Top 5 WORST 'Van Life' Vans under $20,000 | ReDriven

MERCH!! - Grab yours here! - bit.ly/3KPWMdG
The chances of overseas travel are practically zero at the moment, so many are turning to the good ol' fashioned road trip to scratch the itch to get away.
There's no doubting the van is the best tool for the job, but before you go splashing your cash on a new (used) van to join the #vanlife, check out our Top 5 WORST vans under $20,000.
#vans
#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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[@XLTripleTriple]

Your channel deserves substantially more recognition

[@ReDriven]

Thank you so much. - AK

[@lachlancook6718]

The big benefits of the ex ambulance choice is that it will have the better performing turbo diesel v6 which do get up and go when you drop the hammer. And more importantly they’ll already be fitted out with cabinets, curtains, electric hook up, idle hold, work lights, safety steps, cameras etc. And of course space for a bed. So what you’d perhaps spend in repairs, you’d ultimately save money by it being basically ready to go as it is.

[@Vinnitintin249]

My family had the people mover version of the transport, the Caravelle. Circa 2002. Was supposed to tow boats, and had room for a wheel chair lift. Just after warranty expired the first gearbox went. Because of the lack of vans fitting the wheel chair lift, my parents opted for replacing the gearbox. $12,000. At least at this point it was still driveable when it was replaced. 2 years later it went again, same price but new installer. Not within a day, the 2nd gearbox seized up out on the road outside our house. Apparently the mechanic forgot some sort of lubricant. 3rd gearbox was free but at this point my parents wanted out. Got a Toyota HiAce converted to a people mover. Caravelle worth 4 grand trade in after being bought for Nearly 60k.

[@ReDriven]

Mate that's horrible to hear. It's a story we've heard countless times too. But, well done on the Hiace, hope it keeps going faultlessly for you guys. Thanks for watching and commenting too.

[@alexzjohns]

Love it! Very informative, also had a laugh 👌🏼 Good stuff man!

[@ReDriven]

Cheers mate, thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@demogaming8895]

My guy just eliminated pretty much every euro van, and I don't blame him, as a European I can safely say that these things are horrible, except for the VW Transporter with the 5 cylinder TDI, which is known to be very reliable. The only problem is that we are stuck with these vans and with the Hiace discontinued years ago we don't get any reliable Japanese alternatives

[@DiscoFang]

There are a few car dealers here in NZ that are dedicating themselves to importing the "discontinued" Hiace from Japan where they are still in production. The are bringing in ones with just delivery kms as well as ones with under 50,000kms and selling like hot cakes. Toyota NZ themselves seem to be taking notice and I'm told have started doing the same. The lack of new ones for the last 4/5 years has driven used prices sky high. Almost no-one wants the new shape Hiace by choice.

[@cthorno2991]

Ducatos?? All I see getting around in TAS and FNQ are those things... I reckon FIAT sell more of them than 500s.

[@markpestell1413]

hey i have a 3.0 L turbo, ducato camper, manual 6 speed gear box, 180,000 km and it is a 4 ton wonderful van which goes like a rocket, it is very reliable, and over the last 5 years of getting around and camping twice a year long distance , has been a real beauty, a great buy. never an issue

[@jamesmills6766]

Great video!

[@lundsweden]

Before I even watch this list, I know VW will make it in the top 5!

[@PeterJUren]

Really scary! Most of these vans are used as Mobile Homes. I can just see a couple of Grey Nomads stranded by the side of the road at the back 'o Bourke.

[@troydowler3581]

Yesterday I test drove a used 2019 Transit Custom VO LWB and loved it, still has factory warranty but now I'm not so sure.

[@zedlicious]

Have a sprinter ex Ambo fat truck p FYI. Stripped it bare, so no blood, no ghosts and had it for 3 years now, and it’s been a reliable

[@ReDriven]

Zed are you sure it's not haunted? Like, absolutely 100% sure? Just kidding mate! A good friend of mine has one too and swears by it. He's just sick of the semi transparent formally living flat mates he has to contend with most nights.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Did you perform a a ritual to ensure there are no ghosts?

[@bendavis6727]

So that leaves the Renault master and Iveco Daily for big vans? Sprinters really are the best choice here. As you said they're used as ambulances and passed on after 350k mark which is still very young for a diesel. More around than any other in its category. It's safer. Easy to service yourself. The thing just needs a catch can and you're done. Which is a good idea in any diesel engine anyway.

[@ReDriven]

Yeah there's not a load of options when it comes to big vans and the vast majority are from Euro manufacturers so there is always that concern with quality. But, your comments are spot on Ben. Also, thanks so much for watching and commenting mate, appreciate it.

[@adampastega2540]

regular service for 2013 vito merc still great at 360000kms. ok so no air con and a rear door locking problem.

[@olivercullen1737]

Mercedes sprinters with the 642 v6 turbo and Vito/viano/velente aren’t that bad. The engines are tough and reliable

[@KazeHorse]

Truth be told if I was Australian I would be looking for a t1n sprinter - but I agree the newer ones aren’t worth the hassle. We have one in the U.K. and the biggest issue with it is rust. In a warmer climate it may well be the best vehicle I have ever owned.

