What to Look for in a Budget 4WD (NZ Edition)

July 9, 2025

Words: 4XJournal

Shopping for your first four-wheel drive? Whether you’re eyeing up your first adventure rig or chasing something cheap and cheerful for the trails, the hunt for a budget 4WD can be equal parts exciting and risky.

We’ve seen it all — from $2,000 paddock bashers to $10,000 “done-up” rigs with dodgy wiring and worse rust. So before you buy, here’s what to look for — and what to avoid — when choosing your first proper off-roader in New Zealand.

1. Know What You’re Buying It For

Before you even open Facebook Marketplace, ask yourself:

Will this be a daily driver or just a weekend toy?
Are you mostly camping and gravel touring — or tackling hard tracks?
Will you carry gear, tow a trailer, or sleep inside it?

The clearer you are, the better chance you have of getting a truck that suits your needs — not just one that looks the part.

2. Rust is the Real Killer

In New Zealand, rust is the number one killer of budget 4WDs. Our beach tracks, muddy crossings, and salty coastal air love chewing through steel.

Check the usual spots:

Chassis rails (especially rear sections and crossmembers)
Suspension mounts, body mounts, and inside the wheel arches
Floor pans, sills, and roof gutters

A tidy motor won’t save a truck that’s rotting from underneath. Walk away from any structural rust — or budget thousands for a proper fix.

3. Check That the 4WD System Actually Works

This sounds obvious — but you’d be surprised how many "good runners" are actually stuck in 2WD.

Engage everything:

Lock the hubs (manual or auto)
Shift into low range (should engage cleanly, with no crunching)
Test centre and rear diff locks, if fitted

Also check for clunks or vibrations under load — it could be worn CV joints, failing driveshafts, or worse.

4. Factory vs Modified: Don’t Be Blinded by Bolt-ons

Big tyres and a lift kit look cool, but they can mask deeper issues — especially if the mods were done on a budget.

Red flags:

Dodgy wiring for accessories or dual batteries
Cut guards or hacked suspension setups
Body lifts with no certification
Mismatched tyres

Ask where the work was done and look for receipts. If it’s DIY, check the quality of the install — it should be tidy, functional, and safe.

5. Realistic Running Costs

Just because you bought it cheap doesn’t mean it’ll stay cheap.

Expect to pay for:

New tyres: $1,200–$2,500 depending on size and brand
Suspension refresh: $800–$2,000+
Cooling system overhaul: $500+
Servicing and seals: easily $500+ in the first year

Even a “mint” truck will need fresh fluids, belts, filters, and probably a wheel alignment. Build that into your budget — or get caught short.

6. Common NZ Pitfalls (Platform-Specific)

Every truck has its quirks — here are a few to watch for in common NZ options:

Toyota Surf (1KZ-TE): Head gasket and overheating
Navara D22: Chassis cracking near the cab
Mitsubishi Pajero: Transmission overheating and plastic radiator tanks
Land Rover Discovery 1/2: Chassis rust, oil leaks, and flaky electrics
Land Cruiser 80 Series: Swivel hub leaks, power steering weeps

Google the model’s known issues — and double-check if the truck you’re looking at has had those sorted or neglected.

7. A Clean WOF Isn’t a Clean Bill of Health

A current Warrant of Fitness just means the truck passed some minimum safety checks. It’s not proof of reliability.

Ask:

When was the last service?
Has the diff, transmission, or transfer case oil ever been changed?
Any mechanical receipts or history?
How long has the seller owned it?

If possible, get a pre-purchase inspection done — ideally by a 4WD-savvy mechanic, not just your local garage (check our stockist network for someone capable!).

8. Talk to the Owner — Their Story Matters

We always say this: look at the owner as much as the truck.

If they can’t tell you when it was last serviced, how the 4WD system works, or what it’s been used for — walk. A rough rig with a clued-up, honest owner is often better than a shiny lemon sold by someone who “doesn’t really know much about it.”

9. Take Your Time — and Know Where to Look

When you’re on a budget, it’s easy to feel like you have to grab the first decent-looking rig that pops up. Don’t.

Instead:

Set up alerts on Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace, and even auction sites like Turners or Pickles
Join NZ 4WD Facebook groups and forums — members often list solid trucks privately before going public
Get to know average pricing for your chosen platform so you can spot underpriced or overpriced listings quickly

The key? Time and knowledge. The more you browse, the sharper your instincts will be — and the faster you’ll spot a genuinely good deal when it lands.

10. Don’t Buy in a Rush — There’s Always Another

There’s no such thing as the last good deal. If something doesn’t feel right — walk away.

Be patient, do your homework, and don’t let FOMO cost you thousands. You want to spend your weekends on the track, not on the side of the road waiting for a tow.

Buy smart, wheel hard.

Buying a budget 4WD isn’t just about saving money — it’s about making smart choices that won’t leave you stranded (or broke). Do it right, and you’ll get more than a truck. You’ll get a ticket to a whole new lifestyle.

Do your homework. Ask the right questions. And when in doubt — ask someone who’s already been there.

See you on the trails.

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