“How much does off-roading cost”? That’s the first thing everyone asks when they decide to try off-road driving.The second question is, “Is offroading expensive?” Of course, it depends on many factors. However, we won’t leave you with such an enigmatic answer. Find out how much you need to invest at a minimum to truly start off-roading.
Car and wheels. The absolute minimum for off-road driving
How much does an off-road car cost?
Okay, so how much off-road costs? For off-road driving, all you really need is a right car and good tires. What does this mean in practice? When we talk about the car, you don’t need to search for a classic off-road vehicle immediately. However, it’s important that your off-road car has the 4×4 drive and a differential lock. Check how an off-road car differs from a regular car. It will definitely make searching for a model for yourself easier.
If you’re still unsure of what you want or are simply looking for an additional car for off-road occasions, you can confidently search among used cars. If you’re looking for a very budget-friendly version and put a lot of effort into searching, you’ll probably find decent models for even around 5 000 EUR.
However, let’s not fool ourselves. Such a vehicle will require some investment just to make it drivable in off-road terrain. So, realistically speaking, it’s better to know that the minimum cost for an off-road vehicle is around 7 000 EUR. Additionally, you have to add the extra cost of a set of tires.
All-terrain tires – price
To start offroading 4×4 AT (all terrain) tires will be the best. They are the most universal tires among all models dedicated to driving on challenging surfaces. Prices for such tire start at around 100 EUR per piece. So, the whole set will cost you below 450 EUR.
How much off-road costs? Minimum cost summary. Off-road car plus tires
In summary, absolute minimum you have to spend to start offroading is about 7500 EUR. It’s the most economic and budget-friendly option. Of course, this is still quite a lot compared to other hobbies that can cost nothing. However, it’s not true that you have to immediately spend hundreds of thousands to start. Just tens will do 😉.
Suspension Lift. An option for more comfortable and efficient off-road driving
The statement above could serve as conclusion to this text. However, when discussing off-roading, things are rarely so simple. The cheapest options, with a car not modified in any way, assumes driving on gravel, fields, maybe sand, and shallow mud, rather than challenging terrain with obstacles to overcome. It focuses more on the surface of the ground rather than its features.
However, once you try off-roading, you probably won’t stop just at forest trails. That’s why we present a slightly more expensive variant to start with, which will give you significantly more off-road possibilities.
Suspension lift – raise the vehicle offroad potential
Important part of preparing a car to offroading is mounting a suspension lift. We’ve mentioned that in how to start with off-roading. 2” lift raises the car by about 4-5 cm. It’s enough for gentle but already wild terrains. Thanks to this, you’ll increase the approach and departure angles, and significantly reduce the risk of underbody damage from branches, rocks, and other obstacles on the road. Also, it allows for the installation of larger wheels, which affects the off-road capability of your car.
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How much off-road costs in a higher option? A summary of the cost of an off-roader with a suspension lift and larger wheels
In summary, for this variant, you will need larger tires and an appropriate lift kit. You can use a lift with spacers which is the simplest and cheapest option or full suspension kit which is more advanced choice. The price will vary depending on the option chosen so will the effectiveness of the car in off-road conditions.
Anyway, the minimum costs in this option already increase to 8000 EUR.
Winch. An option for safe off-road driving
Car winch
Another very important element of off-road equipment is a car winch whether you decide to go off-road with a stock or a modified car. In theory, it’s not required, but regular off-road practice can quickly verify reality.
Before you even think about buying winch you need to make sure your car has a place for it. You’ll also need a special mounting plate, which will support the extra weight on the car.
When it comes to the winch itself, it’s not worth saving too much money here. Safety is important, and you can’t put a price on it. From our experience the minimum price for a recommended winch will range between 886 EUR and 1000 EUR. Meanwhile, winch plate (specifically designed to your car) will cost not less than 200 EUR, but it all depends on the chosen model.
