Top 5 'VANLIFE' vans under $20,000 | ReDriven

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2020, wasn't a great year for travel, and 2021 isn't looking too good either. Chances are your international travel plans have been violently thrown in the garbage.
But all is not lost because for around the same price as an elaborate international holiday, say 20 grand, you can have a vanlife adventure, exploring your own beautiful country.
But a Vanlife adventure will require, well, a van that you’ll then need to renovate into a fun-sized funky mobile apartment, but which vans are best to traverse and explore your own national backyard?
#van
#travel
#vanlife
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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
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[@traceycrawford9938]

‘Vanlife’ vehicles are becoming our actual homes for many of us in this current rental / cost of living / homelessness crisis. Thanks so much for this information 🙏🏼

[@evmikewilliams9021]

Hiace is number 1 but that's my personal opinion. I think there would be many in agreement 🤷‍♂️

[@Hhajsjeieirhrbbr]

Exactly. They even did a video on the iLoad and said that they have a reputation for blowing up lol

[@joshcuryer3772]

Would love these guys to do a video on high roof top/ lwb vans. Top 5 worst and best

[@ValueCarsAU]

Any further insights on LDV G10, three years on from you publishing this video? What insights on longer term reliability do you have? As the last thing I have expected to see is G10 in your top 5 recommendations. I know, there are not many to choose from to start with, but still mate...

[@ozyrobo]

Thanks for your reviews, I have a Delica L400 and love it, it has enough room for two of us and that includes a fridge and other storage, Automatic V6 petrol, I did three year trip around Australia in an old Toyota Hiace and it didn't miss a beat, but limited to where you could go as two wheel drive, I can go wherever I want with my Delica four wheel drive, I would have put it at number two or maybe one if it was a little bigger.

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Bob. So great to hear mate. I'm with you mate in terms of the Delica and wanted it higher up the list but the mechanics and specialists we talk to research the Top 5 order insisted the iLoad and Hiace were the top 2. But, thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@SuperPhonedoc]

Have to agree with this except I think the iLoad ride is pretty decent. I own 2 Iloads and around ten Delicas

[@gdaymates431]

I have a 1996 Toyota Hiace. It was converted to LPG and petrol before I got it. Let me tell you, driving it around Australia was great until I reached places that didn't have LPG. Then it became a stress nightmare. I'm actually moving to WA (from Melbourne- I'll be driving) at the end of the year and trying to decide if I want to keep it or bin it and get a small car. The idea of potentially breaking down or having to carry heaps of extra fuel is a bit stressful. It's done 360, 000ks. It's had a good life. It's bloody slow though, I can't even tell you the amount of grown men I have seen having a full on rage festival while being stuck behind me. Like dudes, look around, it's a beautiful view. Everyone calm down haha. P.s did I mention that the genius that converted to LPG made the LPG tank 50 litres and the petrol tank 20 haha. Somehow I made it around Australia in it. Not sure it would make it again, given how many LPG lines have been ripped out all over the country.

[@placestosea]

great channel BTW , you missed two things, the iMAX makes a better camper than the iload ( when you take the seats out.) and with all people movers/vans, if you remove seats get your local verifier to do the paperwork so it remains legal and insured.

[@ReDriven]

Excellent advice mate, thanks so much for this. - AK

[@mikelou2422]

I have a Toyota Vellfire , makes an awesome weekend camper !

[@markatkinson2699]

delica LWB for that little bit extra room, it makes all the difference - i searched far and wide for one and im glad i waited till i could get a LWB instead of settling for a SWB

[@ReDriven]

Oh they're awesome but so so rare

[@davison077]

My work van is an iLoad. The only issue we always encounter is the rubber coming off the driver’s window

[@MataH1]

Sounds good. How many kms does it have?

[@davison077]

​@@MataH1 about 55,000km. But the lease ended so we got another van.

[@jaspermctainsh31]

I absolutely love your videos! Super helpful with my current car / van search 😄 is there any chance of a full-length Hyundai iLoad video coming in the near future? 😁

[@ajax2020.]

I have a Honda Odyssey rb1 when the seat are flat you can fit 2 people in comfort plus aircon all the way back plus Honda reliability. Love you videos it's about time someone did this involving used cars .Well done.

[@ReDriven]

Cheers so much Eli. And YES, love the Odyssey! - AK

[@rohanmostert4975]

I had a delica. Used it as people mover and loved it. Until it broke (head gasket thanks to potentially dodgy fuel). Expensive to fix. Then similar (and hard to diagnose fault) 18 months later = moved it on. When it was working it was ace though.

