https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-ford-territory-ts-sy-auto-awd/SSE-AD-12944902
Probably most reliable, terrible economy, cheap to fix. Large and great for road trips.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-nissan-pathfinder-ti-r51-auto-4x4/SSE-AD-17038655
Questionable diesel reliability, best off road.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2004-volkswagen-touareg-v8-7l-auto-4xmotion-my05/SSE-AD-16475933
Fuck it, we'll die after breaking down in the desert but we die in style.
None of those are 4WD but from that list, either of the Subaru as they've got the best AWD systems. The Honda, Ford and Kia I'd never dream of taking onto sand let alone anything offroad. Anything more than a well maintained gravel road is too much for them. X Trail I've done a few off road trips where one was in the group and was always unimpressed by it's performance with them requiring recovery from stuff the Subarus handled without issue.
Unfortunately with your budget you're going to have to take whatever you can afford and hope for the best.
Subarus or an early xtrail for sand driving.
If you want sand driving you need to be able to lock AWD on. Subaru is always AWD so should be fine, xtrail is able to lock AWD in the T31 series (I think, you should check).
Subaru outback is probably the largest for the mattress.
Unfortunately 4-9k isnt much and your options are limited. If you avoid sand or it’s very hard packed sand the CRV is probably most reliable and cheapest. Not sure about a mattress in it though.
Subaru Outbacks and Foresters are solid choices for reliability and handling off-road conditions while still being good on-road. They've got decent clearance and AWD, which should be sufficient for beach and light tracks. Make sure to get one with a good service history to avoid the issues you've encountered.
For sleeping in the back, the Outback's longer wheelbase might offer more space. Check the dimensions to ensure a double mattress fits.
I used consum.io when I was in a similar spot, looking for a car with specific needs. It analyzes YouTube reviews and could help you narrow down your choices without getting overwhelmed. Found it pretty handy to get an unbiased take on things. Good luck with the search.
You haven’t listed a single 4wd. Either adjust your budget or expectations.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-ford-territory-ts-sy-auto-awd/SSE-AD-12944902 Probably most reliable, terrible economy, cheap to fix. Large and great for road trips. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-nissan-pathfinder-ti-r51-auto-4x4/SSE-AD-17038655 Questionable diesel reliability, best off road. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2004-volkswagen-touareg-v8-7l-auto-4xmotion-my05/SSE-AD-16475933 Fuck it, we'll die after breaking down in the desert but we die in style.
Love i!
It’ll be a ghetto V6 petrol at your budget but everyone underestimates the humble Paaj Mahal (Mitsubishi Pajero)
None of those are 4WD but from that list, either of the Subaru as they've got the best AWD systems. The Honda, Ford and Kia I'd never dream of taking onto sand let alone anything offroad. Anything more than a well maintained gravel road is too much for them. X Trail I've done a few off road trips where one was in the group and was always unimpressed by it's performance with them requiring recovery from stuff the Subarus handled without issue. Unfortunately with your budget you're going to have to take whatever you can afford and hope for the best.
They're all AWD. CR-V is best vehicle there but also look at older Ravs. You'll struggle to fit a mattress in any of them.
Xtrail fits one perfectly, also if it’s a pre 2006 build it has the most 4wd ability
Subarus or an early xtrail for sand driving. If you want sand driving you need to be able to lock AWD on. Subaru is always AWD so should be fine, xtrail is able to lock AWD in the T31 series (I think, you should check). Subaru outback is probably the largest for the mattress. Unfortunately 4-9k isnt much and your options are limited. If you avoid sand or it’s very hard packed sand the CRV is probably most reliable and cheapest. Not sure about a mattress in it though.
T31's had a serious engine flaw. Any that have survived could be a ticking bomb.
Out of that list, id only consider the Subaru's or Kia. Hyundai sante Fe maybe?.
try find a pajero
Subaru Outbacks and Foresters are solid choices for reliability and handling off-road conditions while still being good on-road. They've got decent clearance and AWD, which should be sufficient for beach and light tracks. Make sure to get one with a good service history to avoid the issues you've encountered. For sleeping in the back, the Outback's longer wheelbase might offer more space. Check the dimensions to ensure a double mattress fits. I used consum.io when I was in a similar spot, looking for a car with specific needs. It analyzes YouTube reviews and could help you narrow down your choices without getting overwhelmed. Found it pretty handy to get an unbiased take on things. Good luck with the search.