Finding a used off road vehicle for sale – Things to Keep in Mind

Ten years ago, if you wanted to go off-roading and experience overland adventures firsthand, your main option was to find an appropriate 4×4 and modify it by yourself or pay a shop to do it for you. Today thanks to the growing popularity of this hobby, used off road vehicles with all the cool mods show up in the classifieds and “for sale” listings on all major platforms nearly everywhere in the USA.

But like with many project cars, with this type of a deal you can either score a bargain, or buy a real money pit on four wheels. In this article we’ve put together a list of key things to keep in mind when searching for a used off-road vehicle and how not to get trapped with someone’s unfinished build that turned into a financial disaster.

Key Takeaways

• Quality Matters: Prioritize reputable brands for modifications and professionally built vehicles for better reliability.
• Assess Usage History: Evaluate the intensity of off-road use to understand potential wear and hidden damage.
• Compare Total Value: Use the formula (Stock price + mod costs) vs (Modified price – replacement costs) to assess real value.
• Potential Bargains Exist: Well-modified vehicles often sell for less than modification costs, creating opportunities for buyers.

Purchasing an off-roader that’s already modified can save you thousands compared to upgrading a stock model yourself. With crucial upgrades like lifted suspension, rugged wheels and tires, and protective armor already added, you get a fully loaded rig at a fraction of the cost. And you can hit the trails right away instead of spending weekends in the garage wrenching or dealing with backorders

Matt Grabli

What to look at when searching for a used modified off road vehicle?

Purchasing a used off-road vehicle comes with several potential drawbacks that buyers should carefully consider. One of the primary concerns is the unknown history and potential abuse the vehicle may have endured. Off-road use can be extremely taxing on a vehicle’s components, leading to hidden damage or wear that might not be immediately apparent. Additionally, you’re inheriting someone else’s modifications and maintenance decisions, which may not align with your preferences or standards of quality.

Parts Quality 

Research specific brands used for each modification and avoid generic or no-name brands, especially for critical components. A quality part from a reputable brand may serve you for a longer time and be more resistant to damage that occurs from off-road abuse.

Professional vs. DIY Builds 

Mechanical skills and level of dedication vary greatly from build to build, significantly affecting reliability and off-road performance. Assessing the build quality of the project vehicle is one of the most important factors.

If the vehicle was built and maintained by a professional shop that cares about its reputation, it’s a huge bonus. You can be more confident in the quality of the maintenance and even continue servicing the vehicle at the same shop.

Track of Abuse 

One of the biggest challenges is assessing the intensity of off-road usage. Ask about the frequency and type of off-road use (weekend trails vs. hardcore trail driving). Look for signs of extreme use, such as dents in the frame, skid plates, or rock sliders. Check for mud accumulation in hard-to-reach areas.

Assess the Wear 

All mechanical components have a limited lifespan, and your goal is to determine if the add-ons are in functional condition and can be used for your future off-road adventures. If the majority of the components will need replacement soon, it may make more sense to start with a stock vehicle and fit it with brand new components. This approach can give you peace of mind and ensure trouble-free operation.

In the end, it’s not about how many upgrades were installed on a vehicle, but rather how much useful life they still have. Consider this formula when assessing value:

(Price of a stock vehicle + cost of aftermarket mods) vs. (Price of modified off-road vehicle – cost of parts that need replacement)

If the prices are equal, consider factors such as reliability, functionality, and aesthetics to make your decision.

Why they sell cheaper than it costs to modify

Vehicle modifications are highly subjective, often reflecting the owner’s taste, experience, budget, and personal requirements. When selling a modified vehicle, it can be challenging to find a buyer who appreciates all the upgrades and is willing to pay a premium for them.

So, sellers typically face two options:

1. Seek a buyer who recognizes the true value of the modifications and is willing to pay a higher price for the enhanced vehicle.
2. Lower the price to make it more competitive with unmodified vehicles on the market, potentially selling it faster.

Ideally, the first option would be preferable. However, in reality, sellers often choose the second one due to time constraints or urgent financial needs. This situation creates an opportunity for buyers to acquire a well-modified vehicle for only slightly more than the price of a stock alternative.