[@DiscoFang]

The truth from an Australian perspective was already told. Parts are a nightmare. Throw that on top of buying an OLDer vehicle and it's not smart buying - for an Australian.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

The Expert is also crap in the UK with terrible French quality. The only thing that is decent is the engines. Peugeot makes decent diesel engines but the rest of the van is not that good.

[@blackstonegallery3234]

Shame to see the Transit not stacking up these days. I’ve owned a couple of late 90s VG Transits and they were amazing.

[@ReDriven]

It is such a shame mate. They're an awesome looking thing and under the new car warranty, can be fantastic but we have heard some true horror stories.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

Haha, my Mum's partner bought an ex-Ambo Sprinter. Spent half the time off the road... and not in a 4x4 way.

[@angrysocialjusticewarrior]

Getting rid of that unreliable diesel and swapping in a Lexus v8 is the way to go.

[@jeremybean-hodges6397]

@@angrysocialjusticewarrior getting rid of the unreliable Mercedes and swapping it for an iLoad would have been even better ;)

[@MataH1]

Thanks you just answered quite a few of my questions! Was considering a Vitto, not anymore!! You don't mention the Renault anywhere, what do you think of it? Same as Peugeot?

[@MataH1]

Just found your answer to Zac, so Renault is n°6. Ok!

[@ReDriven]

Unfortunately we wouldn't recommend the Renault (or really anything European) either. The drama is is that taxation laws and credits in Europe generally encourage businesses to replace their work vehicles every 3 years, so manufacturers don't really have any interest in building their vans to last any longer than that. Plus, they engineer them to be cost prohibitive to repair and then add on top that they are designed for European conditions, not the horrific roads and extreme weather Australia is susceptible to. Stick with Japanese or South Korean brands is our big tip.

[@DiscoFang]

@@ReDriven That tax thing is a great point. You can make a similar argument for any Euro car like BMW - not tax but the whole environment of ownership. They expect the cars to be replaced and recycled at 10 years. That's the expected lifecycle.

[@bobceffo]

I can confirm about the vito: the fall apart right from the factory

[@zacmclindon1633]

What about the renault master?

[@ReDriven]

It was number 6! It was a tough call to leave it out to be honest Zac.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

The Mercades Vito and Sprinter also have huge rust issues especially in the UK.

[@S14AA]

Think that's pre 2005

[@terrificspokesman7416]

@@S14AA No. Pre 2009 especially. Even newer Sprinters rust like 2015 models sometimes

[@evmikewilliams9021]

I'm surprised Renault master and trafic didn't get a mention. They too are plagued with the same euro van problems....horrid things

[@Ondraythe1]

Company I worked for loved them and they are always fully loaded to max

[@totorishop]

Yep had a 2016 transit. 25K repairs including engine replacement. 130k mileage. Was well maintained .

[@marijanmahne]

Hi, was it an 2.0 or 2.2 diesel engine?

[@KazuyaYuza]

The T4 transporter is undesructible. The ones after that are indeed shite.

[@franknardone3186]

Very informative, thank you. What large vans do you recommend, which are the BEST large vans that are reliable for Australian conditions to convert?

[@ReDriven]

Great request Frank. We'll start researching this list for you and hopefully have it up in the next few weeks. - AK

[@stavrolindos3852]

​@ReDriven any videos on Vans for under 20k?

[@martineransom6019]

Dont get a vw transporter worst vehicle ive ever owned never again

[@kilogolfbravo9567]

I have a t5 1.9 it’s been solid while all my others cars constantly shit themselves.

[@quadrifern]

which generation did you own? what do you mean by worst vehicle?

[@kilogolfbravo9567]

@@quadrifernnot me I love my transporter and now I’ve a crafter and it’s even better.

[@quadrifern]

@@kilogolfbravo9567 apologies, i posed to question to the bloke making the original comment. i've got a 22 year old t4 2.5tdi myself and it's been flawless for the last 450,000km. legendarily long lived vans. the T5 is rated poorly for reliability but the manual 1.9tdi is the diamond in the rough for that gen. i will say the newer transporters deserve their reputation though. the older ones are just better, same goes for most vans and cars i guess

[@angeladawn805]

The Fiat form the base of many Tourist Van Hire fleets, here in NZ - to buy one, you're looking at 157-200k. I'm sure they'd be great new.... But a liability

[@annonymous498]

Review of the caddy next ?

[@Basman59]

FIAT - Fix It All the Time! Surprised by the Ford.

[@WhiteWolf-bj7nq]

2021 Renault Master - Complete shit box @ 58000Km Windscreen rubbers falling away Door seals deteriorating DPF failure Brake calliper seized Brake sensor failed Burns rediculous amounts of oil

[@DangLeProject92]

can you talk about the Subaru Levorg 2017?

