Top 5 UNDERRATED Off-Roaders under $15,000 | ReDriven

[@wigworx]

There is no more capable off-road vehicle than a Hertz Hyundai Getz!

[@davidf6326]

They become even more capable if you take out excess waiver insurance 😁

[@adamabbas8876]

😂

[@thomastuohy7688]

Lol I thrashed mine

[@leizaharpur9899]

😂

[@lhaakmeester]

In SA (Adelaide) you can hire a Prado or Ranger from Complete Utes for very reasonable money with insurance and full permission to go off road, and they are awesome people to deal with. Did a Flinders trip last year and did a few tracks - great fun

[@Bdub1952]

We lived deep in the Idaho USA mountains where the snow is deep and the roads are steep. Our CR-V couldn't handle deep snow and ice, so we traded in on a '06 Sorento and it was a beast. Shortly after, I bought a Suzuki Sidekick 2-door and it was equally as good as the Sorento. Your list is spot on, mate.

[@obliter8r]

I may, or may not, have access to company owned 2019 Sante fe that isn't mine that may, or may not, be able to do some very impressive offroading on beaches and some pretty gnarly tracks with big descents and then return. Only issue may, or may not be, is abs and lack of transfer case.

[@bashka5743]

I had a Patrol sadly got rid enough for this year! Got a Pathfinder and it’s a whole lot of car and a lot cheaper I just put a lift kit on and all terrains super capable.

[@tristanhall5971]

Yippee for the Grand Vitara.

[@cshep1531]

while the hire car scenario is a well known fun fact, the real fact is that if you go "offroad" you do not have a so called $0 excess you are liable for all damages. While $10000 damage on a $40000 dollar vehicle might seem little it is lightly to be deemed by the insurance company as a total write off and you are liable for the full real sale price. Used to hire out grand vitaras and people often wrote them off (didn't know how to drive on dirt and travelled off a main "gazetted" road). We stopped hiring out 4x4s because everyone thought they could take them everywhere with no skill. 5 on our fleet and 4 written off in a year with all drivers at full responsibility.

[@sjwright2]

THIS. Every hire car I've ever had anywhere in the world has included an explicit off-road exclusion to the insurance policy, no matter which grade of insurance you pay for. This was a fun and entertaining segment of an otherwise great video, but it really is *DANGEROUS* consumer advice that could lead someone to do something that might well destroy someone financially.

[@dikward4574]

I have a 2005 Sorrento and I’ve driven 50k kms in 2 years while also taking it off road. I’d 100% recommend because it is so much fun just be weary of the sliding when wet.

[@minyoops2585]

I have a 2008 2wd kia sorento with 264k miles on it and it has proven itself as a good car on some tough terrain. It's such a good car I bought my fiance a 2016 kia sorento. We love them!

[@eljorge1416]

Cool! What engines do they have?

[@minyoops2585]

They both have a 3.3L V6 with enough power to spin the wheels on semi wet pavement

[@Showmetheevidence-]

I once drove my little Opel/Vauxhall 1.4l corsa up a ridiculously rocky, sandy mountain pass. It was fun, scary and long, but it went up! Granted I don’t think I did my car any favours 😂 Thanks for a straightforward & honest list. Hate these “they’re all good” reviews.

[@juanlawrie3666]

Awesome content once again. I’ve got the first 2 on the list. 1st gen Sorento very underrated and overlooked off-roader. Also 2.8T towing capacity.

[@damilolaakanni]

Really don't know how the Sorento went from body on frame to unibody...and then adding probably the worst transmission you can get in an off road oriented vehicle...a dual clutch transmission.

[@williamegler8771]

Because 95% of them are never driven off road and KIA redesigned it to appeal to buyers that wanted off roader looks but didn't need the capabilities. They made it into a nice estate cars on stilts

[@angusnz7910]

Turned into a kiddie crate. Followed the money I guess. The guys can have what they want ONLY after the mrs is satisfied

[@robinwright2642]

The suzuki Grand Vitara is great!!

