most likely take the 1st one to actually hire me. Which right now for me is Denver, Colorado.
A rental - Best starter vehicle hands down. Get the insurance beat it up, give it back!
Member III
I built a fold-out sleeping platform for my 3rd gen 4runner. Folded out, I get a hair over 6 feet between the back of the front seats and the inside of the hatch. I built it so I didnt have to remove the seats.
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Off-Road Ranger I
- 2,876
- First Name
- Todd
- Last Name
- Hoffmaster
- Member #
-
4284
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KJ7CRJ
- Service Branch
- Air Force
1st gen Tundra is what I looking at now. Smaller than 2nd gen Tundra, V8, bigger than Tacoma, bigger payload so you could handle light pop up camper or camper shell. Should be able to find something under 150K miles for $11K to 14K
Hey man, your question is very similar to what I asked myself for about a year. I pulled the trigger on an 04 4Runner, and I am happy like never before! This article will help you to set your mind on a certain model https://autocarspec.com/best-overland-vehicle-reviews-tips-pics-specs.html
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