Overland Classifieds :: 2016 Subaru Crosstrek 5-speed 2.0 Premium Overland Build

I’m a big fan of compact overland vehicles, and this rally-ready Subaru Crosstrek is a fantastic blank canvas to build your dream micro-camper.

While living on the road for the past six years, one of the key things I’ve learnt is that the vehicle should always come secondary to experiences. In other words, large, vintage, or exotic rigs are very cool, but they also cost a lot to run and maintain, which can be at the detriment of travel time. I own a Vanagon Syncro, and I love it, but I’m not sure I’d start over with the same vehicle. I’ve spent the majority of my income every year on the van, and while it has been worthwhile, I recognise the money I’ve spent could have funded a round-the-world trip. Alternatively, this rugged 4WD Subaru Crosstrek could be the low-cost vehicle of freedom you’ve been looking for and benefits from a host of all-terrain modifications for the road less travelled.

From the Seller

“The Crosstrek, to me, was a vehicle that could do it all—a comfortable ride, plenty of space (for two), and I never had to worry about getting stuck. This was my first attempt at creating something unique and highly capable while also doing most of the work myself. Built, not bought was my mantra. The custom features [include] front and rear bumpers, a roof rack, onboard air, and a dash system; [they] really set the vehicle apart. It’s an extremely fun car that just asks for more while offering a surprising amount of storage for adventures. I wanted a fun vehicle that excelled in snow and mud and always reached the trailhead—but was still practical for the grocery run. It’s a great car, and I’ve loved all our adventures together.”

Specifications

88,000 miles

5-speed manual

Method MR502 15- x 7-inch black wheels

Yokohama Geolander A/T G015 215/75R15 (less than 5,000 miles)

Full-size spare with matching rim (new tire)

ADF 2-inch front and 2.5-inch rear lift

Primitive Racing 3/16-inch aluminum skid plates (front, mid, and rear-diff)

Stainless steel brake lines

Stainless steel clutch line

2-inch EcoHitch receiver 

Muffler delete with dual exhaust

Heated front seats

AM/FM radio with Bluetooth

Rear-view mirror integrated backup camera 

Custom front and rear bumpers

Upgraded yellow LED fog lights

Aftermarket rear backup lights

Full-length custom roof rack

Onboard air with rear bumper air chuck

12-volt and USB power access on rear bumper

Dash-mounted Midland GMRS MicroMobile MXT115

Center flood light with dash switch

Just passed inspection in Pennsylvania (valid until August 2022)

Oil changed, and tires rotated every 5,000 miles. The full service record is documented in the maintenance manual.


This 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is listed for $15,000 and is currently located in York, Pennsylvania. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.

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No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.