[@ioku_josh4459]

Its about $500 a weekend at D.I to hire a 4x4 and the best part is you take it back to them with half the beach still in it.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Recently picked up a 2015 with 45k miles, done a 50mm lift 16"s with the biggest ATs that fit and yes she's surprisingly good off-road

[@matthewwijsma9978]

The 1st Generation KIA Sportage is also a ladder Chassis, live rear axle, low range transfer case and has a Mazda derived engine. Good little rigs offroad with a small lift and tyres

[@MartinJones123]

Really? Mazda derived engine? Does that mean it isn't a complete piece of junk?

[@garycook3943]

Yep. Done that.

[@lynndonharnell422]

complete with body, dash and window rattles and window winder switches that are impossible to keep dust out of. that with the poor (for its size) fuel economy ruined it for me.

[@PeterHarman1]

Loved my long tail kia - biggest mistake was to replace it with a terracan

[@chrisnewton2325]

I spat my breakfast out with laughter when you said hire car 🤣

[@jonathanpeterson1]

Really hyped to see the Pathfinder/Xterra pair. I had an R50 I bought for the Gambler 500 for $500. Even though it was the unibody model, still had all the basic off-road tech you needed, ifs with live rear axle, proper 4x4 etc. That car refused to die and took everything I threw at it. Bonus that they’re consistently cheaper than their Jeep/Toyota rivals, yet just as capable when similarly modified. Y’all should do some research on the Gambler 500. I think y’all get a kick out of some of the rigs you see doing some pretty gnarly stuff.

[@davidf6326]

Pleased to see the oft overlooked Terracan get a mention. Loved the one we had, almost as much as the 2013 Grand Vitara we bought a couple of years later.

[@indeepeterhopwood8106]

We grew up taking VL Commodores and XF Falcons into the bush every chance we got and with the right attitude you’d be surprised where they’d go. So any modern SUV or “soft roader” is going to be better again. It’s really satisfying driving past some Shauno wannabe bogged in his 80 series, with your 2013 Outlander fitted with all terrains and covered in mud

[@deancooper5513]

If you're going for a Suzuki Grand Vitara with the 2.4L 4 cylinder J24B engine beware any made prior to 2012. These engines are made of glass and have known casting weaknesses in the block design which means they crack their blocks when they get hot and the engines are massively expensive to replace. Buy any 4 cylinder Grand Vitara after 2012 as these have a revised block design. How much to replace a J24B engine you ask? Try $4500 AU as an average price just to get a low km 2013 or younger wrecker engine. Been there with my son's 2009 Grand Vitara...all up cost to replace engine with fitting is North of $7000AU and can get way more exxy depending where you go and what you get done. BEWARE!

[@dylanharbour3495]

I had a 2008 Grand Vitara. Not a day of trouble until the block cracked. Lost most of its value immediately, but it had done 300k km’s when it finally gave up. I traded the broken GV in for a 2016 model which so far has given zero issue (100k later). They’re immensely capable once you have given them a lift kit, “underpants” for some protection and some all terrain rubber. 💪

[@andrevanderwalt2515]

The R51 pathfinder was let down by it's lack of rear solid axle, or rear diff lock. They are a good thing, but the IRS made it too easy to lose touch with the ground and then no more forward movement

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Cars in Australia are so cheap! You would be very lucky to get any of these vehicles in good condition here in the UK for the equivalent of $15000 AUS, apart from the Hyundai Terracan. They would be more like $25000 AUS. Also the cost of diesel is almost twice the price that it is in Australia! The annual road tax on these kind of vehicles is at least twice the the cost that it is in Australia. Good review as always!

[@Suroyfamilia]

Agree with the list but how did you miss the Mitsubishi Challenger? Triton running gear, excellent super select tranny, standard rear diff lock. A sensible yet underrated choice.

[@chris263rea]

It’s already on another list they did

[@cgrecommended]

The Grand Vitara, avoid the 3.2 V6 which is a smaller capacity sister to the unreliable 3.6 GM Alloytech

[@oakleecummings6942]

Can you do a full review on the r51 pathfinder? The v6 diesel just ticks all the boxes for me. Still see a lot on the road just don’t know why they are so cheap compared to its competitors.

