We all have our weaknesses when it comes to classic cars. For some, it’s the siren lure of the muscle car greats, for others it’s a classic pickup that makes them go weak in the knees. For others still, it’s a cool old classic SUV that would make them the happiest, if they got to park one in their garage.
The thing about classic cars is that sometimes, it ends up being all about the looks. The cars look great but running them daily is not just painful but also a drain on limited resources. Plus not all classic cars were truly built to last, and some may have been popular back in the day but are bad choices today.
When it comes to classic SUVs though, there are some tough ones still out there for you to choose and pick. The bad thing is that many of them can cost a fortune. The good news is that many of them can be had for cheap.
We list five of each, expensive and cheap classic SUVs that are also awesome for you to get spoilt for choice, and build your dream garage with… Take a look.
10 1970-1995 Range Rover: From Classic To Mildly Modern
So yes, we can’t quite call a ‘90s Range Rover a classic, but given the giant leaps of technology made over the last two decades, these are certainly archaic when it comes to features. That said; the Range Rover was a vehicle built to last, the epitome of luxury-loaded 4X4.
Several special editions exist, like the 1991 Hunter Edition that was built to excel off-road. Prices range around $15,000 for fair condition models and can go up to $30,000 for Concours vehicles. On the flipside, reliability is a tiny problem.
9 1971-1980 International Scout II: A Long Lost Nameplate
Once upon a time, even the Jeep could not measure up to the prowess and power of the International Scout II, a 4X4 built by a company that usually built heavy farm equipment. They came with V8s, were rather powerful in their own right, and could take on the toughest of terrains with ease.
In 1976, they even came with a Nissan engine so if you are thinking of getting a classic SUV that you could build-upon, this may be it. The 1977 Soft Safari Edition came with a convertible top and was utter beauty. Prices, according to Hagerty, range from $17,000 to $30,000, depending on the state of the example.
8 1969-1991 Chevrolet Blazer: A Classic, Brawny SUV
Brawny, chiseled, and way bigger than the Ford Bronco of the time, the Chevy Blazer used a V8 and a transfer-case that was thought of as bullet-proof and used till the ‘90s. By 1973, the design had become boxier and the insides were now roomier as well.
Till 1976, it also had a full convertible roof although the design changed in 1976. This was also the year of the Blazer Chalet model that came with a factory-built camper that slept up to four people. The ‘80s model came more tech-advanced too. Average values, according to Hagerty stand at $23,000.
7 1963-1991 Jeep Wagoneer: An SUV Comfortable As A Car
Unlike the Jeeps of today, the Wagoneer was actually a comfortable model, driving like an off-roader but keeping its passengers in the same comfort as that of a car. The myriad V8s in it (from Buick, AMC, and Chrysler) gave it enough firepower although it rode lower than most 4X4s of its time. In 1978, it actually sold for $20,000, because it demanded a high price because of its popularity.
You can find one for $15,000-20,000 today although restored Concours models can go up to $50,000 as well. They are climbing in popularity so you may as well get one before it goes into the unaffordable category.
6 1984-1989 Toyota 4Runner
When the FJ40 Land Cruiser ended, Toyota replaced it with the 4Runner, a nameplate that is very much into circulation to date, and making quite the sale. What made the 4Runner so popular was the fact that it was rugged, simple, and yet comfortable to take the tough terrains in.
The engine basically refused to break down, and various advancements like an independent front suspension as well as a digital dash made it a favorite. They do come pretty cheap on the used car bazaar, retailing at about $20,000 or lower.
5 1966-1977 Ford Bronco: The Pony SUV
The Ford Bronco is back, and that’s cool but there’s nothing like a good classic from the past, the original SUV that was as much a stallion as was the Mustang. It came with V8 power, yet again a cool thing for an SUV, and in 1971, there was the Baja Bronco that came with automatic transmission and power steering too.
Now comes the downside, all this gorgeousness comes with big price stickers. So if you want a classic Bronco, one that is rust-free and restored and can last you years to come, be ready to pay in six figures for it.
4 1983-1995 AM General HMMWV: The Humvee
The High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, as in the HMMWV was soon called the Humvee by the soldiers and initially, it was a military-only vehicle. Later, in 1992, this very vehicle was sanded down into civilian use, and then called the Hummer H1.
But now, many of the old Humvees, often touted as future classics, do pop up for sale for civilians, although you get none of the army-installed weapons and other trinkets. Yet again, these come expensive, for a minimum of $100,000 if you want them restored.
3 1983-1990 Land Rover Defender 110: Very Capable Indeed
In 1983, the Land Rover Defender launched the 110 (called the One Ten) and laced it with the same features that had made the Range Rover a continuing success. It came with a full-time four-wheel drive, a coil spring suspension, and disc brakes in the front. The V8s ranged from 60 to 114 horsepower and it came with vastly improved off-road capabilities.
The large front windshield made it instantly recognizable, and it came in soft-top and hardtop configurations. Today's prices climb to $100,000 with ease.
2 1960-1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40: The Japanese Willys
Technically speaking, the Toyota was the Japanese version of the Jeep, and since it was Japanese built, it came overbuilt with the heaviest-duty parts around. Meaning this was an SUV that refused to give up, ever, although they never really were built for speed.
Today, the FJ40 is a near collector's classic, especially the ‘70s, and ‘80s models, and are often engine-swapped to improve performance and power, usually with Chevy V8s. Concours models go up to $70,000 and some can even touch the $100,000 mark.
1 1970s Jeep CJ7: The Boss Ride
Honestly speaking, all the SUVs we listed above are awesome, but then, to top them all is the Jeep CJ7. It rolled in 1976 as a replacement of the CJ5, and rode 10-inches longer for a better ride, and proved to be Jeep’s wildly popular model, selling in hundreds of thousands.
You can get fair and rundown condition models for cheap, around $20,000 or so but if you want a fully restored model that runs like butter and may give even the modern Jeeps a run for their money, shelling out $100,000 if not more is the norm.
Sources: Hagerty, Hemmings