[@totalcranker]

Just watched this after watching the 5 vans to avoid... It's interesting to see how opinions differ on the other side of the world. Here in the UK if you haven't got a VW you haven't got it right! I went against the VW snobbery and converted a Hyundai i800 and it's been amazing... Super reliable, goes well and best of all the feeling I get passing the broken down euro vans totally outweighs the why didn't you just buy a T5 comments. It is a little harder to pick up parts at a good price in the UK but saying that you rarely need too. In my eyes everyone should own a i-load /i800👍

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I'm looking at about twice that $ on a brand new cargo van Chevy Express Cargo Van 2500 and a monster 6.6 gas engine for 400 small block with 401 horsepower with about 460 lb of torque I believe. I'm getting this because I have the opportunity to and they're going to stop making these engine soon. I want one for as long as I possibly can have one. Only way I can do that is buying brand new and taking very good care of it. Sadly I have back surgery before I get into that..😢

[@terrificspokesman7416]

In the UK we got the Proace which is basically a Peugeot Expert with a Toyota badge which means it's crap

[@lovelyjubbly87]

Yep, such a pain, i would like a hiace for work but all we have are french counterpart

[@danvoglmusic]

Hey @ReDriven which model/year iLoad would you recommend?

[@markwilliams-ny6tr]

LDV are junk with zero support, Tarago's have no clearance and are only suitable for holidaying in the suburbs. Delica's are ok but if you are 6ft or over and more than one person then you are going to be very very cosy. The Hyundai iload is the best of that group but the Hiace is the best budget option for the DIYer imho.

[@rickyelvis3215]

How about a van for the band for us poor musicians under 10 grand that WONT break down and how many kilometres on the clock is the max before it konks out… excellent video and the fact you are aussie I really appreciate your wisdom and advice… thanks and cheers

[@ReDriven]

Ricky I play in bands and this is a common issue as I’m sure you know. Not a van but check out Pajeros. Huge space inside, maintained ones go forever and way WAY more comfortable on long trips. Otherwise, if you’re happy to have minus stars in terms of safety ratings, Mitsubishi Starwagon and rip the seats out. - AK

[@bombardierboerboels]

Screw the vans let’s talk about that mk 2 behind you bro 😎

[@MataH1]

Excellent, just what I wanted. Useful information and straight to the point. If you prefer the Delica, why isn't it n°1? 🙃 Only thing missing is the petrol/ diesel need.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much for watching and enjoying. The reason it isn't no.1 is because we ask mechanics and specialists their opinions on each category and vehicle as we put the lists together. That way the Top 5 isn't just my opinion but a collection of professional and educated opinions from various aspects of the automotive industry.

[@MataH1]

@@ReDriven Quite fair thanks! Actually it would be interesting to know why they listed that way. Like, if it is easier for them to repair/ access the parts in the engine for instance that's less relevant for the owner, unless it is to the extend that the service price changes.

[@matallen32]

combine #1 and #2 SBV Toyota hiace.

[@kurtsimpson8835]

I always thought that the Ford Transit would be number one. Over at the States, I usually see that one being the most commonly used one.

[@damilolaakanni]

He mentioned that one as one to avoid, unfortunately. You might want to check that video to see why

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Over there in Australia they only have diesel versions available. The ones in North America have gas V6 models which are reliable engines especially the naturally aspirated ones. Some did have 3.2 inline 5 diesels which was a nightmare to get parts for in North America.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

i did like delica van the 4x4 option is great but I'm bit put of by the overheating issues eg cracked heads etc and there kinda over priced for 20 yo bus with 200k+ on the clock an iload with limited slip diff would do or a dif locka would do me if that was possible

[@MataH1]

Hi, great advice thanks! Now, when you rip the seats out a Tarago or a Delica, do you need an engineering certificate? Also, which of these is the least thirsty in diesel/petrol? Finally, which one would have the longest life if treated properly?

[@ReDriven]

Great questions. The engineering will depend on the laws in your particular state. As far as fuel economy goes, it will depend on your driving style, the weight in the van and what condition the van and its engine are in (but the Delica "should" be more fuel efficient being a smaller engine). And which one would have the longest life is a bit of a how long is a piece of string scenario. We have seen Tarago's with hundreds of thousands of kilometres on them running perfectly but again, it depends on so many variables. The best tip is find the lowest kilometre version, with the best service history, in the best condition in your budget and take it to a licensed mechanic for a full inspection before you buy it.

[@peterbunting4360]

Had this problem last week with my Ford Econovan. Registered as a 5 seater but now has only 3 seats. Was able to have a "records adjustment" done but an alarming and unexpected experience none the less. N.S.W. requiring an annual inspection.

[@MataH1]

@@peterbunting4360 Damn it. How much was it? And per year?

[@peterbunting4360]

@@MataH1 ADJUSTMENT OF RECORD was $32 . Will only need to be done once. Problem is finding an inspection workshop that is able to do it. Was initially told I would need engineers certificate. That would have been financially not viable.

[@MataH1]

@@peterbunting4360 Not too bad. Thanks mate!

[@nathanfrancis2801]

In one video he said the Iload is the best van and in the next he says it has all sorts of problems

[@liabeachy]

Great info , dont know if this will be answered but as a single mature female what would you suggest as a starting van . I was only looking at the hiace for reliability but now the safety factor and noisey uncomfortable but got be cautious now . So good to find an Aussie doing these 😊👍🇦🇺 cheers

[@bigchief2331]

you should get a volkswagen transporter or peugeot expert , much better to drive and safer

[@sebastianalmanza6834]

@@bigchief2331 lol, both of them are in the DO NOT BUY Video lol

[@donaldbuttery7128]

Bought a slwb van ripped seats out other choice iload but more expensive less room fully loads with gear 10l /100k same as my ute comfy but not if U got fat legs .used metal sound deadener on panels much quieter till roof rack went on

[@Hhajsjeieirhrbbr]

I just saw ReDrive video about the iLoad being garbage for reliability? Don’t they have a horrible reputation for blowing up?