[@corty79]

Would never recommend a Hyundai Terracan diesel. The injector pumps in these tend to destroy themselves, sending metal particles into the injectors, and destroying them as well. First sign of the issue is the check engine light coming on with a " low manifold pressure " fault. Then remove the fuel filter and cut it open to see If there are metal particles in the bottom. Big job to fix - new pump, injectors, fuel tank needs to be removed and cleaned, and flush all the fuel lines. Anywhere between 7K to 10K to fix.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

The Grand Vitara is the second generation (from 1998), and like the first, named just Vitara (up to and including 1997), came in 3 and 5 door variants :) I got the 5 door Vitara from '97, and it first gen., so tighter inside than the newer second gen.

[@faisalahmed1982]

Please review The Legendary BMW M3 E46.....

[@ReDriven]

As soon as we can find one with an owner willing to lend it to us mate! - AK

[@faisalahmed1982]

@@ReDriven Thank u Redriven. We fans simply can't wait! That car is a Legend! My childhood dream and still a dream 😇 I've spent countless of hours driving it on Need For Speed Most Wanted 2005 (PC) 😀

[@UnitedKingdomGovernment]

I’ve got the alloytec 3.2L Grand vitara, the timing chain went at 180,000km and it was $4000 to repair. But it’s done 330,000km now so that’s not too bad in the grand scheme of things ig

[@LILALIZEFLAME]

do you still have it

[@johnhannonHanno]

I have a 2002 Pajero Exceed, great car and not bad off road, however, I wont do the Old Telegraph track nor some of the Glass House Mountain tracks. I am a bit wary about IS and it has it all round. Powered by a 3.8Lt. petrol engine.

[@ckm-mkc]

Had one of those, it is incredible off-road - I did a trail that had huge boulders at the trailhead and spent many miles on snowy rutted and muddy trails. Get good tires and don't pretend you are a rally driver (e.g. go slow). Fully dust sealed as well, which is a bonus.

[@johnhannonHanno]

@Master Yoshi We had the Pajero off road on the weekend, had to use diff lockers. Took it slow.

[@Parabloop3r]

Thank you for this! I was genuinely looking for a sub-$15K off-roader to put on my list, because a my new mechanic friend just told me that buying something just because everyone on the internet raves about it can often lead you to a downfall. When you actually drive the car and it sucks, I mean (In your own opinion)

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

I owned a Teracan, very good but change the suspension.

[@Triple-N]

Having just recently hired a car, they now have a clause about using a hire car for offroad use. There is now an excess to be paid for any damages on the undercarriage due to offroad use and even damage by potholes.

[@russellmoore1533]

I drove a 1990 Toyota Corolla around the Watagans west of Newcastle once, and as I exited the forests after navigating a very rough bush track, I looked back to see a sign saying four wheel drives only beyond this point... By the way it was my mother's shopping cart car.

[@peters5692]

#5 the rental car....!! Awesome and quite sensible tbh, but too bad that many car rental companies don't allow you to even drive on some gravel tracks... Let alone some serious 4WD tracks in the Kakadu NP (Northern Territories)...

[@TwistedDonners]

Guessing the Terios and Feroza weren't on the list for the same reason as the Rocky and Niva? Two other underrated forbies that you can possibly get is a Tata Xenon or Mitsubishi Delica. A couple of ideas that my old man and myself have thought of for video ideas for you guys is; best,worst and most unusual little tree smells for your car and best,worst and most unusual songs (and/or bands) for long road trips. Good work as usual guys keep up the good work and feel free to contact me any time as well guys.

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

I know a few folks with a Tata and they swear by them

[@kymsomerville9024]

Did you say they swear by the Tata, or do they swear at them. 😅

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

@@kymsomerville9024 by them, he swore AT the Navara he used to have 😂

[@erikaepler8597]

Nice video! A bit too late for me since I bought my 07 Pathy 2.5 dci with 300k for 4.7grand but happy to see it on the list. I had a great time with it on the sand dunes north of Perth despite being the vehicle with the least clearance.

