3 Affordable Overlanders You Have Completely Overlooked: Buy or Bust Ep.10

[@electrikoptik]

When the Land Rover repair bills start coming in, it aint gonna be affordable anymore.

[@fritty9927]

Barnum and Bailey time😄

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

Yeah there is a reason they are cheap

[@SalvadorAndradeHN]

Man I looked for white LR4s just like that for months and so many had overheating problems I just couldn’t do it, always wanted one but steered clear from them, ended up with a 4Runner instead.

[@danielsuszek6405]

My old coworker had one… he loved it… for a short while. It was so unreliable he quietly ended up in a Toyota Forerunner less than 2 years in.

[@raymondluna3187]

Yes this is for the person with more money than sense it will be an amazing off roader just keep throwing fist fulls of bills at this thing haha

[@andreasramirez7427]

I am a member of the Element Cult. They are so versatile. Can’t wait till the weather gets better in Cali for camping!

[@deejayimm]

The H3 adventure package was a great off road suv. With the orange version, it's nice to see that no matter how smart we think we are, we're really like raccoons and attracted to shiny objects...

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

The Element is definitely a buy for me: I bought one! I am the second owner of a 2003 Element that I bought five years ago with about 240,000 miles. I ended up deciding between the Element, or a Renegade Trailhawk, but there were no Renegades near me within my budget, so I got my Element for $5,500 (I'm surprised the one in this video was sold for as low as it did, but mine was in really good condition, so maybe that's a factor). I don't do any real off-roading, but my family and I do go on a fair number of excursions either hiking or exploring off the beaten path, both of which involve a great deal of rough dirt roads, so I knew I needed a car that could handle that. Mine has AWD and the automatic, so my mileage is not great (20-22 is what I can get if I'm routinely driving longer distances. Just back and forth to work all the time gets me about 14 mpg). But I love it! I don't feel cramped when I sit in it, I have a great seating position, the backseat has more legroom than anything else I've been in, and as you show here, the cargo room is just phenomenal! I have managed to fit two pressure washers, several big plastic storage totes, and several big bags of groceries in the back all at once. All in all, I've been so happy with my Element. It is definitely a great, affordable car if you want to be able to carry stuff, but still get some places. And on the dog note, you could actually get a dog owner's package with the Element in later years. It came with a dog bone print rubber floor mat, a "spill-proof" water bowl that seated into a corner, an air vent in the rear that (if I recall correctly) opened to the wheel well, and an access ramp for smaller/older dogs to get up to the tailgate.

[@adampenley798]

Love how the LR4 had the check engine light already on 😂

[@davidaix5771]

That's how you know it's working

[@DavidKeadle]

Really enjoying this Buy or Bust series guys. Keep up the great work!

[@jasonbestard]

Keep the Buy or Busts coming. They are awesome.

[@57WillysCJ]

The Element had a cool factor from the start. You could get an aftermarket roof top camper that you entered through that rear sunroof. You can get a lift kit from 1-3 inches to be able tackle the less used Forest Service roads. It's not a rock crawler but it will get you away from the crowds.

[@vincentspencer3699]

I would have loved to have seen the guys come home with that black H3 Alpha!! What a great package to start an off road project!! Maybe an idea for another time??…..

[@Shyguy624]

That element was so cool inside I never knew how much space there was inside it was literally a huge box I kinda want one now

[@itsa67]

Love these videos! We have had several elements for our kids and 27 year old still has his! They are my wife’s favorite vehicle - If Honda ever brings them back she will be the first in line,

[@Bpf1893]

Perfect first vehicle, they’ll last forever with basic maintenance

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Hell, I would have bought that Element for pocket change if I'd been there. That's a good deal.

[@brettk173]

As much as I absolutely loved my 2014 LR4, it still had the dreaded timing chain issue with the SCV6. $22,000 in repair costs for a refurbished engine was a tough pill to swallow. Use caution with this one!

[@shawndavis218]

With any luck, buying ones these days will likely have the upgraded guides at least.

[@svpracer98]

My mom had an H3 and we still miss that vehicle to this day. And it really could preform off road in stock form.

[@djw5415]

Want ours? We hate it.

[@kclefthanded427]

You can't go wrong on either the Hummer H3 Alpha with a V-8 or a Honda Element with a manual transmission

[@MrTonaluv]

What about the AFM on that 5.3 V8?

