You know youve seen it. Its that used 4x4 calling your nameindeed, its screaming for you to buy it. Maybe you pass it every day on the way to work, maybe you only see it on the weekends; but its in the back of your mind 24/7. Its for sale and its dirt-cheap so it seems like a great deal. But is it really?
Its time to remember the first rule of commerce: A price as low as a snakes belt buckle doesnt necessarily make for a good deal. Weve all seen people fall into the trap of buying something for pennies only to realize later that what they bought was a bunch of worthless and weak parts. Lots of time and money then had to be spent searching for and buying the right parts.
So what 4x4s are the best bargains? Basically, theyre the ones that offer the right blend of parts and at the same time wont put a huge dent in your wallet. Theyre the ones that come to you already equipped with the basicsa willing engine, a sturdy transfer case, the right axles, etc. So the vehicle that you can build for cheap by putting on a lift, new tires and wheels, and maybe a locker or two without having to swap a ton of parts should be on the top of your list. The following 4x4s are a great place to start.