[@lukemcclelland1172]

Vitara/Grand Vitara has nothing to do with how many doors they have. The first generation was called Vitara. Then there were 2 generations of Grand Vitara. Then they ditched the "Grand" and went back to just Vitara. Only the original Vitara and first Grand Vitara (so the 2 earliest generations) have body on frame.

[@saac3042]

Should review the grand vitara!

[@ReDriven]

We'd LOVE to! - AK

[@saac3042]

Well I just bought one if you need it!

[@SupaHoon]

Mate did the rental car thing. Company threatened to cl the police if he didn't immediately fork out $3k in damages

[@liamdancer7998]

The jeep xj Cherokee is also a really great offroader that not many people know about here in Australia at least, I picked mine up for $3000 aud with 120,000kms and out drive land cruisers and patrols almost every time I go out 4 wheel driving

[@naumanzakir8005]

Hi In uk and europe, we get a bit of snow aaprox 2weeks to 2 months per year. Rest of the year, we can just drive a car to work but during snow or ice season, its mayhem with lots of work disruption. Can we get suggestions or video for a 4WD or all AWD car for those occassional use. In london and a few big uk cities, they charge approx £12 per day if too much co2 emmisions! So we need some smart maybe hybrid suggestions to have comfortable daily family driver which can be used safely on snow/ice in those cold months. Thanks

[@troyroy01]

Great video! Dedicated 3rd generation Pathfinder review please. Pretty please.

[@angusnz7910]

Got to love the last option 😂 I know this one is a joke to many, but I’ve got a huge soft spot…how about reviewing a L322 rangie. I went to Touareg from these for the obvious reason…but must admit they are still great, if only adults had bolted them together

[@juniorcruz469]

Thumbnail is a 2011-2014 Kia Sorento not 4x4 it is awd and has no aftermarket support. The first gen is the golden sorento.

[@mugzy384]

Best video yet, especially #1

[@NissanR33Ztune]

lol 😂 even before you started my brain goes X-Trail 😂

[@nr1fan4all]

Do that weekly with a rental and I am curious how fast you get blacklisted by all rentals in NSW lol

[@sjwright2]

It depends how soon you pay back the $20-50K for turning a car into a statutory write-off which the "zero-excess insurance" didn't cover because you drove it off road.

[@mikajortikka3223]

Would love to see a Nissan X trail review!

[@NissanR33Ztune]

Me I’m loving the YT binge on your channel.... quality content way more subs required to get the dollars up to actually make the channel way more flexible

[@Superior1979]

The problem with hire cars is as per the contract your not allowed to take them offroad.... Even SUVs. there might be an exception for mine spec vehicles.

[@ReDriven]

It’s only wrong if you get caught ;)

[@hielkestrampel1809]

Nice safe in the end😂

[@DLPTonyATL]

Very interesting list, but YEESH...the faces on these things are only something a mother could love. ::shudder:: The hire/rental car segment, yep...y'all are some seriously naughty dudes. LOL!

[@fredrick211]

Suggesting to use a hire car (or rental vehicle) is irresponsible

[@Summit4x4Company]

Great video!

[@SotRib90]

Hello guys... Which is more reliable? RAV4, GRAND VITARA or Honda CR-V?? All 2000cc petrol (2008-2009-2010). Thanks...

[@trentmorris2502]

Best suggestion is the last one.

[@billythatcher4696]

that teal vitara with three spoke wheels is unbelievably hot

[@dontsteelemidata1765]

Hey AK great video as usual. You should do a watch check at the start or end of the video :)

[@ReDriven]

Awesome idea mate, we'll get working on something. - AK

[@youtubevoyeur4104]

Nice vid. What about the good old Holden jackaroo?!!

[@MartinJones123]

That might be in a part 2... But definitely underrated and not something made by Daewoo...

[@ddsgardening7437]

Top show again 👏

[@ReDriven]

Thank you!!

[@Alpha0ne]

Honestly, I'm yet to find a reasonable track my lifted impreza can't do. Biggest limitation is not having a snorkel(for the moment).

[@EzzaLeo]

I ask with sincerity (and city slicker ignorance) as it's *the* use case I'm now considering a 3rd car for - just how far can a regular car get 'off road' before you need something with more ground clearance and AWD? Is it basically any gravel road that's not designated as '4WD' only? And would an AWD car with, say, a lift kit (or inbuilt extra ground clearance like a Skoda Scout) be able to take you basically anywhere other than dedicated lifted-modified-Hilux/Jeep areas?

