In any emergency, you need to be able to depend on your car. Whether to transport you to safety, shield you from zombies, or help you gather more supplies. It won’t be with you forever since you probably don’t have an unlimited fuel source(gasoline lasts 3-5 months, 1-2 years at most with a fuel stabiliser). All those times people sourced fuel on TV years after production stopped? Lies. Regardless, your car will be essential to giving you an edge during the most hectic part of an apocalypse. The beginning. So, Zombie Apocalypse vehicle anyone?
The majority of Apocalypse-ready vehicles come with a hefty price tag. For instance, Conquest’s Knight XV, (which is essentially a dolled-up Terradyne Gurkha) retails for $800k. I don’t blame them, the car looks like you could drive through a horde and come out shiny. But let’s be realistic. Someone stronger, smarter or sneakier is going to come along and take it from you because it is so shiny.
Assuming that kitting out your ride is what you’re looking for, we have compiled a list of 7 affordable Zombie Apocalypse –possible– vehicles that are on the market today for your consideration. Cars that cost between 2-15% of what the Knight XV goes for, and will still be an apocalyptic boon.
Full Spec Sheet
The Nissan X-Trail boasts a range of configurations and versatile capabilities. This 4WD can be fitted with a cargo area cage and net, or two extra seats. There is even lift-out floor storage, perfect for hiding your gear during everyday use. Easy to load, the X-Trail is for the prepper that wants to bring along as much as they possibly can, and still be comfortable with shaped seats. Its steel construction also means more resilience against rotting flesh. Need extra armor? Slap on a brush/grille guard and you’re good to start mowing down a few zombies. Emphasis on few. Mowing people down is bad for your engine; blood rusts.
Full Spec Sheet
Going unnoticed during the apocalypse is the best way to survive. So, getting yourself a Toyota Yaris that is great on fuel and screams, “I’m suburban and have nothing to take” is key. It has a fair amount of storage space for a small car, again with lift-out floor storage. The seats fold down flat too, so putting a small mattress in the back isn’t inconceivable. Its small size allows one to get around congested areas and to make quick u-turns to avoid an oncoming horde. Zombies don’t wait for you to complete a three-point-turn. Extra bonus – there are bound to be spare parts everywhere. Get some roof racks installed for more storage and you could probably live in here for the first year, albeit curled up in the fetal position to sleep.
Full Brochure
This is a powerhouse. The engine is a beast, and if you what you need is to get away fast, the Ford Raptor will do that for you. Of course what it gives in power and storage, it takes in fuel. It also has an amazing 6-ton-towing capacity for taking down those prison walls. The open back serves as a good spot to hunt from, provided you’re any good at shooting from a moving vehicle. Get some LED lights installed on the top of the vehicle to improve night visibility and shooting for a complete Raptor experience.
If you’ve worried that an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) is going to cause the apocalypse, then preparing an EMP-proof vehicle is probably at the top of your list. If that’s the case, then you want to be looking for a manual diesel car built before 1985. The Toyota Hilux should be your first choice in that category, as they have stood the test of time. Most owners claim that Hiluxes get stronger the worse you treat them. Fortunately, most of the fallout from an EMP is unlikely to cause more than flickering lights on your modern car (since your car is essentially a pretty good faraday cage). But if you’re still worried, build a steel garage to house your precious in. In addition to its EMP-proof qualities, the Hilux is a great offroader, suitable for two people escaping the apocalypse with most of their house in the back. Get yourself a 4×4 Hilux with a carburetted 22R motor. It isn’t the smoothest ride, but this thing has had a war named after it.
Owner’s Manual
The most expensive semi-affordable car on this list, the Tesla Model X AWD is your answer in a fuel-less world. Make sure you have a solar-battery system set up off grid, and your Tesla will outlast you in the apocalypse. All the seats fold flat, allowing a huge amount of storage, or a luxurious air queen mattress. You can even upgrade to HEPA filters for a bioweapon defense mode. Conveniently enough, the doors will open automatically on your approach, enabling a quick getaway – especially with these exceptional acceleration speeds. I’ve watched many a movie where being unable to open their car door has killed people. You will probably want to disable the collision avoiders though, as the Tesla smart computer is unlikely to be programmed to understand the new world you find yourself in.
Full Specs
A small and sturdy AWD, the Subaru Impreza is the most balanced car on this list. Featuring generous cargo capacity, good fuel consumption and enough power to get away from lumbering zombies. The sunroof also serves as a shooting outpost. Set an armored grill up top and you’ll be good to go. Slated as being able to get you through all weather and terrains, the Impreza is definitely a bargain. And as a bonus for the present-day non-apocalyptic world, it can connect up both Apple Car Play and Android Auto for a bit of first-world convenience.
Brochure
A motorcycle will get you places. This one will let you go 400km before you need to source more fuel. You can get an official 39-litre small top case for some emergency supplies, and other custom saddle bags to increase your cargo requirements. As long as you have a water purifying source, rations and zombie-proof clothing, the V-Strom can get you to safety through the most congested terrain. It is a tough little beaut, coming off the show room floor with an engine guard and spoked rims. Furthermore, as it has one of the lowest seat heights at 835mm and a comfortable padded seat, you could spend days trying to find civilization again before worrying about lower back pain.
In conclusion, get what you need.
This isn’t the exhaustive list of Zombie Apocalypse vehicles, but it is a practical one that should get you started. Everyone’s requirements are going to be different based on how many people and pets they’ll need to travel with. Have a big family? Get a Nissan X-Trail. Just you and your dog? Attach a side-car to your bike and zoom off. One tip before you do start your research: don’t buy white. White cars get pulled over for the most traffic offenses, show up dirt easily, and is the least able to be camouflaged in the apocalypse. Happy vehicle hunting!
Disclaimer: In the event of an apocalypse, we hold no responsibility for our vehicle recommendations as we are unlikely to have survived. And if we happen to be one of the 0.088% who do survive, you are welcome to come hang out in our future bunker.