The words “adventure vehicle” likely conjure up visions of hulking SUVs or double-cab bakkies sporting mechanical locking differentials, air snorkels and knobbly tyres. But there are a few left-field vehicles out there on the used market that are surprisingly capable off the beaten path, despite what first impressions might suggest.
While the list of most searched for 4×4-equipped variants for the first quarter of 2022 on AutoTrader is dominated by mainstream double-cab bakkies such as the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 4.5 and Ford Ranger Raptor (not to mention trail-conquering SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon), you might be looking for something more unconventional… here are your options.
One such example is the comparatively diminutive Daihatsu Terios 1.5 4×4. Although not quite as accomplished in the rough stuff as, say, the similarly compact but ladder-frame Suzuki Jimny (which has become extremely popular in the past few years), the Terios nevertheless boasts permanent four-wheel drive and will cheerfully go further off tarmac than most likely expect.
With the lowest average list price here at a shade over R130 000, it’s the most affordable option too, though it’s also the oldest with an average registration year stretching back to 2010.
Should you prefer something a little more modern, there’s also the Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir 4×4. The latest iteration of a nameplate that stretches back nearly 40 years, the quirky Panda 4×4 is effectively a two-cylinder city car with four-wheel drive.
With an average registration year of 2020 and average mileage of a little over 15 000km, its average list price comes in under R200 000. There’s also a Cross version, which gains further-raised ride height, more rugged bumpers and an electronic locking differential.
What sets the Mahindra Thar 2.5CRDe 4×4, which bears an average list price of around R250 000 and average mileage of less than 35 000km, apart from the other variants on this list is the fact it features a low-range transfer case (to complement its live rear axle with leaf springs). That renders the Indian-built off-roader easily the most adept at tackling off-road obstacles.
The Volkswagen Transporter 2.0BiTDI 146kW Kombi SWB Trendline Plus 4Motion (to use its full name) finds itself at the other end of the spectrum with an average list price nudging seven figures. Though by no means a proper off-roader, the 4Motion-equipped Kombi does at least have a differential lock. It’s also able to seat as many as nine.
Unconventional 4x4s and their average list price, mileage and registration year:
AutoTrader, January 1 to March 31.
Source: Nikki Chennells – Haveyoursay / Photos: QuickPic
