Well the time has come as our business needs have grown for us to add a training vehicle to the fleet. Our goal we set for ourselves was being able to build a rig that we could use in classes and trail rides for under $10k including the vehicle. Our needs were pretty simple in that it needed to be capable off-road and carry all of our gear along with 2 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs. Thus began our search for an overland rig that we could do a budget build on.

How I search for the used vehicle

When searching for a used vehicle I typically have some criteria or a process that I follow, I knew I would have to be very selective since we would be dealing with a high mileage vehicle due to our budget constraints.  When I first walk up on a vehicle I am looking at purchasing, the first thing I do is check for a check engine light, not just to see if it is illuminated but also to make sure it still functions and hasn’t been disabled. Seeing a check engine light illuminated isn’t a deal breaker but  it does give me some negotiating power.  I also check to see if the vehicle has been recently started, I like to do a cold start to see if there are any starting issues right away.  I don’t carry a ton of tools with me as I don’t plan on really digging deep into the vehicle.  I carry a simple ob2 reader to pull codes if necessary, a nice flashlight to look for leaks or damage in the frame such as rust.  I also carry a simple 12v plug that gives me a digital readout of the voltage so I can check that the alternator is functioning properly and a infrared temp gun to check temperatures after driving.  After a simple walk around and a quick look for obvious leaks under the vehicle I take it for a drive, I typically like to take it up to speed on the highway for a short distance to check for issues in the steering or suspension and this also allows it to go through a cooling cycle to make sure the cooling system functions properly.  Once I return, I immediately take the temp gun and read the temperature on all of the universal joints, differentials, transmission, and the radiator to look for any abnormalities that could show an under lying problem that would need attention soon.  Again this may not be a deal breaker as if it is an easy repair that just gives me a stronger stance for negotiating. My final check list is making sure the 4×4 system functions properly, depending on the system and how it works this can be a deal breaker as some systems are easily repaired while others can be a nightmare.

Would you just look at that! Our Overland Budget Build begins!

After searching we finally landed on a 1999 Toyota Landcruiser sporting a nice factory rear locker, when we showed up this truck checked all of the boxes right away.  We purchased it from a Toyota Master Technician with 315,000 miles on the odometer.  Our agreed upon purchase price was $5,000 and help with doing some of the general maintenance required to the vehicle such as the timing belt and water pump. So enter “David” as our boys affectionately named him and so begins our Overland Budget Build!  

Facebook


Instagram