Honda Stepwagon Spada! Is it a car, van or camper? You decide! (VTEC Fun)

So I got a new car or is it a camper or a van? I've been wanting a Honda Stepwagon Spada for so long now and I am really happy I've managed to get the one I wanted, I did consider a Nissan Elgrand or a Mazda Bongo but I am really happy with my choice and not just because of VTEC noises lol
So join me in this video review where I show you around this interesting JDM Honda MPV in the UK.
Going forward I have some ideas to make this more like a camper but i don't want to do a full conversion because I like the flexibility the Honda Stepwagon gives me.
If you're interested in the Honda Stepwagon, or you're considering ownership, feel free to ask me any questions.
So I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed making it :)
I am looking forward to doing more adventures and camping with the Steppy as it will give me the opportunity to work out what mods to do making this my perfect camper and everyday vehicle.
Here is the 100KM Hiking Video on my brother's channel ‪@deanaird‬
• 40KM in a day! - Peak ... 100k hiking Video
Here is the latest video on the Mazda/Eunos restoration
• Eunos/Mazda MX5 - Rust...
Contact me
[e-mail]
Insta @Joe.Aird
TikTok @A1rdy
#Honda #Camper #NewCar

[@A1rdy]

Any questions drop me a comment :)

[@deanaird]

What's your current average MPG?

[@A1rdy]

On short runs probaly not great 25+ but on long journeys i am getting into the high 30s. If crusing on the motorway at 65 i can get into the 40s

[@harudos]

Hi, what a great video! Glad to find someone that shares the same passion as me and someone who I can relate to about the frustration of deciding on the right stepwagon model and trim level..I have a question I couldn’t find it in the comments (sorry if I missed it) was the little “kitchen gadget” custom made or did you buy it somewhere and if so, would you mind sharing that link? Many thanks in advance

[@harudos]

Found the answer about the little kitchen in one of the comments. Thanks!

[@A1rdy]

@@harudos Hi sorry for the late reply, love the stepwagons been looking at them for so long so so happy I finally have one haha 😆 yeah kitchen was a custom job unfortunately

[@andrewarmitage9491]

What a legend you are for giving out all this info, you are saving me a lot of work and stress.

[@A1rdy]

@@andrewarmitage9491 no worries 😀 I am glad you found it useful

[@EngineerLewis]

We have owned a Steppy since 2009 and our 2002 RF3 is a great vehicle which we love. It came with turnaround front seats and a folding table stored on the back of the middle seat. We have had lots of picnics in it as a result where the front seats were turned around and the middle seat became the table. I didn't even know these options existed until we got ours. The storage boxes above the front seats are a rare option as well. Nice to see another Steppy lover! 😅

[@A1rdy]

I have an old brochure for the stepwagon from Japan and it shows the middle table and turn around seats, it's so awesome I think they call it Eat, Sleep and Play mode or something like that. I want to put swivel seats in mine but might be an afternoon with the welder job lol but would be super handy. Awesome cars so practical I am loving mine and it's great to hear you are having a great time with yours ☺️ so many great adventure and many more to come ✌️

[@Bcwilderness]

wow as a drummer traveling around and sometimes thinking about an estate car to sleep in, this thing kills those ideas yes, nice one buddy, i was looking at the alphards but those seats and engine, chuffed

[@A1rdy]

It's awesome and I've been loving it since the day I got it. So practical in so many ways and looking forward to the weather getting warmer so I can get out in it more 😀

[@Bcwilderness]

@@A1rdy brilliant im looking at jap imports any advice, difference insurance year to go for really, they seems affordable but those seats to bed yes

[@Chad_Thundernuts]

Just scored an RK5 at auction for a steal. Absolutely love it! These are such great little vehicles. So glad I managed to stumble into one 👍

[@A1rdy]

Awesome I did look at the RK5s as an option , they look like awesome practical cars and seen some cool camper conversions done to them

[@hardytch8264]

I really enjoy watch this video, thanks for the content

[@A1rdy]

Thank you much appreciated, I am hoping later in the year I can do some more with the stepwagon 😁

[@daddymulk]

Honda are brilliant, if i needed bigger vehicle i'd get Stepwagon myself

[@nicks.3393]

Thanks for the awesome video! Just missed out on a Mobilio Spike last week, so going to look at a Stepwgn Spada today 🤗 I've saved your video as an instruction manual for the seats 🤓 Love your enthusiasm, and I hope the car I'm intending to buy today is as described 🤩 Very much looking forward to taking her out on camping trips like yourself... Keep up the great work! Nick

[@A1rdy]

Hi Nick Thank you for the Comment. Haha I was having a nightmare with the seats at first but now its just second nature 😂 Hopefully you get what you want and can get out for some camping this year 😄

[@nicks.3393]

@@A1rdy Deposit paid! 🤑 Collecting her this week 🥳

[@A1rdy]

@@nicks.3393 Hi Nicks, did you end up getting your Steppy? if so how are you finding it?

