There are plenty of classic SUVs for sale, both expensive and cheap. On the expensive end of the scale are vehicles such as the original Range Rovers, and on the other end of the scale is the first-generation Jeep Wrangler. On the cheaper end of the scale, there are definitely a number of cool inexpensive classic SUVs that are suitable for restoration and modification.
Looking back, these SUVs may not have been popular in recent years resulting in cheap prices. However, they are increasing in value and enthusiasts should be mindful of their popularity so they can buy one while they still can and where they can modify it up to modern-day standards.
10 Suzuki Samurai ($8,000)
Introduced in the US in 1985, the Samurai was packed with a tiny 1.3-liter engine and was known for being nippy off-road. The Samurai was 4WD and quickly became a classic in the off-roading communities. Known as the Jimny in Europe, the Samurai was intensely reliable, but sadly due to implications that the car was dangerous because it would 'easily' roll-over, sales were hit hard and consumers were put off.
The Samurai is a pretty cool (and cheap) vehicle to buy up now, especially with prices being as low as $8000. Still reliable and very lightweight, it is easy to modify this car to increase its performance capabilities and parts are cheap too. The Samurai is pretty cheap to maintain, as well as being cheap to run too. Despite its appearance being less than fashionable by today's standards, the Samurai is a brilliant classic SUV.
9 Land Rover Discovery (MK I) ($5,000)
Launched as a three-door SUV, the Land Rover Discovery (Mk I) was launched in 1989, set apart from the Range Rover with its own distinctive appearance. A strong seller, the Discovery was packed with 152bhp and could go up to 101mph. The off-road functionalities of the Discovery were brilliant and popular with farmers as well as off-roaders.
Despite its brilliance, the Discovery also had its problems. Its V8 engine was not always reliable, and the build quality of the car was sketchy. At the same time however, the 4WD ability is enviable and the car is still searched for today. Enthusiasts need to get good quality servicing due to the fact that when the engines go wrong in the Discovery, they can be extremely costly to repair.
8 Jeep CJ-7 ($15,000)
The CJ-7, available from 1976, marked a shift from the CJ-5. Equipped with a new chassis, the CJ-7 was longer than its predecessor and offered more room whilst not harming performance. The CJ-7 was not built for speed and with a top speed of 85mph it wouldn't be speeding off anywhere soon, but it was built to go anywhere. On top of this, the 4.2-liter AMC six-cylinder engine used by the Jeep is renowned for being reliable and dependable.
To buy a Jeep CJ-7 today, enthusiasts are looking to pay around $15,000 for one (sometimes more depending on condition). Prices are increasing and so is interest in the vehicle. Fuel economy may not be cheap and repairs may not be easy, enthusiasts should be sure to check out the electronics for any weak points and repainting may be necessary with the nature of the CJ-7 being an off-roader. Still, the Jeep is a fun SUV that can be restored and enjoyed.
7 First-Generation Mitsubishi Montero ($8,500)
Also known as the Mitsubishi Pajero, the vehicle was introduced in 1981 and is still produced as an updated generation. The Montero was equipped with a torquey 3.0-liter V6 engine. There was also a turbodiesel engine available which offered plenty of grunt. More technologically advanced than one would think, the vehicle is well structured and useful on off-road journeys. The Montero is known for its reliability, especially in unfavorable weather climates.
SUVs like the Montero were built to last and quality has represented this over time. Whilst also having a racing history, the Montero is a diverse car that can perform not only as an off-roader but is useable as a normal car. The Montero has been heavily underrated and for this reason, remains cheap. The Montero is cheap to run and is cheap to maintain with plenty of these vehicles being in good enough condition for enjoyable use.
6 First-Generation Isuzu Trooper ($6,000)
Launched in 1981, the Trooper was originally considered dangerous due to the ceramic heater terminal being a fire risk. This led to recalls and the emergence of improved vehicles. The Trooper isn't exactly brilliant on the roads, but does get the driver out of difficult situations with a fantastic low-range gearbox.
Despite these issues, plenty of improvements were made to the Trooper's engine with its release, even if the car didn't rival the Ford Bronco's. Enthusiasts should watch out for failed fuel injectors and issues with the gearbox. Even with the car being on the whole quite reliable, problems can be a costly issue. If a good one can be found buying a Trooper can be a perfect way to enjoy classic off-roading.
5 International Scout II ($16,000)
The International Scout II was available in 1971 and was a redesign of the iconic International Harvest Scout. The Scout II offered a mainstream entry for the International brand and a more sophisticated exterior helped to secure this. Not only was the exterior modernised, but the power on the vehicle was enhanced with a new V8. Deemed highly reliable by users, and a great off-road vehicle, the Scout II continued to offer a rival to the Jeep brand.
The SUV's strong mechanical engineering, whilst not being the speediest of vehicles, makes the Scout II an interesting car to own and restore. There is less demand for the Scout II and the vehicle is quite rare. Enthusiasts should look out for rust and issues of tin worm on the Scout II, but overall the vehicle is reliable.
4 1987 Ford Bronco ($14,000)
Produced from 1987, Ford's fourth generation of the Bronco updated the previous third generation. The car featured increased safety properties and was an extremely popular vehicle for consumers. The SUV is most definitely not a great car, the Ford Bronco excelled off-road. Also extremely popular was the Eddie Bauer edition, which featured two-tone paint and design refurbishments.
Sadly, the Ford Bronco's fourth-generation will forever be remembered as the vehicle in which O.J Simpson used during the infamous car chase in 1994. This has driven prices down and interest in the vehicle reduced. Although, prices have been increasing in recent years, especially with the new Ford Bronco release coming in 2021.
3 Chevrolet Blazer K5 ($15,000)
The Chevrolet Blazer K5 was initially introduced in 1969 and was available in both 4WD and 2WD options. The Blazer was designed to compete with the Bronco as a capable off-roader. Equipped with a V8 engine, the Chevrolet Blazer was also a capable vehicle that offered luxurious parts (such as air conditioning, which was luxurious at the time) alongside the more practical aspects of SUV's that were popular in off-roading.
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2 Toyota Land Cruiser J60 ($18,000)
Produced in 1980, the J60 was powered with 135bhp and was designed to be an off-roader. With its advanced 4WD, it was a brilliant off-roader. However, with age-related steering issues, the J60 can struggle to live up to its off-roading ability.
In need of restorations and modifications, this car can be brought back up to top standard. Of course, not every J60 is not living up to expectations like this tidy model, but the car can once again be cool and take enthusiasts on enjoyable off-road journeys.
1 Subaru Brat ($6,000)
The Brat was sold from 1978, the vehicle itself was not technically an SUV, but was a 'passenger car' due to the company attempting to evade the 'Chicken Tax'. Cool looking, the Brat was very popular with the farming communities. The mechanicals are impressive, and its drivetrain is excellent. With 67bhp, the Brat isn't speedy and is quite a compact car. Although difficult to get into, the car is sturdy to drive.
When buying, enthusiasts need to check for rust on the Brat but the power is good, and the car is lightweight. Despite some age issues, the Brat is pretty cool and remains interesting for prospective buyers. Most owners are pretty happy with it staying stock, but restoring and applying modifications to the Brat can be worthwhile to really power it up and make it all the more interesting and unique.