[@Delorian82]

Pre 2007 Delica is an absolute weapon

[@manandbikeadv]

No mention of the Mitsubishi Express?

[@eatsurfsleeprepeat5485]

iLoads are all diesel, all the ones on the 2nd hand market. Since this vid was made diesel has become a rich persons fuel only

[@jamesmills6766]

Helpful thank you

[@fukrebelike8948]

Best for business and reliability Hiace or iload Please suggest

[@bill-gray]

Good video 👍

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Vantastic.

[@jasonfryers1960]

WhT about the Renault traffic?? I’ve like the look and haven’t found any bad reviews on then yet

[@ReDriven]

We had one booked in to film, it broke down a week out from the shoot. But we'll find another and film a full review soon. - AK

[@TheSuperpilly]

Would of liked to see some more hi roof option's.

[@ReDriven]

G'Day Peter. We're working on that right now. We'llm do another Vanlife Vans but to a higher budget, focussing on the more serious contenders. Thanks for watching and commenting too.

[@MataH1]

@@ReDriven While you are at it, can you include a full review of pop-up roofs, specially for small vans like these ones? Very hard to get this information. For instance is it at all possible to add one on a Tarago?

[@chrisperrywv]

You all have way cooler vans than we have in the US

[@lundsweden]

Here in NSW, if you remove seats you'll need an engineer's certificate. We removed one seat at work and got this cert. It lasted for the life of the van, cost a few hundred and technically you are supposed to carry the cert with you at all times!

[@shamicentertainment1262]

Wait, the top 5 worst vans you listed were mostly high roof, which is way more useful than all of these picks, none of which i high roof. I couldn't live in a toyota hiace, far too small, even though i would have loved to have gone with a toyota over a european brand. Just don't feel like it's that useful of a video unless you gave options for high roof vans as well, coz i will probably be going with one of the picks you told us to avoid haha

[@JochemToolenaar]

Love this video. I am in the market for a car like this. However all these cars are not really available in Europe. All the cars that are widely available here are all the cars in your 'worst 5' video. Any other tips for European buyers ?

[@ReDriven]

Ah mate that's a tough one. There aren't many HiAces or iLoads there??

[@yuliygusev2004]

Import a Hiace from Japan. I’m on the market for one myself. It is a bit of a headache getting one over from japan but it will be worth it

[@allisonbrinkworth4596]

How do you feel about Ivecos please?

[@skyemacleod6845]

Would you go for the Manual or Auto diesel iLoad ? Is either transmission better than the other?

[@ReDriven]

Manual may potentially be more reliable but the auto is the easier drive. Also, engine output varies between the auto and manual too so that may need to be taken into account. Our tip, go test drive both and get them to your local trusted and experienced independent mechanic to give them the once over.

[@rickyelvis3215]

excellent

[@jamesbrown8908]

Mmm your video on the iload said it blew up!?

[@hankjr4251]

Thoughts on petrol vs diesel? My mechanic and others recommended I go for the petrol when looking for a second hand HiAce because it's less likely to go wrong and cost as much to fix. Keen to see more videos like this especially in the above 20k and thoughts on the new hiaces and such.

[@ReDriven]

We'd go for the petrol too mate. More videos every week but we won't be going near new cars for a while mate, we're focussing on used cars more than 3 years old for the time being.

[@sigma_799]

didn’t you just say the iload tends to explode in the review?

[@sarran1955]

Hello, What about the elephant in the room....?? WV T3 Westy.....so much more😎 than a plumbers van... Cordialement,

[@ReDriven]

Hi there, we actually mention that in our Top 5 WORST van life vans video, make sure to check it out.

[@BenjiSalad]

HiAce is a good starting point. But horrible to drive due to engine noise, safety and comfort as you said. Ioad is significantly smaller in terms of usable living space. Although it is fast and reliable and they're everywhere. Good top 2

[@ReDriven]

Cheers Ben, wrapped you like this vid too. Have a bloody great day!

[@ozzydoop1]

have to disagree with Hyundai iloads being reliable, no way that is correct, ive seen far too many with the same issues, blown motors, overheating issues, blown gaskets etc .... btw i own one & i am losing coolant, water & theres no leaks ...im going to try blue devil gasket sealant ... they drive great imo & they are designed well with plenty of turbo power in the diesel models ... but their engines are faulty, any mechanic will tell you or any caryard owner ...

[@warwick4763]

Should be tilted $30,000 and above

[@AbolitionAbz]

Not gonna lie the intros and outros are a little abrupt when trying to listen to this.

[@sueneilson896]

Sorry, but this top 5, like their 5 vans to avoid , is mainly nonsense. Try living in a tarrago.. Not much experience on show here.