[@m.sparks4394]

I love this...been thinking of getting me a spada.

[@A1rdy]

I am loving mine, let me know if you end up getting one they are awesome 😁

[@Billy88London]

This is the vid ive been looking for 😀 nice one mate 😄 im thinking of getting one and removing all the seats completely apart from the front 2 seats and converting it into a camper.

[@A1rdy]

Thank you :) That is the plan for the new year and make it a dedicated camper but I will be keeping the middle seats just for isofix but I will use the seats as part of the bed.

[@jamiewood4743]

What a great video. Cheers

[@A1rdy]

Thank you 😁 Much appreciated

[@GeorgeWright-nn2im]

Just bought a Stepwagon ourselves. Love it. Thanks for the inspiration. Keen to see what your conversion looks like now! Where did you get your kitchen unit from?

[@A1rdy]

Hi George, that's awesome. Brilliant cars and so practical, hoping for good weather this year to get out camping more 😄 The little unit at the back was bit of custom one off Job done by the previous owner who was a carpenter.

[@tucketmcbucket729]

Yes!

[@A1rdy]

Yes yes 😛

[@subevo35]

Good info .i want the newer version .

[@A1rdy]

Thank you, I really like the newer versions maybe one in the future

[@scout9012]

Great video man! Subbed. Any ideas of the RG1 Stepwagon has cruise control?

[@A1rdy]

Thanks for the Sub :) The RG1 stepwagons were when honda introduced Intelligent Highway Cruise Control (IHCC) to control speed and distance like the Automatic cruise control you get in more modern cars (ACC). I believe this was an optional extra so it would be a case of finding one with it fitted. Unfortunately, mine never came with cruise so I am looking into retrofitting a Pivot 3 throttle controller in the future to give me cruise.

[@andrewgraham9682]

Great video . Just looking at one instead of the Bongo. When in ‘bed mode’. Is there any space between the middle and front passenger /drivers if pushed forward ? Wondering if I can slip the dog or a thetford 335 porta potti in the space

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

I'm deciding between this, Alphard and Elgrand, this is a bit smaller and more economical, also kinda cuter but not as high end

[@A1rdy]

All Good choices and all have pros and cons. The main thing is working out what works and suits your own needs, I spent so much time trying to decide it was driving me crazy lol 😁

[@gusfulling8021]

Hi great video really informative. I have just put a deposit on and RF7 and am just waiting for it to turn up. I have started getting a few bits for it already and I really liked your boot day van storage and I was wondering where you got it? I also have a mk1 mx5 project and have just put mine on axel stands to underseal and treat surface rust it seems like a really slow process but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. Cheers Gus

[@A1rdy]

Thank you :) That's awesome I bet you can't wait for it to arrive!!! I love mine it is so good to drive and makes camping so much better. The rear storage kitchen was made by the previous owner as he was a carpenter/Joiner and did an amazing job with the rear unit. That's awesome I do love my Mk1 Mx5 and spending the last 2 years stripping and welding has been a long process but is so worth it in the end all Is left is the brakes but need to find time to finish it off for next summer :) I just replace the Stereo on the Steppy for a XTRONS unit which was also worth it and I need to make a video on it. If you have any questions just let me know and I hope the new Steppy gets here soon!!!

[@gusfulling8021]

Thanks for getting back to me... yeah I can't wait but it is still in Japan and not even on a boat yet so will be at least 8 weeks to get here prob more. You got really lucky with that boot install its awesome. Would you have any photos of it as there is a joinery company I work with and I might see if they could make me something similar. Are you heading to the MX5 owners club national rally in Northampton in September?

[@A1rdy]

Well once it gets here all safe and sound you will love it, loving mine :) Yeah the boot is an awesome feature and if you need pictures and dimensions I can send you some over no problem. Unfortunately giving it a miss this year as I am going to be doing a road trip in the Steppy, getting a last on in before the weather turns

[@peterludlow9847]

Love it, what engine is it and do you know if they are belt or chain driven. Also what are service parts like for getting hold of. Many thanks

[@A1rdy]

Hi Peter, in the RF second gen you can get a k20 or a k24 engine, pretty much the same power output but the k24s do get an extra gear on the gearbox. both Engines are Chain Driven but they last a long time before needing to be replaced. Service parts are no real issue as the same engines and parts have been used in other UK hondas (civics/CRVs etc). The only bits that could be hard to get are things like body panels and things like windscreens.