The real value of mods

Quality off-road upgrades, especially custom ones, are often pricey. The cost goes up because of shipping expenses, and the labor cost to get them installed also adds up if you don’t do it yourself. Plus, what’s more important, you will most definitely have to invest your time.

For instance, this Toyota 4Runner has more than $50,000 invested in the mods, while the seller only asks $39,500 for it. Below is the full build break down on parts and installation expenses:

Toyota 4Runner with more than $50k in Upgrades

Performance

• Toyota TRD cold air induction intake – $375 + $75 install
• ARB Safari snorkel – $627 + $250 install
• ARB Rear differential breather – $90 + $50 install
• East Coast Gear Supply – $1,350 + $1,500 install
• Nitro 4.88 gears front – $335 + $750 install
• Nitro 4.88 gears rear – $335 + $750 install
• 8.2 installation kit – $340 x2 ($680)
• Magnaflow Overland Exhaust $807

Suspension

• Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 7 (modified) – $6,995 + $650 install
• CDC valve 2.5 remote reservoir coil over front shocks (20,000 miles since install)
• CDC valve 2.5 remote reservoir rear shocks (20,000 miles since install)
• Tubular front upper control arms with Delta joints
• Billet rear lower trailing arms
• Tubular rear upper trailing arms
• Tubular rear adjustable track bar
• Rear overland 3” springs

• Total Chaos – $1,945 + $350 install (Front lower control arms with built in skid plate) 
• Dobinson Rear heavy duty 3” springs (600+ lbs. load) – $275 + $250 install

Wheels

• Method Race Wheels Bead grip model 703 x5 (15,000 miles) – $1,330
• BF Goodrich TA KO2 285/75R17 x5 (15,000 miles)  – $1,820
• Powerbrake – $2,675 + $300 install
• X-Line 4×4 stage 1 6-piston front brakes – $2,675 + $300 install
• Brake Pad Set (PB05 Compound) – $229

Exterior Mods

• CBI – $8,645 + $1,175 install + $800 shipping:
• Front adventure bumper (steel powder coated) – $2,125 + $400 install + $300 shipping
• Rear single swing arm bumper (steel powder coated) – $3,550 + $350 install + $350 shipping
• Washer reservoir skid plate – $150
• Full skid plate package – $1,320 + $200 install
• Gas tank skid plate – $580 + $75 install.  
• Trail bolt on sliders HREW – $920 + $150 install + $150 shipping
• Gobi – $2,070 + $200 install
• Stealth full roof rack (no sunroof) with ladder – $1,895 + $200 install

 

• ARB awning + room – $986:
• Hard case 2500 awning with light – $686
• Awning room w/ floor – $300
• Awning mount – $175

Interior Modifications

• Goose Gear – $2,885 (included shipping) + $200 install
• 41 3/8” x 36” x 10” dual drawer storage system (½ and ½) – $2,140
• Rear plate system – $745
• Rago Fabrication Molle storage panels pair – $399
• Escape Gear Charcoal poly cotton tough canvas seat covers (front and rear) $650
• Blue Ridge Overland Gear – $110
• MOLLE Visor Organizer ($31 x 2) – $62
• Headrest Velcro Panel ($29 x 2) – $48
• Attic (Interior roof storage) – $100

Audio

• Total audio: $2,898 + $350 install:

• Kenwood – $800
• DNX 99S Navigation multimedia receiver with Apple carplay (wired) and Android auto (wired) – $800
• Note: Front bumper camera, dash camera, rear bumper camera; plus OEM moved to rear bumper
• OEM Audio – $2,098 + $350 install
• Reference 500 complete speaker replacement with single subwoofer and amp – $1,799 + $250 install
• Dedicated subwoofer amp $299 + $100 install

Lighting

• Lighting total: $4,837 + $800 install
• Morimoto – $1,325 + $200 install
• XB LED headlights – $1,325 + $200 install
• Anzo – $450 + $50 install
• LED tail lights – $450 + $50 install
• Rigid (Midnight edition) – $1,682 + $250 install 
• 30” E-series pro spot light (front bumper) – $1,150 + $100 install
• D-series pro diffused light spot (ditch lights – CBI mount $62) – $297 + $100 install 
• D-series pro diffused light spot (rear bumper) – $235 + $50 install
• Baja Designs – $1,315 + $300 install
• 40” S8 driving combo amber light (roof rack front) – $1,080 + $200 install
• S2 amber light pair (single chase light installed on rear roof rack) – $235 + $100 install
• 4Runner Lifestyle Raptor Lights (Smoked Amber) – $65