[@cpscps2679]

Tommy has a giant blind spot for Land Rovers.

[@krover01]

Thats what happens when you actually own one vs just listening to people on the internet who have never owned one.

[@Aj1981Mr]

I agree, over 15 years iv owned 6, one of which, a freelander 2 we'v put 40k miles on with 1 service done. We'v spent less then £500 in repairs in total over 15 years, and most of that was on 1 heavily abused off road range rover classic.

[@macbook802]

If I had ten grand and was able to choose the Honda Element or the LR4 I'd choose the Element everyday of the week without any questions, thought, or any sort of second guess. I wouldn't even look back as I was driving away

[@Aj1981Mr]

@krover01 sorry to clarify I was agreeing with krover01

[@thomaslemon3971]

@@krover01 I don’t even own one, but I’m glad someone said it. You’d be surprised what actually maintaining your vehicle can do…luxury cars get a bad rap because a lot of people who buy them new/lightly used can barely afford the car. So they don’t have any money left over to actually take care of the car. It’s no wonder so many end up in a state of disrepair.

[@rayc1976]

I own both an Element and a H3. Both are great vehicles for their intended purposes. From my experience, the H3 does spend lot more time in the shop. Parts are also much harder to find for the H3. Most parts are not a problem, but certain things have been discontinued and can take a while to find. That said, I love both vehicles!

[@djw5415]

As a H3 owner it’s not a great overlander. Gutless and uncomfortable for long trips. And yes it’s unreliable with the 5 cylinder. Potential catastrophic engine failure

[@Navin.R.Johnson]

1) LR4: At auction with 83K miles, with a possible bad head gasket. Says it all. 2) Element: Cool car. AWD is the one to get. 3) Hummer H3: TIL it came with a 5.3L. I now like the H3.

[@patrickirish8110]

I'm not a LR fan, but I loved the quirkiness of the Honda and the Hummer was just cool. As always, a very enjoyable episode in a great series.

[@steveprather1305]

The sunroof in the Element is for sleeping on the beds, reduces claustrophobia.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

19:46 I think most vehicles are “pavement queens”. You go to work everyday; kids go to school everyday; you go to the grocery store once a week; you go off roading occasionally when you’re not going to work, taking kids to school, going to the grocery store, or running other errands.

[@jwattie144]

I have a Honda Element and I love it. You shouldn't hose it out though, under the plastic there is a ton of foam that will rot/smell because there are no floor drains. When I eventually have to replace it I plan on getting a Lexus GX, which is likely superior to that Hummer and Land Rover for similar money.

[@Killjoy1230]

BIG fan of Hummer, the 06 H3 that I have has never had any major issues. Mine has the lux and adventure packages. H3s can actually accommodate 35" MT tires with no real modifications from factory. Minor negative offset wheels and you have yourself a mini monster truck with a mind blowing 37ft turning circle and the fuel economy is actually pretty decent on the H3 (21mpg on hwy). I off-road mine and it's nearly unstoppable. I HIGHLY advise anyone that wants to get into overlanding to pick up a Hummer H3 or any Hummer for that matter.

[@WACONimages]

Great video! Drive an Element 4wd myself on the other side of the big ocean in The Netherlands. Only about 16-20 Element overhere. Its stock but with 19inch rims. Its very reliable even its a 2003 model. A bit of driving a 'big' Mini Cooper with the right tires. Except a bit more power would have been nice now in 2023. But still does well for daily driving + some weekend adventures.

[@bobcoats2708]

No mention of the H3 blowin’ a lot a smoke on startup. Head gasket on its way out?

[@10cpaul]

With the element I had one... YOU CANNOT HOSE OUT THE INTERIOR! There's electronics and wiring under the floor....Had the 5 speed it gets worse mpg than the automatic.

[@damilolaakanni]

I believe it's the same with the FJ Cruiser. Those had rubber floors as well.

[@hoganlegdrop2409]

In 09 and 10 the h3 was available with a front locker as well, making it one of the most capable off-roads of all time.