[@grrfy]

I have just done the same, but a project RF3.Nice van fellow. Subscribed.

[@A1rdy]

Thank you for the Sub :) Awesome I hope you get some good fun out of it, I am loving using mine at the moment but got a few bits planned to make it more of a camper in the future

[@grrfy]

@@A1rdy I was thinking the same but have decided the seats are so useful that all really might need is a swivel/clip out cooking pod that is below the fold down height of rear seats.I may be havingsome solid panells made from CF to replace 2 side rear windows though .

[@A1rdy]

@grrfy it's a tough decision I can't make my mind up if I should keep all the seats or do a bit of a conversion. I have some thermal cut outs for all the windows which slot in nicely for some privacy which work quite well

[@grrfy]

@@A1rdy yeah,if take seats out still have to make a bed that works,doesnt weigh a lot and folds away anyway, and also lets long loads go from rear door to front bulkhead(perfect for parachute poles)I Also like how when rear seats folded flat they act as a load cover .Is only 2 bolts to remove the rears I think.I have some ok curtains off alixprs that match the fronts in for mine, but it came with blacked out sides and rear from jpn so hard see into already really.

[@grrfy]

I think I would be more innto a kitchenworktop that suspends from the tailgate tbh then get canvas to fit as a windbreak.if use cable to support you could get the worktop level even if van on a slant .then use poles to help support the tailgate.

[@TitaniumFPV]

Where did you get the kitchen thing in the back? I’ve just picked my RF5 SPADA up and that thing fits the bill perfectly.

[@A1rdy]

It was custom made but I am sure any carpenter could knock one up with no trouble, it is a great thing to have and is very useful

[@karinatownsend496]

Looks great! Do you know if the same seating configurations exist in the later generation models? Specifically the 'reversing' of the middle row? And folding flat into a full bed config? I ask because I'm London based and looking for a ULEZ (Euro 4 petrol engine equivalent) minivan so will need to look for a more recent gen if I do go for a Stepwagon.

[@karinatownsend496]

Also..... can you tell us if the front seats - the driver and passenger seats - fold completely flat out? I ask because they do (pretty much) in the Alphard and so, even losing the rear seats, you can have a bed in the front 2/3 portion of the vehicle (if that makes sense?) But the foldaway seating at the far back of the Stepwagon is such an elegant design feature (that they appear to have kept in the later generations) so you don't have to remove the rearmost seats completely. Great if you think you might want to sell the vehicle later on down the line.

[@A1rdy]

I believe this seating config is only on the 1st and 2nd gen stepwagons which is why I chose this one due to us using it a lot for camping. As for the ULEZ, I think the best option is the RK fourth Gen which has the more up-to-date R20 engines. The Fourth gen middle row can not face the opposite direction but as for a bed config, I guess you can fold the middle row up and out the way and the rear row can go into the floor leaving a nice flat floor you could put an air mattress on.

[@A1rdy]

@@karinatownsend496 The Front seat backrests can fold down to extend the bed and is flat with the middle row but you do have a hump/drop to the base of the seat, also because the seats have a gap in the middle for the walkway you have a space between. Hard to explain but if you want me to send you a picture of it I can do no problem. The Fourth gen fold-away seating is a really good feature and I do prefer it to the fold-up rear seats I have in mine.

[@karinatownsend496]

@@A1rdy Thank you for your detailed replies. I am finding it hard to get my head around possible seating configs (on various models and makes!) and it does seem like occasional trips to dealers is the only way to get an accurate picture. For example, today I visited one dealer and looked at a Serena and found all manner of possible bed configs for such a dinky little van. Probably a bit small for me but it was so helpful to try things out oneself. Sadly no Stepwagons on show there though. And the dealer said it was hard to get parts... 😞 hence not importing them anymore.

[@A1rdy]

It can be a stress trying to make the right decision. I spent a year trying to find the best option for me, all I can say is try and work out what would be best to suit your needs and keep researching videos and if dealers have them local go and have a look. I do like the Serena's the only thing that put me off was the CVT gearbox as Nissan had a class action lawsuit due to reliability. I am not 100% if the Serena's was effected but it put me off a little bit. Parts for the Steppys are not too bad, most parts are shared with UK Hondas like honda CRVs but you can get everything from AutoMatrix for anything else. County cars of Strood in Kent have a good selection of fresh imports which is where mine was originally imported.

