Best second hand 4x4 Australia

Buying a used four-wheel drive in Australia is a rite of passage. Whether you want to cross the Simpson Desert or just need something to pull the boat on weekends, the used market is where the value lives. But with prices staying high and some models having hidden Gremlins, you need to know which rigs are worth your hard-earned cash.

If you are looking for the best used 4wd, you aren't just looking for a shiny paint job. You want reliability, parts availability, and a wagon that won't leave you stranded in the middle of the Kimberley.

Here are the top contenders for the best second hand 4x4 in Australia right now.

1. Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series

You cannot talk about the best used 4wd Australia without starting here. The 200 Series is the king for a reason. Production ended a few years ago, but the demand for that 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel remains massive.

Why it makes the cut

It offers a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a level of comfort that few other wagons can match. It is built like a tank. If you maintain them, these engines can easily clock over 400,000 kilometres.

What to look for

Check the service history for frequent oil changes. These engines don't like neglected maintenance. Look for signs of "dusted" engines if the previous owner didn't fit a quality secondary fuel filter or a better airbox.

2. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

If the LandCruiser is too expensive, the Pajero Sport is often the most reliable 4x4 second hand option for families on a budget. It shares its DNA with the Triton ute but uses a coil-spring rear end for a much better ride.

Why it makes the cut

It is packed with value. You get modern safety tech, a decent Super-Select II 4WD system, and a punchy 2.4-litre turbo diesel. The Super-Select system is a standout because it allows you to drive on sealed roads in 4WD high-range, which is great for greasy, rainy days.

What to look for

Check the transmission. While generally solid, they need regular servicing if used for heavy towing. Also, ensure the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) hasn't been a constant headache for the previous owner if they only used it for city school runs.

3. Ford Ranger (PX2 and PX3)

The Ford Ranger took the fight to Toyota and, in many ways, won. As a best second hand 4x4 Australia contender, the Ranger offers a more "car-like" driving experience than most Utes.

Why it makes the cut

The 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine is a grunt machine. It sounds great and pulls hard. If you find a later PX3 model, the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine is also a sleeper—it’s efficient and comes with a 10-speed auto that keeps the engine in the power band.

What to look for

Transmission coolers are a popular aftermarket add-on for a reason. If you're buying a 3.2-litre, check if the oil pump has been replaced or if the owner knows about the "10-minute rule" during oil changes.

4. Isuzu MU-X (First Generation)

For those who value mechanical simplicity, the older Isuzu MU-X is a top-tier best second hand 4wd. It uses the 4JJ1 3.0-litre engine, which is legendary in the mechanical world.

Why it makes the cut

This engine is under-stressed. It doesn't have the highest power figures on paper, but it will start every single morning for the next twenty years. It is a no-frills, honest wagon that is cheaper to run than a LandCruiser or a Patrol.

What to look for

Check for "inner guard cracking" on early models that have spent a lot of time on rough corrugations with heavy bull bars. Other than that, they are nearly bulletproof.

5. Toyota Prado (150 Series)

Think of this as the LandCruiser's younger brother. It is easier to park, better on fuel, and still incredibly capable off-road. It is a staple of the best used 4wd Australia lists.

Why it makes the cut

The 2.8-litre diesel (post-2015) is quiet and refined. The Prado also has a massive fuel capacity thanks to its sub-tank system, giving you a range of over 1,000km. This makes it a great pick for long-distance touring.

What to look for

Dust ingress in the air intake was an issue on some models. Check the air filter housing. Also, look for signs of heavy off-roading; many Prados have lived easy lives in the suburbs, and those are the ones you want to buy.

How to inspect a used 4WD

Buying a 4x4 isn't like buying a Corolla. These vehicles go through harsh conditions. You need to be a bit of a detective.

Check the underbody

Get on your hands and knees. Look for deep scratches, dents, or red dirt packed into the chassis rails. A little bit of surface grime is fine, but heavy gouges mean the car has had a hard life on the rocks.

Service history is everything

A 4WD that has been serviced every 5,000km or 7,000km is worth a premium. Heavy towing and off-roading are "severe conditions." If the owner stuck to the standard 15,000km factory intervals while towing a three-tonne caravan, the engine has worked hard.

Listen to the cold start

Always ask the seller to keep the engine cold before you arrive. A cold start reveals more about the battery, injectors, and glow plugs than a warm engine ever will. Look for smoke. Blue smoke means oil, white smoke means unburnt fuel or coolant, and heavy black smoke means a fueling issue.

Petrol vs Diesel for used 4x4s

In Australia, diesel is the default choice for the best used 4wd.

• Diesel: Better torque for towing and better range for outback travel. However, modern diesels have DPFs and EGR systems that can get clogged if you only drive short distances
• Petrol: Often cheaper to buy and maintain. A V6 petrol Pajero or Prado is a great choice if you only do low kilometres and don't plan on towing a heavy load. You will pay more at the pump, but less at the mechanic.

FAQs

What is the most reliable second hand 4x4 in Australia?

The Isuzu MU-X and the Toyota LandCruiser 70 or 200 Series are generally considered the most reliable. The Isuzu 3.0-litre engine is particularly famous for its longevity.

Is 200,000km too much for a used 4WD?

Not necessarily. For a well-maintained diesel Toyota or Isuzu, 200,000km is often considered "just run in." However, you should expect to replace wear-and-tear items like suspension bushings, alternators, and water pumps around this mark.

Which used 4WD is best for towing?

The Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and the Chevrolet Silverado/Ram 1500 are top picks. For more common budgets, the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 (3.2L) offer great stability and torque for towing up to 3.5 tonnes.

Should I avoid modified used 4x4s?

Not always. If the mods are high-quality brands (like ARB, TJM, or Old Man Emu) and installed correctly, they add value. Be wary of "home-made" electrical work or cheap suspension kits.

What is the best small used 4WD?

The Suzuki Jimny is the king of small 4WDs. It is incredibly capable off-road and holds its resale value better than almost any other vehicle on the market.