[@USA__WILL]

❤Can you guys do a series converting police cruiser/Tahoe's/Explorers into overland rigs using Walmart or harbor freight. Budget build ❤

[@seanclark5613]

I have a Volvo XC90 AWD with a split rear gate (like the Honda), great reliability with currently 229,000 miles (like the Honda) and it's super comfortable and pretty luxurious (like the Range Rover). It's also surprising good off road. Best all around vehicle I can think of and plan to turn it into an overlander once I buy a newer vehicle next year (yes, I am looking into getting another XC90).

[@Bearbok]

I love my Element. Got it in 2006 and still have it. Come on Honda...give us a new Element with all the great parts of the Element brought into the future!!

[@shoemaker924]

This is my favorite TFL series

[@root1911]

A H3 Alpha would be a great long term, budget vehicle to have on the channel.

[@djw5415]

They don’t seem budget. They are around $30k for a low mile one. The regular h3 are horrible. Our family has one and it’s cramp, bad viability, unreliable and GUTLESS

[@andrewborden1009]

I have been emailing TFL to test my 08 Alpha Offroad Package. Fully preserved OEM, all major PMs performed. New KO2s. Alphas eat Rubicons & Rovers stock vs stock. Great for the channel.

[@357maximum4]

Sold my dead stock 08 Alpha and bought a dead stock 2018 JLUR , never looked back. Truly loved the Alpha, well other than the recurring electrical gremlins and the fact it loved to break something every time I got happy with it from the last repair. It also liked gasoline much more than my 4 door Rubi. The Rubi weighs less and has taken me places the much heavier GMC brick would not.

[@SteveWicks-cm7nz]

Have a kj cherokee (liberty) here in NewZealand...keyed in cheap 4x4 and this vehicle came up...way cheaper than the Toyota, Nissan,Mitsubishi ect we have here...up graded with at tyres,suspension lift ,B bars.. Had for 3 years and have done 35,0000km(has done just over 200,000..just done 5,500 km on a trip over the South Island of our country often off road... Love this Jeep...and your TFL channel ..

[@solarfry]

I remeber towing those lr out of la crest hwy in snow, busted axles, many other issues.

[@keithdosik]

I love this series!! My absolute favorite

[@6.2_vortec]

I absolutely love my 2006 h3. Sadly it’s the inline 5 but it’s has the rear locker and extra low range transfer case (adventure package)

[@pettynerd1285]

Love my 2013 LR4! Bought it after you guys had your LR3. 10k miles and all I've done is fluid and brakes. Forget the Land Rover naysayers!!!

[@coltoncj1]

I think the Honda element was one of the coolest cars ever made. And just so you know Tommy, the moonroof in the back was designed for surfers to be able to stand through and have a place to change their undergarments in privacy.

[@WheresHerb]

Love these buy or bust videos.

[@Kenneth_R]

The Honda Element was ahead of its time. Fantastic design.

[@ElliottTAlphaG700]

I whole heartedly agree with Brendan enthusiasm 😂 for the Element! To this day I still occasionally think up how I'd do one up, if I ever get serious about buying one. I ❤the quirkiness of them! You wouldn't See yourself coming or going! Nothing Worse than being a Bland Boring Bla Beige Keeping up with Every other Joe Jones 🤢🤮🤣 Plus besides agreeing with him. I just ❤his personality, he's so bubbly😅. He laughes at himself often. - where you or your Dad find your cast of real Characters! I ❤all of you. Always make laugh & smile. Even IF you've never been introduced to a comb 😂😉

[@SURENITY]

1st gen Acura MDX! 4-lock, a well crafted leather interior, computerized SH-AWD, VTEC, almost 300HP (with a few cheap mods), and a well built chasis.

[@matthewdross8925]

Love the H3. The H3T could’ve been a solid Gladiator competitor

[@eli-bt4he]

If the orange Hummer sold second, that could also be part of the reason why it sold for more. I've seen that several times with unique vehicles at auctions- people will hold out on the first one since they will have a second shot coming up.

[@therealscootah]

I took an H3 off-road before and was amazed how capable it was! Shame they aren’t around anymore they should bring it back to compete with the wrangler and bronco

[@damilolaakanni]

The Honda Element shared a platform (and as a result, engine, transmissions and AWD system) with the 2nd generation CR-V, which was based on the 7th generation Civic. So the platform wasn't unique, but at least the styling was.

[@dommm111]

The Element is a BUY all day long

[@MatrixDiscovery]

That Honda Element was designed way ahead of it time !