[@omz121]

Cleverly made, they are not huge cars. Just don't understand why we don't have these style cars in UK. In UK mpv cars we have are cramped

[@A1rdy]

Agreed, the Japanese MPV market is so good but we never ge anything like this in the UK so only option was to import 😀

[@andrewmorton5683]

out of curiosity, does the stepwagon have any additional 12v sockets in the back?, or is it just the one in the front?, cheers

[@A1rdy]

Just the one 12v at the front but it does have a 100v outlet at the rear which is Japans mains power. I've been looking at getting a AC to DC converter for this to make use of it in the future.

[@jamie3499]

Which exact model is this please? Very interested in this and the flat folding seats are a must have for me! How is servicing and parts for this here in the UK? Will most garages work on this?

[@A1rdy]

This one is a honda stepwagon spada RF7, servicing and general parts are not too much of an issue as it shares a lot of parts with cars like the honda CRV. For anything you else a few specialists are in the UK like automatrix ☺️

[@jamie3499]

@@A1rdy thank you mate!

[@sls4558]

im planning of getting one and came across your video. hows steppy holding up?

[@A1rdy]

It's been fantastic so far no issues. We have been all over the UK as we have been using it a lot for camping, will be doing a bit of a conversion on it in winter as I want to use it just for camping now as I love it

[@SARNAH.Production]

Loving it ! Does this engine allow for ethanol ? Wich version is that (RF2-3-4 ...) ? Does it have cruise control ?

[@A1rdy]

Hi, the K series engines are good for E10 fuel. I have the RF 7. No cruise on the RF series unfortunately.

[@StreetsandTracks]

Do you think it would be possible to fit a steering wheel off a UK model Accord from the same era that has cruise control, maybe it might be able to plug into a potential existing wiring loom already there? I know this can be the case sometimes with other car manufactures?

[@A1rdy]

Hello, you can swap the steering wheel out no issues. A few people swap them for DC5 wheels. The cruise is a bit more difficult due to it being driven by cable and a mechanical throttle body, for k series engines with cruise the throttle body is different to allow for throttle adjustment by the cruise servo. Could you replace the throttle body with one with cruise and make it work? Possibly but it will not be plug and play unfortunately as the car has no cruise functionality on the ECU. The easiest way I've seen is to run an independent cruise system with a cable servo linked to the throttle cable and pick up speed via the obd port to allow the servo to adjust. This normally comes with a cruise stalk you fit in the car as well. You could adapt this to a car steering wheel controls if you really wanted to. I've seen people get cruise fitted on the owners group of FB by a 3rd party service, It is possible and something I am planning to do in the future once I find a decent cruise kit and time lol 😆

[@level42jeff]

Just to clarify, this is a 2004 RF3 Spada? Can you let me know the exact make/model of your Stepwagon? My Fiancé and I are doing some initial research on our own Stepwagon, and we very much like everything about yours. Just want to make sure I know exactly what you have.

[@A1rdy]

Hi Jeff this one is a RF7 Spada 24T (2.4 engine). The early steppys which have a more boxy front end and more old school dash are RF 1-3 (1996 to 2001) then RF 4 -8 (2001 - 2005)

[@level42jeff]

@@A1rdy that’s amazing! Thanks for the detailed clarification! I’m still trying to wrap my head around the various models and trim available. Much appreciate your response!

[@kafkent6727]

Very informative thanks! I'm interested in a 10 plate I've seen, what's the servicing and insurance like ?

[@A1rdy]

Thank you :) I do love the 10 plates shape. Servicing no issues really as most parts are shared with Hondas in the UK. Insurance was a bit difficult due to it not being listed on comparison websites. In the end I used a Jap Specialist cover and ended up being around £380 for the year. The only thing to note on the newer shape steppys is they use a CVT gearbox and could require a specialist to repair if you have any issues but not heard or any major issues with them. if you have anymore questions just let me know :)

[@kafkent6727]

@@A1rdy that's great, very helpful, thanks for the info 👍

[@marvasika2964]

@@A1rdy What year vehicle does the CVT gearbox start from?

[@A1rdy]

@@marvasika2964 Hi Marv, Honda started to introduce the CVT into the 3rd gen RG Stepwagons from 2005. You can still get a normal 4 and 5 speed auto in the RG as well. Onwards from the 3rd gen RG i think all the gearboxes used are CVT. Hope this helps

[@A1rdy]

@@marvasika2964 carfromjapan.com/specifications/honda/step-wagon/ On this page it shows all honda stepwagons by the year and which specs have 4 speed autos and 5 speeds and also which has CVT Hope it helps :)

[@haveyoueverwondered23]

can cruise control be retro fitted?