Car winches
How much off-road costs in version with a winch cost? Summary of the cost of the safe option
Budget-friendly option includes: used car on stock suspension, solid tires, winch. It will cost you around 9000 EUR.
Basic suspension kit option includes: used car, basic lift kit on spacers, winch. It will cost you around 9500 EUR.
Steel components and lighting. Option for off-road driving in more difficult conditions
Vehicle armor in off-roading
Additional steel parts represents slightly deeper level of off-roading. We mainly think of bumpers and side steps. These are not required accessories to start with, but definitely should be considered when you plan to seriously explore the terrain.
Bumpers for an off-road vehicle
Solid bumpers will be useful when moving in more mountainous terrains, where there are a lot of inclines and declines, meaning where approach and departure angles are crucial, and the risk of scraping the ground is high. In such cases, steel guards will serve as protection for the body, lights, and elements under the hood. The price for one decent front steel bumper will start at around 580 EUR. It all depends on the car model.
Steel bumpers
Side steps
Side steps in off-roading aren’t just for making it easier to get in and out of the car. They are primarily protection for the sides of the car during driving in terrain full of narrow obstacles. That’s way, steel side steps mounted to the frame work best. Only they can withstand serious impacts and even the weight of the vehicle without any damage. The price for such side steps starts from about 400 EUR.
Side steps to off-road
Additional LED lighting
You might not think of this first, but it can have a significant impact in terrain. Additional lighting isn’t just about greater comfort but mainly increased safety. Imagine being immobilized somewhere in the middle of nowhere, and nightfall has already set in before any help arrives. This makes it harder both to locate you and to carry out any rescue or repair work.
So, if your off-road adventure isn’t limited to short summer trips on a day, adding additional led light will be one of the first necessary things. In this case, the price range is huge and depends on the type of lamp and the size of the set. The prices start from about 200 EUR for a set of accessory lighting.
Led lighting kit
How much off-road costs for pro? Summary of options with armor and vehicle lighting
Assuming then, that we choose the option of a used car on stock suspension and good tires, it turns out that the professional variant with a complete set of bumpers will cost us at least 8100 EUR. If we add a suspension lift kit price will be around 8600 EUR. Side steps rises price to at least 9000 EUR. Addding extra lighting makes price around 9200 EUR.
Additional accessories. Everything you should have to feel confident in the field
We have came to the point where we described the basic, minimal additions, and necessary upgrades to the car intended for off-roading. Below, you’ll find accessories that will be useful to you no matter which of the above options you decide on.
A handy rescue kit should include:
- shovel/entrenching tool – for digging out of mud ~45 EUR
- traction boards (recovery ramps, sand ladders) – to free your car from a stuck situation, for example, driving out of muddy ground ~230 EUR,
- additional ropes – for towing ~45 EUR,
- straps – for extending ropes, securing the car in traverses, and protecting a tree while using a winch ~75 EUR,
- shackles (d-rings) and snatch blocks – for the winch rope 37 EUR total
- tactical gloves – for protecting hands from terrain obstacles or during repair work ~35 EUR,
- first aid kit – for dressing minor and major injuries in case of accidents ~ 23 EUR,
- tire (tyre) repair kit – for fixing a punctured tire to reach a tire service ~35 EUR,
- efficient car compressor – for topping up tire pressure ~235 EUR,
- duct tape – for various uses ~5 EUR,
- cable ties – for various uses ~3 EUR,
- CB radio – for contact with the world when the smartphone loses signal ~115 zł,
- food supplies – for satisfy needs and for pleasure ~no limits
The total minimum amount for accessories is therefore about 880 EUR.
If you want to find out more about additionall accessoriess, what will be useful in difficult situations and why read post: what accessories are useful in the field. However, as you can see for yourself, how much off-road costs depends on many factors, including the goals you set for yourself and what modifications and accessories you can and want to afford.
Klaudia Kusy
Author of the article
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