The Age Old Debate: Should You Buy a New or Old 4WD?

When it comes to getting out and about in Australia there’s really only one way to do it properly and that’s in a 4X4. But with so many options on the market, both new and old it can be an incredibly tough choice. Should you rock a simpler yet touring proven rig or opt for a sleeker more technologically advanced 4X4? Let’s break down the pros and cons for both options.

Old School 4X4s

It’s hard to work out what exactly constitutes an old school 4X4, but for this edition of the Campfire we’re going to call old school anything pre 2005.

Pros:

Simplicity and Reliability: Older 4X4s were built to last. Their designs are straightforward, with fewer electronics to go wrong. This simplicity means they’re easier to fix on the side of a track or find parts for when you’re somewhere remote, they’re also usually much cheaper to repair too making them a reliable choice for long trips in remote areas. When you're hundreds of kilometers from the nearest workshop, the last thing you want is to be
stuck on the side of the track with a complicated problem that requires a fancy laptop to diagnose.
Off-Road Capability: There’s still a whole lot of wheelers out there that swear by older 4X4s for their off-road performance. Most old school rigs were designed with 4X4’ing in mind, so they came equipped with solid axles, a strong chassis, and high ground clearance from the get-go, making them a worthy contender for your next rig even in 2024.
Affordability: Generally speaking, you can pick up an older 4X4 for a fraction of the cost of a new one. This lower initial investment can be appealing, especially if you’re planning to modify the vehicle for serious 4X4’ing or touring.
Cheaper to Register: Depending on the year of manufacture you may be able to register your new (old) rig as a Historic Vehicle which saves a whole lot of your hard-earned, although it does come with some caveats. Make sure you check out the nitty-gritty of historic rego with your local state or territory.

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Cons:

Ageing and Worn Components: The downside of driving an older 4X4 is the wear and tear that comes with its age, especially if the previous owner used it for what it was designed to do. You may save money by buying something used and old-school, but you also run the risk of spending more time (and money) on maintenance to keep it running. The other issue is rust which can be quite common, particularly in vehicles that have seen a lot of action on beaches or humid environments.
Fuel Efficiency: Old 4X4s are notorious for their thirst. I was chatting to a bloke at a campsite the other day who told me he had 190 litres of fuel capacity in his 75 Series Land Cruiser which gave him a range of 400 kilometres on average. I just about fell off the log I was sitting on. If you’re planning long trips, the cost of fuel can quickly add up, especially when compared to newer models that are designed to be much more fuel efficient.
The Distinct Lack of Comfort: Let's be real here—older 4X4s aren’t exactly known for their comfort, except perhaps for old Range Rovers (which you absolutely shouldn’t buy unless you are very rich and love 4X4s that often break down). A rig with air conditioning shouldn't be too hard to find, but good luck getting one that has hill-descent control, radar cruise or a factory rear diff-lock.

checking engine warning trouble 4wd

New 4X4s

Pros:

Insane Technology: The 4X4s of today come equipped with a rapidly advancing suite of technologies that make four wheel driving more accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone. From traction control, hill-descent (and even hill-ascent) systems, to radar cruise control, automated parking, heated and cooled seats etc.
Comfort and Safety: Modern 4X4s offer a level of comfort and safety that older 4X4s simply can’t even come close to beating. They’ve got fantastic sound deadening, multiple crumple zones, great ANCAP ratings and banging sound systems as well as software that alerts emergency services if you’ve had an accident and even pre-collision assist which will apply the vehicles brakes for you to stop you rear-ending someone, or smacking a bollard in the caravan park that you didn’t see.
Fuel Efficiency and Power: Not only are newer 4X4s putting out more power then their older counterparts, they’re also designed to be more fuel-efficient which means you can get further afield in a much more versatile rig without your hip pocket taking so much of a beating.
Warranty: Getting a newer 4X4 often means getting warranty too, which should bring some piece of mind while you’re out on the tracks or touring Australia.

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Cons:

Cost: Hands Down the biggest downside to modern 4X4s is the price tag. You’re paying hand over fist for all the aforementioned technology, comfort, and safety. For a lot of Aussie’s, the cost of a new 4X4 can be prohibitive, especially when you consider that 4X4’ing often leads to dents, scrapes, and other damage that can harm resale value. Though, that’s less of an issue if you’re insured with Club 4X4.
Brain-Pain: Having a technologically advanced 4X4 is the best thing ever, for as long as it’s working. Then it’s an absolute headache. The more electronics mod-cons, the more things that can go wrong, and when they do, repairs are pretty well guaranteed to be costly and complicated. In remote areas, fixing these issues can be particularly challenging, as they often require specialised tools and know-how.
Questionable durability and reliability: Perhaps due to a greater focus on comfort and everyday versatility, many newer model 4X4s have sacrificed some of the raw off-road capability that older 4X4s are famous for. Independent suspension systems, while great for on-road comfort, don’t always match the toughness or capability that live axle vehicles offer. There’s also the issue of reliability, if you jump on a forum for any newer 4X4 you’ll soon see that almost every make and model is plagued by some sort of issue.

Some are quickly fixed, or just teething issues. Others can be pretty catastrophic. Though, they should all be covered by warranty.

daily trip checks offroad 4wd trip ford ranger

Making the Right Choice:

Ultimately, the choice between an old-school 4X4 and a modern 4X4 comes down to what you value most in a vehicle. If you’re after a no-nonsense workhorse that you can tinker with and rely on in the most remote locations, an older model might be your best bet. However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable and safer 4X4 that still offers off-road capability, a modern 4X4 could be worth the extra money. Either option is an investment, it mightn’t make you rich in a traditional sense, but it’ll pay you back in memories tenfold.