[@A1rdy]

I've been looking into this as it would be nice to have but doesn't look like an easy job unfortunately

[@tigerrider6711]

Do your front seats swivel 180 to face the rear?

[@A1rdy]

Hi, unfortunately not, I know on the field deck stepwagons they came with swivels as standard but it's quite rare to come by. Over the winter it's going to be something I am going to look into and get some swivel bases and weld up some adapters as it would be useful to have them swivel ☺️

[@daddymulk]

I heard the Japanese put some English in because its more exotic to them than all in japanese, its awesome for 2004, very nice

[@8LA1]

What would this be like as a daily? I can't justify two cars anymore but my legacy obw doesn't fit the brief for camping.

[@A1rdy]

I use mine as a daily and is very comfortable, easy to drive and has great practicality when out and about especially on day trips with the ability to eat, sleep and transport people or things like bikes in one package. The only down side really would be its not the most economical around town and traffic 20-25MPG but on motorway over long distance 30-35MPG

[@8LA1]

@@A1rdy thanks, I'm used to poor mpg in the subaru anyway my commute is mainly 60mph roads between towns so I should hopefully get better mpg. Just put my deposit down for a purple RF5 😍

[@robwardle5250]

Hey does the driver / passenger seats turn around at all?

[@A1rdy]

Hi Rob not as standard unless you manage to find one of the rare field deck editions. This is somthing I am going to looking into soon to install some universal plates so I can spin the seats.....might have to get the welder out lol

[@diazda05]

How did you buy this? I’m interested in getting one too! Only thing is I’m in the us

[@A1rdy]

We have company's in the UK that source and import from Japan or you can do it yourself but lots of paperwork. Not sure what the laws/regulations are in the US but on the owners group I have seen a few people with steppys in the US and Canada so must be possible 😊

[@steduckett3275]

Thanks for the vid! Really interesting. I've just bought a 2004 stepwgn import, modded, currently being registered. I wanted something I could use as a dayvan occasional overnighter, plus something I could take to japfest shows. Any advice for a Stepwgn newbie? Thanks again!

[@A1rdy]

Awesome just keep up with oil services really and it will be sweet 😁 on steep hill press the button on the side of the auto gear stick to turn off the overdrive to make it a bit easier and mainly just enjoy it. Have you joined the stepwagon owners group on Facebook?

[@shaunpaulduffy5352]

Does anyone know if you can fit a towbar to this car?

[@A1rdy]

I've seen a few with towbars on the Facebook owners group :)

[@marvasika2964]

Can't find any insurance quotes!?! Anyone know any UK companies that insure this vehicle?

[@A1rdy]

Hi Marv, sorry I replied to your comment but just noticed its not showing the reply 😔 Insurance can be bit of a nightmare due to import status and not really being able to use comparison websites. it is just a case of calling places up to see if they can insure. Some people have insured with Admiral but when I called I didn't get anywhere. You can also try Jap car specialist and import specialist and modified car places like Adrian flux are normally your best bet. I insured with Green light insurance and was a really good price. Hopefully you got it all sorted?

[@nicks.3393]

@@A1rdy Something I have to "look forward to" this week...🤓

[@enis8870]

Yo where can I buy one of these? I live in Miami, FL

[@A1rdy]

Not sure about in the US but I have seen some people who have them in America. In the UK we can just ship and import Japanese spec cars over

[@enis8870]

This is an amazing van bro I love the versatility of the seats 👍… only draw back is the steering wheel, because it would feel very strange to me to drive with the wheel on the passenger side.. that would be something I’d have to get use to… Do you know a good wedsites that I can use to buy, and import this vehicle? Also, do they come with sunroof?

[@lim3662]

When driving don’t show your face but the direction!

[@evilsanta8585]

How reliable are they

[@A1rdy]

The engine is great and the k20 and k24 engines are commonly known to be a very reliable engine, making most top 10 lists for most reliable engines. In the RF models like mine they have an auto gearbox and I've had no issues but years after have a CVT but not really seen anyone had major issues with them either. All the rest is normal wear and tear things like wheel bearings, bushes, drop links ect which you get on any car. Good service and maintenance is the key with this car and shouldn't have any issues but nothing is perfect. Thankfully in my ownership so far nothing has needed to be replaced 😃