[@rmsalkin]

Ducato and fiat diesels are best on market . In Europe they run 600k miles with ease

[@AshHalls]

What is the best medium van in Australia for around $20,000 ? Apart from Toyota hiace because I don’t like the idea of sitting above the engine.

[@redemption1991]

Hard to pay attention with that escort shell in the background haha

[@ReDriven]

That Escort may or may not have a Focus RS engine bolted in the front of it. - AK

[@oohlongjonson]

LOL this "review" must be sponsored by LDV 🤣

[@ReDriven]

Oh god we wish! We'd love any sponsorship! - AK

[@ReDriven]

@vulvacioustottie If making a living from working beyond full time hours after taking huge financial risks and investing huge capital into ReDriven equates to selling out, sure. To be clear, no LDV is not a sponsor and has never been in touch but let me ask you this. Do you work for free? Do others accuse you of selling out when you get paid each week? We have worked huge hours on ReDriven for over 2 years, without making a cent, all the time providing free content to you, are we not entitled to have some sort of financial reimbursement? - AK

[@marijanmahne]

That is all ok what you are saying. But for the video really it seems a little to biased or in some ways to "pre-judicted"..., and I am +/- generally agreeing with your list, but what would several statistics show will probably be somehow a different picture.

[@henrycro8970]

So what van is working?

[@_TommyP]

Literally names all of the vans that have reasonable size options.

[@henrycro8970]

I have expert and its great.

[@Bubbleskittymaster]

the transits we get in America i am not joking start at 54k

[@angusnz7910]

Normally have a chuckle and agree with your love hate videos…but unsure on the ducato in this one. Yup the jerkomatic has to be avoided…there is a place in hell reserved for the person who designed the selector box then decided literally brake fluid was a lubricant enough to keep it alive. Change this fluid every 5000km and no trouble, ignore that and all bets are off. Owned a secondhand motorhome one from 80,000km and by 120,000, and several break downs later i learned the cause. Sold it at 250,000 with no further issues at all bar break pads and consumables. 2019 brought a new ducato motorhome and this time went manual, and hand on heart 100% reliable, while transit mates have continuous turbo and injector issues. Yes my one dosent live in cities, motorhomes tend to live on the open road, it’s a 180hp chipped (supposedly 210hp) and it gets the wheels driven off it every second weekends. Always been a car person and will probably die behind the wheel of one, but my 3.6 tonne house on wheels has no issue with speed limits, passes cars when I need to, climbs decent…in fact drives so well that it infuriates me to come across ones with a 2km backlog of traffic behind them and refusing to pull over. I’ve owned shitloads of cars over time (currently have 9 registered, I have issues), and several have been fists and Alfa so I know Italian history, but the Ducato I would say is one they got right…or I’ve been lucky

[@marijanmahne]

Is yours an 3.0 hdi?

[@jonnybond2616]

U just named every van on the road in the UK hahahaha

[@chemy-shop2976]

In Yor opinion you don't have to buy anything 😂

[@levro7367]

Best cheap work vans ?

[@adamfreeman7052]

Where’s that saucy mechanic?

[@ReDriven]

Only on reviews and some upcoming special projects mate. But, isn't he the so super saucy!

[@thatfordescortguy]

Stop it!

[@F.D.Matrix]

Ford Transit? really? uhmmmm I am about to purchase one soon hahaha

[@lp8380]

Please don't use the cheesy prono transition that blows out my eardrums.... awesome video otherwise.. liked and subscribed

[@ReDriven]

Cheers mate!

[@theegresko]

I didn't know ford is European

[@troubledtinkerer]

Mate you're normally spot on, but this time just way off the mark on the Ducato.

[@Ondraythe1]

Depends which one you have? The older Iveco motor 3.0 with the manual are reliable

[@lesklower7281]

European vans are also crap

[@jakeclinton5837]

Say Ford Bullshit.

[@mickeyflynn5427]

Fiat Ducato/ RAM ProMaster

[@andrzejz3776]

Sorry, you have no idea about vans, I used company Ford Transit- 650 k and still going strong, now I have third Mercedes Vito: first- 600k, second 780k, third now 220 and only one switch I have to replace wich cost me 8€. All Vito 2,2 cdi with auto gearbox. Service every 10k. Only waste my time to watch this shit…

[@marijanmahne]

Transit of wich year & engine?

[@andrzejz3776]

@@marijanmahne 2008 with 2,4 TD

[@marijanmahne]

@@andrzejz3776 I need another van, to fit aditional 2-3 people with me. I am reasoning second hands from vitos, transit customs, t5s, even 2wd/4wd doubble-cab pickups...

[@DiscoFang]

So you have experience of 4 vans and you think that beats all the experience of the mechanic, reports, research, feedback and experiences of others? Therefore they're all full of shit? Go you.

[@andrzejz3776]

@@DiscoFang I used to work for company where are around 120 vans. VW Transporter, MB Sprinter, MB Vito, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit and Opel, Renault Trafic, Master… this is my experience. What is yours???