[@raspberryjellydoughnut5727]

This was my first time ever seeing inside a Honda element & I must say I Like it.

[@gt90guy]

The LR4 had the white “mold” on the inside of the hood! That was coolant. Check engine for low coolant and those around the engine covers on the hood. Yup, she spewed coolant all over.

[@ismaela.6973]

I'd already gotten a repair quote from that land Rover, just by watching this video 😅

[@starwarskong]

😂 I have a friend who bought a used 2018 Range Rover this month, she will regret it later… 😂

[@davidaix5771]

​@Dara Kong oh yeah she will I new a guy that had one and it was call and a big v8 it was fast and loud didn't last long the engine blew up with a little over 60k on the clock and they wouldn't cover a new engine and they quoted him 36k for a new engine

[@ryanstevens1855]

I had a 2006 h3 back when it was new and I absolutely loved it.

[@aaronbritt2025]

Know what I like even more than the H3 Alpha? The Colorado it's based on was available with the 5.3 and ZQ8 sport suspension. That's my pick. Yeah, I have zero interest in driving in the dirt.

[@hummerguy]

The 5.3 colorados are really hard to find

[@lab1042]

I wanted an Element back when they came out, even test drove a new one. Unfortunately my wife did not like that it was only a 4-seater.

[@jdenke5873]

OK the Adventure package would have also gotten the truck the 4 to 1 transfer case. that white one had the package, so lockers and better t case. both have an all aluminum 5.3, but the 08 and 09 do not have AFM so they last longer. even with the miles the white one will sell in the real world for 15-20K all day.

[@pinhigh1]

I've got an Element with 200k on it. Change the oil and it just keeps going. Enormous interior. A bit noisy because it's not well insulated. Great vehicles.

[@PaddyBoy644]

10:15 waterproof seats! Comes in handy for the average age of a Honda driver!

[@Andrew-ms8md]

Had that rxact LR4 just 2016. Loved it

[@damilolaakanni]

Land Rover LR4: if you can afford maintenance and repair, buy. Good looks (reminds me of the Discovery 2), comfortable and spacious,they'll definitely drive well (for an SUV) and the interior is well built. Look for something else if you can't afford the maintenance and repairs. Honda Element: buy. They're great overland cars, you don't need to change much to suit your needs. But don't expect to go rock crawling with those, you'll destroy your suspension. Also, I've heard that the manuals get worse gas mileage than the autos. Hummer H3 Alpha (or the H3 in general): buy now while you can, prices might go up. Besides, it's a better built SUV than the H2 and a better daily (if you're going to use it as one) than the H1.

[@TinyGoHomes]

The h3 is nice 👍 I’ve had one now for few years. I’m going to swap to 5.3 when it goes.

[@tritchie6272]

I think the H3 would be my preference. Although I would have liked a better look at the Cargo area. The Honda would be more Pratciale than the LR4. But I might have to fight with myself to get past the better looks of the LR if those were the only 2 choices.

[@johnbearjunkyard]

I had an H3 for a few years. I loved it. But the rear cargo area isn't huge.

[@fritty9927]

Why anyone would ever recommend a rover product is beyond belief. You know damn well it’s the biggest mistake a person could ever make; especially a used one!! The money you spend in repairs for it in first year will cost as much as purchase price.

[@jacknimble1]

You can't "hose out" an Element. That's nonsense unless you want the jute material under the plastic to get saturated, mold, and rot. I own and have owned a bunch and have pulled out the plastic floor. There are no drain holes either.

[@1mlb704]

I'm a yes on that H3

[@baddrivercam]

I loved my lr3. Only got rid of it after my wifes back surgery. She could no longer climb up into it.

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

A friend of mine purchased a Honda Element when they first came out and I was surprised how much room it actually had in it.

[@shawnharris7747]

I've been waiting for these episodes yay 🤗

[@noah786]

How are the early model Hyundai Santa Fe’s?

[@freakywayne8790]

That white H3 had the rear locker. Just over 9K is insanely awesome.

[@oneplus2ins]

1:14 Yeah but if you overland that means you have food and water so you can basically live comfortably on the side of the road when your Land Rover breaks down.. Until you run out of supplies or the highway patrol, or Ranger, or tow truck shows up.