[@bigunit4122]

My 5 cents worth- Awd can be modified to perform ok off road, but accessories are hard to find and it will still not be as good off road as a 4wd. If you are taking it down gravel roads, some fire trails and on the beach, Awd is an ok option under the proviso you have decent skills. Definitely check out Ronny Dahl’s youtube channel- he has some great videos for beginners/people who are thinking of getting involved.

[@EzzaLeo]

@@bigunit4122 Tyvm, will do 👍🙏

[@seanhine6929]

I just did a trip to the Flinders Ranges with my friends driving a 10 year old unmodified Subaru Outback. It went everywhere my Disco 3 went and we lots of dirt and some moderate four wheel drive tracks without any issues.

[@Ford_TImelord]

Just get a Forester. There are heaps of mods available for them bu they go good out of the box. Or an old 4wd that qualifies for historic club permit and costs you $90 a year to register!

[@ckm-mkc]

Tires and ground clearance are what will stop you. Tires more so than ground clearance. I've taken a Volvo wagon on some insane trails (think 6" rock ledges and loose slate on 23 degree slopes) and it was fine - but it had four very good light-off-roading tires (Falken WildPeak AT Trails)....

[@taydencornish]

Adz... you missed the touareg

[@ReDriven]

We hear such mixed reports on reliability Tayden. - AK

[@SimonBriz]

I don't understand why you place a pathfinder in this section? Completely Stock they are a thrill to drive and will never miss a beat if taken care of.

[@ratty8139]

Just an Idea, could you guys do a video on like good begineer project cars :)

[@ReDriven]

Awesome idea! - AK

[@francois8069]

How about a T31 and T30 nissan X Trail

[@richards5800]

CVT transmission on them Nissan is a hell no don't believe the hype

[@jomeldemdayo3636]

@Redriven please do nissan pathfinder R50

[@damodaraomalley3974]

😂😂😂 love this...

[@whenstoop3521]

Bro forgot about d22 and d40 navara xterra path finder and navara are on the same platform

[@ReDriven]

Didn't forget mate, we just felt the Pathfinder was the more underrated. - AK

[@faolansawyer9892]

can you guys do a top 5 aussie cars that would be awesome!

[@ReDriven]

100% Faolan, it's coming soon. What would make up your Top 5 Aussie Cars?? - AK

[@MartinJones123]

@@ReDriven There's too many to count... Though I'm sure you and the team will come up with ideas... And maybe have a part 2 and 3

[@borathifive]

Mitsubishi 380 underrated

[@MartinJones123]

@@borathifive Yes... Sure is!

[@faolansawyer9892]

@@ReDriven My top 5 would be 5 HDT vk commodore 4 FPV F6 typhoon 3 XB falcon 2 1988 VL commodore ss group A 1 HSV GTSR W1

[@zapher007]

What kind of car does 100km/h in first gear? A rental car! Massive LOL's when you revealed number 1 🙂

[@damienfrizzell9394]

100 percent Pajero for the actual number one spot it's only 15 Grand not 90 and pretty much bullet proff

[@ReDriven]

Brilliant thing but underrated? We feel like they're more just rated than underrated. - AK

[@damienfrizzell9394]

@@ReDriven depends if U drive a Toyota or Nissan or not

[@damienfrizzell9394]

@@ReDriven no matter they won Dakar the most grueling race on earth ten times or more Toyota and Nissan drivers have a contract to snob on mitsi

[@lliamgregory3182]

AK lookin lean!

[@ReDriven]

Cheers mate, have been training my ass off and eating bloody healthy! Attempting to get camera fit. - AK

[@purushful]

If you hire a car from hertz, thrifty, avis or anyone for that matter you will not be covered for offroad accidents. Please do not suggest this in your channel. Only select few 4wd special hiring agents will let u hire 4wd with insurance. Even if you hire a prado from thrifty, you are offlimits as soon as you dirt road. This is what i know based on my experience, trust me on this. Happy to be proved wrong though.