Electrical

• Electrical total: $7,522 + $1,625 install
• Warn Xeon 10,000S synthetic winch with grill access port – $1650 + $250 install
• Includes Factor 55 fairlead ($89) and flatlink ($150) – $239
• ARB – $439 + $100 install
• CMKA 12 single air compressor with mount $339 + $100 mount + $100 install
• Redarc – $745 + $350 install
• Tow pro elite electronic brake controller – $235 + $150 install
• Dual battery 40A charger – $510 + $200 install
• Odyssey – $1,984 + $350 install
• Group 34RPC1500 battery – $380
• Group 31MC2150 battery – $580 
• Dual battery kit – $699 + $350 install
• Battery tray for 31M battery – $175
• 2nd battery tray – $150
• Garmin – $500 + $175 install
• Powerswitch (Bluetooth electronics control) – $500 + $175 install
• Yaesu – $600 + $150 install
• FTM-400XD amateur radio – $600 + $150 install
• Uniden – $165 + $100 install
• CMX760 CB radio – $165 + $100 install
• WeBoost – $619 + $150 install
• Drive Reach cell phone booster – $499 + $150 install
• Drive OTR vehicle antenna – $120
• Blue Sea – $250
• Misc parts and panels – $250
• Ram Mounts – $331
• Tablet mount (driver/passenger) – $85
• Magsafe mount (driver) – $35
• Tablet mount (rear) – $85
• Garmin inreach mount – $25
• X-Grip Large Phone Holder with Ball – $39
• CBI tailgate mount for WeBoost – $23
• WeBoost mount w/ short double socket extension arm – $39

Recovery & Accessories

• Recovery Gear and Accessories: $3,672
• Warn – $59
• Winch Damper w/ Rigging Accessory Storage Pocket and Reflective Strips – $59 
• Misc. Recovery Gear – $194
• Recovery Tow Strap 2in X 20ft Heavy Duty 20,000 lbs Break Strength – $15
• Winch Snatch Recovery Ring (66,000 lbs max breaking strength) – $15
• Soft Shackle 1/2 Inch x 22 Inch x 2 (56,000 lbs Max Breaking Strength) with Extra Sleeves (Red) – $20
• First Alert Autos Car Fire Extinguisher w/ mount to molle panel – $24
• Bulldog 48 in. 8,000 lb. Farm Jack – $120
• MAXTRAX – $425
• MKII Signature Orange Recovery Boards – $260
• Rear Wheel Harness – $165
• ARB – $189
• High Temperature Hose for Air Compressor – $65
• Digital Tire Inflator w/ case – $70
• E-Z Tire Deflator (PSI Gauge) w/ case – $54
• Dometic – $1,230
• CFX3 35 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer (36L) – $880
• CFX3 Slide 35/45 (Mounted to Goose Gear) – $350
• CBI – $626
• Dual Can Carrier – $266
• Camp Table $230
• Hi Lift Jack Mount – $130
• Wavian – $160
• Jerry Fuel Can and Spout System Black – $90
• Heavy Duty Food Grade Water Can – $70
• Wet Okole Hawaii (never used, included) – $789
• Front Seat Covers (neoprene waterproof sport) – $374
• Rear Seat Covers (neoprene waterproof sport) – $415

Where to look for a deal

1. One of the best places to find good value modified off road vehicle for sale is Bring-a-Trailer. This auction has been long time favorite place to peep cars among the enthusiasts and we recently enhanced with a dedicated 4×4 category.

2. While not dedicated to 4×4 vehicles, Ebay Motors is another great resource to find modified off-road vehicles. From time to time nice offers show up here and there. If you’re searching specifically for modified off-roaders it makes sence to expand the search area.

Conclusion

Finding a used off-road vehicle can be an exciting yet a complex process. By carefully considering factors such as build quality, parts brands, and usage history, you can make decisions and potentially find good value in the market. While there are risks associated with inheriting someone else’s project, there are also opportunities to acquire well-modified rigs at competitive prices. Ultimately, the key is to balance the appeal of pre-installed modifications with the resource of the parts.