[@MrIpjrobson]

Very cool video. I love the look of the LRs. I ended up getting something that looks like it but not quite the same.

[@FreakyT333]

That alpha has me thinking… V8 LS, comfy on pretty much any surface and under $15k.. Man I could do a 10 second overland rig pretty reasonable with that starting point.

[@djw5415]

They aren’t this cheap

[@tgland02494]

Tommy seems to be forgetting he is at the auto auction. His guesses are closer to retail prices. Remember dealers have to make money so they will go cheaper. Looking on line his prediction was spot on go retail 😮

[@djdigital3806]

My wife have a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander with 205,000 miles. Still going strong!

[@OldThomMerton]

Oh, man, I've missed these! Hmmmmmm as a fan of driving, I pass on the LR4, and I laugh every time I see a Hummer . . . I'd take the cheap Element!

[@shawnfalls3538]

Such a fun series.

[@owenauto]

I’m convinced I have the same taste in cars as Brenden, between the Element, Buick park ave, lincoln town car etc

[@MrJordanwain]

The Hummer H3 was sold in the UK as a RHD. It’s hard to find a RHD Hummer H3 but when you do they’re selling for £20,000. I would imagine they were sold from Chevrolet dealers - Chevrolet bought out Daewoo so rebadged their cars and took over their dealer network.

[@TimiG001]

Which auction do you guys go to?

[@macbook802]

If I had ten grand and had to choose the Honda Element or the LR4 I'd choose the element everyday of the week without any questions, thought, or any sort of second guess. I wouldn't even look back as I was driving away

[@dog.dad501]

Love the hummers, I have a 2007 adventure package with lockers and wouldn't part with it

[@TemoTemo1995]

That White H3 had a diff lock button as well

[@BentonHart]

That Element would make a great dog hauler, I wouldn't mind one of the ones with the dog friendly package and AWD.

[@jonas852]

That Honda is like a Skoda Yeti to be honest, and Yeti is the best car ever

[@tismuss]

Is the element Hondas idea of the London taxi?

[@MSchumacherfan]

Hummer h3 alpha or a Jeep Commander hemi ??

[@Vesperia342]

Do not buy a Jeep commander

[@TheUnexpectedOffRoad]

H3 Alpha is so awesome!!

[@josephpacelli3691]

My buddy has an 08 Element his was orange and has the automatic transmission

[@randalsweeting661]

The H3 is good for wieght loss. Since its a pain in the butt to get drive through with lol. But other then not being able to see where your going...solid 4x4😅

[@rnt45t1]

Dude has D.E.N.N.I.S. vibes in that Land Rover.

[@dommm111]

Damnit, Tom is a really good LAND ROVER salesman

[@johnrussell5715]

what's the retail auction + 20%?

[@paladin11C40]

I bought a 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited W/Hemi and QDII with 72k miles on it for 10k just a few years ago. So far I have lifted it 2.5", it does really well off-road. It runs extremely well, originally from Texas, no rust.

[@Tallnerdyguy]

Love my '14 grand cherokee with ecodiesel

[@jonlosito2004]

Hell yess the Element!! Yuri Tereshyn from The Straight Pipes would appreciate it!!

[@the_jarmel]

HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE ✌️ HAVE A GOOD DAY....LOVE THE SHOW BRENDAN, TOMMY ... AND TFL CAMERA NINJA....

[@djw5415]

As a original owner of a H3 (5 cylinder) who methodically maintains their vehicle by a GM Master Mechanic. DO NOT BUY. Spend the money for any of the 4x4 Toyota products and you’d be a lot more happier. This vehicle is unreliable, GUTLESS and extremely uncomfortable on trips.

[@mrsteve4313]

The biggest problem with the H3 was exactly what you said, gm designed it and not am(c) general!!!

[@eli-bt4he]

I've always dismissed the Element as a weird car and not my style, but now I really kinda want one...

[@Kjack2023]

I agree. Who would’ve thought it could’ve so versatile?

[@johngoodwyn8246]

That Element was well bought with a 5 speed way more money here in the PNW

[@Doc_Martin_Monty]

I'd have to pass on anything with air suspension. If it fails while on the trail you are screwed.... The LR would need the spring conversion then it would be al good! Also V8 over the SCV6.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

13:39 I wasn’t a fan of the Element when it was new.