[@nicoibzschalin-hr4bj]

As a Uber driver in spain 8 have taken the toyota corola hybrid i drive down some scetchy roads and it never fails. Spoilers are fucked and a few scratches though😂😂

[@liberty0758]

Holden Adventra, anyone? Very capable offroad.

[@petit_voytek09]

Hyundai Galloper?

[@x5or]

You dont mentionned the Freelander! Why? See how it performs here : m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4areKOunpl3pNE

[@ReDriven]

We wouldn't regard it as being underrated as such mate. - AK

[@x5or]

@@ReDriven May be

[@d.m.messick]

The hire “rental” car idea is rubbish unless it’s at least awd…like a Subaru. The rest of the list is ok 👍

[@TheMcBadie]

I normally agree with almost everything you post, but you missed the #1 here. The 7L Toureg is the best off roader under 15k by a mile and 100% stock. With the air suspension and diff lock options checked it is incredible and reliable to boot! Please replace the silly hire car #1 with this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSVp4iXfNmbi9E

[@angusnz7910]

You’re not wrong. I thought my rangies in the day were good but a mate came on game with his Touareg and cake walked anything I could do. Yup heaps don’t like the rangie for obvious reasons, but the first 2 Touareg’s with air and locks are fantastic…if a bit heavy for muddy stuff

[@ravingmad765]

yeah I've heard these are the bomb. and porches of the same year. but after they "underrated".

[@johnwayne8475]

If someone has intentions to actually go off road, I wouldn't be messing around with pretend 4WDs. I would buy the best proper 4WD that I can afford, even if it's an older model. One with centre locking diff, low range and the ability and option to add larger wheels, suspension lift, bull bars and winch as your interest and capability grows. And one which is big enough to carry your camping gear. The Australian conditions is much too unforgiving for someone to take a soft roader into the bush. You could go 99% of a track but it only takes one obstacle to stop you and then you're stuck or have to turn back.

[@killermed95]

Or.....buy a beater daily driver for cheap and go buy your off-road beast dream!

[@Healthwithharry]

The suzuki vicarage doesn't belong there,it's a serious off-roader

[@Sam-rl9kx]

Disappointing! A lada niva would outdo any of these in reverse

[@tristramfenech8284]

Subaru outback?

[@hasenpfefer7]

Nice, but probably not underrated as much

[@nicko6710]

Hire car are always faster and jump higher.

[@mishham6388]

Having a hire car is as close to having a stolen vehicle as far as your respect for the vehicle goes haha

[@mishham6388]

Not that I condone such behaviour but u only live once haha

[@michaelhart5886]

Fastest cars in the world are hire cars

[@hellothere4342]

LMFAO 🤣🤣 rental cars are also the fastest and most capable corner carver you can ever get. On another inappropriate car off-road. I've seen AU Falcons do amazing things off the beaten tracks.

[@MartinJones123]

AU's are like the unofficial offroad king 🤣🤣🤣

[@hellothere4342]

@Master Yoshi I was working on the HV transmission tower up on Mt Buller and watch a Bronze AU wagon skating up the track on sheer will power and determination alone. Had to make sure my harness wasnt cutting off circulation and was tripping out. We had some difficulties getting there in the first place in our Isuzu NP300 4x4. Granted it was loaded up with equipment and meatbags but bloody hell, incredible stuff.

[@MartinJones123]

@@hellothere4342 That sounds like an incredible job...

[@hellothere4342]

@@MartinJones123 thanks mate I think so and love doing the job too. I encourage anyone who loves working outdoors and don't mind height to apply for Linesman apprentice. If not,traffic controllers/spotters are in demand and get paid exceptionally well too. A lot of time we can't start a job lot simply because we couldn't get traffic controllers.

[@SuperRocky74]

1st comment

[@soithssdd3024]

Aw hell nahhh

[@th3wick3d3nd3]

I can't stand this guy's voice lol

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting mate. My apologies my voice isn't to you're liking, shall I work on say a Christopher Walken impression to reface my speaking voice? - AK

[@24_jmny]

Just don't watch it.